Abstract: An article unloading system for unloading articles from an article rack includes a pair of unloading ramps which are removably and pivotably attached to the rack beneath an upper article slot in the rack. The ramps are connected by a cross-member which is connected to a jack. A workman's platform is also removably attachable to the rack below the connection point of the ramps, and the jack is connected between the ramps and the platform. An article is slid from the upper article slot onto the ramps and latched into place. The ramps are then lowered via the jack to a position in which the article can be easily reached, the latch is remotely released and the article is off-loaded. The article rack can be a specialized rack with multiple stacked slots for carrying pickup truck covers and the articles to be unloaded can be pickup truck covers from upper slots within the rack.

Abstract: A motorcycle carrier for carrying a motorcycle on a vehicle having a hitch, comprising a support arm detachably secured to the hitch of the vehicle and a ramp assembly for supporting the motorcycle. The ramp assembly includes a platform having a first end and a second end which extends continuously from the first end to the second end. The platform is configured to receive and support the wheels of the motorcycle. The ramp assembly is supported by the support arm between the first end and the second end and is pivotally coupled with same by a removable coupling. The motorcycle carrier may further include a stabilizer bar which is detachably secured to the support arm and configured such that when a motorcycle is transported on the carrier, the stabilizer bar aids in reducing any movement of the motorcycle during transport. In the preferred embodiment, the carrier may be reversibly mounted for loading and unloading the motorcycle from either side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for loading motor vehicles onto, and unloading motor vehicles from, a transporting vehicle enables motor vehicles to be supported one above the other on a frame, after which the frame with its supported motor vehicles is moved as a unit onto a transporting vehicle at a loading location. After transport of the frame and its motor vehicles from the loading location to a destination, the motor vehicles are unloaded from the transporting vehicle not as a unit but rather individually while the frame remains on the transporting vehicle.

Abstract: A boat carrying device comprising two outside ramps and a center ramp attachable to two outside support rails and a center rail, respectively. A winch located at the front bumper of a vehicle is attached to a boat on a trailer and pulled up the ramps and rails. The trailer hitch is attached to the boat trailer support ball on the A-support for fixably positioning the boat and trailer when travelling.

Abstract: A deployable and retractable ramp assembly is mounted on a flatbed railroad car to allow railroad equipment to be moved to and from tracks. The ramp assembly comprises four ramp sections pivotally connected to each other and in a retracted position in a Z-folded configuration. Each ramp section comprises a pair of rectangular tubes or railroad rails spaced by cross-braces a distance equal to the spacing of wheels of a railroad car on the same axle. Two masts are pivotally connected to the railroad car and can be locked in a substantially upright position, with first and second sheaves on the top end of each mast engaging a cable connected to a winch. A third winch connected by a third cable to the ramp sections applies a restraining force to preclude the ramp sections from moving too quickly under the force of gravity once moved past center during deployment.

Abstract: A conveyor for particulate material such as grain comprises a conveyor duct with an improved hopper section which has side walls which can fold down flat to allow passage over the hopper section of a vehicle. The conveyor is the type including a belt Which passes through a tube. The belt passes underneath the side walls of the hopper section to carry the material out of the hopper section. The side walls are mounted for pivotal movement about pins at a bottom edge of the side walls and are held in an upwardly and outwardly inclined position by springs. The structure is mounted on a base frame with ramps so that the vehicle can pass over the base frame and flatten the side walls, following which the side walls are pulled upwardly to the hopper position by the springs.

Abstract: The combined dolly and ramp assembly includes a ramp having a pair of laterally spaced arms and an inclined ramp surface interconnecting the arms adjacent one end and at an elevation for receiving a roll of web material from a pallet. The dolly includes a frame mounted on casters and which has a pair of inclined surfaces meeting at an apex centrally of the dolly. The dolly is movable into an opening between the arms 16 of the ramp to align the inclined ramp with one of the inclined surfaces of the dolly. A foot-actuated latch automatically and releasably locks the dolly and ramp to one another. The roll of web material is rolled down the ramp onto the dolly and secured by a strap to anchor points on the dolly. By releasing the latch, the dolly with the roll may be displaced to another station.

