Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly (10) comprising a launch motor vehicle (12) and a drone (14), the launch motor vehicle (12) being capable of travelling on a launch track to exceed a given speed threshold relative to a surrounding air mass, the launch motor vehicle (12) being provided with a launch ramp (20) cooperating with the drone (14) to, in a launching position, guide the drone (14) from a starting position in a launch direction to the front of the launch motor vehicle (12). The drone (14) comprises one or more reactors (30) and does not comprise a landing gear.

Abstract: A truck ramp including a first ramp element, second ramp element and pivoting structure located between the first and second ramp elements. The first ramp element is coupled to the truck at one end and at the other end, a hinge. The second ramp element is hinged at one end and at the other end interfaces with the ground or other surface. Between the first and second ramp elements is a pivoting structure comprised of a first component that is mechanically coupled to the first ramp element at the first hinged end and a second component that is mechanically coupled to the second ramp element at the hinged end. The first component and the second component are rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the first and second ramp element hinges.

Abstract: An aircraft transport trailer having a frame, a wheel assembly, a lower bracket, and an upper bracket. The wheel assembly is rotationally installed on the frame to support and move the frame. The lower bracket is fixedly installed on the frame, and the top of the lower bracket is provided with a body slot. The preset first surface of the inner wall of the body slot is fitted with the part of the lower surface of the body, the aircraft body can be partially seated in the aircraft body slot under the action of gravity.

Abstract: A ladder is safely and securely transported on a work vehicle using a pair of stanchions spaced along one side of the work vehicle. Each stanchion has a lower base portion carried on one side of the work vehicle, and an upper pole portion insertable into a hollow rung of a ladder. In this fashion, a ladder, such as an extension ladder, is supported on only one of its side rails without the need for engagement with tensioned load straps. Because the stanchions and ladder are located on the side of a work vehicle, the ladder takes up no cargo space on the cargo area of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A tugger train trailer is disclosed, including a frame and drive-on surfaces for holding a trolley cart. Transport vehicle drive-on surfaces for an autonomous transport vehicle moving the trolley cart are also provided such that a unit of trolley cart and autonomous transport vehicle can drive on the drive-on surfaces.

Abstract: A ground maneuver assistance system for aircraft, more particularly for airplanes, the system including a carriage driven on a track by a drive means, the speed of which can be matched to a landing or takeoff speed of the airplane, the carriage including a chassis configured to move on the track; a movable platform configured to support the airplane; and means for connecting the platform to the chassis, which means are configured to establish relative movement between the platform and the chassis, and the platform including coupling means configured to grip and release the airplane.

Abstract: A flatbed trailer assembly for defining ramps on a trailer includes a flatbed trailer that has a deck and a perimeter wall surrounding the deck to retain objects on the deck while transporting the objects. The perimeter wall has a pair of removable sections that is each removably attached to the deck. Each of the removable sections is positionable in a ramp orientation having the removable sections angling downwardly from the deck. In this way the pair of removable sections defines a pair of ramps. Thus, a wheeled vehicle may be driven onto the flatbed trailer on each of the ramps.

Abstract: An indoor maintenance cover of a bus includes: a frame mounted on a maintenance hole; a first door and a second door in which respective both ends are connected to the frame by a hinge pin to open/close the maintenance hole; an interlocking device configured to join a hinge pin connected to one end of the first door and a hinge pin connected to one end of the second door, the interlocking device facing the hinge pin so that the first door and the second door rotate while interlocking with each other; and a fastener fastening the first door and the second door while the first door and the second door are closed. The maintenance cover can be installed to prevent accidents while increasing operability for easily opening or closing the maintenance hole in the bus.

Abstract: An apparatus for the provision of packaging material includes a forming unit for producing a cushion or tubular-like packaging material from a paper strip and for ejecting the packaging material. A feeding unit draws in the paper strip from a Leporello stack-shaped paper strip supply having two feed rollers opposing each other for driving the paper strip and a motor for operating the feed rollers. A preforming station is positioned upstream the feed unit in paper feed direction for transverse compression of the paper strip. A guiding unit is positioned upstream the preforming station in paper feed direction for aligning the paper strip for the preforming station and a frame, on which the preforming station is pivotably supported between a working position and a loading position.

