Abstract: An self-powered apparatus for moving objects that can be rolled or dragged across a surface, one embodiment of the apparatus operating on either of front or rear endless track pairs the apparatus center of gravity being forwardly and rearwardly shiftable to select between use of the front or rear endless tracks for movement of the vehicle across a surface.

Abstract: A side recovery system is disclosed that includes a base configured to be supported on a vehicle and a boom supported by the base and having a first end and a second end. The boom is rotatable relative to the base about a substantially horizontal axis between a first position and second position. The second end of the boom being positioned at a first side of the vehicle in the first position and at an opposite second side of the vehicle in the second position. The system also includes a first sheave supported at the second end of the boom and configured to receive a load bearing cable. The cable configured to remain received by the first sheave as the boom rotates between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Lift adaptors for the hook-up and towing of heavy vehicles such as buses, coaches and trucks in a damage-free fashion, avoiding the need for pre-picking. The lift adaptors may be mounted to receivers slidable over the underlift crossbar of heavy-duty, underlift-type tow vehicles. An engagement end of the lift adaptors may be secured to the underside portion of a vehicle to be towed, using an eye bracket, apertures or another attachment mechanism. A movable boom may be used to locate the crossbar in a proper position beneath the towed vehicle, enabling engagement to the lift adaptors. The lift adaptors are preferably designed for quick decoupling in the field so that they may be replaced with forks or other hook-up or towing attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles is disclosed. The method uses inner or outer securing plates, or both, in cooperation with frame rails of a towing vehicle to secure a towing device to the towing vehicle. Towing vehicles typically include a frame that is made from strong robust channels on both sides of the towing vehicle. The securing plates generally have a right-angle bend in order to butt up against a web or a flange of the channels. This prevents inner or outer movement of the securing plates and allows users to secure a towing saddle and its load without using extended U-bolts around the channels.

Abstract: A recovery vehicle having a side recovery system is disclosed. The side recovery system includes a boom having a first end and a second end. The boom is rotatable about the first end between a first position and second position. The side recovery system also includes a base having a portion for supporting the first end of the boom, a first receiving structure for securing the second end of the boom when the boom is in the first position, and a second receiving structure for securing the second end of the boom when the boom is in the second position. The boom further includes a locking device configured to selectively engage the first receiving structure and the second receiving structure for securing the second end of the boom.

Abstract: A wheel lift system for use with a transporter vehicle is provided. The wheel lift system comprises a boom assembly, a cross bar supported at a distal end of the boom assembly, a first arm supported at the cross bar and configured to move between a stowed position and a use position, and a second arm movably coupled to the first arm and configured to move between a stowed position and a use position. A cam is provided for moving the second arm from the use position to the stowed position. The wheel lift system may optionally include an unfolding mechanism for moving the second arm from the stowed position to the use position.

Abstract: A vehicle transport apparatus and method for attaching vehicles to the transport apparatus are provided. The vehicle transport apparatus preferably includes: a beam providing a kingpin on each a proximal and distal end; and an axle in vertical and horizontal sliding support of the beam, the axle providing selectable vertical and horizontal positioning of the beam relative to the axle. The method includes: collapsing a rear suspension of a first vehicle; lashing a rear axle of the first vehicle to a frame of the first vehicle; coupling a first kingpin of a vehicle transport apparatus to a fifth wheel of the first vehicle; lashing the first vehicle to a frame of the vehicle transport apparatus; elevating the vehicle transport apparatus with an axle of the vehicle transport apparatus; and coupling a second kingpin of the vehicle transport apparatus to a fifth wheel of a second vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus disposed about a rear end of a towing vehicle; wherein the apparatus includes an extendable double beam. The extendable double beam is configured to articulate when coupling to a towed vehicle. The apparatus includes a hydraulically sliding saddle coupled to the double beam. The apparatus includes a downward telescoping mast having a coupling device disposed near an end. The downward telescoping mast includes a universal point of attachment configured to couple to wheels of the towed vehicle. In addition, the apparatus includes a plurality of powered wire ropes and a plurality of support straps configured to secure and support the wheels of the towed vehicle. The apparatus includes a hydraulic power lift coupled to the beam. The towing vehicle includes a point of load bearing that is about between four feet to seven feet from the tandem axle trunnion of the tow truck.

