Abstract: An apparatus that is changeable between a trailer configuration, in which the apparatus is configured and usable as a trailer, and a truck bed cover configuration, in which the apparatus is configured and usable as a truck bed cover. The apparatus includes a bed having a top surface, a wheel assembly attached to the bed, and a towing assembly coupled with the bed, the towing assembly being configured to couple with a hitch of a vehicle. The bed can include a center deck section and a pair of side deck sections slidably coupled to the center deck section such that the side deck sections can be slid laterally with respect to the center deck section to adjust the width of the apparatus. A method of converting the apparatus from a trailer to a truck bed cover is also included.

Abstract: A device and method for transferring cargo are disclosed, including transferring cargo between an aft-loading aircraft and a ground transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention may include a tilt frame, a transfer bed, and an adjustable carriage. The tilt frame may be pivotally engaged to a vehicle chassis where the tilt frame has a first end near the cab of the vehicle and a second end distal from the cab. The transfer bed may have a first end connected to the tilt frame and may be movable along an upper surface of the tilt frame. The adjustable height carriage may support a second end of the transfer bed. The transfer bed may be leveled at varying heights by moving the first end of the transfer bed along the upper surface of the tilt frame, and by varying the height of the carriage.

Abstract: A method of bulk transport of proppant is disclosed comprising: transporting proppant in an intermodal transport container to a well site, the intermodal transport container having four vertical walls, a roof, and a base, defining an enclosed interior, the proppant being loosely disposed within the enclosed interior; and unloading at least a portion of the proppant through one or more gates in the intermodal transport container at the well site. An apparatus for bulk transport of proppant is also disclosed.

Abstract: A material transfer system including a first vehicle and a second vehicle. The first vehicle has a pressurized compartment maintaining a first air pressure therein. The ambient air outside of the pressurized compartment is at a second air pressure, with the first air pressure being different than the second air pressure thereby defining a pressure differential. The second vehicle has a material discharge device. The material discharge device is capable of delivering material to the first vehicle. The second vehicle having a reservoir for receiving the material. The material passing from the reservoir into the pressurized compartment without substantial loss of the pressure differential.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a wheelchair, the wheelchair including a frame with first and second rear frame members and first and second front frame members, the apparatus including a ground-engageable base; a chair connection assembly having connection means for securely connecting to the frame of a wheelchair; a lift assembly having first and second lift members, the first lift member connected with the chair connection assembly and the second lift member connected to the base; power means connected with the lift assembly for moving the lift assembly between a retracted, down position and an extended, up position; and a lift control assembly for connecting the power means with the lift assembly and for controlling the lift assembly.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having an assembly for loading sheet material includes a cargo area having a loading opening and a bulkhead located at an opposite end of the cargo area from the loading opening. Also included is a passenger compartment located at a forward region of the vehicle. Further included is at least one fixed end stop located proximate a rear area of the cargo area. Yet further included is at least one load assist strip, where a first end of the strip is mounted to the bulkhead, wherein the strip extends rearward to a second end of the strip that is mounted to the end stop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rack stopper system for holding a plurality of components and/or component trays on a rack and then allowing the component trays to be transferred to another rack. The system can include a base, a support bar attached to the base, and a wiper bar pivotally attached to the support bar. The wiper bar can have a stop position that blocks a component and/or a component tray from rolling off of a first rack and a pass position that allows the component and/or component tray to roll off of the first rack and onto a second rack.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying granular and powered bulk materials is provided. The apparatus can include a trailer having a trailer bed that can tilt or rotate from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position. The apparatus can further include a container that can be placed on the trailer bed for transport. The container can include a gate at one end to allow bulk material contained therein to exit the container when the gate is opened and the trailer bed is tilted or rotated to the inclined position. The apparatus can further include a pneumatic conveyor having a feed hopper to receive bulk material and to move the bulk material into a fluidizing chamber wherein pressurized air or gas flowing through the chamber conveys the bulk material.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for transporting and storing construction materials for a job site using a trailer having a plurality of openings, a container having a frame carrying support feet for being received into the trailer openings, a plurality of attachment points carried by the frame on the floor of the interior of the container, a plurality of shelves carried by the interior of the container; and a door carried by the container having a lock.

Abstract: The invention concerns moving of load units laden on pallets or load sheets. The invention provides a load truck (10) (FIG. 2) for moving load units (40). The truck (10) includes a load support structure (12) and a travelling member (28) for pushing a load unit (40) from the structure (12). It includes also a hydraulic cylinder assembly (32), acting between the member (28) and a member (26) fixed with respect to the structure (12), for displacing the member (28). The invention further provides a method (FIG. 6) of offloading a load unit (40) from a load truck (10). It involves anchoring the truck (10) during at least a last stage of forward pushing of the load unit (40) from the truck (10) by means of a load shifting mechanism (25) of the load truck (10), thereby to restrain the load truck (10) against rearward displacement and push the load unit (40) against an object (48).

