Patent Publication Number: US-2020299109-A1

Title: Apparatus, system and method for the delivery of items onto surfaces including elevated surfaces

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date of the prior-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/822,946, filed on Mar. 24, 2019, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The application is also entitled to the benefit of the filing date of the prior-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/964,064, filed on Jan. 21, 2020, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The disclosure is directed to the delivery of items onto one or more target surfaces including elevated surfaces. 
     2. Background Art 
     In many working conditions, various items must be transported to one or more locations such as elevated surface locations requiring the assistance of conveyors and/or lifts in addition to manual labor in order to place items at one or more desired locations. For example, at loading docks various items are lifted to a platform of a ship or other vessel. In construction type operations, building materials and other items are delivered to construction floors via lift equipment or elevators. In home construction type operations, building materials and other items are typically delivered to rooftops and decks via manual labor or in combination with lift equipment or a conveyor lift. For example, bundles of shingles are typically transported to a house or other structure on pallets and either manually placed atop the rooftop of the house or other structure by hand or the bundles of shingles are lifted to the rooftop via lift equipment or a conveyor lift where persons manually place or set the bundle shingles at one or more desired locations along the rooftop. Such operations often take place on rooftops having sloping surfaces requiring the shingle bundles to be manually placed atop a rooftop in a secure manner in an attempt to keep the shingle bundles from sliding of the rooftop. Such operations also often take place at elevations requiring persons to wear safety equipment such as safety belts or safety harnesses to protect against slips and falls. In addition, many building materials are quite heavy exposing persons to bodily injury as a result of physically handling the building materials. Not only are persons subject to physical harm during such operations, but it can also be quite time consuming for personnel to get to an elevated location and/or tie down their safety equipment prior to manually moving any building materials. 
     Overcoming the above shortcomings is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for delivering one or more items onto one or more target surfaces, the apparatus being operationally configured to (1) carry one or more items on one or more first surfaces of the apparatus, (2) direct one or more items off from the one or more first surfaces onto one or more second surfaces of the apparatus, the one or more second surfaces being operationally configured to direct the one or more items off from the apparatus, and (3) communicate with lifting equipment in a manner effective to maintain the apparatus in a vertical alignment during operation of the apparatus. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to an apparatus for delivering one or more items onto one or more target surfaces, including (1) one or more supports attached to a frame of the apparatus, the one or more supports being operationally configured to carry one or more items; (2) an adjustable assembly moveable along part of the frame and operationally configured to direct one or more items off from the apparatus onto one or more target surfaces; (3) a mover assembly in communication with the adjustable assembly and operationally configured to direct one or more items off from the one or more supports; and (4) a leveling assembly operationally configured to communicate the apparatus with lifting equipment and maintain the apparatus in a vertical alignment during operation of the apparatus. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a system for delivering one or more items onto one or more target surfaces, including (1) one or more portable supports operationally configured to be installed on one or more target surfaces and capture one or more items; and (2) an apparatus operationally configured to carry one or more items and remove one or more items from the apparatus onto one or more target surfaces in a manner effective to be captured by the one or more supports, the apparatus being operationally configured to communicate with lifting equipment. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a system for delivering one or more items onto one or more target surfaces, including (1) one or more portable platforms operationally configured to be installed on one or more target surfaces; and (2) an apparatus operationally configured to carry one or more items and remove one or more items from the apparatus onto one or more portable platforms, the apparatus being operationally configured to communicate with lifting equipment. One or more portable platforms may include support surfaces with one or more barriers disposed along at least part of the perimeter of the support surfaces operationally configured to maintain one or more items on the one or more portable platforms. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a portable support to be installed onto a target surface, including a main section and a first raised member at a first end of the main section and a second raised member at a second end of the main section, wherein the first raised member and the second raised member are operationally configured to capture items placed onto the target surface and/or at least part of the main section of the portable support. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a portable support to be installed onto a target surface defined by a ridge, the portable support comprising (1) one or more catch members operationally configured to engage the ridge and/or the target surface; (2) opposing stop members on either side of the one or more catch members secured to the one or more catch members via one or more attachment lines; (3) wherein the portable support is operationally configured to self-install to an operable position once the one or more catch members engage the ridge and/or the target surface. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a method of delivering one or more items to an elevated surface without persons being located at the elevated surface, including (1) providing one or more portable supports for installation on the elevated surface, the one or more portable supports being operationally configured to hold one or more items in a fixed position on the elevated surface; (2) installing the one or more portable supports on the elevated surface; and (3) delivering one or more items to the elevated surface in a manner effective to be held in a fixed position by the one or more portable supports. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a method for delivering one or more items onto one or more target surfaces, including (1) providing (a) one or more portable supports operationally configured to be installed on one or more target surfaces and capture one or more items and (b) an apparatus operationally configured to carry one or more items and remove one or more items from the apparatus onto one or more target surfaces in a manner effective to be captured by the one or more portable supports, (2) installing one or more portable supports onto one or more target surfaces, (3) deliver one or more items to one or more target surfaces via the apparatus in a manner effective to be captured by the one or more portable supports. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a system for delivering bundles of shingles to one or more roofs of one or more structures, including (1) one or more pallets holding one or more rows of bundles of shingles thereon, (2) an apparatus operationally configured to be lifted and operationally configured to carry the one or more pallets and remove one or more rows of bundles of shingles from the one or more pallets onto one or more roofs in a programmed manner or via manual control as desired. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a person free method of delivery bundles of shingles to a pitched roof, including: (1) providing (a) one or more portable supports for installation on the pitched roof, the one or more portable supports being operationally configured to stop and hold bundles of shingles in a fixed position on the pitched roof, (b) an apparatus operationally configured to carry one or more bundles of shingles and direct the one or more bundles of shingles off from the apparatus in a manner effective for the one or more bundles of shingles to be stopped and held by the one or more portable supports, (c) lifting equipment in electric and fluid communication with the apparatus, the lifting equipment being operationally configured to lift the apparatus and transport the apparatus to one or more locations near the pitched roof effective for the apparatus to direct the one or more bundles of shingles off from the apparatus in a manner effective for the one or more bundles of shingles to be stopped and held by the one or more portable supports; and (2) install the one or more portable supports; (3) deliver one or more bundles of shingles to the pitched roof in a manner effective for the one or more bundles of shingles to be stopped and held by the one or more portable supports. Once, a desire number of bundles of shingles are delivered to the pitched roof, the apparatus may be loaded onto the lifting equipment and transport to another destination. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is another front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  is a side partial phantom view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  in a lifted orientation carrying a portable platform and a unit load thereon. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9  in a lifted orientation. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9  in a lifted orientation. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9  in a lifted orientation. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  in a lifted orientation with a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  in a lifted orientation located near a roof of a structure. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  illustrating part of a unit load removed from the apparatus and set atop a roof 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  illustrating part of a unit load removed from the apparatus and set atop a roof 
         FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 18  is a simplified illustration of an arrangement of individual bundles of shingles located atop a roof of a structure in abutment with an elongated stop member in a side-by-side arrangement following removal of the individual bundles from an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  is a simplified illustration of an arrangement of individual bundles of shingles located atop a roof of a structure in abutment with an elongated stop member in a stacked orientation following removal of the individual bundles from an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 23  is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 25  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 27  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 29  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 20  in a lifted orientation located near a roof of a structure. 
         FIG. 30  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 32  is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 31  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 33  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 31  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 34  is a side view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 35  is a front perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 36  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 37  is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  including a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 38  is a detailed view of the apparatus of  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 39  is a simplified perspective view of a portable platform and corresponding support members of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 40  is a simplified perspective view of a portable platform and corresponding support members of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 41  is a simplified perspective view of a portable platform and corresponding support member of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable platform of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 43  is a side view of an embodiment of a portable platform of the present disclosure shown positioned over a ridge of a roof. 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable platform of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 45  is a side view of another embodiment of a guide member of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 46  is a side view of another embodiment of a guide member of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 47  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of an elongated stop member of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 48  is a side view of the elongated stop member of  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 49  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 50  is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 51  is a front perspective partially exploded view of a frame and fork tines of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 52  is a bottom front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 53  is a partial phantom side view of a frame and fork tines of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 54  is a partial phantom side view of a frame and fork tines of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 55  is a partial phantom side view of a leveling assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 56  is a partial phantom side view of a leveling assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 57  is a partial phantom side view of a leveling assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 58  is a rear perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 59  is a front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 49  with a portable platform and a unit load in communication with the apparatus. 
         FIG. 60  is a side view of a guide member of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 61  is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 62  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 63  is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 64  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 65  is a bottom rear perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 66  is a rear view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 67  is a side view of a push assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 68  is a front perspective view of a push assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 69  is a perspective view of an arm member of a linkage assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 70  is a perspective view of an arm member of a linkage assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 71  is a front perspective view of a push assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 72  is an illustration of a system for delivering one or more bundles of shingles to a person free roof of a structure. 
         FIG. 73  is a perspective view of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 74  is a perspective view of portable support of  FIG. 72  on a roof surface. 
         FIG. 75  is a side view of an embodiment of a portable support on a roof surface. 
         FIG. 76  is a side view of an embodiment of a portable support on a roof surface. 
         FIG. 77  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 78  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 79  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 80  is a side view of an embodiment of a portable support on a roof surface. 
         FIG. 81  is a side view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 82  is a side view of the portable support of  FIG. 81  on a roof surface. 
         FIG. 83  is a side partial sectional view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 84  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an angled linking member. 
         FIG. 85  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an angled linking member. 
         FIG. 86  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an angled linking member of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 87  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an angled linking member of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 88  is a top view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 89  is a side view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 90  is a bottom perspective view of a catch member of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 91  is a side view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 92  is a side view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 93  is a top view of part of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 94  is a top view of part of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 95  is a side view of an embodiment of a portable support on a ridge of a roof surface in a non-operating position. 
         FIG. 96  is a side view of the portable support of  FIG. 95  in an installed position. 
         FIG. 97  is a perspective view depicting a roof surface including embodiments of portable supports thereon. 
         FIG. 98  is a perspective view depicting a roof surface including an embodiment of a portable support thereon. 
         FIG. 99  is a perspective view depicting a roof surface including an embodiment of a portable support thereon. 
         FIG. 100  is a perspective view depicting a roof surface including embodiments of portable supports and an elongated stop member thereon. 
         FIG. 101  is a simplified top view showing fork tines of the present disclosure in a mated position with a portable support. 
         FIG. 102  is a top view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 103  is a top view of an embodiment of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 104  is a top view of an embodiment of a strap of a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 105  is a perspective view of the strap of  FIG. 104 . 
         FIG. 106  is a top view of straps interconnected. 
         FIG. 107  is a front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 49  carrying a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 108  is a front perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 49  carrying a portable support of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 109  is a simplified side view illustrating part of an installation of the portable support of  FIG. 107 . 
         FIG. 110  is a simplified side view illustrating part of the installation of the portable support of  FIG. 109 . 
         FIG. 111  is a simplified view illustrating part of an installation of the portable support of  FIG. 108 . 
         FIG. 112  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 113  is a perspective view depicting a roof surface including embodiments of portable platforms thereon. 
         FIG. 114  is a side view of a portable support of the present disclosure installed on a target surface. 
     