Abstract: An equipment hauling apparatus for a vehicle comprises a tang assembly with a longitudinal portion having through-apertures for a typical receiver hitch and a vertical portion for holding a strut assembly. The strut attaches to a transverse trough for holding the equipment. The trough has sidewalls and a floor and cutouts which pass through these features. The ends of the trough have tabs with a lead-in angle for centering the equipment as it is loaded into the trough. The tabs have holes for receiving latch pins to lock the equipment within the trough for transport, and the latch pins are loosely attached to the trough by lanyards to prevent their misplacement. The strut and trough elevation is adjustable at its connection to the tang.

Abstract: A unified hinge may comprise a hinge tube that is rigidly attached to a truck frame and a bed section of a truck bed and a tail section of the truck bed, each of the bed section and the tail section having opposing hinge barrels affixed thereto that concentrically align on the hinge tube. Similarly, a unified hinge may comprise one or more mounting barrels that are rigidly attached to a truck frame and a bed section of a truck bed and a tail section of the truck bed, each of the bed section and the tail section having opposing hinge barrels affixed thereto that concentrically align on the one or more mounting barrels; a hinge tube runs through the one or more mounting barrels and the opposing hinge barrels. The unified hinge allows the bed section and the tail section to independently pivot along the hinge tube.

Abstract: A tread strip for a vehicle is formed of at least two parts, an inner part and an outer part. The inner part is configured for attachment to the vehicle and/or to an outer part. The outer part is configured for attachment to the inner part and/or the vehicle. The outer part further includes an intermediate portion extending along a longitudinal axis between two attachment portions, the two attachment portions being configured for attachment to the inner part. The inner part has an intermediate portion extending along the longitudinal axis between two end portions. The end portions are configured for attachment of the inner part to the vehicle and/or for attachment to the outer part. The tread strip may be mounted to a vehicle by attaching the inner part and then attaching the outer part to the inner part and/or sealing the inner part with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a housing having a cooking chamber, and a door configured to close the cooking chamber. The door is arranged on the housing in a pivotable manner and capable of being lowered into a storage space in the housing. A drive unit automatically implements a movement of the door along a movement path. The drive unit includes a motor and a cable pull device, which is coupled to the motor and the door such that the movement of the door is implemented as a function of a motorized actuation of the cable pull device.

Abstract: A transporter includes a frame supported on wheels, a cab mounted on a front portion of the frame, and a bed mounted on the rear portion of the frame. The bed includes deck plates and supports mounting the deck plates on the frame. At least a rear end portion of the bed is raiseable and lowerable relative to the frame. The bed is sufficiently lightweight that the transporter has a hauling capacity of at least 10,000 lbs. and a fully loaded gross vehicle weight of no more than 26,000 lbs. At least portions of the bed may be made from high strength steel (HSS) such as ASTM A1011/1011M steel having a grade of 80 or higher. A ramp, which may also be made of HSS, may be attachable to the rear of the bed and may have longitudinally extending supports and slats that may be arranged in a herringbone pattern.

Abstract: Systems and devices for a shopping cart corral include a movable frame defining an interior space sized to receive one or more shopping carts arranged along a lengthwise direction in the interior space. The movable frame may include a first wall including a first post, a second post, and a first bracket extending between the first post and the second post. The movable frame may include a second wall including a third post, a fourth post, and a second bracket extending between the third post and a fourth post. The movable frame may include a third wall having a third bracket extending between the first post and the third post. The movable frame may include a door extending between the second post and the fourth post. The shopping cart corral may include a plurality of wheels positioned on the each of the posts.

