Abstract: The apparatus is for installation in a pickup truck box and includes a tow beam extensibly carried in a support member positioned by a hydraulic cylinder to enable vertical positioning of the tow beam during coupling of the beam end to the truck tractor fifth wheel. Downward movement of the distal end of the beam, when coupled to a truck tractor, lifts the pickup truck rear end for towing of same to a site for servicing of the truck tractor. Truck tractor retrieval may accordingly be accomplished by a single workman.

Abstract: A towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack, a hitch pump handle, a removable male hitch, and a handle portion. The hitch pump handle extends from a pump unit at a rear of the pallet jack. A locking cavity is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle and is sized to receive a hitch ball. The removable male hitch is inserted into the pair of forks. A second embodiment of the towable pallet jack utilizes a scissors pallet jack with a pivotal hitch attached to a rear of the pallet jack. A third embodiment of the towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack and hitch pump handle. The hitch pump handle is offset such that thereof may be attached to a fork of a succeeding pallet jack. A fourth embodiment of the towable pallet jack uses a straight hitch pump handle which is pivotally attached to a rear of the pallet jack at one side thereof. A fifth embodiment of the towable pallet jack including a female swinging hitch and a hitch pump handle with a expandable male hitch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting device for special vehicle, and especially is provided with a lifting part (20) on a body frame (10) of tow car for lifting and carrying other vehicle to be towed and loads on the pallet from a side thereof, so that the vehicle could be towed rapidly without the release of a side brake, which is performed to tow an illegally parked vehicle, the traffic regulation could be reinforced by towing the vehicle without a front or rear space, and considerable loads could be carried.

Abstract: A combination tilting bed carrier and attached wheel-lift apparatus mounted on a chassis of a towing vehicle. The bed carrier includes a first pivot connected to the chassis and a first motive element extending between the chassis and the bed carrier for actuating tilting of the bed carrier about the first pivot. A wheel-lift is positioned below the bed carrier and includes a second pivot for pivotally connecting the wheel-lift to the chassis, with the first pivot and the second pivot concentrically, or substantially concentrically, aligned with each other. A second motive element extends between the wheel-lift and the bed carrier for actuating tilting of the wheel-lift about the second pivot. The second pivot may include a third motive element which may adjust the second pivot point, and which in conjunction with the second motive element, allows the wheel-lift to conform with either a positive or negative ground surface.

Abstract: A towing device for a tow truck that employs a contact beam with or without a rotatable bracket so that the tow truck does not have to move to make adjustments when towing a vehicle.

Abstract: A lift and support apparatus for lifting a motorcycle or similar sports vehicle of the type which is straddled in use from a ground surface and automatically holding the straddled type sports vehicle on the rear of an automotive vehicle. The apparatus uses a frame work secured to the automotive vehicle and includes a support rail capable of raising and lowering a carriage support at its outer end. The carriage support is provided with locking members for releasably locking the motorcycle or other straddled type sports vehicle onto the carriage support. When raised, the carriage support will hold the sports vehicle in an upright position for transport, and thereafter allow for lowering to a ground surface.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) is used to lift the buried lid of a crypt and any soil or turf overlying the lid. The vehicle (10) has a mobile frame (14) which can be positioned over the lid. An attachment frame (11) is suspended from a subframe (12) within the mobile frame (14), the subframe (12) being adjustable laterally relative to the frame (14). The attachment frame (11) has winch cables (19) adapted to be connected to respective attachment fittings on the lid. Hydraulic cylinders (13) are used to raise the attachment frame (11) relative to the mobile frame (14), and thereby lift the lid and any overlying soil/turf. The raised lid can be transported while suspended from the vehicle (10), and subsequently returned for replacement on its crypt in a reverse procedure.

Abstract: A device and method for lifting an aircraft wheel assembly. The device comprises first and second wheel-engaging supports connectable to a bearing structure and rotatable relative to one another between open and wheel-cradling configurations, the device further comprising an actuator connected to the bearing structure to enable raising or lowering of the supports relative to the ground when in the wheel-cradling configuration.