Abstract: An indirect locking and lock release mechanism is provided that permits remote actuation of the lock release function and automatic reset of the locking function in a chamber. Components on a transfer carrier permit remote actuation of locking components in a chamber through intermediate components on a ramp between the chamber and the transfer carrier. Members are provided to secure the transfer carrier to the ramp. Linear actuation of a push rod at the remote end of the transfer carrier causes linear actuation of a linearly aligned push rod on the ramp which in turn causes pivotal movement of a blocking member from a locked to an unlocked position in the chamber. Fail safe mechanisms are provided to prevent movement of the blocking member to the unlocked position when the transfer carrier is not secured to the ramp.

Abstract: The vehicle transport trailer (10) has a frame (12) supported by wheels (16). A horizontal platform (18) is supported by the frame (12) and enclosed by front and side walls (22, 24, and 26) and a top (28). The top (28) includes an openable rear portion (34) attached to the front portion (32) by a hinge (36). A ramp (38) is attached to the frame (12) and is pivoted between a vertical position in which it closes an opening (30) and an inclined position with a free edge (42) on the ground. A front securing assembly (56) prevents rearward movement of a transported vehicle (196). A rear securing assembly (140) prevents forward movement of a transported vehicle (196). The front securing assembly (56) includes left and right side hook assemblies (58 and 60) which automatically engage a transported vehicle. The rear securing assembly (140) includes left and right side rear hook and cable assemblies (142 and 144) with cables (148 and 182) attached to cable tensioning arms (150 and 184).

Abstract: The present invention provides a recreational vehicle carrier (10) for use on a truck (14) for loading, transporting, and unloading two recreational vehicles (12). The carrier (10) includes a frame (22), a loading ramp (26), a bed ramp (24), and an elevated cage (20). The loading ramp (26), the bed ramp (24), and the elevated cage (20), are positioned in a top loading position for loading a recreational vehicle onto the elevated cage (20). Then, the elevated cage (20) and the bed ramp (24) are positioned in a carry position and a second recreational vehicle (12) is loaded onto the bed ramp (24). The loading ramp (26) is then slidable into a stowed position underneath the bed ramp (24) for transport.

Abstract: A portable, easily-transported and erected horizontal surge/storage silo functions by the method of allowing large, long distance trucks to dump their contents of materials to be used at a nearby point of use onto the base of the portable silo from which the materials may be subsequently restacked and reloaded by suitable materials-handling devices, such as front-end loaders, onto other smaller vehicles for subsequent transport to the point of use or disposal. A base is sufficiently strong and configured to support upstanding sides and a roof if a roof is desired to provide a totally closed or sealable unit. Where provided, the roof may be removable and the sides may have a fast-closing entrance and door for easy access and safe and protected storage. The structure may have a retractable set of wheel devices affixed thereto so that it may be moved into and out of ground engaging position to make the unit respectively portable and operational.

Abstract: A system for hauling cargo containers which includes elevatable frames on which the containers are supported during transportation, loading and unloading of the containers. The frames are designed to be either directly mounted to conventional trailers or other transport vehicles or interlocked to alignment members mounted to such vehicles. The frames include support legs which are movable outwardly and pivotable vertically so as to support the frames in elevated relationship to the transport vehicles. Lifting devices are mounted on the frames to raise and lower the frames relative to the vehicles so that the containers may be loaded or unloaded relative to the vehicles without supplemental lifts or cranes. In a separate embodiment, the transport vehicles include lifting devices for elevating the frames for purposes of loading or unloading.

Abstract: The disclosure comprises a tray mountable under the floor of a vehicle, which tray contains an extendible ramp mechanism. This mechanism comprises a ramp and a driving panel for the ramp. The ramp is fulcrummed intermediate its ends on the outer ends of parallel arms extending from the driving panel. Also in the tray, as part of the driving mechanism, are a pair of parallel toothed belts driven by a reversible rotating motor, which belts are attached to the driving panel for extending and retracting the ramp from the tray. Mounted under the driving panel is a reciprocating motor connected by a crank arm to a shaft having additional crank arms pivotally connected to the underside of the ramp adjacent the driving panel. When the ramp is fully extended, the reciprocating motor tilts the ramp so that its inner end is moved upwardly to be flush with the floor of the vehicle. Simultaneously, the outer end of the ramp contacts the ground.