    
    
     DEFINITIONS USED IN THE DISCLOSURE 
     The term “at least one”, “one or more”, and “one or a plurality” mean one thing or more than one thing with no limit on the exact number; these three terms may be used interchangeably within this disclosure. For example, at least one device means one or more devices or one device and a plurality of devices. 
     The term “about” means that a value of a given quantity is within ±20% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±15% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±7.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±1% of the stated value. 
     The term “substantially” or “essentially” means that a value of a given quantity is within ±10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±7.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±1% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±0.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±0.1% of the stated value. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and particular language will be used to describe the same. It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by way of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As understood by one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates, various changes and modifications of the principles as described and illustrated are herein contemplated. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “unit load” refers to one or more items that may be carried by an apparatus of the present disclosure and placed onto one or more target surfaces by the apparatus regardless of size and/or shape of the one or more items. In one embodiment, a unit load may be supported atop a support surface including a portable platform regardless of the size and/or shape of the one or more items. Herein, a unit load may include one or more items that are stackable atop a support surface. In one embodiment, one or more stackable items may be stacked in identifiable rows including, but not necessarily limited to rows of a measurable and/or known size. A unit load may also include one or more naked items and/or one or more items housed within packaging such as plastic bags, paper bags, wooden boxes, cardboard boxes, wrapping material, shrink wrap, and the like. A unit load may also include one or more loose items as described herein. The term “elevated surface” may refer to one or more natural or man-made surfaces located at a higher altitude than a surface location of one or more items to be carried up to the one or more higher altitude surfaces. In reference to an apparatus of the present disclosure carrying one or more items, the term “carry” means to hold and transport one or more items. The terms “building materials” and “construction materials” may be used interchangeably. Herein, a category of building materials includes, but is not necessarily limited to “roofing materials” as the term is understood by the skilled artisan in the field of building construction. In reference to roofs of buildings and houses, the terms “peak” and “ridge” may be used interchangeably. Herein, the phrases “bundles of roof shingles,” “bundles of shingles,” and “shingle bundles” may be used interchangeably. 
     In one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an automated apparatus operationally configured to (1) carry one or more items to one or more target surface locations and (2) remove at least one item from the apparatus for placement onto a target surface location. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable apparatus operationally configured to carry a portable platform to one or more target locations and automatically remove one or more items from the portable platform onto one or more surfaces at one or more target locations. The portable apparatus is operationally configured to remove one or more items from a portable platform including, but not necessarily limited to a unit load without manual assistance. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system for carrying pallet loaded building materials to one or more target surfaces including one or more roof surfaces of one or more structures and other elevated surfaces, the system including a lifting member and an apparatus in communication with the lifting member, the lifting member being operationally configured to move or otherwise direct the apparatus in space to one or more target locations including one or more elevated locations, the apparatus being operationally configured to engage or otherwise secure a pallet to the apparatus and remove at least part of a unit load from the pallet onto one or more target surfaces without the presence of persons at the one or more target surfaces. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method for the automated placement of building materials including, but not necessarily limited to bundles of shingles onto target surfaces including roofs and/or other elevated surfaces. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus operationally configured to carry a unit load to one or more target locations including, but not necessarily limited to one or more elevated surfaces; wherein the apparatus is operationally configured to remove all or part of the unit load from the apparatus onto one or more surfaces at one or more target locations with or without the apparatus contacting the one or more surfaces. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus operationally configured to carry a portable platform to one or more target locations including, but not necessarily limited to one or more elevated surfaces; wherein the apparatus is operationally configured to remove all or part of a unit load from the portable platform onto one or more surfaces at one or more target locations with or without the apparatus contacting the surface. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus in the form of a portable fork carriage operationally configured to carry a portable platform to one or more target locations and remove all or part of a unit load from the portable platform onto one or more surfaces of the one or more target locations with or without the fork carriage making contact with the one or more surfaces. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus comprised of an assembly of parts operationally configured to carry one or more items to one or more target locations and automatically remove at least one item from the apparatus onto one or more surfaces of the one or more target locations. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus comprised of an assembly of parts. In one embodiment, the apparatus is operationally configured to engage a portable platform in a manner effective to carry the portable platform and its contents to one or more target locations and automatically remove all or a portion of the contents from the portable platform onto one or more surfaces of one or more target locations. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus operationally configured to (1) carry one or more items to one or more target surface locations and (2) remove at least one item from the apparatus in a manner effective for one or more persons to catch or otherwise control items removed from the apparatus for manual placement of the removed items upon one or more surfaces at one or more target surface locations. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus operationally configured to carry one or more items and dispense of one or more items off from the apparatus. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus operationally configured for use in the roofing industry for carrying dispensing bundles of shingles off from the apparatus. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for carrying one or more bundles of shingles to one or more elevated locations and automatically unloading one or more bundles of shingles at the one or more elevated locations. The one or more bundles of shingles may be automatically unloaded off from an apparatus of this disclosure directly onto a roof surface and/or automatically unloaded directly onto a temporary support surface located on a roof surface. 
     In another embodiment including house roofing operations, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for the carrying and automated placement of bundles of shingles onto roof surfaces including, but not necessarily limited to flat roofs, inclined roofs, and combinations thereof. 
     In another embodiment including building construction and/or house roofing type operations, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for the delivery of one or more bundles of shingles onto target roof surfaces and/or other elevated surfaces without any persons being located on the target roof surface and/or other elevated surfaces, which may be referred to herein as “automated shingle delivery” and/or “person free shingle delivery.” 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for delivering one or more building materials and/or other items, including but not necessarily limited to bundles of shingles, to one or more target surfaces including one or more elevated target surfaces without any persons being located on or near the one or more target surfaces. The system and method may be referred to as a person free system for delivery one or more building materials and/or other items and a person free method of delivery one or more building materials and/or other items. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support for stopping, holding or otherwise retaining (collectively “capture”) building materials and/or other items on one or more target surfaces. Exemplary target surfaces may include, but are not necessarily limited to one or more elevated surfaces such as roofs, bridges, overpasses, building ledges, construction floors of structures, tower platforms, ship decks including barge and boat decks, balconies, shipping containers, train flatcars, warehouse storage surfaces and loading docks, and combinations thereof. A portable support of this disclosure may be built to scale. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to one or more portable supports operationally configured to be installed on one or more target surfaces without the use or need for persons to be located at or on the one or more target surfaces to assist with installation of the one or more portable supports on the one or more target surfaces. In other words, the one or more portable supports of this disclosure may be introduced onto one or more target surfaces via one or more fully automated modes of installation without the need for fasteners, clamps, adhesives, tie downs, and combinations thereof. Likewise, building materials and/or other items may be delivered to the one or more portable supports in one or more fully automated modes of delivery and/or manually as may be desired or otherwise required. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support for stopping, holding or otherwise retaining building materials and/or other items on one or more target surfaces, the portable support being operationally configured to accommodate a plurality of roof pitches and roof ridges with or without ride vents, e.g., shingle-over vents and aluminum vents. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support for stopping, holding or otherwise retaining building materials and/or other items on one or more target surfaces, the portable support being operationally configured to (1) accommodate dissimilar roof pitches on either side of a roof&#39;s peak and/or (2) accommodate roofs with different surface areas on either side of a roof&#39;s peak. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support for stopping, holding or otherwise retaining building materials and/or other items on one or both sides of a roof&#39;s peak at a first location along a roof. The portable support may be moved to a second location of the roof for further operation even in instances including the pitch of the roof at the second location being different from the pitch of the roof at the first location. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support for stopping, holding or otherwise retaining building materials and/or other items on one or more target surfaces including, but not necessarily limited to one or more inclined surfaces. In an embodiment of an inclined surface such as a pitched roof, the portable support is operationally configured to prevent items from moving, e.g., rolling, sliding, down the inclined surface passed the portable support. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a lightweight and portable support for stopping, holding or otherwise retaining building materials and/or other items on one or more target surfaces, wherein the portable support may be transported to a target surface in a first orientation or arrangement and installed on the target surface in a different orientation or arrangement, e.g., a portable support may be transported in a folded or wound type arrangement and unfolded or unwound for installation on the target surface. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support provided as an assembly operationally configured as a support for stopping, holding or otherwise retaining building materials and/or other items on a target surface. In one embodiment, the portable support may be assembled and then transported to a location of a target surface. In another embodiment, the portable support may be assembled on location, i.e., at a location of a target surface prior to use. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support operationally configured to engage one or more pitched roof surfaces at the peak of the roof and stop, hold or otherwise retain one or more building materials and/or other items on one or both sides of the roof. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support operationally configured to engage a roof at its ridge or ridge vent and hold or retain one or more building materials and/or other items on one or both sides of the roof. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support operationally configured to engage a roof in a manner effective to hold the portable support in a fixed position on the roof. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support including one or more catch members operationally configured to engagement a roof at its ridge or ridge vent in a manner effective to hold the portable support in a fixed position on the roof 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support for stopping, holding or otherwise retaining building materials and/or other items on a plurality of roof types including, but not necessarily limited to flat roofs, lean-to roofs, shed roofs, open gable roofs, box gable roofs, dutch gable roofs, clerestory roofs, hip roofs, cross-gable roofs, cross-hipped roofs, gambrel roofs, mansard roofs, saltbox roofs, and pyramid hip roofs regardless the length of a target roof ridge for installing the portable support. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system for delivering one or more building materials to one or more elevated target surfaces, including (1) one or more portable supports operationally configured for installation on the one or more elevated target surfaces to hold or retain building materials and/or other items thereon and (2) one or more automated apparatuses operationally configured to lift one or building materials and unload the one or more building materials onto the one or more elevated target surfaces in a manner effective to be held or retained by the one or more portable supports. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support for stopping, holding or otherwise retaining building materials and/or other items on a pitched roof at varying distances from the ridge of the roof. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a portable support for stopping, holding or otherwise retaining building materials and/or other items on one or more non-planar surfaces. Non-planar surfaces may include, but are not necessarily limited to curved surfaces, surfaces defined by angles, irregular shaped surface defined by dimples and/or protuberances. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for delivering one or more building materials and/or other items to one or more target surfaces including elevated surfaces without the use of working personnel at the one or more target surfaces. The system includes one or more portable supports operationally configured to be installed on one or more target surfaces without working personnel and/or other individuals being located on the one or more target surfaces for installation purposes. The system also includes an apparatus operationally configured to hold, carry and transport one or more building materials and/or other items to one or more target surfaces and remove the one or more building materials and/or other items from the apparatus onto one or more portable supports or part thereof without working personnel and/or other individuals being located on the one or more target surfaces for delivery of the one or more building materials and/or other items. In an embodiment where the one or more target surfaces include one or more elevated surfaces, the one or more portable supports may be installed and the one or more building materials and/or other items may be delivered to the one or more elevated surfaces without any persons being located at or on the one or more elevated surfaces. In one mode of operation, the apparatus may deliver a first portable support to one or more target surfaces where the first portable support may be operationally configured to self-install atop one or more target surfaces or the apparatus may be operationally configured to direct the first portable support to an installed orientation on a target surface. Once the first portable support is installed, the apparatus may deliver one or more building materials and/or other items to the one or more target surfaces in a manner effective for the first portable support to hold and/or retain the one or more building materials and/or other items on the one or more target surfaces. The apparatus may also be used to install one or more additional portable supports to the one or more target surfaces. The size and/or shape of one or more portable supports may be configured as desired for operation with one or more building materials and/or other items and configured as desired for operation with one or more particular support surfaces. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for delivering one or more bundles of shingles to one or more target roofs of varying pitch without the use of working personnel at the one or more target surfaces. The system and method may include providing one or more portable supports to be installed on one or more target roofs and an apparatus operationally configured carry one or more bundles of shingles and remove one or more bundles of shingles from the apparatus onto one or more target roofs in a manner effective to be held by one or more portable supports installed on the one or more target roofs. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for delivering one or more bundles of shingles to one or more target roofs of varying pitch without the use of working personnel at the one or more target surfaces. The system and method may include providing one or more portable platforms to be installed on one or more target roofs and an apparatus operationally configured carry one or more bundles of shingles and remove one or more bundles of shingles from the apparatus onto the one or more portable platforms. 
     As discussed herein, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus operationally configured to carry one or more items such as a unit load and remove the unit load or part thereof from the apparatus onto one or more surfaces at one or more target locations in an automated manner, i.e., without manual assistance. The apparatus may include one or more support members providing one or more support surfaces operationally configured to carry a unit load and/or one or more other items. The apparatus may also include one or more support members operationally configured to hold, grab, clamp, engage, hoist, carry, couple or mate with a portable platform and remove one or more items such as a unit load or part of a unit load from the portable platform onto one or more surfaces at one or more target locations in an automated manner. In building construction and/or remodeling and/or repair type operations, an apparatus of the present disclosure may be lifted and directed to one or more target locations near a roof or other elevated surface whereby the apparatus is operationally configured to remove one or more items from the apparatus and/or a portable platform on the apparatus. The one or more items to be carried by and removed from the apparatus are not limited to any particular type, size or shape of item. In building or construction type operations, items to be carried by and removed from the apparatus may include stackable items and/or non-stackable items. Examples of stackable items include, but are not necessarily limited to boxed items and other packaged items, bundles of shingles or shingle bundles, solar panels, wall panels, masonry bricks, ice blocks, tiles, lumber wood, drywall sheets, bagged sand, bagged mulch, bagged gravel, pipe, rolled materials, e.g., rolled felt, rolled flashing, rolled coverstrip, and combinations thereof. Examples of non-stackable items include, but are not necessarily limited to food items, loose items such as rocks/stones, sand, mulch, gravel, dirt, garbage type items, and the like. In one non-limiting example including bundles of shingles stacked in rows atop a portable platform, an apparatus of the present disclosure may be employed to carry the portable platform and bundles of shingles to one or more target locations near a roof or other elevated surface whereby the apparatus is operationally configured to remove the bundles of shingles from the portable platform in a non-destructive automated manner onto the roof or other elevated surface without requiring any manual assistance or other mechanical assistance to remove the bundles of shingles from the portable platform. 
     One embodiment of an apparatus  10  of the present disclosure is provided in  FIGS. 1-17 . As shown, the apparatus  10  includes a frame  11  or frame assembly operationally configured to provide structural strength to the apparatus  10 , provide one or more surfaces for attachment and/or operation of other apparatus  10  components and parts, and communicate the apparatus  10  with lifting equipment as described below. In this embodiment, the frame of the apparatus  10  includes at least an elongated horizontal base section (hereafter “first frame section  15 ”) defined by a longitudinal center line, an elongated vertical intermediate section (hereafter “second frame section  20 ”) defined by a longitudinal center line including a proximal end  32  attached to the first frame section  15  in a fixed position, and an elongated upper section defined by a longitudinal center line extending out from a distal end  36  of the second frame section  20  in a fixed forward position of the apparatus  10  (hereafter “third frame section  25 ”). As depicted in 
       FIGS. 1 and 2 , the apparatus  10  may include one or more support members (“one or more supports”) in the form of a platform or platform type support  16  (hereafter “platform support  16 ”) attached to and extending out from the first frame section  15  including an upper support surface  6  operationally configured to carry a unit load  300  and/or other items thereon. The platform support  16  may be provided as a planar type member as shown or as a non-planar member. In one embodiment, the platform support  16  may be releasably attachable to the first frame section  15  (see  FIG. 1 ). In another embodiment, the platform support  16  may be provided as part of the first frame section  15  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3-5 , in another implementation the apparatus  10  may include one or more support members with one or more support surfaces in the form of fork tines  12  and  13  attached to and extending out from opposing ends of the first frame section  15  in parallel or substantially parallel. Suitably, the one or more support members are operationally configured to hold one or more items thereon in a manner effective to transport and remove one or more items off from the apparatus  10 . In addition, the one or more support members may also be operationally configured to engage and/or hold and/or carry a portable support platform or “portable platform  200 ” and its contents, e.g., a unit load  300 , during operation of the apparatus  10 . In addition, the types of one or more support members may be interchangeable for use according to one or more particular apparatus  10  operations. In another embodiment, fork tine type support members may be provided having widths effective for the fork tines to abut near or at the middle of the first frame section providing a two part platform type support similar in operation as the platform support  16  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For purposes of discussion, the apparatus  10  of this embodiment will be discussed in terms of having fork tines  12  and  13  operable with one or more portable platforms  200 . 
