Patent ID: 7309205
Filing Date: 2007-12-18
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: providing a vehicle including a frame, a door hingedly secured to the frame, an extension extending from one of the frame and door, an aperture sized and positioned in the other of the frame and door to receive the extension, and a latch secured to the door and positioned to engage the frame; closing the door with respect to the frame until misalignment between the extension and the aperture resists further closure; operating the latch manually to draw the extension into alignment and engagement with the aperture; loading, after closing the door and operating the latch, the vehicle with cargo having a total weight exceeding the maximum bearing load at failure of the vehicle absent engagement between the extension and the aperture, wherein failure of the vehicle comprises at least one of inelastic deformation of the frame and deflection rendering the latch incapable of drawing the extension into engagement with the aperture; transporting the vehicle to a location; supporting, at the location, the frame against at least a portion of the total weight; opening, after supporting the frame, the door with respect to the frame to provide a cargo exit; and unloading the cargo from the vehicle through the cargo exit.