Abstract: A boarding/deboarding support structure includes a lower door having an upper end configured to be rotated and opened with respect to a bottom surface of a vehicle body, a lower trim located inside the lower door, the lower trim having an upper end configured to be rotated and opened with respect to a floor of the vehicle body, and an absorbing member having at least a portion supported by the lower door and a rear surface of the lower trim, the absorbing member being configured to absorb energy, wherein the lower trim is located between the floor of the vehicle body and an inner surface of the lower door, and wherein, when the lower door is opened, the absorbing member is deployed to be located between the lower trim and the lower door.

Abstract: A ramp assembly to accommodate a wheel-chaired passenger to enter or exit a motorized vehicle includes a frame, a ramp movable relative to the frame, a drive block configured to move the ramp relative to the frame, a linkage arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the drive block, a linkage panel pivotably coupled to the linkage arm and a rear end of the ramp, and an upper roller pivotably coupled to the linkage panel for rotation about a pivot axis of the linkage panel to facilitate rotation of the ramp relative to the frame.

Abstract: A trailer includes a trailer bed, a draw bar assembly, and a convertible hitch assembly. The trailer bed includes a platform and one or more sets of two or more wheels. The draw bar assembly is coupled to the trailer bed. The convertible hitch assembly includes a hitch converter coupled to the draw bar assembly. The convertible hitch assembly includes an over-axle hitch coupler insertable into the hitch converter, wherein the over-axle hitch coupler is mated to an over-axle hitch component coupled to a first vehicle. The convertible hitch assembly includes a behind-axle hitch coupler insertable into the hitch converter, wherein the behind-axle hitch coupler is mated to a behind-axle hitch component coupled to at least one of the first vehicle or an additional vehicle.

Abstract: A display system includes an imaging section, a display section, a selection section, an operation section, and a display control section. The imaging section is configured to image toward a rear and a side of a vehicle. The display section is configured to display an image captured by the imaging section. The selection section is configured to allow selection of a standard mode or a wide-angle mode. The operation section is configured to enable operation of one out of forward driving or reverse driving of the vehicle. The display control section includes RAM, and switches to whichever mode has been set out of the standard mode or the wide-angle mode immediately prior to the vehicle being driven in reverse in cases in which an operation to switch from reverse driving to forward driving of the vehicle has been performed using the operation section while in a reverse driving mode.

Abstract: A trolley configured for use to carry folding tables of a variety of sizes. The trolley includes a loading end, a trolley frame, and an extension gate adjustably connected to the trolley frame so as to be adjustable relative to the loading end of the trolley in a length direction of the trolley. The extension gate includes an elongate member slidingly disposed on the trolley frame and a rotatable portion that is foldable relative to the elongate member and lockable in an upright position by a lock. The rotatable portion may be positioned in an extended position from the loading end of the trolley, in a retracted position adjacent the loading end of the trolley, and in positions that are intermediate to the extended position and the retracted position. The elongate member may slide in a first direction to extend the rotatable portion away from the loading end of the trolley and in a second direction to retract the rotatable portion toward the loading end of the trolley.

Abstract: A loading ramp assembly comprises a ramp body, a pivot bar, a first clamp and a second clamp. The ramp body includes a detent. The pivot bar includes a bore that receives the detent. The first clamp is disposed on the first side of the pivot bar and the second clamp is disposed on the second side of the pivot bar. The proximal end of the ramp body is rotatably connected to the pivot bar at a position on the pivot bar between the first clamp and the second clamp. The ramp body is rotatable on the pivot bar from a loading position to a stowed position and is also inwardly and outwardly slidable on the pivot bar. The first clamp and second clamp can assume a loosened configuration and a clamped configuration. In the loosened configuration the pivot bar is rotatably positionable such that the bore can assume a selected angular orientation.

Abstract: A system for unloading and conveying material includes a drive over dump conveyor apparatus including a main frame with opposite lateral sides and a conveyor assembly. The system includes at least one ramp assembly mounted on one of the lateral sides and extendable to a utilization condition of the ramp assembly and retractable to a transport condition of the ramp assembly. The ramp assembly may include inboard and outboard ramp portions accordion foldable inwardly to the transport condition and foldable outwardly to the utilization condition. The system may include a movement assembly configured to move the ramp assembly between the transport and utilization conditions, actively extend the inboard ramp portion and passively extend the outboard ramp portion to the utilization position, and actively retract the inboard ramp portion and passively retract the outboard ramp portion to the transport position.