Abstract: A modular tow trailer assembly tows cargo behind a motor vehicle. A base assembly pivotally connects to a fork assembly. A hydraulic lifting cylinder moves the wheels downward relative to the fork assembly to raise the fork assembly into a towing position with the load substantially centered over the trailer's wheels. The tow trailer is readily partially disassembled for fitting within a cargo container and transporting within a cargo carrier in field conditions.

Abstract: A scissor hitch assembly for use with a ground-level loading trailer which allows the ball hitch coupler to remain attached to the towing vehicle while the ground-level loading trailer is in its lowered or ground-level position. When in its travel position, the scissor hitch assembly is secured through a travel pin. When the ground-level loading trailer is to be lowered, a single individual can simply remove the travel pin from the scissor hitch assembly and allow a portion of the scissor hitch assembly to slowly lower through the assistance of gas springs.

Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles is disclosed. The method uses relatively light weight, flexible webbing atop the truck frame in place of hardwood timbers presently used. The advantage is that the timbers need not be transported back to the truck factory or dealership for reuse, only the chains and webbing need to be returned. Thus, it is easier and more economical to return the towing equipment for re-use for the next shipment of trucks. Protective material may be placed atop the truck frame to protect the webbing from sharp corners or edges of the truck frame. Chains may be used on either side of the intermediate axle to attach to the webbing. In one embodiment, sturdy strapping or other materials may be used on either side of the intermediate axle to attach to the webbing.

Abstract: The invention is a tow bar adapter which is attached to the existing fittings of the commonly used tow bar used to tow a vehicle behind a motor coach and selectively elevate the front end of the towed vehicle. The invention is a also a method for providing a tow bar adapter attached to the existing fittings of a standard tow bar used to tow a vehicle behind a motor coach and selectively elevate the front end of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A self-loading wheel lift with automatically powered wheel support members, such as L-arms, for engaging the wheels of a vehicle to be towed. The wheel lift may be rapidly disassembled in the field and converted to alternating towing assemblies such as tool bars employing frame fork attachments, hook ends, slings, pintle hooks, fifth-wheel plates, king pins, etc.

Abstract: A mobile lift device having a load moving device capable of engaging a load is provided. The mobile lift device includes one or more systems for stabilizing the mobile lift device during operation of the load moving device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the mobile lift device is a heavy duty wrecker having a rotatable boom assembly. The heavy duty wrecker comprises a monitoring system for stabilizing the wrecker during operation of the boom assembly. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors and a monitoring circuit coupled to the sensors to generate a force signal representative of at least one force being applied to the wrecker based upon the transmitted signals.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for towing utility vehicles such as motorized luggage carriers. The apparatus includes a base framework having spaced axle mounts at one end and a hitch structure at the other. A lift frame is supported on the base framework and includes a sloped guide beam and a winch operational support assembly for cable operations in line with the guide beam. The guide beam has a linear portion and an arcuate distal end portion, a slide frame being mounted over the guide beam and associated with the operational support assembly to cause movement of the slide frame along the guide beam. A transverse beam is mounted at the slide frame and provides securement structure at the utility vehicle. A plurality of catches are located along the guide beam, and a latch is located at the slide frame for capture by the catches as the slide frame is moved in one direction on the guide beam and release therefrom upon movement in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis and an underlift supported by the chassis. The underlift includes a boom including a vehicle engaging device coupled to the boom and a movement actuator for moving the boom. The underlift further includes a control system configured to restrict actuation of the movement actuator when the boom moves to a predetermined position; and an operator control coupled to the control system that allows the operator to control the movement actuator after actuation of the movement actuator has been restricted.

Abstract: A vehicle traction device installed on a wrecker to raise wheels of a vehicle to be towed. The vehicle traction device has an arm which is inserted beneath the vehicle to be towed. The arm includes the retractable attachments which are vertically extended and retracted to lift the vehicle to be towed. Thus, it is possible to easily start towing the vehicle without troublesome setup work even if the vehicle to be towed has a low chassis, such as a four-axle vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular towing apparatus incorporates an air bag in association with shock absorbers and a tow bar. The air bag may be selectively inflated and deflated, allowing the tow bar to be raised and lowered at will. In addition, the tow bar may be extended or retracted as desired. Several platform attachments enable the towing apparatus to be used alternatively as an automobile tow bar, a support for motorcycles or bicycles, or other items that may be supported upon a platform. The towing apparatus retracts under the vehicle, and may also serve as a vehicle step or standard trailer ball attachment point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle mounted winch and cable assembly that may include a slide track, a winch, a cable guide and a powering means. Also disclosed is a related method. The slide track may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle and may have a track axis extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The winch may be rigidly mounted to the vehicle for accepting and discharging the cable. The cable guide may be movably secured to the slide track and may accept the cable from the winch and then redirect the cable from a direction generally parallel to the track axis to a direction generally perpendicular to the track axis. The powering means may adjustably move the cable guide along the slide track.

