Methods and systems for autonomously delivering consumer items in disposable packages, in which the disposable package, with the consumer item inside, are carried under a wheel robot using a grabbing mechanism that holds the package under the wheel robot. The wheel robot straddles over the package to allow the grabbing mechanism access to the package during a loading process, and then straddles off the package at a delivery location after the grabbing mechanism releases the package with the consumer item inside. Releasing of the package can be done by lowering the package to the ground in a controlled manner, or by simply releasing the package above ground thereby dropping the package.

A U-shaped support frame has a base beam and parallel side beams extending rearward from the base beam and defining an open implement area, which can be made adjustable. A hitch is attached to the front end of the support frame and frame wheels support the side beams, and rotate about a horizontal frame wheel axis that is fixed in an orientation perpendicular to the operating travel direction. Implements are configured to perform an implement operation and to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position. The support frame is moved rearward to a loading position where each implement is movable to an operating position supported by the support frame. Each implement provides a beam lock connection between the side beams that resists twisting movement of the side beams to maintain the frame wheels and the side beams in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to each other.

Methods and systems for autonomously altering shape and functionality of on-road vehicles. An on-road autonomous vehicle, which is currently integrated with a first object and thus having a respective certain functional shape, performs a respective certain function. A request is obtained to alter functionality of the on-road vehicle, which consequently releases autonomously the first object, self drives to a location of a second object, and self-integrates with the second object by straddling-over and grabbing the second object, thus switching to a different functional shape and consequently accomplishing said alteration of functionality.

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 trailer includes a front section having a first floor with an upper surface at a fixed vertical level approximately between three and six feet above a street level, a middle section, and a rear section having a second floor with an upper surface at the fixed vertical level. A horizontally-oriented platform is disposed in the middle section. A lifting mechanism is coupled to the platform and selectively raises and lowers the platform between a lower position of one to two feet above street level, otherwise known as curb-level, and an upper position of approximately between three and seven feet above street level

A vehicle has at least two axles, each having at least one wheel for lifting, transporting, and lowering load carriers. A first axle is mounted in a chassis. Lifting elements are provided for lifting and lowering the load carriers. The distance of the second axle relative to the first axle can be changed in the horizontal longitudinal vehicle direction, and the lifting elements are lifted or lowered by a change in the distance of the second axle from the first axle. The at least one wheel of the first axle can be driven by a drive motor that is arranged on the chassis, and at least one lifting element is displaced horizontally inward or outward by the change in the distance of the second axle from the first axle in the transverse vehicle direction.

A system includes a trailer frame, a lifting mechanism coupled to the trailer frame, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to raise or lower a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe, a braking mechanism configured to apply pressure to the pipe while the pipe is being deployed by the system, and a hydraulic power unit configured to hydraulically power the system.

A system includes a trailer frame, a lifting mechanism coupled to the trailer frame, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to raise or lower a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe, a braking mechanism configured to apply pressure to the pipe while the pipe is being deployed by the system, and a hydraulic power unit configured to hydraulically power the system.

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.

A system includes a trailer frame, a lifting mechanism coupled to the trailer frame, wherein the lifting mechanism is configured to raise or lower a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe, a braking mechanism configured to apply pressure to the pipe while the pipe is being deployed by the system, and a hydraulic power unit configured to hydraulically power the system.