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 improved wheel-lift apparatus attachable to various types of transport trucks, including rollback trucks for loading and carrying disabled vehicles. The improved wheel-lift apparatus provides a horizontal extendable boom mechanism long enough for receiving disabled vehicles. As a result of the wheel-lift's “low angle” or horizontal approach, the risk of damage occurring to the chassis or body of the disabled vehicle while in the loading and carrying modes is greatly diminished.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel grid assembly and vehicle towing apparatus. The wheel grid assembly includes a wheel boom and a pair of lift arms. Each lift arm consists of an extension arm segment and an engaging arm segment pivotally mounted to the extension arm segment. Each engaging arm segment consists of an actuating arm segment and a gripping arm segment extending in opposite directions from the pivot point. A pair of linear actuators rotate the engaging arm segments about their pivot points to engage the wheels of a vehicle to be towed. Each linear actuator is attached to a respective engaging arm segment through an over-center locking mechanism. The over-center locking mechanisms lock the engaging arm segments in wheel engaging positions without aid of force from the linear actuators. The present invention also relates to a position lock mechanism and a wheel grid self-centering device.

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: A vehicle carrier employs a hydraulicly tiltable “I” beam centered on the rear of a truck type carrier. A first and second wheel carriers are carried by and independently translatable along the “I” beam. The “I” beam is tilted off of the horizontal and the first wheel carrier engages the front wheels of the vehicle to be transported that are located adjacent to the back of the carrier vehicle. The wheels are then lifted off the support surface by tilting the “I” beam toward the horizontal. The second wheel carrier is then translated under the first wheel carrier and then under the rear wheels. After the four wheels are engaged the “I” beam tilts back to the horizontal further to lifting all of the wheels off of the support surface. The first and second wheel carriers are then translated along the “I” beam to a position over the vehicle carrier the rear wheels.

Abstract: A retractable harness system for an electrical wire having a slidable harness wire pulley, an elastic cord pulley, and an elastic cord. The slidable harness wire pulley places a rearward tension on the harness wire while allowing the harness wire to be extended and retracted from the front portion of an elongate support member. A clamp is provided capable of clamping the harness wire in fixed relation to the elongate support member, and capable of being released to allow extension and retraction of the harness wire.

Abstract: Truck towing apparatus connecting a tow truck to a truck to be towed. End pieces are attached to fifth wheels of the respective trucks. End booms are attached to the respective end pieces. Each end boom has a proximal end attached to its associated end piece and a distal end extending in the direction of the other truck. The distal ends of the end boom are attached to a connecting boom. A straddle bar attaches to a rear end of the truck to be towed and straddles the connecting boom. The rear end of the truck to be towed is raised off the ground to facilitate towing by the towing truck, and the straddle bar is secured to the rear end of the truck to be towed, after it is raised, to maintain the rear end of the truck to be towed in its elevated position.

Abstract: An improved tow truck is provided, that includes special accommodations for the former occupants of the stranded vehicle, and ergonomic improvements for the tow truck operator. The tow truck provides an additional rider compartment that includes a passenger door, foldable seats, floor tracks and brackets for restraining a wheelchair. The rider compartment is preferably a rider cabin that is distinct from, but communicates with the driver cabin. The tow truck further includes an automated ladder with deployable steps and/or a wheelchair lift with a deployable platform, both for serving the rider compartment. These are operated electronically, and are preferably coordinated to work in unison with opening and closing the passenger door. Ergonomic improvements include an enclosure around the boom that defines a space for secure storage of miscellaneous equipment. The storage space is accessed through utility openings that are closeable by shutters, which can be locked.

