Provided is a truck with a lowerable bed for reducing the height difference between the ground and a payload area to provide easy loading and unloading. A traction system for a truck with a lowerable bed is also provided.

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is described. In an example implementation, the AGV may include a lift platform and an AGV controller configured to control one or more operations of the AGV. The lift platform of the AGV may include a support surface adapted to contact a surface of a shelving unit and provide support from underneath the shelving unit when the support surface is in an elevated position and the shelving unit is situated on the support surface, and a lifting mechanism including motor(s) coupled to the support surface and providing a first lifting force via a first portion of the support surface and a second lifting force via a second portion of the support surface, the first lifting force and the second lifting force vertically lifting or lowering the shelving unit via the support surface based on a weight distribution of the shelving unit on the support surface.

An automated guided vehicle (AGV) is described. In an example implementation, the AGV may include a lift platform and an AGV controller configured to control one or more operations of the AGV. The lift platform of the AGV may include a support surface adapted to contact a surface of a shelving unit and provide support from underneath the shelving unit when the support surface is in an elevated position and the shelving unit is situated on the support surface, and a lifting mechanism including motor(s) coupled to the support surface and providing a first lifting force via a first portion of the support surface and a second lifting force via a second portion of the support surface, the first lifting force and the second lifting force vertically lifting or lowering the shelving unit via the support surface based on a weight distribution of the shelving unit on the support surface.

An overridable failsafe brake apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The overridable failsafe brake apparatus includes (a) a lever accessible from outside the vehicle, the lever being operable at a first position and a second position; (b) a brake; and (c) a spring having a first end coupled to the lever and a second end coupled to the brake. (d) The lever disposed in the first position is configured to induce tension in the spring that enables the brake to be activated, and the lever disposed in the second position is configured to reduce tension in the spring to disable the brake from being engaged. A method of operating an overridable failsafe brake apparatus for a vehicle and a vehicle including an overridable failsafe brake apparatus are also provided.

An overridable failsafe brake apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The overridable failsafe brake apparatus includes (a) a lever accessible from outside the vehicle, the lever being operable at a first position and a second position; (b) a brake; and (c) a spring having a first end coupled to the lever and a second end coupled to the brake. (d) The lever disposed in the first position is configured to induce tension in the spring that enables the brake to be activated, and the lever disposed in the second position is configured to reduce tension in the spring to disable the brake from being engaged. A method of operating an overridable failsafe brake apparatus for a vehicle and a vehicle including an overridable failsafe brake apparatus are also provided.

A roof waste removal assembly is provided and includes a chute system and a self-propelled expanding trailer. The chute system includes a roof guide and a gutter shield. The self-propelled expanding trailer includes a frame, an extension device secured to the frame, and a storage bin secured to the extension device.

Lift frames for a vehicle in this disclosure may include a frame body on a top portion of a frame, the frame body extending from a first end to a second end; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, the lift mechanism comprising: a lift body having a first end and a second end, a lifting surface on the first end of the lift body and the second end of the lift body being positioned so as to be movable with respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein the lifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of a cargo container when placed on an upper side of the frame body; and an inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on the lower side to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the lift body, wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a mounting surface attached to the lift body; and a source of compressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag. Such lift frames may include one or more such lift mechanisms associated with the compressed air source and the lift frames may be used to load and unload cargo containers locked and supported by the lift frames in transit and unlocked and detached from the lift frames when delivered in an easy and safe manner.

Lift frames for a vehicle in this disclosure may include a frame body on a top portion of a frame, the frame body extending from a first end to a second end; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, the lift mechanism comprising: a lift body having a first end and a second end, a lifting surface on the first end of the lift body and the second end of the lift body being positioned so as to be movable with respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein the lifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of a cargo container when placed on an upper side of the frame body; and an inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on the lower side to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the lift body, wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a mounting surface attached to the lift body; and a source of compressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag. Such lift frames may include one or more such lift mechanisms associated with the compressed air source and the lift frames may be used to load and unload cargo containers locked and supported by the lift frames in transit and unlocked and detached from the lift frames when delivered in an easy and safe manner.

A load wheel assembly is provided comprising: a frame member; a side plate coupled to the frame member; an axle extending between the frame member and the side plate; and a keeper coupled by a fastener to the frame member or the side plate. The keeper is coupled to one end of the axle to prevent rotational and axial movement of the axle relative to the frame member and the side plate.

A load wheel assembly is provided comprising: a frame member; a side plate coupled to the frame member; an axle extending between the frame member and the side plate; and a keeper coupled by a fastener to the frame member or the side plate. The keeper is coupled to one end of the axle to prevent rotational and axial movement of the axle relative to the frame member and the side plate.