     For purposes of the present disclosure, a portable platform  200  may include, but is not necessarily limited to one or more pallets, skids, crates, cartons, baskets, racks, trays, boxes, and the like. As understood by the skilled artisan, a pallet is characterized by a top deck platform portion and a bottom deck for structural support and a skid is characterized by a single-deck without a bottom deck. Non-limiting examples of pallets may include two-way pallets and four-way pallets as such terms are known in the art. Exemplary two-way pallet styles may include (1) reversible pallets, (2) closed boarded, no base board pallets, and (3) wing type pallets. Exemplary four-way pallets may include (1) close boarded, three base pallets, (2) perimeter base pallets, (3) wing type pallets, (4) close boarded, perimeter base pallets, and (5) open boarded, three base pallets. Another exemplary pallet may include a EUR pallet as such term is understood by the skilled artisan. Commercially available pallets and skids may be constructed from materials including, but not necessarily limited to one or more woods, one or more pressed woods, one or more plastics, one or more rubbers, one or more metals, one or more cardboard materials, one or more composite materials, and combinations thereof. Without limiting the disclosure and for purposes of explanation, the apparatus  10  of this embodiment will be discussed in terms of carrying a pallet  200  with a planar horizontal support surface for receiving and carrying a unit load  300  thereon, e.g., a stack of bundles of shingles, and removing the unit load  300  from pallet  200  onto a roof and/or elevated surface of a commercial or residential structure. 
     Suitably, the first frame section  15  is disposed along an X-axis, the second frame section  20  is disposed along a Y-axis and the third frame section  25  is disposed along a Z-axis (see  FIG. 1 ). In this embodiment, the third frame section  25  extends out from its attachment point with the distal end  36  of the second frame section  20  forming an angle whereby a distal end  27  of the third frame section  25  terminates at a point higher in elevation than its proximal end  26  attached to the second frame section  20 . In this embodiment, the distal end  36  of the second frame section  20  acts as a support surface or seat for the third frame section  25  wherein the surface configuration of the distal end  36  establishes the angle of the third frame section  25  in relation to the second frame section  20 . For example, in an embodiment where the distal end  36  of the second frame section  20  includes a flat horizontal surface configuration, a four sided third frame section  25  extends out from the second frame section  20  horizontally forming a right angle with the second frame section  20 . In this embodiment, each of the first frame section  15 , the second frame section  20  and the third frame section  25  are provided as elongated four sided members. Each of the first frame section  15 , the second frame section  20  and the third frame section  25  may be provided as solid members, hollow members, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment configured to minimize the total weight of the apparatus  10 , the first frame section  15 , the second frame section  20  and the third frame section  25  may be provided as hollow members. In another embodiment, the first frame section  15 , the second frame section  20  and third frame section  25  may be provided in one or more different surface shapes or surface configurations, e.g., solid and/or hollow cylindrical members, three-sided member, hexagonal member, oval shaped tubular members, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the first frame section  15 , the second frame section  20  and the third frame section  25  may be provided as independent members, e.g., first frame member, second frame member, and third frame member, releasably assembled or permanently assembled. In one embodiment, the first frame section  15 , the second frame section  20  and the third frame section  25  may be releasably secured together via fasteners such as nut/bolt type fasteners and/or other threaded fasteners. In another embodiment, the first frame section  15 , the second frame section  20  and the third frame section  25  may be secured together via welds providing a fixed frame of the apparatus  10 . In another embodiment, the first frame section  15 , the second frame section  20  and the third frame section  25  may be provided as a one-piece construction. 
     For purposes of operation with unit loads  300  of varying heights, the apparatus  10  includes an adjustable assembly secured to the frame. As shown, the adjustable assembly includes a slide member  30  secured to the second frame section  20  in a manner effective for the slide member  30  to travel along the second frame section  20  a distance equal to or less than the length of the second frame section  20 . In this embodiment, the slide member  30  is provided as a vertically oriented sleeve enclosing part of the second frame section  20 , the total surface of the second frame section  20  enclosed being dictated according to the length of the slide member  30 . In one embodiment, the inner surface of the slide member  30  may include the same or substantially similar shape and inner dimensions as the shape and outer dimensions of the second frame section  20  providing a form fit of the slide member  30  with the second frame section  20 . In another embodiment, the inner dimensions of the slide member  30  may be greater than the outer dimensions of the second frame section  20  providing spacing for one or more materials to be fitted there between for purposes of wear protection, e.g., wear pads (also referred to as “slide pads”) and the like. Also, in another embodiment the slide member  30  may be provided in a configuration to minimize material usage, e.g., a slide member  30  with one or more apertures there through or a frame type slide member  30 . 
     As shown, the slide member  30  includes linear attachments, namely, (1) a first horizontal attachment surface  21  extending out perpendicular from a first side of the slide member  30  at a first elevation along the slide member  30 , (2) a second horizontal attachment surface  22  extending out perpendicular from an opposite second side of the slide member  30  at the first elevation, (3) a third horizontal attachment surface  23  extending out perpendicular from the first side of the slide member  30  at a second elevation along the slide member  30 , and (4) a fourth horizontal attachment surface  24  extending out perpendicular from the second side of the slide member  30  at the second elevation. In another embodiment, the first and second horizontal attachment surfaces  21 ,  22  may be provided as a single elongated member attached to the front side or back side of the slide member  30 . Likewise, the third and fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  23 ,  24  may be provided as a single elongated member attached to the front side or back side of the slide member  30 . In another embodiment, the first and second horizontal attachment surfaces  21 ,  22  and/or the third and fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  23 ,  24  may extend out from the slide member  30  in a non-perpendicular configuration. 
     The adjustable assembly further includes a guide assembly operationally configured to direct one or more items off from the apparatus  10  to one or more locations. The guide assembly of this embodiment includes (1) one or more arm members  33  pivotally attached to the first and second horizontal attachment surfaces,  21  and  22 ; (2) a non-planar guide member  35  attached at the distal end(s) of the one or more arm members  33  and (3) one or more first linear actuators  37  attached to the third and fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  23  and  24  as shown. Suitably, the one or more arm members  33  are pivotally attached at the distal ends of the first and second horizontal attachment surfaces  21  and  22  (see pivot point  40 ). In this embodiment, a first end of the one or more first linear actuators  37  are pivotally attached at the distal ends of the third and fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  23  and  24  (see pivot point  41 ) and a second end of the one or more first linear actuators  37  are pivotally attached to the one or more arm members  33  at pivot point  42 . In one embodiment, the one or more linear actuators  37  may be provided as double acting hydraulic cylinders including a bore at a tail end for pivotal attachment to the distal ends of the third and fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  23 ,  24  and a drive rod having a distal end pivotally attached to the one or more arm members  33 . In another embodiment, the one or more hydraulic cylinders  37 , and other cylinders described herein, may be provided as single acting cylinders. In another embodiment, the one or more hydraulic cylinders  37  may be pivotally attached to the third and fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  23 ,  24  and one or more arm members  33  in a reverse arrangement. In another embodiment, the one or more linear actuators  37  may be provided as one or more pneumatic cylinders. In another embodiment, the one or more linear actuators  37  may be provided as mechanical actuators, e.g., screw jacks. In one suitable embodiment, the one or more hydraulic cylinders  37  may be pivotally attached to the third and fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  23 ,  24  and one or more arm members  33  via pivot pins, fasteners such as hex bolts and hex nuts, clips, e.g., spring clips or other clips, pins, socket head screws, flange nuts, flange bolts, bearings such as flange bearings or two or more piece split bearings commonly referred to as “trunnion mounts.” 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the one or more arm members  33  may be provided as flat bar members. In another embodiment, the one or more arm members  33  may be provided as rectangular members. In another embodiment, the one or more arm members  33  may be provided as tubular members. In still another embodiment, the one or more arm members  33  may be provided as angled or L-shaped members. In still another embodiment, the one or more are members  33  may be provided wider than shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  providing side wall or plate type members on either side a unit load  300  on a portable platform  200 . 
     The adjustable assembly also includes one or more second linear actuators  45  having a first end attached to the second frame section  20  and a second end attached to the slide member  30 . In this embodiment, the second frame section  20  and slide member  30  each have an attachment surface or mounting surface as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of cylinder connections (see attachment surfaces  28  and  31  in  FIG. 4 ) providing attachment points  29  and  34  for the one or more second linear actuators  45 . In one embodiment, the one or more second linear actuators  45  may include at least one double acting hydraulic cylinder as described above wherein the bore at a tail end of the hydraulic cylinder  45  is attached to attachment surface  28  and the distal end of the drive rod is attached to attachment surface  31 . Without limiting the disclosure, suitable attachment surfaces  28 ,  31  may be provided as planar type projections with apertures there through. In one suitable embodiment, the one or more hydraulic cylinders  45  may be attached to attachment surfaces  28  and  31  via fasteners such as hex bolts and hex nuts, clips, e.g., spring clips or other clips, pins, socket head screws, flange nuts, flange bolts, bearings such as flange bearings or two or more piece split bearings. In another embodiment, the one or more second linear actuators  45  may be provided as one or more pneumatic cylinders. In another embodiment, the one or more second linear actuators  45  may be provided as mechanical actuators, e.g., screw jacks. 
     As stated above, the apparatus  10  may include one or more support members provided as fork tines  12 ,  13  attached to and extending out from opposing ends of the first frame section  15  in a parallel arrangement. Although the apparatus  10  may be built to scale, in one suitable embodiment for use in the construction industry, the fork tines  12 ,  13  are operationally configured for use with portable platforms  200  having maximum dimensions as described in Table 1. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Length: 
                 121.9 cm (48.0 inches); 
               