Abstract: A snowmobile transporting device for mounting in a pick-up truck has a lower support frame adapted to be mounted in the load compartment of a pick-up truck and an upper support frame mounted on the lower support frame and adapted for longitudinal backward and forward movement on the lower frame. A snowmobile carrying platform is pivotally mounted on the upper support frame and this pivotal mounting includes a central pivot connecting the platform to the upper support frame, a circular track formed of a square tubular member fixed to the bottom of the platform and a plurality of lower rollers mounted on the upper support frame and engaging the circular track.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for deploying a wheelchair ramp at the door of a vehicle, especially a bus, the ramp being of the kind which rotates between a stowed position at which it is flush with the vehicle floor and a deployed position in which it slopes downwardly and outwardly from the vehicle. The mechanism provides a "float down" feature which permits the ramp to move downward under gravity without the need for operator control and prevents crushing of obstacles that get in the downward path of the ramp. The mechanism includes a transmission for translating a single hydraulic cylinder stroke into more than 180.degree. of rotation of the ramp.

Abstract: A vehicle for retrieving and transporting disabled vehicles is provided having a wheeled frame and a cab containing an operator's compartment comprising an inclined vehicle transporting bed positioned behind said cab, said bed having a downwardly and rearwardly inclined fixed bed portion and a foldable bed portion hinged at its front edge to the rear edge of the fixed bed portion, the foldable bed portion being operable between a folded position wherein the foldable bed portion overlies the fixed bed portion and an unfolded position wherein the foldable bed portion is coplanar with the fixed bed portion. A stabilizing mechanism is also provided for stabilizing the retriever/transporter while extricating a disabled vehicle from an off-road location such as a ditch or snowbank in conjunction with a detachable boom in combination with a conventional winch and cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a towing aid which may be easily assembled for multiple uses and disassembled for shipment, storage or transport and includes a variable width axle and a tongue with a variable height for the tongue hitch to accommodate various heights of vehicle hitches. In one assembly the towing aid becomes a car dolly with variable widths between the wheel wells and ramps which are mounted on a rotatable I shaped frame pivotal to and supported by the variable width axle. In a second assembly the I shaped frame is removed and a flatbed trailer frame is attached to the axle. Each part is removably affixed to other parts and disassembles into a compact kit.

Abstract: A loading ramp mechanism comprises two ramps and the support system therefor such that the ramps may be moved from a storage position in which the ramps are on edge and horizontal and parallel proximate to each other below the rear edge of a truck load bed, to a deployed position in which the ramps are secured at one end at the rear of the cargo bed of the small truck and are laterally adjustable. The support system comprises two support rods each having two sections flexibly joined, the first section being rigidly mounted in a vertical position and the second section being releasably supported in a horizontal position and capable of assuming a vertical position on the same axis with the first vertical section. Each ramp member at one end slidably receives a support rod and can be supported by either the horizontal second section when deployed or the vertical first section when stored.

Abstract: An access ramp for a van or a similar vehicle having a housing below the vehicle floor and adjacent door which houses the ramp structure. A carrier is extendable and retractable and is mechanically linked to a ramp platform. A boom arm on the carrier extends when the carrier extends and guides a cable which is motor driven to lower and lift the platform. Lift cams elevate the inner end of the platform when the platform is extended to bring it into close proximity with the vehicle floor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a mobile display pavilion are shown and described. Each embodiment includes a trailer for being attached to a wheeled chassis and a vehicle having a door or doors that swing down to a slanted position against the ground, a support system on the inner surface of the door for receiving and displaying merchandiser and a latch for securing the door or doors when they are closed. The support system is preferably a series of steps that transforms the door or doors into a terraced platform. The pavilion is self-contained in terms of utilities and water and may be set up and folded away with a minimum of steps.

Abstract: A ramp bridging mechanism having a bridge plate, the free end of which is provided with an extension. A support member is pivotably connected to the underside of the extension and supports the bridge plate in a position of rest. To free the pivot joint of the support member from support forces, an end of the support member can be displaced from a pivoted position toward the extension and into abutment against the extension, and vice versa, whereby during such displacement the position of the support member shifts relative to the transverse pivot axis.