Abstract: A device and method for moving tilt frame and transfer bed portions of a cargo transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a table and a pin. The table may be mounted on a horizontal axis and secured to the tilt frame. The table has a first surface permitting coaxial rotation of an opposing second surface, where the opposing second surface is on the transfer bed. The pin may extend from the table and may be secured to the transfer bed such that the first surface opposes the second surface. The table may pivot on the horizontal axis such that the transfer bed may be horizontal during inclination of the tilt frame.

Abstract: A mobile lift device having a load moving device capable of engaging a load is provided. The mobile lift device includes one or more systems for stabilizing the mobile lift device during operation of the load moving device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the mobile lift device is a heavy duty wrecker having a rotatable boom assembly. The heavy duty wrecker comprises a front outrigger system for stabilizing the wrecker during operation of the boom assembly. The front outrigger system comprises a pair of outriggers that form a generally criss-cross configuration when in an extended or stabilizing position.

Abstract: A modular tow trailer assembly tows cargo behind a motor vehicle. A base assembly pivotally connects to a fork assembly. A hydraulic lifting cylinder moves the wheels downward relative to the fork assembly to raise the fork assembly into a towing position with the load substantially centered over the trailer's wheels. The tow trailer is readily partially disassembled for fitting within a cargo container and transporting within a cargo carrier in field conditions.

Abstract: A mobile lift device having a load moving device capable of engaging a load is provided. The mobile lift device includes one or more systems for stabilizing the mobile lift device during operation of the load moving device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the mobile lift device is a heavy duty wrecker having a rotatable boom assembly. The heavy duty wrecker comprises a monitoring system for stabilizing the wrecker during operation of the boom assembly. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors and a monitoring circuit coupled to the sensors to generate a force signal representative of at least one force being applied to the wrecker based upon the transmitted signals.

Abstract: A tow lift apparatus for a towing vehicle includes a pair of vertically aligned and horizontally and fore-to aft oriented receiver hitches fixedly secured to the rear of the towing vehicle; a lift releasably connected to the receiver hitches, the lift connected to a power source for displacing the tow lift apparatus to and from a loading configuration and a transporting configuration; a connecting mechanism including first and second cradle with a securing device for releasable connection to a vehicle to be towed. The tow lift apparatus is adjustable to accommodate vehicles having different wheel sizes and different wheel widths. A method of assembling and using the tow lift apparatus is provided.

Abstract: Wheel lift tow device for a tow truck includes a centrally located extendable support beam having a cross bar pivotably attached to it, so that it can be oriented obliquely for towing obliquely placed disabled cars, especially for front wheel drive vehicles. The telescoping slider arms of the cross bar provide lateral movement for a pair of swivel arm scoops, or claws, which cradle and lift a pair of wheels of the disabled vehicle. The swivel arm scoops are rotatable about a pivot on each telescoping slider arm, but in their position of use are supported by a lateral stop bracket, which supports the lateral forces of the wheel while in the cradled position and distributes the weight therefrom. The swivel arm scoop claws are configured to isolate the front end parts from the moving parts of the wheel lift.

Abstract: A wheel lift hitch device for towing a vehicle, particularly a hitch that is assembled from several components to surround and carry an axle of a vehicle to be towed, in which the device becomes a rigid appendage to that vehicle. The appendage serves as a tongue to hitch vehicle to a tow truck with both horizontal and vertical axes at the hitch of the tow truck.

Abstract: A vehicle towing attachment inserted into a lower portion of a vehicle to be towed raises and holds wheels when the vehicle to be towed is towed. The attachment has three prongs for retaining a plate spring to which a wheel of the vehicle is attached. Since the three prongs are provided on the attachment, shifting of the towed vehicle in the transverse direction and the front and rear direction can be prevented without fail. Even during the course of a towing operation, the towed vehicle can be retained stably and reliably.