               
                   
                 Width: 
                 121.9 cm (48.0 inches). 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each of the fork tines  12 ,  13  includes an adjustable collar  17 ,  18  mated with opposite ends of the first frame section  15 , wherein the fork tines  12 ,  13  comprise part of its corresponding collar  17 ,  18 , e.g., a bottom portion of each collar  17 ,  18  as shown. In another embodiment, the fork tines  12 ,  13  may be provided as part of the first frame section  15  in a fixed one-piece construction. 
     Without limiting the disclosure, suitable fork tines  12 ,  13  for use with portable platforms  200  having the maximum dimensions of Table 1 may each include maximum dimensions as described in Table 2. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Length: 
                 152.4 cm 
                 (60.0 inches); 
               
               
                   
                 Width: 
                 15.2 cm 
                 (6.0 inches); 
               
               
                   
                 Thickness: 
                 3.81 cm 
                 (1.5 inches). 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of fork tines, the fork tines  12 ,  13  of this disclosure may include a planar surface or the fork tines  12 ,  13  may taper out toward their distal ends as shown (see distal end  14  in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Also, the distance between the fork tines  12 ,  13  may vary as desired or as otherwise required for operation of the apparatus  10  with one or more particular configurations of portable platforms  200 . To this end, the apparatus  10  may be provided as part of a system including a particular portable platform  200  having a certain structural configuration and fork tines  12 ,  13  sized and spaced to interact with a particular portable platform  200  of the system. For example, in one embodiment the fork tines  12 ,  13  may be provided as cylindrical or tubular members for specific operation with portable platforms  200  having female cylindrical mating surfaces  206 ,  207  for receiving each of the tubular fork tines  12 ,  13  (see  FIG. 39 ). In another embodiment, fork tines  12 ,  13  may be provided in one or more different sizes and shapes as desired—see  FIGS. 40 and 41 . In such type of system, a portable platform  200  may be provided in a design or configuration specific for a particular apparatus  10 , which may influence use and/or reuse of such a particular portable platform  200  and/or serve as a possible deterrent to theft due to the specificity in the design of such a particular portable platform  200 . In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 42 , a portable platform  200  may include a contact surface  219  operationally configured to engage a target surface of a particular shape as desired, e.g., a portable platform  200  with a wedge shape bottom surface operationally configured to engage a pitched roof. As shown in  FIG. 43 , in another embodiment a portable platform  200  may include a support surface  229  and a plurality of adjustable support members  231  and pivotal base members  233  operationally configured to engage a target surface such as a plurality of pitched roofs of varying pitch. In one embodiment, the plurality of support members  231  may include a plurality of holes and fastening pins  235  as understood by the skilled artisan. In another embodiment, the plurality of support members  231  may include threaded members turnable to change the overall length of each support member  231 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 44 , a portable platform  200  as shown in  FIGS. 42 and 43  may include one or more raised side walls  238  whereby one or more items of a unit load  300  may be removed from an apparatus  10  onto the support surface  229  and maintained thereon by way of the one or more raised side walls  238  acting as a barrier along at least part of the perimeter of the support surface  229 . In one embodiment, the portable platform  200  and the raised side walls  238  may be provided as a one-piece construction. In another embodiment, the raised side walls  238  may be releasably attached to the portable platform via one or more fasteners  239  as shown, one or more male/female fittings, one or more clamps, one or more pins, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the raised side walls  238  may be provided as a one-piece member in a fixed configuration. In another embodiment, one or more raised side walls  238  may be provided as individual separate members. In another embodiment, one or more raised side walls  238  may be hingedly attached (see hinge  240 ) whereby the one or more raised side walls  238  may be folded for storage and/or transport during nonuse. Removable type raised side walls  238  may also be operationally configured for use with a system as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2015/0021452, titled “System for Adjusting a Pallet for Delivery on a Rooftop,” published Jan. 22, 2015; a system as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2009/0249740, titled “Roofing Shingle Support System,” published Oct. 8, 2009; a table as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,904, titled “Work Table for Use on a Peaked Roof,” published Oct. 5, 1999; and a pallet as described in U.S. Publication No. 2019/0217989, titled “Peaked Roofing Pallets,” published Jul. 18, 2019, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Other exemplary portable platforms  200  of the present disclosure are depicted in  FIG. 112 . A portable platform  200  as described in  FIGS. 42-44, and 112  may be constructed from one or more materials including, but not necessarily limited to, those materials resistant to chipping, cracking, excessive bending and reshaping as a result of weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemical influences, as well as impacts to the portable platform  200 . 
     Particular materials of construction may include, but are not necessarily limited to one or more metals, plastics, rubbers, filled composite materials, woods, and combinations thereof depending on the performance requirements for one or more particular operations of the apparatus  10 . Suitable metals include steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics include thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride 
     (“CPVC”), UHMW polyethylene, high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), polypropylene, and combinations thereof. The one or more raised side walls  238  may be constructed from one more materials effective for use as a barrier operationally configured to maintain one or more items of a unit load  300  on a support surface  229  of a portable platform  200 . Suitable materials of construction include, but are not necessarily limited to one or more woods, one or more pressed woods, one or more plastics, one or more rubbers, one or more metals, one or more cardboard materials, one or more composite materials, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the one or more raised side walls  238  may include one or more perimeter frame type members with netting, wire, plastic mesh, fencing material, and the like disposed between the one or more perimeter frame type members operable as a barrier for the portable platform  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in one embodiment, the collars  17 ,  18  may be adjustable along the first frame section  15  from the outer edges of the first frame section  15  inward to a contact position with second frame section  20 . In an embodiment of the apparatus  10  for use in the construction industry, the fork tines  12 ,  13  are suitably spaced apart from each other at a distance of or about 81.3 cm (32.0 inches). In one embodiment, the collars  17 ,  18  may simply fit over the first frame section  15 . In another embodiment, the first frame section  15  may include a row of apertures and each of the collars  17 ,  18  may include an aperture for receiving a locking pin or the like there through for setting each of the collars  17 ,  18  in a locked position with the first frame section  15 . In still another embodiment, each of the collars  17 ,  18  may include a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded locking pin there through for applying a force to the outer surface of the first frame section  15  for tightening and holding the collars  17 ,  18  in a fixed position during operation of the apparatus  10 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the apparatus  10  also includes a mover assembly operationally configured to direct a unit load  300  or part of a unit load from a portable platform  200 . As discussed below, in one embodiment the mover assembly and adjustable assembly may be operationally configured to remove a unit load  300  comprising one or more rows of stackable items from a portable platform  200  by removing at least each uppermost row of a unit load  300  from its stack until each row of stacked items has been removed from the portable platform  200 . In another embodiment, the mover assembly and adjustable assembly may be operationally configured to remove a plurality of uppermost rows of stackable items simultaneously. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the mover assembly includes (1) an actuation assembly including a horizontal slide member  50  in communication with the first horizontal attachment surface  21  and a (2) push member or push assembly  52  operationally configured to be directed along a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the second frame section  20  toward and apart from the second frame section  20 . In this embodiment, the first horizontal attachment surface  21  is provided as an elongated member defined by a longitudinal axis having a square or other rectangular shape. In another embodiment, the first horizontal attachment surface  21  may be provided as a cylindrical member or other multi-sided member, e.g., three-sided, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like. Suitably, the inner surface of the slide member  50  includes the same or substantially similar shape and inner dimensions as the shape and outer dimensions of the first horizontal attachment surface  21  providing a form fit of the slide member  50  with the first horizontal attachment surface  21 . As discussed below, the inner dimensions of the slide member  50  may be greater than the outer dimensions of the first horizontal attachment surface  21  providing spacing for one or more materials to be fitted there between for purposes of wear protection similar as described above. 
     In this embodiment, the push assembly  52  is provided as a horizontally oriented scissor linkage or lazy-tong configuration as such terms are understood by the skilled artisan including pivot fasteners, e.g., shoulder bolts, hex bolts, pins, bearings, or custom machined shoulder screws or shoulder bolts, linking multiple arms comprising the scissor linkage. As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the push assembly  52  includes a first arm member  54  pivotally attached to the slide member  50  via one or more mounting surfaces or attachment surfaces  57  via a pivot fastener including, but not necessarily limited to a shoulder bolt, hex bolt, pivot pin, bearing, custom machined shoulder screw or shoulder bolt. The push assembly  52  also includes a second arm member  55  pivotally attached to the second horizontal attachment surface  22  at pivot point  51  via a pivot fastener including, but not necessarily limited to a shoulder bolt, hex bolt, pivot pin, bearing, custom machined shoulder screw or shoulder bolt. 
     The actuation assembly of the mover assembly includes one or more third linear actuators  56  operationally configured to direct the slide member  50  along the first horizontal attachment surface  21  in either direction up to the length of the first horizontal attachment surface  21 . One suitable third linear actuator  56  may include a double acting hydraulic cylinder as described above wherein the bore at a tail end of the hydraulic cylinder  56  is attached to the second horizontal attachment surface  22  and the distal end of the drive rod is attached to the slide member  50 . In one embodiment, the second horizontal attachment surface  22  and the slide member  50  may be provided with mounting surfaces or attachment surfaces (see attachment surfaces  47  and  48  in  FIG. 6 ) for a hydraulic cylinder  56  similar as attachment surfaces  28  and  31  described above. Also similar as described above, in another embodiment a third linear actuator  56  may be provided as a pneumatic cylinder. In yet another embodiment, a third linear actuator  56  may be provided as a mechanical actuator, e.g., a screw jack. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 3-6 , the distal end of the push assembly  52  includes a faceplate  58  with a forward facing pushing surface  59  operationally configured to engage one or more items located on a portable platform  200 . As shown, two distal arms  60 ,  61  of the scissor linkage push assembly  52  are pivotally attached to a back side of the face plate  58  (see pivot point  63  in  FIG. 6 ). In this embodiment, the forward pushing surface  59  is provided as a planar type surface disposed along a vertical plane having a width defining the width of the push assembly  52 . In another embodiment, the forward pushing surface  59  may include a non-planar surface. The forward pushing surface  59  may also include a surface configuration for use with one or more particular target items to be carried by a portable platform  200 . For example, the forward pushing surface  59  may include a curved surface defined by a radius for engaging cylindrical items of a certain outer diameter such as barrels, drums, buckets, and other cylindrical boxes and storage containers. The height of the forward pushing surface  59  may also vary as desired or as otherwise required for a particular operation of the apparatus  10 . 
     In operation, the hydraulic cylinder  56  is operationally configured to direct the slide member  50  along the first horizontal attachment surface  21 , which dictates the retraction and extension of the push assembly  52  according to its scissor linkage configuration. In particular, as the slide member  50  is directed toward the second frame section  20  the push assembly  52  is directed along a horizontal plane to an extended position as shown in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 . As the slide member  50  is directed away from the second frame section  20 , the push assembly  52  is directed horizontally to a retracted position as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , one suitable guide member  35  may include opposing side supports  68 ,  69  with a non-planar first guide surface  70  disposed there between at a first location and a non-planar second guide surface  75  disposed between the side supports  68 ,  69  at a second location and spaced apart from the first guide surface  70  defining an opening between the first guide surface  70  and the second guide surface  75  as shown. Suitably, the opening between the guide surfaces  70  and  75  is large enough to receive items of a unit load  300  there through (see directional arrow A). For example, in an embodiment where a unit load  300  includes stacked rows of bundles of shingles as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the opening between the guide surfaces  70  and  75  is suitably large enough for each individual bundle of shingles of a unit load  300  to be directed through the opening between the guide surfaces  70  and  75  regardless of its lengthwise orientation as stacked on a portable platform  200 . As such, one suitable opening between guide surfaces  70 ,  75  may include a width at least equal to or greater than the length of each individual bundle of shingles of a unit load  300 . As understood by the skilled artisan, as of the time of this application a commercially available single bundle of shingles may be provided in packaging of various dimensions. One commercially available single bundle of shingles may be provided having dimensions as listed in Table 3. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Length: 
                 91.44 cm 
                 (36.0 inches); 
               