Abstract: Access to a rail vehicle is effected by a board that is movable between a retracted position in which it is housed beneath the top face of the floor of the vehicle and an extended position in which it constitutes an access ramp between a platform and an entrance doorsill of the vehicle. The device includes an actuator for driving the board and a stop terminating translation of the board in its extended position. The actuator is disposed in the plane of the board. The device also tilts the board after stopping the board's movement in translation so that the outside end of the board rests on the platform and so that the board co-operates with the entrance doorsill to provide a continuous surface without any offset. The entrance doorsill remains stationary.

Abstract: A tow dolly having both ramp loading and tilt loading capability. The dolly includes a vertical pivot bolt to allow the towed vehicle to be more easily maneuvered around turns. Additionally, the dolly has the capacity to be folded to stand on its ramps, and thus assume a substantially upright configuration for storage.

Abstract: A retractable ramp mechanism for a vehicle includes a frame mounted to the vehicle and a ramp mounted to the frame by way of a linkage for movements between stowed and extended positions. The linkage is constructed and arranged to permit an inner end of the ramp to pivot upwardly with respect to the frame from a lower position to an engagement position. In the engagement position, the inner end of the ramp may be engaged with a work surface of the vehicle. The linkage includes a mechanism for applying a biasing force to bias the inner end of the ramp upwardly to the engagement position when the ramp is in the extended position.

Abstract: Mobile elevatable platform devices are fitted with an impact absorbing bumper, a truck restraining hook mechanism, and, optionally, a ground anchor.

Abstract: A housing mounted to a vehicle floor is arranged to permit removal and extension of an extension member therefrom, having an extension plate pivotally mounted to the extension member to provide for a ramp structure relative to the associated vehicle. The housing is arranged to include a central plate extending from a first end of the housing to an orientation spaced from a second end of the housing for positioning and mounting of a vehicle chair thereon, with an abutment block extending from the central plate to a second side wall of the vehicle for abutment of a chair wheel, with central plate abutment members positioned on the central plate in adjacency to the first end for securing the chair between the central plate abutment members and the abutment block. Security straps are mounted to the side walls for securement of the chair to the housing top wall.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for attachment to the frame of a truck, usually within a bed of a conventional pickup truck. A generally planar base is rigidly attached to the truck frame with bolts. A platform is rotatably connected to the base with a pair of four-bar linkages, one on the right side of the platform and one on the left. The platform has a low position close to the base, and a high position that is typically 15 or 20 inches higher. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is anchored at one end to the base and connected at its other end to the platform. Pressurizing the cylinder one way causes the platform to be raised and translated backwardly with respect to the base. Pressurizing the cylinder the other way causes the platform to be moved toward the base in a relatively slow and deliberate manner.

Abstract: A wheelchair ramp structure is arranged to include first and second U-shaped tracks hingedly mounted relative to one another cooperative and parallel to third and fourth U-shaped tracks, wherein the first and third U-shaped tracks include an adjusting connector link directed therebetween to provide for adjustment and maintaining such adjustment in a spatial relationship of the first and second tracks relative to the third and fourth tracks. The first and second tracks are arranged for hinged mounting relative to one another, as well as the third and fourth tracks permitting ease of storage of the organization during periods of non-use.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp extends the tailgate with three hinged panels (13, 14, 15) able to fold out to a co-planar position whereat each hinge (51, 55) is braced by a system of struts (21, 26) and cables (22, 25) against opening past 180.degree.. The cables (22, 25) and struts (21, 26) are arranged to permit the outermost panel (15) to fold into between the other two (13, 14) to collapse into a pack against the inner face of the tailgate. The system of cables (21, 26) at each hinge (51, 55) can be passed around sheaves (29-32, 37-40) at each side of the ramp in a single length to balance loads on the ramp.