Abstract: The present combination ladder rack and loader device is designed for use with pickup trucks. This device can function as a typical ladder rack, but also has the ability to lift large and heavy objects both into and out of the truck's bed. In one embodiment, the combination ladder rack and loader device can connect to the pick-up truck primarily through a receiver hitch allowing it to be easily disconnected from the truck when desired. This device can also comprise either a mechanical or an electrical winch to assist in the loading and unloading of large or heavy objects.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus 10 is provided for assisting in sliding a kayak up onto a roof rack. The mounting apparatus comprises a vehicle mounting portion 11, and a cradling portion 12. Vehicle mounting portion 11 comprises a central support portion 13, and a pair of oppositely extending suction assemblies 14. Each suction assembly 14 comprises a lower flexible cup like foot portion 15 which attaches to the vehicle, and an upper backing member 16 which is made of metal. An operating member 17 is attached to each backing member 16 and comprises an over centre cam like lever 18 which can be moved between a first position where portion 15 is held to the vehicle by suction, and a second (release) position where the foot portion can be removed from the attachment to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for wheeling a vehicle onto a truck or trailer includes a ramp. The apparatus includes a mounting portion attached to the ramp that mounts to the truck or trailer. The apparatus includes a transition piece the pivotally attaches to the ramp and contacts ground when the mounting portion is mounted to the truck or trailer. A method for placing a vehicle onto a truck or trailer includes the steps of attaching a mounting portion of a ramp to the truck or trailer. There is the step of moving a transition piece attached to the ramp so the transition piece contacts ground. There is the step of wheeling the vehicle across the transition piece, up the ramp and onto the truck or trailer.

Abstract: A truck for heavy transport that comprises a front part coupled with a rear part. The rear part comprises a load arrangement including a load frame arranged to support a loading bin. The loading bin is arranged such that it can be pivoted at the rear end of the load frame, whereby the load arrangement or load frame comprises a pivot arrangement arranged to displace the point of attack of the weight of the load during a lifting operation of the loading bed.

Abstract: A crane having a base unit, a mast, a boom, a support, and an elevator mechanism is disclosed. The base unit couples to a hitch of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The mast extends from the base unit, and the boom extends from the mast. The support is coupled to a distal end of the boom and is configured to engage a load, such as a canopy for the pickup truck. The elevator mechanism is configured to elevate the boom to life the load relative to the vehicle. The boom and the elevator assembly are rotatable about the mast.

Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a towing device which utilizes a towing base, wheels, and a plurality of movable tracks, a tongue hitch attachment, and a vehicle locator swivel plate. The invention can be supplied with hydraulic surge brakes or electric brakes, as well as brake and turn lights. Tie down straps are used for securing the vehicle to the dolly. The invention features an adjustable car locator swivel plate. This allows the adjustment of the weight distribution to “fine tune” the load. The tongue weight can be adjusted to comply with the RV hitch's requirements. Using the loading ramps supplied with the invention, the automobile and the golf cart can be ready for transport quickly and easily.

Abstract: An easy to use and compact wheelchair lift device that can be quickly and easily installed to load a wheelchair into the trunk of a vehicle. A representative lift is designed such that the wheelchair may be loaded properly and completely without the lift or the wheelchair striking the vehicle. The representative lift is also designed to reduce back strain on an operator by precluding the need to lift the wheelchair. In one embodiment, the wheelchair lift comprises a base frame that may be installed in the trunk of an automobile, a wheelchair platform configured to hold a wheelchair, a sliding frame configured to slide the wheelchair platform to or from the trunk of a vehicle, and a pivoting lift mechanism configured to raise or lower the wheelchair platform to or from the ground.

Abstract: A carrier having a platform or deck mounted on a subframe tiltable relative to the vehicle chassis. The platform is preferably slidable relative to the subframe. Using Super Single rear wheels and an airbag suspension, for example, sufficient clearance is provided such that the subframe is preferably located between the vehicle chassis frame and the rear wheels. The resulting carrier has a platform with a height lower than that of previous carriers, providing it with a lower center of gravity, enabling a reduction in load angle and an increase in payload height.

Abstract: A lightweight ramp locking assembly for use with a vehicle having a hitch receiver, a bed with sides and a tailgate. The assembly is connectable with the hitch receiver and positionable in a vertical locking position and a diagonal loading position. The assembly is firmly secured with the vehicle to be incapable of rotating movement.