Abstract: A rear-lifting cradle lifts the rear of a modern transit bus by a wrecker even if it not designed for such lifting. A minimum of bus modification is needed for the use of this cradle. The cradle includes an assemblage of robust steel tube members including a crossbar, two frame extenders, and two slider arms. The bus modifications include replacing the rear plate of each of the two rear axle stabilizers. The two frame extenders couple into square holes in the replaced rear stabilizer plates while the posts bear on the top surface of the frame extenders. The slider arms have short columns and locator pins, which fit into the holes of the rear jacking plates, which are part of the bus. When the upwardly open forks of the lifting arms of a wrecker engage the crossbar of this rear-lifting cradle, the bus is lifted with the major stresses coupled into the main structural bus frame. Any residual lifting stresses are spread into the two rear jacking points, which are sufficiently robust to accept jacking stresses.

Abstract: A side puller accessory frame for a tow truck having a cab and a truck frame mounts to the truck frame behind the cab. The accessory frame preferably includes two stiff legs, a wire rope winch mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the truck that provides pulling force via a removable pivotable center sheave that directs the pulling force to sides or the rear of the truck as desired. The accessory frame may include a removable pivotable side sheave that may mount in a side sheave mounting tube. The side puller accessory frame makes a conventional car carrier with a roll back bed a recovery truck.

Abstract: A tow hitch assembly for attachment to a towing vehicle. The tow hitch assembly includes a tow hitch arm, attachment means, positioning means and lifting means.

Abstract: A disabled truck recovery unit is detachably mountable on the back of a standard truck tractor to permit the standard truck tractor to be operable to tow a disabled truck tractor over the highway in a safe and effective manner. The disabled truck recovery unit includes an anchoring frame assembly connected to the standard truck tractor and an attaching frame assembly that can be connected to a disabled truck tractor to permit the towing thereof. The two frame assemblies are pivotally connected and powered by a single hydraulic actuator to convert the frame mechanism from a compact transport configuration to an operative position to engage the disabled truck tractor. A scissors linkage mechanism interconnects the hydraulic cylinder and the frame assemblies to effect proper movement thereof. An engine is mounted on the anchoring frame assembly to provide an independent source of operative power for the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A vehicular towing apparatus incorporates an air bag in association with shock absorbers and a tow bar. The air bag may be selectively inflated and deflated, allowing the tow bar to be raised and lowered at will. In addition, the tow bar may be extended or retracted as desired. Several platform attachments enable the towing apparatus to be used alternatively as an automobile tow bar, a support for motorcycles or bicycles, or other items that may be supported upon a platform. The towing apparatus retracts under the vehicle, and may also serve as a vehicle step or standard trailer ball attachment point.

Abstract: An improved wheel-lift assembly is provided for towing vehicles on a wrecker. The wheel-lift assembly is adapted to be mounted on the rear deck of the wrecker. The wheel-lift tow assembly includes a relatively thin crossbar assembly, a pair of pivotal lifting arms, and multiple hydraulic cylinders. Two of the hydraulic cylinders are connected to support arms, and thereby control the position of the lifting arms. The hydraulic cylinders are positioned on an outboud portion of the wheel-lift assembly. The wheel-lift assembly includes over-center locking devices for securely locking the lifting arms in place during towing. The wheel-lift assembly may also include reinforcements on the lift arms to create a wear zone for identifying usual wear due to improper usage.

Abstract: A wheel lift tow device for a tow truck includes a centrally located extendable support beam having a cross bar pivotably attached to it, so that it can be oriented obliquely for towing obliquely placed disabled cars, especially for front wheel drive vehicles. The telescoping slider arms of the cross bar provide lateral movement for a pair of swivel arm scoops, or claws, which cradle and lift a pair of wheels of the disabled vehicle. The swivel arm scoops are moved by slotted plates having slots accommodating respective piston rods of each respective hydraulic cylinder providing movement of the swivel arm scoop claws. The cylinders are laid parallel to each other and are covered on all four sides by a cover sleeve.

Abstract: A wheel lift hitch device for towing a vehicle, particularly a hitch that is assembled from several components to surround and carry an axle of a vehicle to be towed, in which the device becomes a rigid appendage to that vehicle. The appendage serves as a tongue to hitch vehicle to a tow truck with both horizontal and vertical axes at the hitch of the tow truck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for gripping a unit load during handling of same, said device comprising an attachment portion for attaching the device to the unit load, a gripping portion (for engaging with a handling means) which is embodied in the form of a container corner, and a set of at least two said gripping devices adapted in a certain way to the unit load or at least to elements of the unit load. The invention also relates to a transport vehicle for the unit load, comprising a towing vehicle and a trailer that are connected to each other via the unit load during transportation thereof, and which have holding devices for the unit load on their facing ends, comprising a set of said gripping devices.