Abstract: A conventional pickup truck equipped with a tailgate for closing the rear end of the load bed of the pickup truck is provided and the upper margin of the hollow/tailgate is provided with at least one elongated slot extending along the upper margin from which a loading ramp structure consisting of at least three telescopically engaged ramp sections may be extended and disposed at a rearwardly and downwardly inclined position when the tailgate is in its horizontally rearwardly projecting position, the telescopically engaged ramp sections including an outer wide ramp section, at least one intermediate and somewhat narrower ramp section and an inner narrow ramp section with the ramp sections inwardly of the outer wide ramp section being progressively narrower in width and thickness toward the innermost narrow ramp section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ground level loading universal trailer comprising a U-shaped frame; a support bed being pivotally connected to either side and near the rear end thereof to the frame which is mounted upon two stub axles having wheels mounted thereupon; a pair of clevis-like members fixedly attached to the sides and near the forward end of the support bed to receive a portion of the frame to lock the support bed in a transport mode with locking pins; a tongue device having a first tongue extension member fixedly attached to and extending forward the frame and having a second tongue extension member hingedly attached near a central portion thereof to the outer end of the first tongue extension member; and a winch mechanism mounted upon an upright elongate support member fixedly attached to the second tongue extension member for lowering and raising the support bed without any part of the tongue device being disconnected and with ease and convenience for a lone user, in particular.

Abstract: An improved fold out ramp system apparatus for a flat bed trailer includes a tapered tail end extending rearwardly from the trailer; at least one transition ramp having a front end pivotally secured to the trailer in close proximity to the juncture between the tapered tail end and the trailer; a clamping mechanism for selectively clamping the transition ramp in either an elevated configuration or a sloping configuration; and a tail ramp pivotally secured to a rear end of each of the transition ramps in end-to-end relationship. A brace pivotally connected to the tapered tail end is releasably connectable to the tail ramp to form a blocking configuration. A leaf spring having one end fixedly secured to the trailer is adapted to urge the transition ramp rear end upwardly to counter the weight thereof. Similarly, a torsional spring is adapted to urge the tail ramp free end upwardly relative to the transition ramp in order to counter the weight of the tail ramp.

Abstract: A lightweight folding portable ramp for use with an electric scooter or a wheelchair which may be positioned by the user without dismounting from the means of conveyance. The ramp is comprised of two ramp members and may include a rectangular connecting means, all of which are hinged together. Handles for lifting are provided on the ramp members.

Abstract: A ramp for loading a pick-up truck that is collapsable so that it can be transported and stored in a minimum space. The ramp is removably mounted to the rear tail gate of a pick up truck. The ramp includes three contiguously hingedly connected rectangular flat members that open or distend with their planes at predetermined angles with respect to each other. This is accomplished by sharing the load placed on said flat members between the shear on the hinge assemblies and the angled abutting edges compression load. The shaft of one of the hinge assemblies extends and a handle member is mounted thereon for prompt manipulation of the ramp.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and transporting recreational vehicles includes a pickup truck. Four upright supports are coupled to the pickup's bed. An upper rack is coupled to the four upright supports, generally parallel to the bed with space between the rack and the bed to support a first recreational vehicle on the bed beneath the rack. A vehicle transport ramp is pivotally coupled to the upper rack pivotal from a first position in which a second recreational vehicle may drive onto the ramp to a second position, generally horizontal and parallel to the bed, for transporting the second vehicle on the ramp. The ramp has a displaceable extension for shortening the ramp's length when the ramp is pivoted to the second position. The displaceable extension is used for extending the length of the ramp to contact the ground when the ramp is in the first position.

Abstract: Wheeled elevator apparatus for use in loading and unloading freight into and out of a highway truck; the apparatus including a platform raised and lowered by hydraulic power engaging lever arms arranged in a parallelogram structure, drawbridge access ways from the platform to the truck bed and from the platform to the loading/unloading level, the access directions being perpendicular to each other, wheels for moving the apparatus from place to place, and jacks for securing the apparatus off its wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated edge-of-dock dock leveler including a deck plate having its rear edge hinged to the dock and an extension lip is hinged to the front edge of the deck plate. In the storage position the deck plate is located in a generally horizontal position and the lip hangs downwardly in a generally vertical pendant position. A hydraulic cylinder unit interconnects the frame of the dock leveler with the deck plate and extension of the cylinder unit acts to move the deck plate to a generally vertical position where a latch that is pivotally connected to the underside of the lip engages an abutment on the frame to lock the deck plate in the vertical position. Retraction of the cylinder unit will pull the deck plate down and the linkage between the deck plate, the lip and the frame enables the outer edge of the lip to move in a generally curved path into engagement with the bed of a carrier.

