Abstract: A truck for use in an auto tray changer capable of supplying and discharging a plurality of trays into and from the auto tray changer all at once, respectively, includes a loading portion having a bottom plate, in which the trays for loading working pieces or worked pieces are stacked, each corner of the bottom plate being provided with a wheel, respectively, which is capable of freely rotating, a pair of rail portions for transporting the trays stacked thereon back and forth on the bottom plate, a pair of stopper means mounted at front of each of the rail potions for selectively transporting the tray stacked at the bottom of the stack on the bottom plate, and a handle portion mounted at back of the loading portion.

Abstract: An article carriage includes a pair of hollow base frames arranged transversely and extending longitudinally thereof. Each base frame has engaging recesses extending longitudinally along outer walls thereof. The engaging recesses are used for assembling drive wheels, driven wheels, an article handling device, sensors, a communication unit and a control unit. Batteries are mounted in the base frames for driving these components except the driven wheels.

Abstract: In the present trailer, a pair of cross members are pivoted on the trailer frame about parallel horizontal fulcrum axes and extend transversely across a boat trailer frame. A keel receiver is provided on each cross member, extending to one side of the respective fulcrum axis. A pair of elongated bunk members extend longitudinally relative to the boat trailer frame, connected at ends to the two cross members such that the cross members are linked together by the elongated bunk members. A pair of elongated yokes are mounted at yoke pivots to the rearward cross member and extend longitudinally between forward and rearward yoke ends. A pair of short bunk members are mounted to the pair of elongated yokes on a transverse short bunk pivot axis that are transverse to the boat trailer frame.

Abstract: A tumbler loader assembly is capable of moving a container to be tumbled from a conveyor loading area into a tumbler device using a feed cart while maintaining a low cart profile. The feed cart is capable of moving the container on conveyor rollers along the feed cart as well as having the capability for movement along a guide rail from a first position where the container is loaded onto the feed cart to a second position interior of the tumbler. The tumbler device has raising and lowering capability for interengaging the feed cart as well as for positioning the container for proper tumbling. Upon loading of the container onto the feed cart, the feed cart moves along the guide rail into the tumbler. The tumbler lowers to interengage the feed cart. The feed cart then transfers the container into the tumbler and the tumbler raises to allow the feed cart to return to its starting position.

Abstract: A self-driven liftup conveyor comprises a channel including a bottom plate and two side plates; a roller tray accommodated in the channel and holding a multiplicity of rollers in a rotatable manner; a belt placed all over the length of the rollers; a drive mechanism for reciprocating the belt; and a lift mechanism interposed between the roller tray and the channel for moving the roller tray together with the belt on the rollers vertically with respect to a freight stacking face. A vehicular liftup conveyor is constructed by placing that self-driven liftup conveyor and ordinary liftup conveyors in parallel on the truck bed. A truck freight loader/unloader is constructed by placing the self-driven liftup conveyor and the ordinary liftup conveyors in parallel on a platform to be connected to the truck bed. A truck freight loading system is constructed by combining the truck freightloader/unloader and the truck bed having an ordinary liftup conveyor mounted thereon.

Abstract: A loading/unloading apparatus used in conjunction with stations from which or to which objects are loaded or unloaded. The loading/unloading apparatus includes a pickup/receiving member which is used in the transfer of objects to and from the stations. The pickup/receiving member includes one or more driven roller elements which are arranged close to an end of the pickup receiving member and which are utilized in the transfer of the object either to or from the station. The loading/unloading apparatus also includes moving devices for moving the pickup/receiving member in a translational direction along a longitudinal axis of the pickup member either towards or away from the station. The loading/unloading apparatus is particularly adapted for use with passive loading/unloading stations which are not provided with electrical power.