Abstract: A combination tilting bed carrier and attached wheel-lift apparatus mounted on a chassis of a towing vehicle. The bed carrier includes a first pivot connected to the chassis and a first motive element extending between the chassis and the bed carrier for actuating tilting of the bed carrier about the first pivot. A wheel-lift is positioned below the bed carrier and includes a second pivot for pivotally connecting the wheel-lift to the chassis, with the first pivot and the second pivot concentrically, or substantially concentrically, aligned with each other. A second motive element extends between the wheel-lift and the bed carrier for actuating tilting of the wheel-lift about the second pivot. The second pivot may include a third motive element which may adjust the second pivot point, and which in conjunction with the second motive element, allows the wheel-lift to conform with either a positive or negative ground surface.

Abstract: A motorcycle towing device including a platform member with a front end for attachment to the trailer hitch of a land vehicle. An upright member is perpendicularly affixed to the rear end of the platform member. An elevator is selectively raised and lowered upon the upright member by means of a jackscrew positioned atop the platform member. The elevator has a head tube and a pair of pivot bearings positioned at the top and bottom of the head tube. The head tube carries a pivot member. The pivot member has a carriage plate and a pair of pivot arms extending forwardly from the top and bottom thereof for pivotal engagement with the pivot bearings. A pair of wheel engagement arms, for supporting a motorcycle wheel, extend rearwardly from the carriage plate.

Abstract: A towbar adapter assembly that attaches to a towbar boom and acts as a link between the towbar boom and a vehicle attachment point. The assembly has a base for attachment to the towbar boom and an anchoring strut that attaches to the vehicle. The base is incrementally positionable with respect to the towbar boom and the anchoring strut is incrementally positionable with respect to the base.

Abstract: A portable towing apparatus for towing a disabled golf cart. The towing apparatus is preferably mounted onto the rear portion of a golf cart that is to be used in towing the disabled golf cart. The towing apparatus comprising, in part, a substantially inverted T-shaped member that has attached thereto a strut assembly and a gimbal cross member. A winch is provided and is mounted onto the inverted T-shaped member. The gimbal cross member engages the disabled golf cart and the winch in concert with the strut assembly disposes the disabled golf cart for towing. The gimbal movement of the cross member enables the golf cart under tow to traverse all types of terrain.

Abstract: A combination tilting bed carrier and attached wheel-lift apparatus mounted on a chassis of a towing vehicle. The bed carrier includes a first pivot connected to the chassis and a first motive element extending between the chassis and the bed carrier for actuating tilting of the bed carrier about the first pivot. A wheel-lift is positioned below the bed carrier and includes a second pivot for pivotally connecting the wheel-lift to the chassis, with the first pivot and the second pivot concentrically, or substantially concentrically, aligned with each other. A second motive element extends between the wheel-lift and the bed carrier for actuating tilting of the wheel-lift about the second pivot. The second pivot may include a third motive element which may adjust the second pivot point, and which in conjunction with the second motive element, allows the wheel-lift to conform with either a positive or negative ground surface.

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. The telescoping slider arms of the cross bar provide lateral movement for a pair of swivel arm claws, 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.

Abstract: Two vehicles are transported in tandem by a beam assembly connecting a lead vehicle to a trailing vehicle which is reversed end-for-end. The beam assembly includes an elongated beam which is connected to the rear and extends lengthwise of the trailing vehicle. The beam extends beyond the rear end of the trailing vehicle and is elevated and connected to the rear end of the lead vehicle at a height such that the rear wheels of the trailing vehicle are raised above ground. The connection of the beam to the lead vehicle permits the beam to swing both laterally and vertically.

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 subframe 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: A self-lubricating saddle which continually lubricates the rotational elements thereof as the saddle is in use. Generally, the saddle comprises a base, a surface plate, and a saddle head. A king pin extending substantially through the center of these three components, provides a pivot point for horizontal rotation. A grease fitting is located on an upper surface of the saddle head, in a position which is easily accessible to maintenance personnel. An inlet extends from the grease fitting through the saddle head to a grease reservoir defined by a conduit or duct on the lower surface plate of the saddle head. Grease or other lubricants are retained to provide continual lubrication of the rotational elements of the saddle, and also to provide lubricants directly to the rotational elements.