Abstract: A combination ramp and tailgate structure is disclosed for installation and use in pickup trucks in which the structure would replace a conventional tailgate. The ramp/tailgate structure includes first, second, third and fourth generally rectangular frame members, the first and second of which are slidably coupled together to move between a nested or collapsed position and an extended position, and a third and fourth of which are likewise slidably coupled together to move between a nested or collapsed position and an extended position. The slidable movement between frame members is in the planes thereof so that a low profile, compact configuration may be maintained when in the collapsed position, yet allows sufficient thickness of the members to permit the ramp to support heavy loads.

Abstract: A trailer is arranged to have a rigid trailer frame, including radial rods projecting medially of the trailer frame, with the radial rods having rod rollers equally spaced relative to a cylindrical support collar. The cylindrical support collar rotatably mounts a trailer floor arranged for selective securement relative to the trailer and for selective rotation thereto. The trailer structure is arranged for tilting relative to an associated support leg that is selectively secured to a support tongue mounted overlying the leg.

Abstract: A stowable loading ramp assembly for small vehicles, such as pickup trucks, vans and trailers, which includes a stowing chamber and an extendable loading ramp. The assembly is installable in a truck bed, or the like, with the stowed loading ramp access positioned toward the rear or tail gate of the vehicle. The loading ramp is locked in the stowed position by a floating locking plate, which is raised to permit the loading ramp to be withdrawn from the stowing chamber. The floating locking plate rides on a wheel on the top surface of the loading ramp until the ramp is fully withdrawn and, at that point, the wheel drops from the top surface loading ramp, locking the ramp in position. The floating locking plate also serves as a transition surface between the loading ramp and the top surface of the stowing chamber. Additionally, the loading ramp has attached thereto support legs, which provide support during the loading operation and, table legs which position the ramp at a height to be used as a table.

Abstract: A retractable ramp is telescopable to a stowed position within a rearwardly open, longitudinally extending storage chamber within a cargo vehicle frame below a cargo carrying floor therein. It can be pulled from the vehicle, tilted downwardly so that its rear end engages the ground, and then its front end can be raised and connected to the vehicle adjacent the floor of the cargo compartment to serve as an unloading or loading platform for the vehicle floor. The ramp includes carriage arms pivotally connected to the ramp assembly near its front end and extending forwardly into the storage chamber to connect to glides which are slideable along the chamber. A force asserting, weight counterbalancing mechanism is pivotally connected between the carriage arm assembly and the ramp, and positioned to exert power to assist manual movement of the front end of the ramp from an initial position in which it is pulled from the storage chamber to a raised, operatively deployed position attached adjacent the ramp floor.

Abstract: A cargo ramp for an aircraft is constructed of two segments which are hinged together so that they may articulate about the ramp pitch axis. The first of the two segments is hinged to the cargo bed of the aircraft so that it may articulate relative to the cargo bed, again in pitch. The second segment abuts a surface to or from which cargo is to be transferred. The hinged ramp permits straight-across loading and unloading of cargo onto vehicles which have cargo bed heights different than the cargo bed height of the aircraft. In a modified embodiment, the ramp also compensates for a differential roll angle between the second ramp segment and the vehicle cargo bed. In this embodiment, the hinge connection between the two ramp segments permits relative motion of the second segment with respect to the first segment about its roll axis, as well as in pitch.

Abstract: A telescopic tailgate ramp (10) has a base tray (20) and a series of telescopically-connected trays (40, 60, 80) that are slidable with respect to one another and are stackable to replace a tailgate of a vehicle. Each tray (20, 40, 60, 80) is a plate with end pieces on each side that engage the end pieces of a preceding or succeeding tray. The end pieces have a channel and a tenon-like portion that engage a corresponding tenon or channel portion of a preceding or succeeding tray. Each plate has a corrugated surface (102) for enhancing traction. The trays (20, 40, 60, 80) are prevented from being fully withdrawn from one another due to the placement of pins in corresponding channels and tenons that engage each other. The trays (40, 60, 80) succeeding the base tray are prevented from sliding past the rear portion of a preceding tray or the rear portion of the base tray (20) securing an obstruction over the rear portion of each channel.