Abstract: A ramp restraint apparatus for a vehicle includes an elongate, rigid restraint bar having one end rotatably attached to the ramp and a free end having a notch and a roller at its tip. The restraint bar travels over a bar support on a lock/release assembly mounted to a vehicle bulkhead. The bar support is shaped at one end to receive the notch of the bar and hold the bar in place when the ramp is fully deployed. A release arm has a cam follower that pushes up on and releases the restraint bar when the release arm is rotated, allowing the ramp to close. When the ramp is fully closed, a storage bracket receives and holds the inboard end of the restraint bar.

Abstract: Improved passenger access and suspension systems for passenger buses, and controllers configured for use therewith; and passenger buses incorporating such systems and controllers. Integrated access ramp and suspension systems provide improvements in fully- or semi-automatic ramp deployment, including minimum-grade modes, as well as ride control and automated suspension and ramp configuration in specified geographic locations or within specified proximities of structures.

Abstract: The application is directed to a system and method for hydraulic fluid delivery including the delivery of high pressure fluid in hydraulic fracturing operations. The system of this application is operationally configured to reduce the footprint at a well site and, in one aspect, includes a towable platform carrying a power sub-assembly, a pump sub-assembly and a cooler sub-assembly each of which is releasably attachable to the platform. Each sub-assembly may be removed from the platform without disturbing the relationship between the platform and the remaining sub-assemblies attached thereto.

Abstract: A ramp system comprising a cradle adapted to be received in a vehicle storage area, a first ramp member defining a first top surface and comprising a proximal end hingeably connected to a distal end of the cradle, and a second ramp member defining a second top surface, the second ramp member being separate from the first ramp member. In use, the first ramp member is pivotable between a first position and a second position wherein the first ramp member is oriented towards the ground surface and the second ramp member is movable between a first position and second position wherein the second ramp member is oriented towards the ground surface. In the second positions, the first and second top surfaces of the first and second ramp members define rolling surfaces allowing a wheelchair to roll over the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for a passenger using a wheelchair to enter or exit a motorized vehicle. The ramp assembly includes a rail assembly having a track with a first portion extending longitudinally along the rail and a second portion inclined with the first portion. A ramp is operatively connected to the rail assembly. The ramp includes a first body and a second body that articulates with respect to the first body, wherein the ramp moves along the rail assembly and includes a storage position and a deployed position. A first roller is operatively connected to the first body and a second roller is operatively connected to the second body. The first body and the second body of the ramp are generally planar in the storage position and the first body is inclined with respect to the second body in the deployed position.

Abstract: A cargo transporting apparatus includes a flatbed portion and a dovetail portion connected by a hinge. A hinge actuating mechanism includes first and second rigid linkages, the first longitudinal ends of which are connected by a first pivot, and the second longitudinal ends of which, respectively, are pivotably connected to the flatbed portion at a second pivot and the dovetail portion at a third pivot. A linear actuator is connected between one of the rigid linkages and either the flatbed portion or the dovetail portion. In a retracted position, the linear actuator causes the first pivot to be positioned above a line between the second and third pivots and raising of the dovetail portion. In an extended position, the linear actuator causes the first pivot to be positioned below a line between the second and third pivots and lowering of the dovetail portion.

Abstract: A tailgate system for a vehicle having a body defining a rear cargo area and an opening, the tailgate system comprising: (a) a tailgate door adapted to pivotally engage the rear cargo area in a first direction between a closed position and an open position; (b) a bed extension pivotally engaged to the tailgate door; and (c) one or more ramps, wherein the bed extension is pivotally engaged to the tailgate door and adapted to pivot from a closed position to one or more open positions; and wherein the one or more ramps removably attach to the bed extension.