               
                   
                 Width: 
                 30.48 cm 
                 (12.0 inches); 
               
               
                   
                 Height: 
                 6.98 cm 
                 (2.75 inches). 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Another commercially available single bundle of shingles may be provided having dimensions as listed in Table 4. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Length: 
                 100.0 cm 
                 (39.4 inches); 
               
               
                   
                 Width: 
                 33.02 cm 
                 (13.0 inches); 
               
               
                   
                 Height: 
                 6.98 cm 
                 (2.75 inches). 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Bundles of shingles are not limited to any particular commercial source. Exemplary commercial sources of bundles of shingles for use herein include, but are not necessarily limited to Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC, Toledo, Ohio, U.S.A.; BMC Stock Holdings, Inc., Raleigh, N.C., U.S.A.; GAF Materials Corporation, Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, U.S.A.; CertainTeed Corporation, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; Atlas Roofing Corporation, Meridian, Mississippi, U.S.A.; TAMKO Building Products LLC, Galena, Kansas, U.S.A.; BP Canada Energy Group ULC, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; IKO Industries Ltd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , each of the guide surfaces  70  and  75  may include a curved sliding surface to assist in directing items such as bundles of shingles of a unit load  300  (herein bundles of shingles may be referred to as “bundles of shingles  300 ”) there between. In another embodiment, one or more of the guide surfaces  70  and  75  may include multiple planar surfaces angularly aligned to operate cooperatively in a manner similar as a single or continuous curved surface configuration. In yet another embodiment, one or more of the guide surfaces  70  and  75  may include a different shape from that as shown in  FIG. 7  for maximizing the passage of one or more particular items of unit load  300  through the guide surfaces  70  and  75 , e.g., irregular shaped item(s) requiring guide surfaces  70  and  75  mirroring the shape of irregular shaped item(s). 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the third frame section  25  may be referred to as a leveling member or leveling assembly, wherein the third frame section  25  is (1) operationally configured as a connector to communicate the apparatus  10  with lifting equipment, e.g., a crane, hoist, wench, or other lifting device for moving the apparatus  10  in space as desired to one or more locations and (2) operationally configured to maintain the apparatus  10  in a vertical or substantially vertical alignment, i.e., maintain the second frame section  20  in a vertical or substantially vertical alignment with the earth&#39;s gravitational vector during operation of the apparatus  10  (herein referred to as “vertical alignment” of the apparatus  10 ). With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the third frame section  25  of the frame may be provided as a hollow or partially hollow member including one or more fourth linear actuators  80  housed therein. In one suitable embodiment, the third frame section  25  may include a double acting hydraulic cylinder as described above wherein the bore at a tail end of the hydraulic cylinder is secured to an inner surface of the third frame section  25  at attachment point  81  and the distal end of the drive rod is attached to a lift or hoist attachment member  84  at attachment point  82 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the third frame section  25  of this embodiment suitably includes an opening in the form of an elongated slot  87  operationally configured for the lift or hoist attachment member  84  (hereafter “lift attachment member  84 ”) to be directed linearly in either direction along the length of the slot  87  according to the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder  80  (see directional arrow C in  FIG. 8 ). The length of the slot  87  is not limited but may vary as desired, which in turn may dictate the size and/or stroke of the hydraulic cylinder  80 . 
     In this embodiment, the lift attachment member  84  is provided in the form of a lift eye operationally configured to partially extend out through the slot  87  providing an attachment surface for a lift line  5  or other lifting or hoisting attachment or assembly of lifting equipment, for example, a hook, clevis fastener, or other rigging equipment. The lift attachment member  84  is affixed to a slide member  88  that resides inside the third frame section  25  and slides along the inside of the third frame section  25 . The slide member  88  is smaller than the inside of the third frame section  25  such that it can be fitted with wear protection devices such as wear pads and the like. In another embodiment, the lift attachment member  84  may be provided as a handle, hook, eye bolt, clevis fastener, or hydraulic rotating unit. Hydraulic rotating units as understood by the skilled artisan, can also be mounted to the lift attachment member  84  via a clevis fastener, hook, pin, bolts/fasteners and other rigging equipment. A hydraulic rotation device suitably allows a user to rotate the apparatus  10 , and a unit load  300  carried by the apparatus  10 , to a desired orientation according to a roof or other surface where a unit load  300  or part thereof is to be placed. In another embodiment, the third frame section  25  may itself operate as an attachment surface, for example, tying off the apparatus  10  via the third frame section  25  with rope, strapping, cable, chain, wire, and combinations thereof and/or hooking or latching the third frame section  25  with a hook or sling hook as known in the art of lifting equipment. 
     In operation, the hydraulic cylinder  80  located inside the third frame section  25  may be powered to change the location of the lift attachment member  84  along the length of the slot  87  thereby changing the center of gravity of the apparatus  10  to maintain a horizontal or substantially horizontal or level orientation of the apparatus  10  and any portable platform  200  and any unit load  300  carried by the apparatus  10  when the apparatus  10  is lifted to a suspended elevated position relative the ground or other floor type surface during transport. For example, in a scenario where the apparatus  10  is in a suspended elevated position or lifted position off the ground or other floor type surface with a lift attachment member  84  positioned as depicted in  FIG. 9 , if the apparatus  10  is leaning backward in an un-level position with the distal ends of the fork tines  12  and  13  pointing upward as depicted in  FIG. 9 , the hydraulic cylinder  80  may be powered to direct the lift attachment member  84  rearward (see directional arrow B in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 9 ) directing the apparatus  10  to a level or substantially level position as shown in  FIG. 10  (see directional arrow D) safe for transport of the portable platform  200  and unit load  300  carried by the apparatus  10 . In this embodiment, (1) the angle of the third frame section  25  relative the second frame section  20 , (2) the location of the lift attachment member  84  along the length of the third frame section  25  and (3) the position of the center of gravity of a unit load  300  in relation to the position of the center of gravity of the apparatus  10  dictate the orientation of the apparatus  10  in space during transport at any moment in time. 
     In an embodiment of the apparatus  10  provided with hydraulic cylinders as described above, the apparatus  10  may also include a hydraulic control valve  85  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) operationally configured to provide and regulate hydraulic power to each of the hydraulic cylinders  37 ,  45 ,  56 ,  80  of the apparatus  10 . In an embodiment where the apparatus  10  is lifted by a lifting member  400  (see  FIG. 18 ) including lifting equipment, e.g., a crane, hoist, and other lifting device, commercially available and equipped with one or more hydraulic supply lines, e.g., hydraulic hoses, the one or more hydraulic supply lines of the lifting member  400  may be fluidly communicated with the hydraulic control valve  85  whereby pressurized fluid may be conveyed to one or more of the hydraulic cylinders  37 ,  45 ,  56 ,  80  as desired during operation of the apparatus  10 . 
     One suitable hydraulic control valve  85  may include one or more hydraulic fluid inlet ports or fluid connections for receiving one or more hydraulic fluid lines, e.g., a flexible hydraulic hose or combination of flexible hose and non-flexible hydraulic tubing, typically associated with an auxiliary function of a lifting member  400 . For example, commercially available lifting members  400  such as hydraulic cranes are typically equipped with one or more auxiliary hydraulic systems including control circuitry, a main control valve, and hydraulic fluid lines fluidly communicating the main control valve with a hydraulic rotator unit hanging from or otherwise attached at a distal end of a boom of a crane type lifting member  400 . A typical auxiliary hydraulic system includes a supply line, e.g., a pressure hose, conveying pressurized fluid to a hydraulic rotator unit and a return line, e.g., a pressure hose, for conveying the hydraulic fluid back to the main control valve of the lifting member  400 . For purposes of the present disclosure, the supply line may be disconnected from the hydraulic rotator unit and connected, possibly with extension hoses, to an inlet or pressure port located on the hydraulic control valve  85 . Likewise, the return line may be disconnected from the hydraulic rotator unit and connected to a return port of the hydraulic control valve  85  of the apparatus  10 . 
     Suitably, the apparatus  10  includes individual hydraulic fluid lines (not shown) fluidly communicating the hydraulic control valve  85  with each of the hydraulic cylinders  37 ,  45 ,  56 ,  80 . In one embodiment, the hydraulic control valve  85  may include individual fluid ports corresponding to each of the hydraulic cylinders  37 ,  45 ,  56 ,  80  wherein a first end of each hydraulic fluid line is fluidly connected to a particular fluid port of the hydraulic control valve  85  and a second end of each hydraulic fluid line is fluidly connected to a port on a particular hydraulic cylinder  37 ,  45 ,  56 , or  80 . Exemplary hydraulic fluid lines include, but are not necessarily limited to hydraulic hoses, hydraulic tubes, and combinations thereof. 
     In one suitable embodiment, each hydraulic fluid line may include first and second ends with connectors operationally configured to provide sealed fluid connections between the hydraulic fluid lines and the ports of the hydraulic control valve  85  and the hydraulic cylinders  37 ,  45 ,  56 ,  80 . Suitable connectors include, but are not necessarily limited to thirty-seven degree flare fittings, O-ring straight thread fittings, pipe thread fittings, split flange fittings, crimps, clamps, or other connectors operationally configured for high pressure hydraulic and/or pneumatic use. 
     In one suitable embodiment of the apparatus  10 , each of the hydraulic cylinders  37 ,  45 ,  56 ,  80  has a first connection port allowing pressurized fluid to be supplied to the rod side of each of the hydraulic cylinders  37 ,  45 ,  56 ,  80  and a second connection port allowing pressurized fluid to be supplied to the base side of each cylinder  37 ,  45 ,  56 ,  80 . In particular, the hydraulic control valve  85  may be provided with independently operated circuits, known to the skilled artisan as “work sections.” Each work section may have two connection ports, commonly referred to by the skilled artisan as an “A” port and “B” port. In one embodiment of the hydraulic control valve  85 , the “A” port is operationally configured to supply fluid to a hydraulic cylinder and the 
     “B” port is operationally configured to provide a path for the return of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic control valve  85  may also be operationally configured to provide fluid pressure to the “B” port and return fluid flow via the “A” port. When not in use, the hydraulic control valve  85  may be configured or set to provide zero fluid flow to or from the “A” and “B” ports, commonly referred to by the skilled artisan as a “center position” or “neutral position” of the hydraulic control valve  85 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the hydraulic control valve  85  has five work sections. The inlet, outlet, and work sections of the hydraulic control valve  85  may be configured for operation as follows: 
     (1) Fluid Inlet of the hydraulic control valve  85 : The supply line of the lifting member  400  is fluidly connected to a pressure port of the hydraulic control valve  85 . The pressure port may include a pressure relief valve effective as a circuit protection feature of the hydraulic control valve  85 . When circuit pressure exceeds the pressure relief setting of the pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve suitably diverts pressure to the return line via the return port of the hydraulic control valve  85  preventing damage to the hydraulic control valve  85 . 
     (2) Work section 1: Port A (the “A” port) is connected to port A on the hydraulic rotator unit. Port B (the “B” port) is connected to port B on the hydraulic rotator unit. 
