Abstract: A liftgate in accordance with the present disclosure includes a lift mechanism and a moveable load platform. The load platform includes a proximal deck section, a distal deck section, and a center deck section positioned between the proximal deck section and the distal deck section. The load platform is selectively vertically movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The proximal deck section, center deck section, and distal deck section are pivotally coupled to one another such that the load platform is selectively moveable between an extended-operational position, wherein all of the deck sections are located substantially coplanar with one another for supporting cargo, and a retracted-stored position wherein the deck sections are folded with respect to one another and are located substantially parallel and adjacent to one another.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow for carrying materials that includes a container, a pair of handles extending rearwardly from the container to control movement of the wheelbarrow and a pair of legs extending downwardly from the container to contact the ground. The wheel also has a barrel shaped wheel located at a predetermined location near the front end of the container. The wheelbarrow is self-balanced by strategically positioning the barrel-shaped wheel under and a little forward the center of gravity of the wheelbarrow; that is, the contact point of the wheel with the ground is slightly offset forwardly underneath the center of gravity of the wheelbarrow so that lifting, pushing and tilting requires minimal force and allows for superior control and maneuverability. Due to the shape and width of the wheel, during turns, the center of gravity of the wheelbarrows remains vertically, stably and near the point of contact of the wheel with the ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of installing a liftgate under a vehicle bed. In one implementation, the system includes a liftgate and a mounting device. The mounting device comprises at least one mounting bracket having a group of multiple substantially horizontal slots vertically stacked relative to one another so as to be at different heights relative to ground when the bracket is installed under a vehicle bed essentially parallel to ground. The slots are vertically spaced on the bracket relative to one another to accommodate different vehicle bed heights so as to maintain the liftgate within a desired vertical ground clearance when mounted in a slot on said bracket under a vehicle bed.

Abstract: A lift gate used for vehicles such as a truck. The lift gate has a platform which is pivotally mounted to what constitutes a vertical link at the rear end of a parallelogram linkage. In the stored position, the platform is folded to overlie the parallelogram linkage. The bottom of the platform is provided with a pair of surfaces that provide the appearance of a bumper when the lift gate is in the stored position.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for loading, unloading, and handling bales. A powered apparatus is configured to load bales, slide the bales from a loading mechanism to a rearward position on a platform, and unload the bales from the apparatus comprises a variety of mechanisms and control systems. Such mechanisms include a bale accumulating platform, a bale loading mechanism to pick up and deposit bales on the accumulating platform, a bale sliding mechanism, and a push-off or sliding mechanism to unload bales from the apparatus. The apparatus may be positioned in a variety of configurations and a chain tensioner mechanism is used to keep chains taut. The apparatus further comprises a control system that includes a computer device or controller, sensors and switches. The sensors and switches are configured to selectively provide input to the computer device or may be used independent of the computer device to control one or more mechanisms of the apparatus.

Abstract: A trailer to load and transport a bail of hay comprises a towing assembly and a flat bed. The towing assembly selectively attaches to a towing vehicle. The flat bed selectably attaches to the towing assembly. The flat bed has a forked assembly. The forked assembly has at least one prong. The at least one prong is bent at a an angle toward the towing vehicle. The forked assembly is adapted to selectively pivot around an axle attached to a first position of the flat bed, so that the forked assembly is able to lift the bail of hay onto the first position of the flat bed. The flat bed has at least one motorized transport mechanism to transport the bail of hay from the first portion of the flat bed to as second portion of the flat bed. The motorized transport mechanism is a motorized grips and secures the bail of hay. The flat bed has a pair of wheels, at least one wheel on each side of the flat bed. The flat bed has a support wheel positioned between one wheel on one side of the flat bed and the first position.

Abstract: Apparatus for picking up and stacking large bales of hay or the like comprises a wheeled trailer that is pulled in an offset position by a tractor, a bale pick up and loading mechanism on the front of the trailer for picking up the bales as the trailer is pulled across a field, and a downwardly and a rearwardly inclined accumulating platform on the trailer for storing the bales. The accumulating platform is tiltable in a rearward direction to unload the bales in a stack. The bale pick-up and loading mechanism comprises a pivotal loading platform with outwardly extending pick-up arms on the sides of the loading platform guiding and manipulating the bales into proper position and for grasping the ends of the bales as they are lifted on the accumulating platform. Upwardly extending gripping members or sliding alignment tubes at the ends of the pick-up arms, and pivotable grab hooks, provide increased bale grasping capabilities and improved stacking stability.