Abstract: A rail loading train for transporting as well as loading and unloading long rails includes a loading car with a frame which is supported on undercarriages for movement in an operating direction. Mounted on the frame of each loading car are a plurality of spaced rail supports for carrying the long rails. Each rail support includes a shaft which is swingably mounted at one end to a column and is shiftable between an idle position in which the shaft extends longitudinally in direction of the track and a receiving position in which the shaft extends across the frame. The shaft is provided with a number of neighboring pairs of flange rollers, with each flange roller having at least one end provided with a flange.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lift gate cargo cart made of strong, lightweight material, which includes a pallet structure designed to transport cargo that can be selectively attached to the hydraulic lift gate on a delivery truck. When attached to the lift gate, the lift gate cargo cart can be lifted to the level of the bed of the truck for loading and unloading cargo therefrom. The pallet structure includes a rigid frame with a plurality of wheel assemblies mounted on the bottom surface thereof which enables the cargo cart to be manually moved across a horizontal surface. Attached to the top surface of the rigid frame are two roller assemblies aligned in a parallel manner which enable cargo to be manually pushed or pulled over the cargo cart during use. Attached to the front surface of pallet structure is a connection bar which together with a plurality of bolts and washer plates, are used to engage the lift gate on a delivery truck.

Abstract: A device for arranging sheets of paper (32) in a stack (33) having a frame (2) to be mounted fixed in place, with an inlet opening (62) for introducing the sheets (32) to be stacked. The arm (4) is pivotably seated at its rear end on the frame (2) and contains a conveying member (45) driven by a motor (43) for conveying the sheets (32). A container (3) is provided for receiving the sheets (32), with a vertically displaceable carriage (12) and a drive member (15) for displacing the carriage (12). The front end of the arm (4) is pivotably connected to with the carriage (12). There is a sensor (68) at the front end of the arm (4) for detecting the upper edge of the stack (33), and a control device (67), connected with the sensor (68) and the drive member (15), for maintaining the front end of the arm (4 ) at the height of the stack (33) being formed. Finally, an exchangeable cassette (28) for receiving the stack (33) can be inserted into the container (3).

Abstract: A boat trailer includes ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene anti-friction plates attached to the top of the skid padding which supports the hull of the boat. The high surface area and cushioning effect of the padding is retained while the friction of the skid is reduced. The ease of loading and unloading the boat is enhanced without adversely affecting the transportation of the boat while being trailered.

Abstract: A truck trailer includes a push plate extensible and retractable relative to a front wall of the trailer structure employing hydraulic ram structure to project the plate along the trailer floor, that in turn includes a row of rollers operative through a drive chain to simultaneously rotate the rollers to direct workpieces from the rollers employing the push plate to direct workpieces along the roller structure.

Abstract: A retriever and a cart that are detachably secured to one another are used for retrieving and transporting, respectively, heavy containers of the type found in trash compactors. A pair of biased looking bolts hold the retriever and container together when they are in repose. The locking bolts are retracted by squeezing a latch release handle positioned just below the retriever handle so that the cart and retriever can be easily separated from one another. The cart has curved leading surfaces so that the two parts can be reattached by simply pushing them together; the curved surfaces drive the locking bolts into their respective retracted positions so that the latch release handle need not be activated during the reattachment procedure.

Abstract: A pivoting keel guide for boat trailers which can be used with most boats, can be easily field added to existing trailers, and which will provide excellent centering action for crosswinds when the trailer is submerged. A base plate attaches to a cross-member of the trailer. Pivotally attached to the base plate is a U-channel guide arm, with a pair of guide rollers supported on roller arms mounted on the end of the guide arm opposite the pivot. The guide arm is biased into a raised position using resilient elements such as springs, so that the guide rollers can contact the bottom of the boat while the trailer is submerged. The guide arm pivots along the length of the trailer as the boat settles onto the trailer, exerting a constant centering force.

Abstract: A drive roller for use in a conveyor, comprising rotary shafts supported in respective bearings, the respective rotary shafts being provided at the respective ends of a core member and one of the rotary shafts being connected to a drive source. The core member is a hollow- or solid-cylindrical one and has provided thereon and fastened at the respective end portions thereof a tubular inflatable member having at least one inner cord layer in which the cords are laid with a predetermined angle, one end of which inflatable member is fastened to one end portion of the core member while the other end of the inflatable member is folded back inwardly and fastened to the other end portion of the core member, thus a sealed space being defined between the inflatable member and the outer surface of the core member.

Abstract: A portable device for launching-unloading a boat (24) from a boat trailer (10) wherein a winch rope snap (46) is snapped in to a boat bow eye (26) and a winch rope (36) is extended through a swivel pulley (38) attached to the rear trailer frame cross member (16) and continued forward to the launching winch (28). Upon activation of the launching winch (28) a rearward directional thrust is developed causing the boat (24) to move off of the trailer (10).