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 simple, adjustable lift system to load a cot bearing a patient into and out of an ambulance and a method of transferring a load on a transport into a vehicle is provided. More specifically, the lift system provides a pair of rails that may be adjusted to accommodate any cot currently in use by an ambulance. The rail system is extendable and is operated by a linear actuator to couple to a cot or other transport and lift the cot or other transport to a height from which the cot may be laterally inserted into the ambulance without undue strain on the EMT, firefighter, or other user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachably attachable moving headboard trailer ejector and floor cleaning apparatus for use with a self-unloading trailer having a front end, a rear end, side walls, and either a reciprocating slat conveyor floor or a conveyor belt floor. The invention comprises, in one embodiment, a base, a panel sweeper, one or more panel sweeper support members, a means for traversing the panel sweeper, a tether bar, side flanges, and a base flange. In use, the invention is placed in the front end of a self-unloading trailer and the trailer is loaded with material; when material is ejected from the trailer, the invention transverses or “travels” along the top of the moving floor and pushes the material out of the trailer's back end. The rubber flanges ensure a snug fit within the trailer and keep post ejection residual material at a minimum.

Abstract: A truck body that efficiently hauls oil sands, which typically coagulate and adhere together in one consolidated mass. The adhesion of this consolidated mass to the surface of the truck body is minimized and the buildup of “carryback” is effectively prevented during haul cycles. Hauled amalgamated materials are dumped from the truck body such that the amalgamation breaks down and is safely dumped. One typical material that displays such a coagulated conglomerate massing is “oil sands” from which oil is extracted. A non-stick surface is provided on the truck body to overcome the natural adhesiveness displayed by this material and, when being dumped from a truck body, provides a means to assist in releasing the material from the truck body without leaving significant “carryback” that tends to buildup over haul cycles. Plus, the body design encourages the material to break down as it is dumped.

Abstract: A method of transporting a wind turbine component on an existing road includes loading the wind turbine component on a transportation device in a first orientation using the transportation device, reorienting the component to a second orientation while mounted on the transportation device, and using the transportation device to transport the component on the road. The transportation device includes a trailer having a front portion and a rear portion, each including a fixed frame, a movable frame, lift actuators, and a connecting member configured to be coupled to the component. A drive system is provided for rotating the component when mounted on the transportation device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for towing and recovery of an automotive vehicle, for example in situations where an obstacle positioned between the tow truck and the recovered vehicle must be cleared in order for the recovery to be successful, include a head unit held securely to the tow truck, an automotive ski placed into secure contact with a recovered vehicle, and a lift platform used in combination with a conventional wheel lift of a tow truck.

Abstract: A tailgate shoveling apparatus includes a containment bed mounted on a vehicle for contained material therein, and a tailgate shoveling platform pivotably attached proximate an end of the containment bed. The tailgate shoveling platform pivots between two positions rotationally offset by substantially more than 90 degrees in relation to each other. The tailgate shoveling platform substantially prevents material from spilling out of the containment bed in a first position. In a second position, the tailgate shoveling platform provides a platform configured to hold a portion of the material contained in the containment bed at an ergonomic shoveling height relative to a user standing on ground level. Once a desired amount of material has been removed from the platform, the tailgate shoveling platform may return unused material back into the containment bed as the tailgate shoveling platform moves back into the first position.

Abstract: A cargo lift system for loading cargo at or near ground level and raising it over a vehicle is described. The cargo lift system may be attached to a variety of vehicles, including but not limited to horse trailers, recreational vehicles, cars and trucks and other vehicles. The cargo lift system can be used to securely transport a wide variety of cargo over a vehicle and safely loading and unloading the cargo from the vehicle.

Abstract: A table transport and storage system includes a frame supported on casters. The system includes supports for retaining folded tables in a substantially vertical orientation. A loading ramp is movable between a raised position for transport and a lowered position for loading and unloading. A lock assembly automatically locks the ramp at a lowered position and a spring biases the ramp toward the raised position in one embodiment. A releasable brake automatically engages one or more of the casters when the ramp is lowered to keep the system from moving during loading and unloading of the tables. A lever releases the ramp and the brakes.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation and a method for automatically processing individual hand-held bags between two storage areas, the bags respectively having a base surmounted by two opposed lateral flanks, said bags being adapted to rest in equilibrium on their base, said bags being transferred from one storage area to the other via a longitudinal transfer platform, as claimed in the invention, the installation comprises: means for forming rows of bags resting on their base on one of said storage areas; means for driving each of said rows in translation in a first direction over said longitudinal transfer platform; and means for driving each of said rows of bags supported by said platform in translation in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction to transfer said row of bags to the other storage area.