Abstract: The invention is a loading and unloading device for transporting small recreational or utility vehicles in a pickup truck. The invention comprises two stationary rails mounted on the bed of a truck. A ramp is slidably and pivotally attached to the stationary rails, and an interchangeable vehicle carriage or dump bed is slidably and pivotally mounted to the ramp. In use, the ramp and carriage are lowered by a winch so that the carriage is close to the ground and substantially horizontal. A small vehicle can then be placed on the carriage. A winch then pulls the carriage up the ramp until the vehicle's center of gravity is slightly rearward of the stationary rails. The carriage stops, and the winch pulls the ramp onto the stationary rails. The ramp can then be pushed into the bed of the truck.

Abstract: A lifting method and apparatus is provided that is especially suited for mounting on a towing vehicle and for lifting a vehicle. The apparatus is compact and efficient and especially suited for mounting to a tow truck. The lifting apparatus includes a boom and a riser pivotably mounted to a frame. A riser plate is mounted to the top end of the riser. A camming crank is pivotably attached to the riser plate. A riser pivot hingeably connects the camming crank to the riser plate. An arm anchor is also mounted to the frame. Link arms connect the arm anchor to the camming crank. A crank actuator rotates the camming crank to pivot the riser. The crank actuator can rotate the camming crank to selectively pivot the riser toward or away from the arm anchor, to respectively raise or lower the attached boom. The crank actuator for rotating the camming crank is an extending and retracting hydraulic actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder and piston.

Abstract: A rear hydraulic outrigger assembly for a rotator or similar mobile wrecker wherein the rear outriggers are constructed and arranged to diverge rearwardly from the outrigger and are capable of outward lateral extension for increased stability. The rear outrigger includes a vertically extending portion and horizontally extending position which can be telescopically extended away from the rotator thereby increasing stability during loaded operation. This allows a large vehicle which requires rear stabilization room in the center part thereof for an underlift or similar structure while maintaining down and out stabilization advantages.

Abstract: A boom accessory for a tow truck having an underlift hoist includes a frame that is lockable onto the hoist by retraction of a ram of the hoist against the frame, the frame having an upwardly and rearwardly extending trailer coupling mount and a pivotally connected platform latch assembly for connecting a fifth-wheel trailer. In one version, the trailer coupling mount is interchangeable with a sheave mount for a sheave assembly by which a winch of the tow truck can hoist a load such as a disabled vehicle to be recovered. Also disclosed are a method for connecting a trailer to be towed, and a method for selectively hoisting a load or towing a fifth-wheel trailer as the load.

Abstract: A safety brake apparatus for a vehicle lifting and towing mechanism is provided that includes a minimum of a single riser plate mounted near the top of the vehicle lift's riser member. The riser plate includes a slider plate keyway and a cam bracket. A slider plate is received onto the riser plate. The slider plate includes a slider plate key and at least a single post rest. The slider plate key is received into the slider plate keyway of the riser plate. A brake actuator is also mounted to the riser plate. The brake actuator slides the slider plate from a rearward or retracted position, to a forward or safety position, as the slider plate key travels forward or rearward within the riser plate keyway. In the safety position, the boom of the vehicle lifting apparatus is prevented from lowering. The boom is attached to the riser member and pivotably mounted to a frame member.

Abstract: A new adapter for attaching a wheel lift apparatus to a road tractor for quickly mounting wheel lift apparatus to the road tractor. The inventive device includes a mounting frame having a gooseneck configuration defining a wide end and a narrow end, with the wide end of the mounting frame mounted on the frame of the road tractor, and the narrow end attached to the fifth wheel plate of the road tractor by a kingpin and attached to the tractor frame by link rods.