Abstract: Apparatus for picking up and stacking large bales of hay or the like comprises a wheeled trailer that is pulled in an offset position by a tractor, a bale pick up and loading mechanism on the front of the trailer for picking up the bales as the trailer is pulled across a field, and a downwardly and a rearwardly inclined accumulating platform on the trailer for storing the bales. The accumulating platform is tiltable in a rearward direction to unload the bales in a stack. The bale pick-up and loading mechanism comprises a pivotal loading platform with outwardly extending pick-up arms on the sides of the loading platform guiding and manipulating the bales into proper position and for grasping the ends of the bales as they are lifted on the accumulating platform. Upwardly extending gripping members and pivotable grab hooks provide increased bale grasping capabilities.

Abstract: A bale transporter and feeder is used for loading, transporting and feeding large bales of hay. This transporter and feeder includes a frame which is adapted to be connected to a prime mover and which forms a horizontal support bed, which will at least partially support a hay bale on end during transport and feeding. A lift is pivotally supported on the frame and rotatable substantially 90.degree. about a horizontal axis at approximately the same height as the horizontal support bed. This lift is adapted to engage a hay bale on the ground in a lowered position and is rotatable to a raised position. In the raised position the bale is supported on end of the support bed and the lift, and can be left in place for feeding cattle after the frame has been moved to a feeding area. An actuator is supported on the frame to move the lift between the lowered and raised positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a scooter-type wheelchair or similar object into a vehicle compartment such that the apparatus and wheelchair loaded thereon are fully contained within the vehicle when in a storage position. The apparatus includes a frame attachable to a lower surface of the vehicle compartment and a platform upon which the wheelchair may be rolled. A pair of upper links and a pair of lower links interconnect the frame and platform. A drive shaft interconnects the lower links, and the shaft may be rotated by an electric motor. Each upper link has a drive shaft which is connected to the first link drive shaft by a chain and sprocket assembly. Thus, as the motor rotates the lower link drive shaft, all links are rotated which raises the platform and wheelchair upwardly, traversing toward the vehicle compartment and lowering the platform and wheelchair into the compartment for storage. During this cycle, the platform passes through a vertical plane defining a maximum elevation.

Abstract: A bale loading-stacking apparatus is provided for mounting on the bed or frame of a truck, trailer or the like to collect and load bales, such as bales of hay, and to deposit the collected bales at an accumulation location. The apparatus includes an accumulator platform pivotally mounted to the bed or frame of the truck, trailer, or the like to permit the platform to be pivoted between a horizontal position for loading the bales to a vertical position for depositing a stack of bales. A bale loading apparatus is mounted at the rear of the platform which includes a loading ramp pivotally mounted so as to be pivotable between a generally horizontal position at ground level extending rearwardly of the platform and a generally vertical position extending above the rear end of the platform. Power means are provided for pivoting the platform and for pivoting the loading ramp.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus comprises a mobile frame defining a longitudinal axis and a raised load compartment on the mobile frame substantially in alignment with said longitudinal axis, and having open front and rear ends. A material handling bucket is pivotally mounted to a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement in an axial direction. A drive is provided driving the carriage bidirectionally in the axial direction. A cam surface is defined substantially continuous with the open front end of the raised load receiving compartment and continuing to a location vertically therebelow. The bucket is arranged for simultaneously pivoting and riding along the cam surface and the load compartment in response to the movement of the carriage for alternatively loading material through the open front end of the load receiving compartment and clearing the load receiving compartment of material loaded thereupon through the open rear end thereof.

Abstract: In a bale wagon having a bale receiving table onto which bales are lifted from the ground by pick-up means, a transfer table to which the bales are transferred from the receiving table and a load bed onto which tiers of bales are transferred by pivotal movement of the transfer table from a bale loading position to a bale unloading position there is provided bale retaining apparatus in the form of spikes or sprags which project upwardly through apertures in the load bed when the transfer table is in the bale loading position to prevent the lowermost bale or bales of the foremost tier of bales from slipping on the load bed. When the transfer table moves to the bale unloading position, the spikes or sprags are automatically retracted below the load bed, enabling the stack of bales on the load bed to be moved rearwardly to accommodate the next tier of bales.