Abstract: Methods of making and using a vehicle transport apparatus are provided. An exemplary method of making the vehicle transport apparatus includes at least the steps of providing a beam with a kingpin attached on each a proximal and distal end, linking a single and only axle in vertical and horizontal sliding support of the beam, wherein the beam adjusts vertically relative to the axle, and the axle adjusts horizontally relative to the beam, and wherein the beam is unsupported by the single and only axle during at least one operating mode of the beam, attaching a guide post to the axle, securing a vertical slide member to the beam and in sliding contact with the guide post, and interposing a vertical position control apparatus between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus controlling the vertical position of the beam relative to the axle.

Abstract: The light-weight live-floor module has a floor surface, parallel cables laid on the floor surface, a length of conveyor belt laid on the cables, a movable bulkhead and a winch system for moving the belt, the cables and the bulkhead back and forth in unison, such as a shuttle. The belt has just enough length to cover the return axis and the floor surface on which goods are transported, thereby reducing any unnecessary weight in the live floor structure. The cables and the belt are wrapped over different axes for eliminating relative movement between the cables and the belt. One axis is set higher than the floor surface for easily breaking static friction under the belt. In a method for breaking static friction between a conveyor belt and a floor surface, a first segment of the belt is jolted upwardly while tension is applied in the belt.

Abstract: A technique is provided to limit the number of vehicles required during a well project involving a plurality of well construction related procedures. The technique utilizes a modular unit, e.g. a vehicle, and a plurality of modules that may be interchanged on the modular unit according to the scheduled well procedure. A separate crane unit can be used to move the modules to and from the vehicle as required for specific phases of well construction.

Abstract: A flatbed vehicle carrier assembly comprising a carrier body subassembly including a carrier floor supported by a carrier body slide enabling sill frame. An intermediate subframe subassembly is capable of sliding and being pivotally integrated with a slide enabling tilt and pivotal control subassembly, which is pivotally secured therebetween to a mounting platform support assembly. A pivot control device provides a means to rotate and rearwardly transfer and posture the intermediate subframe. The carrier body sill frame is slideably assembled to the intermediate subframe, being driven by a longitudinal control actuator. A ramp can be pivotally integrated into a loading end of the carrier body subassembly. The carrier and ramp floors are fabricated of a series of interlocking extrusion members.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle such as a truck or trailer is disclosed including an apparatus thereon which may be connected to a recycle container so that the recycle container may be lifted from the ground onto the vehicle and then transported to a processing site. Once at the processing site, the apparatus causes the refuse container to be pivotally moved with respect to the vehicle so that the contents of the container are dumped from the container without the removal of the container from the vehicle.

Abstract: A dolly is disclosed for a semi-trailer that has a compromised structure due to a load shift or an accident. The semi-trailer dolly can also be used to extricate a semi-trailer stuck under a bridge without damaging the wheels or tires of the semi-trailer. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the dolly is configured to provide transverse support of a semi-trailer in an area between the rear axles of the semi-trailer and the front of the semi-trailer. More particularly, the dolly is configured to provide a uniform transverse lifting force to a semi-trailer in an area between the rear axles of a semi-trailer and the front of a semi-trailer where a structural failure of the semi-trailer is likely to occur. The semi-trailer dolly includes a removable saddle and a wheeled cart that includes lifting mechanisms. The removable saddle can be removed from the wheeled cart and positioned under the trailer.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus has a main body in a working position with a bottom end resting on the ground. The bottom end of a frame is pivotally attached to the main body above the bottom end of the main body and the frame is aligned with a side of the main body. An actuator pivots the frame downward about the pivot axis to a transport position where the frame extends substantially horizontally away from the main body. Wheels support the frame and a hitch at a top end of the frame is adapted for connection to a tow vehicle when the frame is in the transport position. When the frame is connected to a tow vehicle, the actuator can be operated to pivot the main body downward about the pivot axis to a lowered transport position where the main body rests on the frame for transport on the wheels.

Abstract: A three-point linkage system includes a frame, an upper lift arm assembly pivotally mounted to the frame and a lower lift arm assembly pivotally mounted to the frame. The lower lift arm assembly is linked to the upper lift arm assembly for movement therewith. An actuator is connected to the frame and the upper lift arm assembly to move the upper lift arm assembly and the lower lift arm assembly linked to the upper lift arm assembly relative to the frame. A top link arm is pivotally connected to the upper lift arm assembly such that the top link arm moves with the upper lift arm assembly as the upper lift arm assembly is moved by the actuator. The top link arm including connecting structure for connecting the top link arm to an implement.