Abstract: A forklift attachment for attachment to a fifth-wheel hitch assembly of a vehicle for permitting the lifting of loads. The forklift attachment includes a ground engaging support carriage having an towing tongue designed for attachment to a fifth-wheel hitch assembly of a vehicle. A pair of lifting arms are pivotally mounted to the support carriage. A pair of lifting devices are provided for raising and lowering the lifting arms with respect to the support carriage and a pair of tilting devices are provided for tilting the lifting arms with respect to the support carriage.

Abstract: A towing apparatus removably attachable to the fifth wheel of a towing vehicle includes a base member having a coupling fixture for the fifth wheel, a forward lifting beam pivotably secured to the base member, and a rear lifting beam pivotably joined to the distal rear extremity of the forward lifting beam. A hydraulically activated piston mechanism is interactive between the two beams to cause the rear lifting beam to swing in a vertical path between a storage state above the towing vehicle and a rearwardly deployed state. In operation, the rear lifting beam, in the deployed state, is joined to the fifth wheel of a disabled tractor vehicle. Further extension of the piston in the same direction of motion causes the rear wheels of the disabled vehicle to rise to permit towing.

Abstract: A vehicle lifting and towing apparatus is provided. The disclosure includes a transverse beam articulatably mountable to a tow vehicle, the transverse beam has the ability to be positioned beneath a separated pair of wheels that are attached to a vehicle. Each end of the transverse beam is received into a middle socket of a carriage. Each carriage includes a fore-socket and a rear-socket. Four tire arms are provided that are manually insertable into the fore-socket and rear-socket of each carriage. The tire arm can also be manually inserted into the sockets of each carriage. Each carriage is positioned proximate an interior facing sidewall of each separated wheel and each tire arm is positioned proximate an edge of each wheel's ground contact. Each pair of tire arms are together able to support at least a single wheel. The transverse bar is raised to contact the tread surface of each of the wheels with the respective tire arms, and further raised to lift the separated pair of wheels and the attached vehicle.

Abstract: An improved towing vehicle for retrieving and/or transporting other vehicles such as vintage cars, disabled automobiles, or disabled trucks. The improved towing vehicle combines a rollback bed with a rear-mounted recovery boom that serves as both a conventional recovery boom and a wheel lift assembly. The improved wrecker truck of the present invention can thus transport two and possibly three vehicles at a time. The present invention also includes an improved rear-mounted multi-function recovery boom having a pivoting extension that greatly expands the towing vehicle's recovery and retrieval capabilities. Finally, the present invention includes a rollback bed that can be manipulated to a plurality of load positions, including a raised platform position in which the bed is raised to an elevated position over the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A towing device, adapted to be mounted to a chassis of a vehicle, features a bi-planar rotation mechanism which allows a telescoping beam to dynamically pivot about two orthogonal axes. The towing device includes a sub-frame mounted to the chassis. An underframe is pivotally attached to the sub-frame to move between a retracted position, adjacent to the sub-frame, and an extended position, distal from the sub-frame. The telescoping beam extends from the underframe and terminates in a carriage, which is adapted to support the wheels of a towed vehicle. In this fashion, the telescoping beam allows the towed vehicle to dynamically pivot about two orthogonal axes which avoids "high centering" of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An improved wheel-lift apparatus attachable to various types of transport trucks, including rollback trucks for loading and carrying disabled vehicles. The improved wheel-lift apparatus provides a horizontal extendable boom mechanism long enough for receiving disabled vehicles. As a result of the wheel-lift's "low angle" or horizontal approach, the risk of damage occurring to the chassis or body of the disabled vehicle while in the loading and carrying modes is greatly diminished.