Abstract: An attachment for use with a boat trailer previously equipped with an upstanding post secured to a trailer tongue, and a winch with a rope mounted near the upper end of said post. The attachment includes a third class lever pivotally connected at the forward end to a shackle secured to the trailer tongue, and further supported and horizontally restained near the rearward end of the lever by a support shackle also secured to the trailer tongue, the free rearward end of the lever terminating in a bracket with a roller supporting the forward keel of a boat in transit. The winch rope end may be secured between ends of the lever so that operation of the winch causes the lever to move vertically upwards, from its support position, in an arc centered at the lever pivotal connection.

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

Abstract: An intermodal transportation system for hauling bulk materials, particularly municipal solid waste, by rail and truck utilizes multiple rectangular, open-top boxes each having a removable lid. The system includes a forklift with an articulated frame actuated by hydraulics which engages channels formed in the box or in the lid. Lock bars on the box are clamped by locking members carried on the forklift to hold the box on the forks during an over-the-side dumping movement. The forklift empties the box with a roll-out motion combining a forward rotation of a lifted box with a backward movement of the box. A reinforced flatbed railcar receives up to four 21 foot long boxes and lids with a total carrying capacity of up to 100 tons. Each car contains upright corners that guide the boxes onto the railroad car and then restrain it. The containers are flush with the upper surface of the railroad car when engaged in the corners. A tractor trailer with a tilt-up roller bed and winch hauls the boxes on highways.

Abstract: A boat trailer having a frame with a tongue section at the front end and a pair of transversely spaced parallel frame members at the rear end, a wheel and axle unit interconnecting the frame members, and a crossmember extended between the frame members, the improvement comprising a bracket connected to each end of the crossmember and connected also to an adjacent frame member, an arm extended outwardly and upwardly of each frame member, a fastener securing one end of the arm to the bracket, and a bunk-type cushion secured to the other end of the arm for engaging a boat hull upon loading of the boat onto the trailer.

Abstract: A load transfer device for loading or unloading an entire storage compartment, such as the interior of a freight hauling trailer, in one cycle includes a long vertically flexible load support and transfer member that is as long and as wide as the storage compartment and which has a chisel-like leading edge to slip under freight articles resting on a floor, the transfer member being empowered by a motor mounted on it at the rear end to move longitudinally in and out of the storage compartment.

Abstract: A method for the formation of a transport unit which includes a bed assembly and a cargo thereupon comprises the following steps of placing a cargo on a first bed of a plate-like structure; positioning a second bed, which has a grid-like structure with a plurality of openings and defines a floor structure for a transport container, on top of a handling mechanism; positioning a transfer device connected with a handling mechanism above the top surface of the second bed inside the interior of the container; carrying the cargo placed on the first bed by transfer mechanisms above the second bed inside the interior of the container; and displacing the transfer device relative to the second bed below its top surface, whereby the first bed along with its cargo is set upon the second bed to be supported and the container is provided with a unitary bottom defined by the first and second beds.

Abstract: The present invention has to do with aircraft cargo handling and loading equipment and specifically with a type of roller deck surface employed thereon.

Abstract: A positioning device for docking one mobile home with respect to another. The positioner includes at least one trolley and preferrably two trolleys which allow the one mobile home to be adjusted with respect to its longitudinal axis and latitudinal axis. The trolley is carried on a support configured as a pair of interconnected spaced parallel "I" beams and the trolley is capable of orienting the one mobile home by rotating the mobile home about a longitudinal center line because the trolley support has two pairs of support legs, with each pair independently operated. The leg pairs are disposed at opposed extremities of the support to elevate either end of the support. A pair of centrally disposed wheels move from a retracted to a deployed configuration and are independently powered for additional maneuverability of the positioner.

Abstract: An automatically operating boat locking assembly includes a spring-loaded bolt which engages through the bow eye of a boat to secure the boat on a trailer and which can be withdrawn to free the boat for removal from the trailer. The bolt can be rotated in its withdrawn position to engage a portion of a frame of the assembly which prevents return of the bolt to the extended locking position. A trigger member carried by a frame of the locking assembly is contacted by the bow eye of the boat as the boat approaches the trailer and rotates the bolt whereupon the spring associated therewith returns the bolt to the locking position, through the bow eye locking the boat on the trailer.