Abstract: Accessories for tow trucks enable the tow truck to lift and tow heavy-duty vehicles, such as municipal buses and heavy-duty trucks. A bus adapter engages an anchor, which extends from the front or rear frame of the bus. The frame anchor may be a downwardly extending anchor member or horizontally extending anchor portion extending parallel to the frame of the bus. In an embodiment for lifting heavy duty multi-axle trucks, linear components slides into other linear component to form wheel lifts scoops. Some of the components include a hollow collar for joining the linear components Another adapter is a tow chain adapter, having therein a tow chain with a lifting hook for engaging a chain supporting frame portions of a heavy-duty vehicle such as a bus or a truck.

Abstract: A vehicular towing apparatus incorporates an air bag in association with shock absorbers and a tow bar. The air bag may be selectively inflated and deflated, allowing the tow bar to be raised and lowered at will. In addition, the tow bar may be extended or retracted as desired. Several platform attachments enable the towing apparatus to be used alternatively as an automobile tow bar, a support for motorcycles or bicycles, or other items that may be supported upon a platform. The towing apparatus retracts under the vehicle, and may also serve as a vehicle step or standard trailer ball attachment point.

Abstract: A towing assembly is mounted to the rear of a robotic vehicle. The assembly has motors and hydraulic cylinders which are actuated to manipulate a lunette, pintle or other hitching element. Manipulation of this hitching element brings it into connection with a complementary element on a vehicle to be towed. The motors and cylinders can be remotely controlled and a camera on the robotic vehicle allows a human operator at a remote site to monitor the operation of the towing assembly.

Abstract: A rear body structure of a vehicle has a pair of first reinforcement members, second reinforcement members and third reinforcement members. The first members are provided from both edges of the roof to a front section of the pickup bed. Each first member is provided so that its front section lies along one of the edges of the roof while its rear section lies along one of the first pillars. The second members are provided on upper edges of side panels provided at both sides of the pickup bed from the front to rear ends of the pickup bed. Each second member is jointed, at the front end to one of the first members. Each second member is segmented into a first crushable zone and a second zone. The first zone is located behind the second zone and more fragile than the second zone against the load applied from behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A disabled truck recovery unit is detachably mountable on the back of a standard truck tractor to permit the standard truck tractor to be operable to tow a disabled truck tractor over the highway in a safe and effective manner. The disabled truck recovery unit includes an anchoring frame assembly connected to the standard truck tractor and an attaching frame assembly that can be connected to a disabled truck tractor to permit the towing thereof. The two frame assemblies are pivotally connected and powered by a single hydraulic actuator to convert the frame mechanism from a compact transport configuration to an operative position to engage the disabled truck tractor. A scissors linkage mechanism interconnects the hydraulic cylinder and the frame assemblies to effect proper movement thereof. An engine is mounted on the anchoring frame assembly to provide an independent source of operative power for the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a self-propelled transport and handling device (1) for picking up and towing a load (2), such as a skip (3), comprising a rigid structure (4) provided with running (9) or sliding means at least in its rear part (8), opposite catching means (6) provided on its front part (5) and capable of co-operating with towing means (7) associated with said device (1), which comprises at least a wheel (10) both steering and driving. Said device is characterized in that it comprises a hook (12) capable of co-operating with said catching means (6) with matching shape and lateral grip means (13) designed to be urged to be fastened, from the lateral sides of the load (2) to prevent the self-propelled device (1) from rotating relative to said load (2) about a vertical pivoting axis passing substantially through the hook (12).

Abstract: A motorcycle tow rack (12) has a cradle (20) which is pivotally secured to a tow rack frame (50) for receiving a wheel (22) of a motorcycle (14). The cradle (20) and the tow rack frame (50) are pivotally secured to a receiver hitch (16) of a towing vehicle (18). Two clamping plates (30), two clamp arms (28) and a pivot plate (32) secure the motorcycle wheel (22) to the cradle (20). Stabilizer bars (62) are pivotally secured to the receiver hitch (16) and are slidably secured to the tow rack frame (50). Tie down members (34) extend from two stabilizer bars (62) to the motorcycle frame (40). Tie down members (35) extend from the tow rack frame (50) to the motorcycle frame (40). Yaw braces (44) secure handlebars (46) of the motorcycle (14) in fixed relation to the motorcycle frame (40).