Abstract: A loading ramp assembly comprises a ramp body, a pivot bar, a first clamp and a second clamp. The ramp body includes a detent. The pivot bar includes a bore that receives the detent. The first clamp is disposed on the first side of the pivot bar and the second clamp is disposed on the second side of the pivot bar. The proximal end of the ramp body is rotatably connected to the pivot bar at a position on the pivot bar between the first clamp and the second clamp. The ramp body is rotatable on the pivot bar from a loading position to a stowed position and is also inwardly and outwardly slidable on the pivot bar. The first clamp and second clamp can assume a loosened configuration and a clamped configuration. In the loosened configuration the pivot bar is rotatably positionable such that the bore can assume a selected angular orientation.

Abstract: A casket loading and/or unloading apparatus comprises a frame having an end adapted to be pivoted adjacent a rear edge of a bed of a transport vehicle for pivoting about a pivot axis generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the transport vehicle, and a motion generating device operable between the frame and the transport vehicle for pivoting the frame from a first generally vertical position to a second at least generally horizontal position. A vertically oriented casket in the transport vehicle can be secured to the frame, and the frame with the casket secured thereto can be pivoted from the first generally vertical position to the second at least generally horizontal position to facilitate unloading the casket from the transport vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a multimodal transportation apparatus for passenger transportation. The multimodal transportation apparatus comprises a passenger car. According to the disclosure, the multimodal transportation apparatus contains a motorcycle that is equipped with, and can be driven by an electric motor, and a securing apparatus to releasably fixedly secure the motorcycle to the passenger car. The motorcycle is arranged between a driver seat and a passenger seat, as seen in a direction of travel, in a secured operating state. At least a portion of a center console serves to support at least one body part of a rider of the motorcycle in an operating state, wherein the motorcycle is detached from the passenger car.

Abstract: A wheelchair-dock system includes a floor including an elongated depression, a movable member, an actuator drivingly coupled to the member, and a position sensor coupled to the member. The depression defines a lateral direction. The member is movable in the lateral direction between an extended position over the depression and a retracted position.

Abstract: A drive-over conveyor for receiving material from a bottom-discharge material transport vehicle features a belt conveyor spanning a loading section, a transition section feeding into a secondary conveyor, and a cleanout section for clearing debris that may collect the space between upper and lower runs of the belt. At the cleanout section, the belt is entrained about one or more augers that convey such debris laterally outward from between the belt runs. The loading section features a low-profile framework of resiliently flexible beams that is normally carried in slightly spaced relation above the ground by ground wheels of the section, and that temporarily flexes downward when the vehicle is driven over. Accordingly, the loading section can be wheeled between different positions without any lifting, enabling quick and convenient repositioning of the loading section between different outlets of a parked stationary vehicle, and the need for dedicated drive-over ramps is avoided.

Abstract: A carrier system and method for assisting in handling cargo of a vehicle. A carrier container includes an interior storage space surrounded by a front side facing the rear of the vehicle, rear, left, right, and bottom sides, and an open top that allows access to the interior storage space with a lid that closes and opens the top. A carrier support structure mounted to the carrier container is inserted into the hitch of the vehicle and holds the top surface of the container flush with the cargo bed of the vehicle. The lid is opened to deploy a ramp stored inside which is anchored to the container so that it is flush with the top surface of the container and reaches the ground. The lid is closed and a bridge plate commonly hinged with the lid is deployed over any gap between the cargo bed and the container top, providing a continuous surface between the cargo bed and the ground for use by pets for ingress and egress of the vehicle and for handling cargo.

