A tow trailer for use with a motor vehicle, the tow trailer having: a frame, the frame having a hitch; a fork assembly, the fork assembly rotatably attached to the frame; a pair of forks, the forks slidingly attached to the fork assembly; a hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic actuator, the actuator having a first hydraulic cylinder attached to the fork assembly at a point suitable to cause rotation of the fork assembly relative to the frame, the actuator further having a second hydraulic cylinder, the second hydraulic cylinder attached to the forks to selectively move the forks along a vertical axis independently of the fork assembly rotation.

Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.

A lift apparatus (100) for a vehicle comprises a lifting platform (115) and a movable connection assembly (110) for deploying and operating the lifting platform (115). The movable connection assembly (110) comprises at least two pairs of hydraulically driven lifting arms (145, 146) on either side of the lifting platform (115) and pivotally connected at a first end to a base (140) and at a second end to the lifting platform (115), at least two hydraulic actuators being disposed in connection with each pair of arms (145, 146) acting in substantially the same direction as each other. The hydraulic actuators are powered by a common source. The lift can be used to allow wheelchair bound passengers to board the vehicle or for lifting heavy articles onto the vehicle.

Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.

Systems, devices, and methods having a liftgate frame; a first bracket mount connected to a beam via one or more upper actuators and two or more upper linkages, the two or more upper linkages pivotally mounted between the first bracket mount and the liftgate frame, and where the first bracket mount is configured to move from a first stowed position under the liftgate frame to a second engage position via the one or more upper actuators and the two or more upper linkages; a second bracket mount connected to the beam; a third bracket mount connected to second bracket mount via one or more lower actuators and two or more lower linkages, the two or more lower linkages pivotally mounted between the second bracket mount and the third bracket mount; and a lift platform connected to the third bracket mount, where the lift platform is configured to move from an up position to a down position positioned selectively relative to an external surface; where the first bracket mount moves in an arcuate path from the first stowed position under the liftgate frame to the second engaged position.

A transportable personal elevation device is attachable to a substrate which is a vehicle or trailer bed. The elevation device includes a platform assembly including a platform and a platform support member. The elevation device also includes a connector assembly including a pivot pin and a mounting structure. The connector assembly is configured and arranged such that when attached to the substrate, the elevation device can be pivotally moved about the pivot pin between a storage position and an outwardly extending position. The elevation device may also include a latch assembly for temporarily fixing a position of the device, and may further include a post which is attached to a side of the platform assembly to permit grasping thereof by a user. The elevation device may take the form of a pivotable stair assembly, or alternatively, may include a power-assisted platform which can be selectively raised and lowered.

Methods and systems for charging an electric energy storage device of a vehicle are described. In one example, the electric energy storage device is charged via a receiving coil that may be placed in a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation during charging of the electric energy storage device via the receiving coil.

The invention provides an autonomous delivery and storage system comprising a mobile robot, referred to as a porch bot, and a support vehicle, the mother bot. The porch bot features a modular shelved storage shell for transporting various products, including temperature-sensitive goods, with integrated systems for precise temperature control. It utilizes omni-wheels for versatile mobility, advanced navigation systems for real-time route optimization, and a power-sharing capability for energy efficiency. The mother bot assists with the loading, unloading, and transport of porch bots, featuring an adjustable height lift and additional temperature support systems. The system's integrated navigation, communication, and energy management technologies allow for seamless operation in diverse environments, making it suitable for both residential and commercial deliveries. This invention addresses the challenges of modern logistics by improving delivery efficiency, maintaining product integrity, and reducing operational costs through automation and advanced environmental control.

The present invention provides an automated product transport and storage system designed to enhance efficiency, precision, and safety in logistics and delivery operations. The system includes automated bots, such as porch bots, railed fork bots, and railed crane bots, which perform tasks like loading, unloading, and positioning products within transport vehicles. These bots reduce the reliance on manual labor, mitigate the risk of injuries, and improve productivity by operating autonomously or semi-autonomously in confined or complex environments, such as urban and suburban delivery routes. The system is equipped with advanced control systems, GPS tracking, and obstacle detection, enabling precise navigation and real-time responsiveness. Versatile and adaptable, the system can be used across various industries, from food distribution to industrial supply chains, while reducing infrastructure requirements and contributing to energy efficiency. This invention represents a significant advancement in automated logistics and product handling.

One variation may include a truck body having one or more cargo pod lift systems around the perimeter of a truck's center aisle which may be lifted or lowered to load/unload one or more cargo pods and a method for doing the same.