     (3) Work section 2: Port A is connected to port A on the hydraulic cylinder  45  and Port B is connected to port B on the hydraulic cylinder  45  for controlling the slide member  30 . 
     (4) Work section 3: Port A is connected to port A on the hydraulic cylinder  80  and Port B is connected to port B on the hydraulic cylinder  80  for controlling the center of gravity adjustment of the apparatus  10 . 
     (5) Work section 4: Port A is connected to port A on the hydraulic cylinders  37  and Port B is connected to port B on the hydraulic cylinders  37  for controlling the position of the guide member  35 . 
     (6) Work section 5: Port A is connected to port A on the hydraulic cylinder  56  and Port B is connected to port B on the hydraulic cylinder  56  for controlling extension and retraction of the push assembly  52 . 
     (7) Outlet Section: A return line connected to the return port of the hydraulic control valve  85  provides a fluid return for conveying hydraulic fluid from the apparatus  10  back to a hydraulic tank or other container on the lifting member  400 . 
     (8) Actuation of the work sections: A spool inside the hydraulic control valve  85  suitably shifts by way of an electrical signal. The electrical signal originates from the lifting member  400  via remote control. Some lifting member  400  remote controls (e.g., Hiab XS Drive) may be operationally configured to control additional functions beyond just the lifting member  400  itself. In one embodiment, remote control of the lifting member  400  may be set to a secondary control mode, whereby an operator may use the lifting member  400  remote control to remotely control the apparatus  10 . For example, a wireless signal may be sent from the lifting member  400  remote control (e.g., a transmitter) to a receiver located on the apparatus  10 . The receiver (not shown) sends the received signals to a valve driver or valve control module, i.e., an electronic device that sends control signals to each work section of hydraulic control valve  85 . In operation, the hydraulic control valve  85  receives an electrical signal and shifts the spool to deliver fluid pressure to the appropriate work port, which in turn translates to motion in the associated member of the apparatus  10 . 
     In this embodiment, the hydraulic control valve  85  is located on a front side of the slide member  30 . In another embodiment, the hydraulic control valve  85  may be located on the third frame section  25  apart from the slot  87  and lift attachment member  84 . One suitable hydraulic control valve  85  may include an L 9 OLS mobile valve commercially available from Parker Hannifin Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. In an embodiment of the apparatus  10  employing pneumatic air cylinders, the control valve  85  may be provided as a pneumatic control valve. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-16 , a simplified illustration of the apparatus  10  described above carrying a unit load  300  comprising a stack of bundles of shingles to a roof  500  is provided. As shown in  FIG. 11 , at initial operation of the apparatus  10  the guide member  35  may be set at an upper position as shown with the hydraulic cylinders  37  set to a fully retracted position. Once the fork tines  12  and  13  of the apparatus  10  are mated with openings of a pallet  200  carrying a stack of bundles of shingles of a unit load  300 —shown here including a stack of eight rows of stacked bundles of shingles—the hydraulic cylinders  37  may be powered to an extended position thereby lowering the arm members  33  and guide member  35  to an operable position (see directional arrow E in  FIG. 12 ). 
     Prior to transport of the apparatus  10  or once an apparatus  10  has arrived at a target location for removing the bundles of shingles of a unit load  300 , the hydraulic cylinder  45  may be powered to direct the slide member  30  along the second frame section  20  until the forward pushing surface  59  of the faceplate  58  is aligned adjacent an upper row  301  of the stacked bundles of shingles of a unit load  300 . Once the apparatus  10  reaches a target location adjacent a roof for unloading the bundles of shingles, the hydraulic cylinder  56  may be powered to extend the push assembly  52  from a retracted position as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  to an extended position (see directional arrow F in  FIG. 13 ). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 12-17 , as the push assembly  52  is directed to an extended position, the forward pushing surface  59  of the faceplate  58  contacts a proximal side  303  of the upper row  301  of bundles of shingles thereby directing or forcing the distal side  305  upper row  301  of bundles of shingles toward the guide member  35  where the first guide surface  70  redirects the upper row  301  of bundles of shingles toward the second guide surface  75  for exiting out through the bottom of the guide member  35  onto a roof  500  under gravity. Suitably, the shape and length of the first guide surface  70  is operationally configured for a controlled and/or continuous sliding motion of bundles of shingles  301  toward the second guide surface  75  under gravity (see directional arrow G in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 17 ) whereby the bundles of shingles  301  contact the second guide surface  75  while the proximal side  303  of the bundles of shingles  301  is still located atop the remaining stack of bundles of shingles of the unit load  300  and still in contact with the forward pushing surface  59  of the faceplate  58 . Similar as described above, the shape and length of the second guide surface  75  is operationally configured for a controlled and/or continuous transition of bundle of shingles from a unit load  300  to a target location on a roof  500  (or “rooftop  500 ”), e.g., see  FIG. 18 , or other surface by landing each bundle of shingles in an inverted or flipped orientation in a non-destructive and/or non-violent manner in regard to the outer packaging and shingles of the bundle of shingles, e.g., without tearing the outer packaging and/or without damaging individual shingles for their intended use. In particular, the configuration of the guide member  35  of this embodiment turns each row of bundles of shingles from an initial upright position on a pallet  200  to an inverted or upside down position on a roof  500  or other surface. As such, if a particular unit load  300  of bundles of shingles is to have a particular side contacting and/or facing a roof  500  or other surface (a “target side” of the bundles of shingles) once removed from the apparatus  10 , the unit load  300  may be set atop a platform support  16 , or in this embodiment atop a portable platform  200 , with the target side of the bundles of shingles facing away from a target roof  500  or other surface whereby the guide member  35  is operationally configured to turn or flip the bundles of shingles of the unit load  300  over resulting in the target side of each bundle of shingles contacting and/or facing a roof  500  or other surface. As such, a guide member  35  as described in  FIGS. 12-17  may be referred to as an inverting guide member  35 , a turning guide member  35 , and the like. 
     The apparatus  10  further includes a push assembly adjustment system operationally configured to adjust the location of pushing assembly  52  as desire. For example, once an upper row  301  of bundles of shingles is unloaded to a roof  500  or other surface, the hydraulic cylinder  56  may be powered to return the push assembly  52  to a fully retracted position (see directional arrow H in  FIG. 15 ). Once the push assembly  52  is set at a fully retracted position, the hydraulic cylinder  45  may be powered to direct the slide member  30  along the second frame section  20  (see directional arrow I in  FIG. 16 ) until the forward pushing surface  59  of the faceplate  58  is aligned adjacent the next resulting upper row  302  of the stacked bundles of shingles of a unit load  300 . Once aligned with upper row  302  of bundles of shingles, the hydraulic cylinder  56  may be powered to extend the push assembly  52  to an extended position whereby the forward pushing surface  59  of the faceplate  58  contacts a near side of the upper row  302  of bundled shingles and directs the upper row  302  of bundled shingles off of the remaining unit load  300  via the first guide surface  70  and the second guide surface  75  of the guide member  35  under gravity as described above. The process is repeated until each of the rows of bundled shingles of a unit load  300  is removed from the pallet  200 . 
     The slide member  30  may be aligned with the next resulting upper row  302  and each row thereafter by way of an operator in real time, e.g., manually or via a video system including one or more cameras mounted to the apparatus  10 . Without limiting the invention, one suitable camera may include, but is not necessarily limited to an action camera as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. As of the time of this application, one non-limiting example of an action camera is commercially available from GoPro, Inc., San Mateo, Calif., U.S.A. A camera may be releasably secured to the apparatus  10  via one or more fasteners and/or magnetic connections. 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus  10  may include control circuitry whereby the slide member  30  may be programmed via the control circuitry to travel a programmed or controlled or operable distance according to a configuration and/or size of a particular unit load  300  or its rows of items. For example, in an embodiment of the apparatus  10  including a unit load  300  including bundles of shingles having the dimensions as described in Table 3 or Table 4, the adjustment system may be operationally configured to direct the slide member  30  toward the first frame section  15 , which simultaneously directs the faceplate  58  and forward pushing surface  59  toward the fork tines  12 ,  13  an equal distance as the slide member  30  as necessary for alignment of the faceplate  58  with the next successive row or rows of bundled shingles  300 . Without limiting the disclosure, the slide member  30  may include a mechanical, electrical, optical or other type of sensing device, or combinations thereof, operationally configured to detect when the slide member  30  and faceplate  58  have traveled along the second frame section  20  to an operable position whereby the forward pushing surface  59  may contact the near side of the upper row  302  of bundled shingles and direct the upper row  302  of bundled shingles off of the stacked bundles of shingles of a unit load  300  between first guide surface  70  and the second guide surface  75  of the guide member  35 . In another embodiment, the forward pushing surface  59  may be positioned to contact two upper rows of bundled shingles to push off both rows of bundled shingles simultaneously. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus  10  may include one or more sensors electronically communicated with a corresponding lifting member  400  whereby the lifting member  400  is operationally configured to provide an audible signal, a visible signal, or a combination of audible and visual signals to an operator of the apparatus  10 . Suitable audible and visible signals, i.e., audible and visible alarms, may include those audible and visible signals as known in the art of heavy equipment and the like, for example, horns and/or sirens and/or lights located at one or more locations of a lifting member  400 , e.g., in a cabin or cab, on a boom, on a carrier or other part of a lifting member  400 . 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus  10  may include one or more sensors electronically communicated with an audible signal, one or more visible signals, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, control circuitry of the apparatus  10  may be programmed to automatically shut-off according to one or more pre-programmed sensor feedback conditions. 
     In another embodiment, one or more sensors may be positioned as desired to sense when the forward pushing surface  59  of the faceplate  58  has reached a desired vertical position suitable to contact a predetermined number of rows of bundled shingles  300  to be directed off from the pallet  200 , i.e., the “target rows”). The one or more sensors may have one or more predetermined operating positions that correspond to the target rows. In one suitable embodiment, a desired or programmed sensor feedback condition may trigger an audible signal, a visual signal, or other signal such as an electronic communication sent to a computer system, cloud system, smartphone, or a combination thereof. In operation, when the one or more sensors realize a desired feedback condition corresponding to the target rows, the sensing device may (1) send a signal to the control circuitry of the apparatus  10  to stop the motion of the slide member  30  and/or (2) trigger an audible signal, a visual signal, other signal, or combination thereof. 
     In one suitable embodiment of the apparatus  10  for use with a unit load  300  comprising bundles of shingles having the dimensions listed above, a forward pushing surface  59  in the form of a planar surface as shown in  FIG. 3  may be provided with the minimum and maximum dimensions as shown in Table 5 effective for directing one or more rows of bundles of shingles of a unit load  300  through the guide member  35 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Minimum Length: 
                 93.98 cm 
                 (37.0 inches); 
               
