A load-lifting device for mounting on a vehicle, including a platform for receiving a load which can be brought from a lowered into a raised working position, and back again, as well as a linking lever, a support element, a drive element and a connection element. The linking lever that is pivotally mounted on the platform is linked to the vehicle at a linking end region. The support element attached to the platform includes a foot end which braces the ground. The drive element brings the support element from a resting state associated with the resting position of the platform, into a working state in which the foot end is braced on the ground and the platform is raised into the working position. The connection element functions to control the rotational position of the linking lever and the pivot position of the platform according to the support element.

A vehicle step device includes: a movable step that is provided in a door opening of a vehicle; and a drive controller that drives the movable step so that the movable step operates in deployment and storage directions. The drive controller includes a sidewalk detection unit that detects a sidewalk provided in parallel with a traveling road surface of the vehicle, a separation distance detecting unit that detects a separation distance between a side edge portion of the vehicle in which the movable step is stored and the sidewalk, and a deployment amount setting unit that sets a deployment amount of the movable step extending in a width direction of the traveling road surface from the side edge portion of the vehicle based on the separation distance. The deployment amount setting unit sets a deployment amount of the movable step to be larger as the separation distance increases.

A container transport system and method of operation can include: providing a vehicle having a subframe assembly coupled thereto, the subframe assembly including a lifting arm and a clamping arm; clamping the clamping arm onto a corner fitting of a cargo container; raising the lifting arm for raising a portion of the cargo container; inserting a jack stand below the cargo container; lowering the lifting arm for tilting the cargo container on the jack stand, the jack stand configured as a fulcrum; positioning a container trailer below the cargo container; and raising the lifting arm for pivoting the cargo container on the jack stand and lowering the cargo container onto the container trailer.

The vehicle can have an engine and a moveable lift gate, a power unit driving the movement of the lift gate, the power unit including an electric motor and a capacitor pack, the capacitor pack being connected for powering the electrical motor, and being connectable to a DC alternator source of the engine.

A winch activated loaded platform is described to enable single person loading and unloading of heavy objects into a cargo carrying vehicle, like a pickup truck. The device is installed in the vehicle and loads a platform into the vehicle with a singular electric winch, without the use of hydraulics, booms, or ramps. A novel sheet metal and ball bearing receiver aligns and transitions the platform from vertical to horizontal loading into the vehicle with a singular winch and winch cable. V-groove ball bearing wheels on the base and steel angle track on the platform reduce friction for loading and unloading of the platform. A system of horizontal and vertical latches keep the platform secure during transport. Cargo is secured with tie down points for large cargo such as motorcycles and sidewall mounts for loose materials and fragmented cargo. A removable and stowable frame section preserves functionality of a pickup truck tailgate.

A fork lift apparatus is mounted on a truck for picking up a load, placing the load in a traveling position on the truck, and for unloading the load. The apparatus comprises a lift frame, a shaft, a pair of spaced arms secured to the shaft, a cross member spanning between the distal ends of the arms distal and carrying the forks. The cross member is rotatable relative to the support arms. A pair of drive hydraulic cylinders rotates the shaft and thus moves the arms and the load between a loading/unloading position in which the load may be placed on the forks and the traveling position so that the load may be transported by the truck. A self-leveling system is provided for maintaining the load in a substantially level position as it moves between its loading/unloading and traveling positions.

A fork lift apparatus is mounted on a truck for picking up a load, placing the load in a traveling position on the truck, and for unloading the load. The apparatus comprises a lift frame, a shaft, a pair of spaced arms secured to the shaft, a cross member spanning between the distal ends of the arms distal and carrying the forks. The cross member is rotatable relative to the support arms. A pair of drive hydraulic cylinders rotates the shaft and thus moves the arms and the load between a loading/unloading position in which the load may be placed on the forks and the traveling position so that the load may be transported by the truck. A self-leveling system is provided for maintaining the load in a substantially level position as it moves between its loading/unloading and traveling positions.

A liftgate assembly, such as a for a delivery vehicle, includes a liftgate that is movable by hydraulic power between a raised position and a lowered position. The hydraulic power unit includes an energy-recovery mechanism that stores energy while the liftgate is being lowered under load. Energy stored by the energy-recovery mechanism, such as in an accumulator, may be used to raise the liftgate. The hydraulic power unit includes a pump that pumps hydraulic fluid for providing hydraulic pressure. The liftgate assembly thereby uses energy more efficiently, enabling repurposing part of the energy from lowering the liftgate (and any cargo thereupon) in raising the liftgate.

A drop deck trailer is provided with a deck that has the ability to raise and lower to conveniently load and unload goods and materials on the deck. A pneumatic system can raise and lower the deck and also serve as a suspension system for the trailer to dampen the relative movement between a frame and the deck. In addition, some embodiments of the trailer have a deck with a movable carriage that can move along the deck to automatically load a vehicle such as a golf cart. The carriage has rollers that secure the front wheels of a vehicle, and the carriage moves along the decks to pull the vehicle onto the deck. Moreover, various embodiments of a trailer frame can selectively connect to different decks to allow each deck to be specialized for particular goods and materials.

A pivoting system has an electronic device pivotably mounted on a cargo platform. A base is coupled to a cargo support. A linkage rod slidably engages with the cargo platform. A proximal pivot pivotably couples the proximal end of the linkage rod arm to the base. A device pivot pivotably couples the electronic device to the cargo platform. A distal pivot pivotably couples the distal end of the linkage rod to the electronic device. The pivoting system causes pivoting of the electronic device between a lower general horizontal position and an upper general horizontal position.