Abstract: Mechanical handling apparatus for moving a load over a support surface comprises an endless powered conveyor device which extends substantially over at least part of the length of the support and is trained round guides or pulleys rotatable about substantially horizontal axes. The endless conveyor device comprises a chain having a working run and a return run the working run of which comprises at least two working parts, which are movable vertically independently or in unison. In a preferred embodiment, each conveyor device comprises two side-by-side chains. The endless chains run in a guide for the working run and a guide for the return run. The guides are mounted one on top of the other, the lower guide being of inverted channel section and the upper guide being of upwardly open channel section which rises and falls within an outer channel on a support plate which is in contact with an inflatable device such as an air bag in order to provide a smooth and uniform raising and lowering.

Abstract: A vehicle for carrying a container or platform has a lifting mechanism for loading the container or platform onto the vehicle. There are roller devices (10,12) rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and located at the rear of the vehicle. A gathering and guiding device, preferably a rotatable roller (16), is located at each side of the vehicle forwardly of the roller device and positioned to be encountered by and to guide and centralize the container during a loading operation.

Abstract: A load carrying floor, more particularly of a load transporting vehicle, provided with a number of roller tracks disposed parallel to one another, on which a load may be displaced across the floor with low frictional resistance, displacement and holding devices being provided, comprising at least one additional track of rollers, over which a friction belt is trained, which is adapted to get into frictional contact with the lower side of a load and to be selectively driven in one direction or the other, so as to displace the load in one direction or the other and parallel to the roller tracks. The ends of the friction belt are each fastened for winding or unwinding respectively on a drum provided at the respective end of the floor.

Abstract: A conveyor arrangement is particularly adapted for use in tractor trailers and utilizes a pair of free conveyors extending parallel and generally mounted to the trailer floor adjacent the trailer sidewalls. An elongate powered conveyor extends parallel to the free conveyors and is mounted medially on the tractor floor. The powered conveyor includes an upwardly shiftable platform which rides longitudinally upwardly and downwardly on ramps and is moved thereon by a linear actuator including a leverage arm and linkage. A continuous conveyor chain travels about the upwardly and downwardly shiftable platform and is driven by a motor and sprocket arrangement. The chain drive motor and the linear actuator for causing upward shifting are housed in an enclosure located beneath the tractor trailer floor and which is accessible from beneath the trailer for maintenance.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of assembling vehicle wheels at a location remote from a vehicle assembly plant in a predetermined sequence for transport to the vehicle assembly plant for unloading in the same predetermined sequence. Seats of vehicle wheels, which may include wheel rims and tires of various sizes and types, are assembled at the remote location in the predetermined sequence. These wheel assemblies are then loaded in the same sequence onto a highway cargo trailer and transported to the vehicle assembly plant for unloading in the predetermined sequence.

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: Load retention devices for material handling vehicles are inadequate in maintaining load position and inflexible in load transfer operations. First and second blocking devices having elevationally movable gates are mounted adjacent opposite sides of the frame of a material handling vehicle and adjacent a load supporting apparatus. The first and second gates are guided for elevational movement between a first position above the load supporting apparatus at which a load on the load supporting apparatus is blocked from side passing movement and a second position beneath the load supporting apparatus at which the load is free to pass the first and second sides. A first power device is provided for selectively moving the first gate member between the first and second elevational positions and a second power device is provided for selectively moving the second gate between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting mechanism, particularly suitable for a battery-powered industrial truck, including a hydraulic lifting cylinder, a hydraulic unit, operating as a pump in the load lifting operational mode, and supplying the lifting cylinder with pressure medium, and operating as a motor in the load lowering operational mode during which mode it is actuated by the pressure medium exiting from the lifting cylinder, and a DC generator coupled with the hydraulic unit operating as an electromotor in the load lifting operational mode and as a generator in the load lowering operational mode. A control valve arrangement is provided at the halfway point in the pressure path between the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic unit, which is controlled by a lifting mechanism control. In addition, the lifting mechanism control controls a regenerative brake circuit supplied by the DC generator in the load lowering operational mode.

Abstract: A distribution apparatus for the distribution of piece goods to different stations which is equipped with a transporting system for the pick-up and delivery of the piece good and with a chassis adapted to be driven; in order to enable the loading and unloading of differently constructed stations, the transporting system of the distribution apparatus includes a roller or chain type conveyor and a loading fork arranged coaxially thereto, whereby the loading fork is mounted on a chassis so as to be liftable and lowerable and both the conveyor and loading fork are adapted to be driven for loading and unloading.