Abstract: The present invention related a towing hitch for towing an up-sloped positioned motorcycle at the rear of a motor vehicle having a Class III receiver, the towing hitch comprising an anchoring support assembly attached to the Class III receiver, the latter including a L-shaped housing, a winch barrel pivotally attached between upright side walls and pivotal about a transverse axis and a winch belt operationally attached to the winch barrel and wound about a major circumferential portion of the front tire of the motorcycle. In one aspect, the full span of the circumference of the front tire is augmented by a metallic, arcuate pivot arm attached between and projecting from the side walls at the front of the L-shaped housing via a second transverse pivot axis positioned a distance D above the earth's surface where D is about equal to the radius R of the front wheel. In another aspect, the belt is bifurcated at its attached to the arcuate pivot arm to allow for easy attachment about the tread of the front tire.

Abstract: A crane structure for hoisting, holding and/or towing heavy loads is provided. The crane structure includes a frame, for example a wrecker truck chassis, a boom support assembly, and a pair of booms each having a first member pivotally mounted to the boom support assembly so that the first boom and the second boom are pivotal in parallel vertical planes. Each of the first boom and the second boom also has a fluid operable second member slidably received by the first member. A control system is in operative communication with the first boom, the second boom and a winch assembly to independently activate each second member to extend from and retract to its corresponding first member, to pivotally position each boom with respect to the frame, and to activate the winch assembly to retract and extend cables about free ends of the respective second members.

Abstract: A wheel lift head assembly is pivotally mounted adjacent the rear end of a truck frame and is hydraulically operated for raising and lowering one end of a vehicle to be towed behind the truck. The wheel lift head assembly includes a crossbar member having a pair of hollow tubes pivotally mounted at opposite ends thereof with a pair of J-shaped wheel engaging members slidably mounted therein. A retainer is secured to an end of each J-shaped arm to prevent the withdrawal of the arm from the pivoted guide tube and a J-shaped arm provides engagement on opposite sides of the wheels of the vehicle to be towed to prevent lateral slipping of the wheels. A tiltable truck bed is mounted on the truck for pivotal movement between a horizontal position and an inclined position. At least one support post is provided at the rear of the tiltable truck bed for supporting the end of the tiltable truck bed on the ground and notches are formed in a forwardly facing surface of the support post.

Abstract: A wheel lift apparatus for tow vehicles includes a boom extending from a tow vehicle and a cross arm connected with the boom. The wheel lift apparatus also preferably includes a pair of receivers including an inclined face mounted on opposite end portions of the cross arm and a pair of pivot members mounted on the end portions. A pair of swing arms, each of which preferably has a swivel leg, a wheel support leg and a distal leg, is mounted on the pivot members. The swing arms are pivotally movable between a storage position in which the wheel support legs each extend between the boom and one of the pivot members and towing position in which the distal legs are spaced apart from the cross arm such that the cross arm, wheel support leg and distal leg, and preferably the inclined face, define a receptacle for receiving and supporting a wheel of a vehicle for lift towing. Methods of wheel lift towing are also provided.

Abstract: A folding frame trailer is provided which includes a rear frame assembly having a front portion and a rear portion, a neck frame assembly having a front portion, a rear portion, the rear portion pivotally coupled to the front portion of the rear frame assembly, a jackleg, and an upper coupler assembly pivotally to the front portion of the neck frame assembly, whereby the jackleg is used for jacking the trailer during the folding and unfolding operations. The trailer further includes a suspension slider, and push tubes connected to the suspension slider and the central two bolster assemblies, whereby the cent bolster assemblies fold down upon the forward movement of the slider suspension with respect to the trailer.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus is provided that is especially suited for mounting on a towing vehicle and for lifting a vehicle. The invention comprises an L-shaped member with a boom leg. The L-shaped member pivots on a base frame pivot and an upper pivot. Linkage arms hingeably connect the upper pivot to a camming crank. The camming crank has a forward direction of rotation and a rearward direction of rotation, and an actuator pivot. In the forward direction of rotation, a force means rotates the camming crank about the upper frame pivot, causing the linkage pivot of the camming crank to pull the linkage arms, so that the linkage arms tilt the L-shaped bar and so raise the boom leg. In the rearward direction of rotation, the force means rotates the camming crank in the opposite direction about the linkage pivot, pushing the linkage arms so that the linkage arms tilt the L shaped bar, lowering the boom leg. The force means can be an extending and retracting actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder and piston.

