Patent ID: 6354785
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
A device for loading and unloading automobiles and vehicles to and from an auto-transport vehicle, the auto-transport vehicle having a chassis, the device comprising:at least one rail, mounted on the chassis of the auto-transport vehicle, a platform located above the at least one rail, said platform capable of supporting said automobiles and vehicles, the platform having a lowered position and a raised position; at least one chain, connected to the platform and running along the at least one rail, for moving the platform along the at least one rail; a telescoping arm mechanism, mounted to the chassis of the auto-transport vehicle, for supporting the platform in an approximately horizontal position during loading and unloading of the automobile; said telescoping arm mechanism having a first arm, a second arm, an extension cylinder, and an arm cylinder; said first arm having a first end and a second end; the first end being attached to the chassis of the auto-transport vehicle; said second arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second arm being located inside the first arm and the second end of the second arm having rollers for contacting a first surface of the platform; said extension cylinder, attached to the second end of the first arm and to the first end of the second arm, for extending the second arm away from the first arm thereby lengthening the telescoping arm mechanism; and said arm cylinder for raising and lowering the telescoping arm mechanism, the arm cylinder having a first end and a second end, the first end of the arm cylinder being attached to the chassis of the auto-transport vehicle and the second end of the arm cylinder being attached to the first arm; at least one driving cable lifter, mounted on the chassis of the auto-transport vehicle, for moving the at least one chain; and a motor, mounted on the chassis of the auto-transport vehicle, for rotating the at least one driving cable lifter.