Abstract: Three-wheeled motorcycle dolly adapted for use in conjunction with roll-back tow truck has wide wheel base and low elevation decking. Rigid eyes are provided along frame for strapping motorcycle in upright position to dolly. Convex wheel stop rigidly attached to front of dolly provides permanent chocking for forward wheel of motorcycle. On-loading and off-loading of motorcycle are accomplished by single person with aid of detachable ramp, and inclined push rails on sides of dolly.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for hoisting loads from ground level to a truck platform, which has particular advantages on flat bed trucks. Ramps are provided for rolling loaded dollies off a curbing or from the ground onto a lower lift platform position where they are raised by a motor powered hoisting mechanism with the lift platform up to the truck platform. The system is stowed and carried entirely beneath the truck platform so that it does not interfere with its utility or introduce any members above the truck platform. A pivotable lift platform permits storage in a vertically oriented position to prevent the system from extending significantly back of the truck platform. A low powered d-c reversible motor rotates vertical drive screws mating with a drive yoke attached to opposite ends of the lift platform. The lift platform is spring biassed upwardly to aid in lifting loads upwardly to the truck platform with a small motor.

Abstract: A fully collapsible ramp trailer is disclosed which is provided with an adjustable axle for balancing the weight of a vehicle-towed motorcycle for optimum transport. In the assembled disposition, the ramp unfolds into three rigidly coupled sections with a hinged rear ramp. The forward section of the ramp trailer includes a fount wheel capturing well for receiving the front wheel of a motorcycle. The middle section of the ramp in the assembled disposition rigidly braces relative to the capturing wheel well portion at one end and rigidly braces to the axle section of the ramp at the other end to form a unitary and rigid bed upon which the motorcycle can be rolled for loading and unloading. The rear ramp hinges with respect to the three section ridged frame and moves from a ground engaged ramp position to an upwardly folded abutted position to the rear wheel of a loaded motorcycle.

Abstract: A trailer comprising a main trailer portion having a ramp tail hingedly secured to the rearward end thereof. A first axle and suspension system is positioned beneath the main portion of the trailer forwardly of the hinge point of the ramp tail. A second axle and suspension system is positioned rearwardly of the first axle and is located beneath the hinge point of the ramp tail when it is desired to pivotally move the ramp tail. During highway usage, the second axle may be slidably moved beneath the ramp tail so as to increase the distance between the two axles.

Abstract: A combination tailgate and ramp assembly 10 formed of a pair of ramps 14 and 20, which when fastened together with fastener brackets 32 and 72 form a conventional tailgate hinged and rotatable about a transverse sliderail 30. Swing pin hinge 68 supports the lower left corner of ramp 14 and swing pin hinge 70 supports the lower right hand corner of right ramp 22 and provides three dimensional rotational ability. When unfastened, ramps 14 and 22 can be rotated down, out and over to form a loading ramp.

Abstract: A self propelled steerable vehicle for transporting a wheelchair bound passenger between two separate locations, such as between a terminal and an aircraft parked on a ramp, includes a lift assembly mounted on said vehicle for movement from a lowermost position to an operator selectable upper position. The vehicle is provided with an operator's compartment containing steering, braking, motive and lift assembly controls. An internal combustion engine powers a hydraulic system for both moving the vehicle and powering the lift assembly. A passenger's compartment carried by said lift assembly is provided with a pair of ramps which are movable from a loading position to a traveling position. In the loading position, hand rails are automatically extended. Gas cylinders between the hand rails and the ramp assist the operator is raising the ramps. In the traveling position, the ramps act as gates for the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A wheelchair carrier attaches to the back of a vehicle for transporting a wheelchair. A supporting frame attaches to a trailer hitch or the like and can pivot upwardly, out of the way, when not in use. A wheelchair housing is detachably mounted on the supporting frame by a flange and rod arrangement to enable the wheelchair to be quickly mounted and removed. The wheelchair housing has a long opening at the side which is closed off by an elongate door. The door is pivoted at the bottom and swings downwardly to serve as a ramp by means of which the wheelchair can be moved into and out of the housing with minimal effort. The carrier can also be used for other vehicles for non-ambulatory people, such as small self-propelled scooters.