Abstract: Wheel lift tow device for a tow truck includes a centrally located extendable support beam having a cross bar pivotably attached to it, so that it can be oriented obliquely for towing obliquely placed disabled cars, especially for front wheel drive vehicles. The telescoping slider arms of the cross bar provide lateral movement for a pair of swivel arm scoops, or claws, which cradle and lift a pair of wheels of the disabled vehicle. The swivel arm scoops are rotatable about a pivot on each telescoping slider arm, but in their position of use are supported by a lateral stop bracket, which supports the lateral forces of the wheel while in the cradled position and distributes the weight therefrom. The swivel arm scoop claws are configured to isolate the front end parts from the moving parts of the wheel lift.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation in a pickup truck box and which includes a tow beam positionably carried in a support housing positioned by a hydraulic cylinder to raise or lower the tow beam during coupling of the beam end to a truck tractor fifth wheel. Downward movement of the distal end of the beam, by the cylinder, lifts the pickup truck rear end for towing of same. Truck tractor retrieval for servicing may accordingly be accomplished by a single driver.

Abstract: A hitch for a tow truck of the type having towing apparatus including a cross beam connected to the distal end of a telescopic boom mounted on the rear of the tow truck chassis. The hitch has a base plate having depending side plates which straddle the telescopic boom and aligned cut-out portions in the side plates providing a saddle for receiving the cross beam. A tow bar connector, such as a tubular socket, having a handle secured to the top surface of the base plate. The hitch is manually positioned on the telescopic boom and cross beam and clamped between the cross beam and rear chassis of the tow truck when the telescopic boom is moved to the retracted position.

Abstract: An adjustable body sub-frame assembly that mounts on a truck chassis, and an adjustable body panel assembly that mounts on the body sub-frame assembly. The body sub-frame assembly includes left and right sub-frame rails that mount on respective truck chassis rails. Each sub-frame rail includes sub-frame brace tubes and body support brackets. The sub-frame brace tubes are fixed to the sub-frame rails extending laterally inward from the truck chassis rails, and the body support brackets are fixed to the sub-frame rails extending laterally outward from the truck chassis rails. The body sub-frame assembly further includes sub-frame brace sleeves that receive corresponding sub-frame brace tubes of the sub-frame rails. The sub-frame brace tubes can be welded at different positions within the sub-frame brace sleeves providing for adjustability in the width of the body sub-frame assembly. The body panel assembly includes left and right body panels.

Abstract: An apparatus for easily loading and unloading a motorcycle or similar vehicle onto and from the bed of a utility vehicle such as a pick-up truck which only requires a single operator. The apparatus comprises a guide rail subassembly secured to the bed of a utility vehicle, a main ramp subassembly detachably secured to the guide rail subassembly, a dolly subassembly which is adapted to support the motorcycle and ride on the main ramp subassembly and the guide rail subassembly, a plurality of adjustable tie down straps for detachably securing the motorcycle to the dolly subassembly, and an approach ramp subassembly which is detachably secured to the dolly subassembly. The dolly subassembly has a winch and a battery mounted thereon with the battery powering the winch which has one end of a flexible cable secured thereto and a free end of the flexible cable having a hook secured thereto which is adapted to be attached to an eye bolt secured to the guide rail subassembly.

Abstract: A tow vehicle such as a tow truck, adapted to obliquely approach and engage an object to be lifted. The vehicle has a boom mounted to a stable base and a swivel joint dividing the boom into a proximal section and a relatively pivotal distal section. Preferably, an orbiting electrical gearmotor fixed to the proximal section pivots the distal section by engaging a toothed rack formed as part of the distal section. Pivot is limited to a maximum of ninety degrees to the right and ninety degrees to the left by limit switches, where these directions signify deviation from longitudinal alignment of proximal and distal sections of the boom. The gearmotor is controlled by a mobile control station having manual selective pushbutton operators. The boom is hydraulically raised and lowered, and terminates in a cradle pivotally fixed thereto. The cradle has jaws which can close over the object being lifted. The tow vehicle optionally includes powered outriggers for stability.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to lift a load, such as one end of a vehicle, to enable movement of the load from one location to another. The apparatus is comprised of an elongated member, such as a beam, and a winch slidably mounted on the elongated member which, in combination with the load itself and a stationary base, such as another vehicle, operates to lift and move the load.