Abstract: A trailer for towing vehicles and related methods is presented. The disclosed trailer can be configured for towing certain three-wheeled vehicles and include a ramp, a front wheel retaining member, and rear wheel plates. The trailer may be configured to receive a three-wheeled vehicle, and upon receipt of the front wheel at the front wheel retaining member and the rear wheels at the rear wheel plates, transition from a first position with the ramp in a lowered configuration to a second position with the ramp in a raised and locked configuration, wherein the weight of the vehicle being towed may be used to both raise the ramp and maintain the ramp in a secured, raised configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a mainframe, first and second adjustment disks, an L-arm, and a drive is provided. The mainframe can associate with a hitch of a vehicle, and the first and second adjustment disks can be connected to respective first and second sides of the mainframe. The L-arm can connect to each of the first and second adjustment disks at a plurality of affixation points, and the drive can be braced between the mainframe and the L-arm so as to be capable of supporting the L-arm in a first position. Dimensions of the vehicle can effect at which affixation point in the plurality of affixation points that the L-arm connects to the first and second adjustment disks.

Abstract: A rail system, in particular for assembling or fastening seats in an aircraft, includes an assembly rail, in particular a seat rail for assembling or fastening a seat, a first panel, in particular a first floor panel for arrangement next to and substantially in parallel with the assembly rail, and at least one cover element which is movable between a first position in or on the first panel and a second position for covering the assembly rail, wherein an upper surface of the at least one cover element in the second position is located substantially in a plane with a surface of the first panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveniently loading or unloading objects to and from a cargo bed of a vehicle. The system includes at least one ramp, a bumper, and a tailgate. The ramp includes a retaining member extending therefrom. The bumper has a configuration capable of receiving therethrough at least a portion of the ramp, to store the ramp under the vehicle in a stored position. The tailgate includes a plurality of retaining openings defined therein. The retaining openings have a configuration capable of receiving at least a portion of the retaining member of the ramp, to place the ramp in an in-use position. The ramp can be retained in the stored position by way of engaging ledges, which can be easily disengaged by a user to withdraw the ramp for use in loading or unloading objects from the cargo bed.

Abstract: An auger transfer conveyor apparatus for granular material has a conveyor body defined by side walls, a front wall, and a floor comprising a substantially horizontally oriented front floor section and an upward and rearward sloping rear floor section. A plurality of substantially parallel auger assemblies are provided, each with a substantially horizontal auger section extending along the front floor section, an inclined auger section extending along the sloping rear floor section to a transfer discharge at a top edge of the rear floor section, and a flexible joint connecting the horizontal auger section to the inclined auger section. The auger assemblies are open such that during operation granular material moves from the front wall toward the transfer discharge above and between the auger assemblies, and an auger drive is operative to rotate the auger assemblies.

Abstract: An external combustion engine including a burner element, a heater head, a piston cylinder containing a piston, a cooler and a crankcase. The crankcase includes a crankshaft, a piston rod connected to the piston, a drive mechanism for converting the linear motion of the piston rod to rotary motion of the crankshaft and a linear cross-head bearing that is connected rigidly to the piston rod at one end and to the drive mechanism at the other end. Also the external combustion engine includes a piston clearance seal and a piston rod seal unit that has floating rod seals. The piston includes a inner dome to reduce axial heat transfer via radiation and convection.

Abstract: A loading ramp for a vehicle having a storage area is disclosed, wherein the loading ramp may also serve as a substantially weather tight door for the storage area. The loading ramp comprises a frame structure attached to the vehicle by angled extension members that allow the bottom of the frame to extend below the floor of the storage area. The loading ramp is pivotally attached to the frame. A dovetail structure is built onto the angled extension members, the dovetail being angled to match the angle of the ramp. A hydraulic cylinder and automatic control system is also provided to assist in raising and lowering the ramp.

