Patent ID: 8061955
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
1. A self-loading and unloading container carrier for mounting on a vehicle, the carrier having an elongate support frame with a top end and a bottom end, first pivot means for connecting the bottom end of the support frame to a vehicle chassis, first moving means connected between the vehicle chassis, in front of the first pivot means, and the support frame, above the first pivot means, for normally maintaining the support frame generally upright on the chassis in a container carrying position; the support frame having flange means extending forwardly and upwardly from the top end; a generally inverted L-shaped, carrying frame, the carrying frame having a top section and a bottom section extending down from one end of the top section, second pivot means connecting the other end of the top section to the flange means on the support frame with the top section resting on the top end of the support frame and the bottom section against the rear of the support frame in the container carrying position; second moving means pivotably connected between the carrying frame and the support frame, above the connection of the first moving means to the support frame; and a pair of laterally spaced-apart support arms extending rearwardly from the bottom section of the carrying frame, the support arms adapted to hold a container between the arms and provide sole support for the container in all positions; the first and second moving means operable to move the support frame and the carrying frame from the container carrying position to a container pickup position where the support frame is pivoted about the first pivot means to extend rearwardly from the first pivot means, and the carrying frame is pivoted about the second pivot means to have its top section generally aligned with the support frame, with the support arms extending rearwardly to be able to engage a container for pickup, the first and second moving means operable to move the support frame and the carrying frame back to their carrying position with the container being carried by the support arms and held above the vehicle chassis.