Abstract: A Universal Folding Boom Trailer 30 for transporting multiple vehicles provides a safe and legal manner for towing. The trailer 30 includes a winch 44 for loading and unloading the towed vehicles 32, 34, 36 and can act alone as a crane 42 if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer 30 provides a means for a driver to haul multiple vehicles in both directions. The driver is able to attach the trailer 30 to a personal fifth wheel (36) and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading.

Abstract: A method of performing landscaping or construction work which utilizes portions of a known lift, crane or hoist unit in a novel way. Angled knuckle portions of the lift are modified to include reinforced eyelets or equivalent structures. A platform is hingedly mounted to the rear of a truck bed and also includes reinforced eyelet structures. Cables are provided between the lift eyelets and the platform eyelets to enable raising and lowering of the platform to conduct loading and unloading operations. A dump box for transporting soil or other products may be utilized in the system and is mounted between upper drive elements of the lift, crane or hoist.

Abstract: A system of method for automated deployment of a plurality photovoltaic solar panels carried as a unit by a carrier. The system includes an installation trailer, a robot having a mechanism for picking up a carrier and a push actuator. Carriers carrying a plurality of solar panels as a unit may be installed using the system by carrying a plurality of carriers on an installation trailer to a row of rails onto which the carriers are to be installed. The robot picks up each carrier and aligns and places the carrier on the rail system. The push actuator pushes the carrier down the rail system, making space for the next carrier to be installed.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus has a main body configured to be transported in a horizontal orientation, and then raised to a vertical orientation in a working position. A base is mounted on the bottom end of the main body such that the main body rests on the base in the working position, and such that the base is carried at a rear end of the main body when the main body is in a horizontal transport position supported on. The base is rotatable about a vertical base axis such that the main body can be rotated with respect to the base about the base axis. A frame and wheels can be pivotally attached to the main body to transport the main body and then be stored in a vertical orientation along a wall of the man body in the working position.

Abstract: A railway wagon for transport of for example a semi-trailer comprises—carried by two bogies or the like—a main portion, pivotally connected to a rearward bogie, and a wagon end, connected to a forward bogie, the main portion and the wagon end being releasably connected to each other. A beam is to be connected to or is connected to the wagon end for horizontally guiding the main portion at its pivoting out from the wagon end. Means are provided for vertically displacing the main portion or a part thereof in relation to the wagon end.

Abstract: A hand-operated hay bale cart has only two wheels connected in a laterally spaced-apart fashion to a generally rectangular handle frame. The handle frame is generally near the top, or above, the wheels, creating an open space beneath the frame and between the wheels for receiving a bale of animal feed. Pivotally supported by the handle frame is a securement rack that swings freely on a horizontal axis and includes a set of curved hooks at or near both the front and back of the securement rack. A hook handle operates the hooks to rotate relative to the rack to impale the hay bale. The securement rack, if it is allowed to rotate freely, including when it has impaled and secured a bale of hay, may balance the lifted bale of hay between the two wheels for convenient transport.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an exemplary article transport vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame and at least one wheel supporting the frame on a substrate. The vehicle further includes a support surface extending outwardly from the frame and a lift device secured to the support surface. The lift device is capable of axial movement at an angle relative to the support surface to selectively establish a raised position or lowered position of the support surface relative the substrate.

Abstract: A vehicle-mountable cargo transport apparatus configured for association with a motor vehicle so that the motor vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) up to about 10,000 lbs and may be capable of transporting a cargo up to about 3,500 lbs or more and a motor vehicle including a vehicle-mountable cargo transport apparatus are disclosed. The motor vehicle includes a chassis cab or cutaway chassis and the vehicle-mountable cargo transport apparatus. The vehicle-mountable cargo transport apparatus includes a cargo-carrying unit and an extensible spacer mechanism. The extensible spacer mechanism is configured for reversibly increasing a distance of the cargo-carrying unit with respect to the ground so as to accommodate at least one of receiving and delivering a cargo at a conventional loading dock.

Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.

Abstract: A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer.

Abstract: A fork lift with retractably extendable loading prongs for lifting loads from either side of a vehicle. The fork lift includes a mechanism for displacing the prongs over and across the vehicle, which mechanism has front and rear transverse girders which can be rigidly secured to the vehicle's chassis. The mechanism further includes front and rear masts, sprocketed wheels mounted on the masts to move the front and rear masts reciprocally, and a longitudinal beam which is coupled to the masts. The longitudinal beam can move up and down. Front and rear uprights extend downwardly from the longitudinal beam. The prongs are retractably engaged to the bottom of the uprights and are moved with hydraulic pistons.