A method of loading, loading apparatus, and/or combination vehicle and apparatus for loading and covering material located on a vehicle bed. The combination vehicle and apparatus for loading and covering material can include a plurality of receptacles which can follow a path when raised and lowered in which each receptacle may be rotated about and axis and lowered such that the receptacles may be filled with material at a height less than the height of the vehicle bed from the ground, and wherein the receptacles may then be raised and rotated along the same path to cause the material to be deposited in the vehicle bed and a portion of the vehicle bed to be covered by the receptacles.

A method of loading at least one item onto a vehicle is provided. The method includes providing at least one vehicle for operation in a desired environment, providing at least one mechanism operably connected to a portion of the vehicle, and gathering at least one item as the vehicle travels in the desired environment. The method further includes arranging the items on the vehicle via the mechanism based on at least one criterion, such as the weight of the items, so that the items can be loaded onto the vehicle without needing the vehicle to travel to the items in a specific order to thereby enable the vehicle to operate more quickly in the desired environment and conserve power.

A hydraulic deck comprising a frame consisting of a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members, wherein the frame is configured to be mounted in a bed of a pickup truck; a pair of pivot arm members in telescoping engagement with the pair of horizontal members and a pair of extension members in telescoping engagement with the pair of vertical members; a platform member configured to support at least one vehicle; a pair of pillars rotationally connected to pin members positioned on the pair of extension members, wherein the pair of pillar extend perpendicularly from the platform member; and a mechanically operating lifting system configured to slide and lower the platform from the bed in a stored position to a ground surface in a loading position.

A hydraulic deck comprising a frame consisting of a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members, wherein the frame is configured to be mounted in a bed of a pickup truck; a pair of pivot arm members in telescoping engagement with the pair of horizontal members and a pair of extension members in telescoping engagement with the pair of vertical members; a platform member configured to support at least one vehicle; a pair of pillars rotationally connected to pin members positioned on the pair of extension members, wherein the pair of pillar extend perpendicularly from the platform member; and a mechanically operating lifting system configured to slide and lower the platform from the bed in a stored position to a ground surface in a loading position.

Concepts of omnidirectional vehicle transport are described. In one embodiment, an omnidirectional vehicle includes a transportation platform, a drive system, and wheels. At a surface level, the vehicle can maneuver in any direction, including longitudinal and lateral directions. The vehicle can also be positioned to engage the wheels with a track having a rack gear to engage with the wheels. A control system of the vehicle can then drive the wheels in engagement with the track to raise the vehicle to a second level. At the second level, the vehicle can maneuver to transfer items onto the vehicle for transportation of the items back to the surface level. After the items are transferred onto the vehicle, it can be positioned for engagement with the track, and the control system can drive the wheels to lower the vehicle to the surface level and offload the items.

Concepts of omnidirectional vehicle transport are described. In one embodiment, an omnidirectional vehicle includes a transportation platform, a drive system, and wheels. At a surface level, the vehicle can maneuver in any direction, including longitudinal and lateral directions. The vehicle can also be positioned to engage the wheels with a track having a rack gear to engage with the wheels. A control system of the vehicle can then drive the wheels in engagement with the track to raise the vehicle to a second level. At the second level, the vehicle can maneuver to transfer items onto the vehicle for transportation of the items back to the surface level. After the items are transferred onto the vehicle, it can be positioned for engagement with the track, and the control system can drive the wheels to lower the vehicle to the surface level and offload the items.

A device for movably mounting a storage container in relation to the storage bed of a pickup truck. The device includes a container support frame with a mounting member configured to be fixedly secured in relation to the pickup truck storage bed, and a lift arm having a first end coupled to the container support frame for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second end configured to be coupled to the storage container for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis. The second end of the lift arm is movable along an arcuate path about the first pivot axis between a stowed position in which the storage container is disposed between the side rails and an extended position in which the storage container is disposed above a side rail. The storage container is pivotable about the second pivot axis to maintain an upright orientation in the stowed and extended positions, providing a variety of convenient access and storage options. Also, the frame can be confined to a very small portion of the storage bed or hidden within existing components of the storage bed to allow substantially unimpeded top and rear access to the storage bed.

A locking assembly includes a horizontal locking structure movable between a first position, in which the horizontal locking structure is arranged to protrude into a horizontal portion opening of a corner mount to restrict movement of the corner mount in a horizontal direction, and a second position to release the corresponding horizontal movement restriction. The locking assembly also includes a vertical locking structure mechanically connected to the horizontal locking structure, the vertical locking structure being movable between a third position, wherein a portion of the vertical locking structure is arranged in an opening of a vertical side of the corner mount to restrict movement of the corner mount in a vertical direction, and a fourth position to release the corresponding vertical movement restriction. An actuator member is structured to control the positions of both the horizontal locking structure and the vertical locking structure by a linear movement.

An apparatus for loading, handling and transporting waste containers includes a vehicle having a main frame and a load container handler, the load container handler including a main frame assembly having a rear and mounted to and atop the vehicle main frame; a pivot assembly pivotally connected to the main frame assembly to rotate about a first axis; a main jib assembly connected with the pivot assembly to reciprocate along a first line between jib extended and retracted positions; a carriage assembly connected with the main jib assembly to reciprocate along a second line between carriage extended and retracted positions and including container connection elements operable to rotate about a second axis and for engaging with and holding a container; and, motive elements for moving the pivot assembly, main jib assembly and carriage assembly.

An apparatus for loading, handling and transporting waste containers includes a vehicle having a main frame and a load container handler, the load container handler including a main frame assembly having a rear and mounted to and atop the vehicle main frame; a pivot assembly pivotally connected to the main frame assembly to rotate about a first axis; a main jib assembly connected with the pivot assembly to reciprocate along a first line between jib extended and retracted positions; a carriage assembly connected with the main jib assembly to reciprocate along a second line between carriage extended and retracted positions and including container connection elements operable to rotate about a second axis and for engaging with and holding a container; and, motive elements for moving the pivot assembly, main jib assembly and carriage assembly.