Abstract: A modular shipping apparatus comprising: a shipping container having a first track and a second track attached to the bottom interior; a base having a bottom portion with wheel assemblies that slide along the first and second track; a liftgate having a first liftgate track and a second liftgate track, wherein the first liftgate track and a second liftgate track are aligned with the first track and the second track attached to the bottom interior and is pivotally attached to the bottom interior of the shipping container, a first and second guide rail which extend a portion of the length of the sides and having a first and second removable wing portion removably attached to provide a removed position and a working position, wherein the working position of the first and second removable wing portions extends to at least the left side and right side, respectively, of the liftgate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact wheelchair lift mechanism useable within a relatively small vehicle cabin space, such as a pickup truck with an extended cabin. The wheelchair lift includes a lateral actuator and a vertical actuator that cooperate to move a wheelchair support laterally in and out of a vehicle cabin and vertically between the cabin floor and the ground. The vehicle includes a lowered floor for expanding the vertical opening available to the lift, wheelchair, and vehicle occupant. The lift is positioned within the vehicle cabin such that no loss of seating capacity results from the installation of the lift.

Abstract: An accessibility system for providing access into or out of a vehicle includes a pan defining a securement area. The pan includes a first end, a second end, and a support surface. A ramp assembly includes a first segment and a second segment hingedly coupled to the first segment. The ramp assembly is pivotally coupled to and deployable from the pan near the second end. A tailgate assembly is detachably secured and pivotally coupled to the pan such that during deployment of the ramp assembly, the ramp assembly is pivotable about a first axis and the tailgate assembly is pivotable about a second axis parallel to and offset from the first axis.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for dovetail locking mechanisms are described herein. A system for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position includes a sled for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position, a railing on the underside of the trailer to accommodate the sled, wherein the sled is moveably attached to the railing such that the sled can slide into a loading position clear of the dovetail or a travel position at least partially beneath the dovetail, and means for actuating the sled to the loading position and travel position. A method for locking the dovetail of a trailer includes moving the dovetail of a trailer into the travel position and sliding a sled from a loading position underneath the trailer to a travel position at least partially underneath the dovetail of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail transport system comprising at least two runners (20) having a shaped profile, a transport rail (61) and a transport carriage (2), the runners (20) with a shaped profile being extended over a staircase or over a flat section and the transport carriage (2) being moved along the transport rail (61). The transport carriage is provided with at least one electric motor. The runners (20) having a shaped profile and the transport rail (61) are stored in the transport carriage (2). The invention also relates to a method for constructing a rail transport system and for transporting at least one container for loading and/or unloading the galley of an aeroplane, and to a system for simultaneously loading and/or unloading the galley of an aeroplane.

Abstract: This invention discloses a vehicle ramp assembly for secure attachment to a tailgate of a vehicle, which may include a vehicle attachment apparatus with one or more tailgate striker bolts configured attach to and detach from a tailgate latch of the vehicle. This may include a single securement bar attached at opposite ends to the first and second tailgate striker bolts, sized and configured such that the first tailgate striker bolt and the second tailgate striker bolt may be simultaneously attached respectively to the first and second tailgate latches of the vehicle. This invention may further include a ramp configured at a first end to rest on a surface and configured at a second end to be secured to the securement bar.

Abstract: A loading ramp is supported between a first surface and a second surface. The loading ramp includes a first ramp portion. The first ramp portion includes a first rail portion extending between a first end and an opposing second end. The first ramp portion includes at least one first tread portion removably attached to the first rail portion. The at least one first tread portion supports a weight. The loading ramp includes a second ramp portion attached to the first ramp portion. The second ramp portion includes a second rail portion extending between a third end, which is attached to the second end of the first rail portion, and an opposing fourth end. The second ramp portion includes at least one second tread portion removably attached to the second rail portion. The at least one second tread portion supports the weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a telescoping ramp, comprising a frame, a plurality of extendable ramp members and a magnetic base for securing to a tailgate structure. The ramp members comprise a plurality of aligned, telescoping members that form an extendable ramp, wherein the members form into one another and are extendable by separation of a first ramp end from an opposing second ramp end, the members being connected therebetween. The first ramp end connects to upstanding portions of the frame and within a slotted channel. The channel allows the first ramp end to be moved horizontally and vertically within the frame to position the condensed ramp within the frame interior, while also allowing the extended ramp to clear the frame and facilitate a smooth transition between the ramp and the frame when loading objects thereacross. The ramp members are box structures that condense into one another and include progressively tapering cross sections.