Abstract: An improved boat trailer guide-on comprising bracket means that adjustably attaches to a conventional boat trailer and holds a substantially vertical shaft means with telescopically extendable foamed plastic rollers thereon. Such a device allows the roller to float upwards as the boat trailer is backed into the water, thus remaining visible and capable of assisting in the loading and unloading of a boat. Optionally, the top of the floating, telescopically extendable, roller is equipped with a tail light lamp for assisting in loading and unloading after dark.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting roll-off containers is disclosed wherein a special trailer is fabricated with longitudinally extending main rails and a plurality of inside rollers and outside rollers rotatively affixed to the main rails. The main rails terminate rearwardly in an angularly declined unloading ramp, which ramp terminates in spaced relation above the road surface. A plurality of six roll-off containers are stacked to form two similar nests of three containers each, with the lowermost container of each nest oriented in horizontal alignment. The two nests of containers are placed upon the trailer in longitudinal juxtaposition in a location wherein the bottom rails of the lowermost containers rest upon either the inside or outside rollers.

Abstract: A transferable roadway lane dividers which consist of individual sections hingedly joined together. The lane dividers are picked up from one side of the lane by a transfer device mounted beneath a vehicle or trailer, travelling along the center of the lane, and are slid along the transfer device and one continuously deposited on the roadway at the desired new position on the other side of the lane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting roll-off containers is disclosed wherein a special trailer is fabricated with longitudinally extending main rails and a plurality of inside rollers and outside rollers rotatively affixed to the main rails. A plurality of six roll-off containers are stacked to form two similar nests of three containers each, with the lowermost container of each nest oriented in horizontal alignment. The two nests of containers are placed upon the trailer in longitudinal juxtaposition in a location wherein the bottom rails of the lowermost containers rest upon either the inside or outside rollers. During unloading, the trailer is backed and suddenly stopped in stages to employ inertial forces to move the nests of containers relative to the trailer.

Abstract: A conveyor car used in combination with one or more conveyors to transport loads from one conveyor to another includes modular end units, modular conveyor units, a rigid coupling for coupling end units to conveyor units and a hinge coupling for coupling the two conveyor units to each other. The hinge coupling allows the two conveyor units to pivot up and down near the center of the car but provides a rigid coupling to prevent horizontal movement of the conveyor units relative to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer for simultaneously carrying a wheeled motor vehicle and a boat. The trailer uses vehicle ramps mounted forward of the trailer wheels to provide a platform upon which the motor vehicle is carried. An inclined hull supporting structure is mounted at the rear portion of the trailer so that the boat can be carried with the bow positioned above the motor vehicle. The trailer has a frame which is slidably adjustable upon a wheel carriage to allow shifting the load for varying load conditions. The trailer is constructed to allow loading and launching of the boat independent of whether a motor vehicle is thereon.

Abstract: The apparatus is for pre-cooling produce immediately after harvesting of the same and towards this end, constitutes a portable elongated enclosure normally positioned at the field site of harvesting. A detachable dolly supports the enclosure so that it can be moved to various different field sites as required. The enclosure itself supports pallets having containers arranged in two longitudinal rows to define a passage therebetween. An air handling housing in turn incorporates an exhaust fan, cooling coils and appropriate ducting so that refrigerated air is circulated over the tops and sides of the rows of the containers and drawn into the central passageway by the exhaust fan to then again pass into the air handling housing. In other words, a forced air circulation is used to remove the field heat from the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for centering a boat on a boat trailer having a chassis. The apparatus has an outrigger arm, extending upward to contact the side of the boat. The outrigger arm is movable to a position away from the boat. The apparatus also has a contact member for contacting the bottom of the boat, the contact member being movable between an upper position and a lower position. The outrigger arms and the contact member are connected together by means of an elongated bar. The elongated bar is pivotally connected to the chassis of the boat trailer. When the boat trailer is first placed into the water, the outrigger arms are in a position wide apart, and the contact members are in their upward position. The boat is then maneuvered between the outrigger arms to a position over the boat trailer. The hull of the boat contacts the contact members, forcing the contact members downward and pivoting the outrigger arms inwardly.