Abstract: A tow bar connecting a towed vehicle a towing vehicle has a shaft forking to tines whose hooks to engage the axle or undercarriage of the towed vehicle. A cradle or bracket slidable on the shaft engages the frame, bumper or other part of the towed vehicle. An arm is pivoted to the shaft by the arm's disk-like termini, which rotatingly sandwich the shaft's disk-like terminus. The arm's termini have satellite apertures which register with complementary satellite apertures in the shaft's terminus. Registering of the respective satellite apertures occurs at selected relative angular portions of the arm and shaft. Pins through the registered satellite apertures lock the arm and shaft in a given relative angular position. A jack raises the shaft once the tow bar is on the towed vehicle. The tow bar includes an eye or the like for attaching the tow bar to the hitch of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading a motorcycle onto another vehicle. The motorcycle loader comprises a wheel saddle positionable on a bed of the vehicle, a yoke assembly connectable to front forks of the motorcycle, an auxiliary winch mounted on the wheel saddle and having a cable connected to the yoke assembly, and a remote control switch for controlling the winch. The remote control may be temporarily clamped into the handlebars of the motorcycle, and an operator sitting on the motorcycle may energize the auxiliary winch by alternately pressing and releasing a push-button switch on the remote control. The winch thus gradually pulls the front wheel of the motorcycle into the wheel saddle so that the motorcycle can be subsequently tied down to the bed of the vehicle. A strap retainer for retaining a loose end of a strap in the yoke assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A towing apparatus removably attachable to the fifth wheel of a towing vehicle includes a forward lifting beam having a distal extremity and a proximal extremity having a flat mounting face angularly disposed to the long axis of the beam and adapted to engage the fifth wheel. A rear lifting beam has a first extremity pivotably joined to the distal extremity of the forward lifting beam, and a second extremity attachable to the fifth wheel of a disabled tractor. A hydraulically activated piston, located in the forward lifting beam causes movement of the rear lifting in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A new adapter for attaching a wheel lift apparatus to a road tractor for quickly mounting wheel lift apparatus to the road tractor. The inventive device includes a mounting frame having a gooseneck configuration defining a wide end and a narrow end, with the wide end of the mounting frame mounted on the frame of the road tractor, and the narrow end attached to the fifth wheel plate of the road tractor by a kingpin and attached to the tractor frame by link rods.

Abstract: A tow truck is disclosed equiped with an improved body assembly, underlift assembly and lifting boom assembly. The body assembly includes a left body unit and a right body unit. Each body unit has a structural unit and a plurality of exterior panhed to the structural unit. The structural unit is preferably formed from flanged aluminum panels that are attached by adhesive. The improved underlift assembly comprises a support arm coupled to the vehicle. A base is coupled to an end of the support arm, a boom base is pivotally attached to the base at a first pivot point and a boom is pivotally attached to the boom base at a second pivot point. A first actuator is coupled to the support arm and the boom base. The operation of the first actuator pivots the boom base with respect to the support arm. A second actuator is coupled to the boom base and the boom. The operation of the second actuator pivots the boom with respect to the boom base.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting and towing vehicles includes a boom assembly which can be folded and unfolded by use of hydraulics. Drumstick shaped members are connected at the end of the boom assembly and can be moved to engage and hold tires or wheels of towed vehicles in cooperation with a bar member also attached at the end of the boom assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus mountable to a transporting vehicle chassis for transporting another vehicle including a platform pivotally mounted to the chassis which includes a deck for carrying the vehicle, and a carriage located on and movable along the platform. A telescoping boom is connected to the carriage, and has a free end with a vehicle lift device, which engages the vehicle to be transported. Power actuators are provided to move the platform from a loading position to a transport position, and for moving the carriage and for raising or lowering the vehicle lift mechanism.