Abstract: A heavy load conveyor system (10) according to the present invention includes substantially horizontal support member (14) having a working surface (12), a plurality of substantially vertical legs (18 and 20), a base (22 and 24) and a plurality of links (26 and 28) pivotally connected at one end to the legs and at the other end to the base. A removable link brace includes a fixed member (38) and a removable member (40) having a lever member (42) and a link engaging member (46). A carriage (50) is supported by wheels (58) on tracks (54 and 56) which are substantially parallel to the plane of motion of the links and includes a plurality of rollers (60) which are substantially parallel to the tracks.

Abstract: A boat trailer cradle comprising a stationary supporting framework adapted to be mounted to the frame side members of a boat trailer chassis, a two-shafted cradle vertically adjustable with respect to the supporting framework and carrying four rubber-tired wheels and two keel rollers, and two rubber-wheeled lateral supporting arms pivotally connected between the cradle and the supporting framework in a manner such that upon depression of the cradle through the load of a boat hauled up onto it, the arms are swung upwards with their rubber-tired wheels laterally supporting the boat.

Abstract: A boat trailer composed of a metal frame with cross members constructed of metal box beams or I beams, a padded board parallel to the sides of the frame and located about five inches above the wheels resting on the frame, four automotive leaf springs bent 90 degrees at one end and attached to the beams of the frame with U bolts, the unattached end being tilted slightly inward and attached with bolts to padded wooden blocks which urge the boat toward the center of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer for loading and unloading fences and includes two rollers at the rear of the trailer for assisting passage of fence sections onto the trailer. The rollers are drawn via a pulley which is movable into and out of contact with a wheel of the trailer. A sprocket is connected to the pulley and one roller and an endless chain engaged the sprocket to drive the rollers. The trailer may be tilted relative to its drawbar to assist in loading and unloading the fences.

Abstract: A mobile cargo handling system and method is provided for transferring containers relatively long distances between two locations by a steerable, self-propelled transporter which is connected to a dolly supported on swivel casters so that the longitudinal axes of the transporter and dolly are maintained parallel to a vertical plane when the system is moving along a circuitous path. The dolly includes a roller deck, and the transporter includes a powered roller deck which is selectively controlled to drive one or more containers onto and off of both roller decks.

Abstract: The trailer has a main frame of generally U shape having stub axles on which ground-engaging wheels are journalled. A structurally rigid boat supporting frame is suspended from the main frame by a cable and pulley arrangement which enables the boat supporting frame to be raised and lowered horizontally and to be tilted lengthwise to a relatively steep angle relative to the main frame. The desired degree of tilt is facilitated by the fact that the front end of the boat supporting frame can be pivotally connected to the main frame at various heights.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for transferring cargo between an unpowered roller bed and a powered roller bed by a self-propelled, mobile, steerable vehicle having a powered roller bed and a retractable friction drive on one end thereof. When transferring a cargo loaded pallet between the two powered roller beds, the friction drive retracts within one end of the vehicle chassis, and said end of the vehicle is moved into abutting engagement with the powered roller bed. When transferring a pallet between the vehicle's driven roller bed and an unpowered bed of interconnected rollers, the friction drive is extended to frictionally engage and drive the unpowered rollers in either direction. The specification also discloses an improved vehicle, per se, having a powered roller bed and a retractable, selectively operable friction drive for providing power to interconnected rollers of a roller bed.

Abstract: A support installation is provided for use with large, cylindrical loads to provide rotational and longitudinal movement therefor. The support includes a plurality of non-driven all-round rolls and at least one driven all-round roll, the principal rotational axes of the non-driven rolls being parallel to the load and the rotational axis of the driven roll being perpendicular thereto. The rolls engage the circumference of the load for rotational and longitudinal movement. A U-shaped bracket fixedly or yieldably supports the rolls.

Abstract: A rolling loader designed particularly to be mounted on the rear bumper of a pickup truck for facilitating the loading of heavy objects onto and off of the bed of the truck. The loader includes a heavy, steel pipe having a pair of ball bearing assemblies fitted within each end thereof. A pair of L-shaped brackets have their horizontal plates fastened to the top surface of the bumper. A solid shaft is secured to the vertical plate of each bracket and extends through a central aperture formed in each ball bearing assembly so as to define a horizontal axis for the tube. The brackets are mounted to the bumper so that the rear most and top most portions of the tube extend respectively beyond the rear edge of the bumper and the level of the bed of the truck.