               
                   
                 Maximum Length: 
                 127.0 cm 
                 (50.0 inches); 
               
               
                   
                 Minimum Height: 
                 10.16 cm 
                 (4.0 inches); 
               
               
                   
                 Maximum Height: 
                 121.92 cm 
                 (48.0 inches) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In another embodiment, the forward pushing surface  59  may include two or more separate planar members rather than a single member. In still another embodiment, the forward pushing surface  59  may include one or more horizontal tines, spikes or points effective for directing items of a unit load  300  off from the apparatus  10  to one or more target locations. 
     As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of shingles, bundles of shingles may be stacked in rows of alternating arrangement wherein a first row of bundled shingles may be aligned lengthwise in one direction and a second row of bundled shingles may be aligned lengthwise ninety-degrees relative the bundled shingles of the first row. As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , each row of bundled shingles may include multiple bundles of shingles aligned side by side, e.g., three bundles of shingles aligned lengthwise front to back, and have a single bundle of shingles aligned lengthwise left to right at the front of one row of bundled shingles and aligned lengthwise left to right at the back of an adjacent row of bundled shingles. Other stacked configurations of shingles are herein contemplated as is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art of portable platforms and stackable unit loads  300 , e.g., single stacked bundles of shingles in common alignment. Accordingly, it is further contemplated that the push assembly  52  may be directed a distance suitable for removing an entire row of bundles shingles from a unit load  300  according to its orientation and location in relation to the guide member  35  of the apparatus  10  carrying the unit load  300 . 
     In one mode of operation, each successive row of bundles of shingles of a unit load  300  removed from the apparatus  10  may be set or otherwise placed adjacent the preceding row of bundled shingles as shown in the simplified illustration of  FIG. 18 —see rows  301 - 304  of bundles of shingles. In such embodiment, a lifting member  400  such as a crane or the like may reposition the apparatus  10  in space after each row of bundles of shingles is removed from the pallet  200  in a manner effective to unload each row  301 - 304  of bundles of shingles  300  as shown in  FIG. 18 . As further shown, an elongated stop member  600  such as a wood board or other elongated member, e.g., see  FIGS. 47 and 48  illustrating a plastic elongated stop member  600  manufactured via an extrusion process or a mold process, may be fixed to a roof  500  via one or more fasteners and/or a portable support type member may be installed atop a roof  500  without the need of any fasteners providing for alignment of the rows  301 - 304  along the roof  500  during unloading of the bundles of shingles from a unit load  300  and acting as a stop preventing the bundles of shingles from sliding off of a roof  500  including a pitched roof  500  as shown in  FIG. 18 . Other configurations of elongated stop members are herein contemplated, e.g., systems including L-bracket type members operationally configured to hold wood board and/or planks for purposes of stopping bundles of shingles from sliding off a roof  500 . As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art in the roofing industry, fasteners used on roofs and other building and construction locations may include, but are not necessarily limited to nails, screws, staples, and combinations thereof. 
     In another embodiment, one or more items comprising a unit load  300  including, but not necessarily limited to rows of bundles of shingles, may be stacked on a roof  500  as shown in  FIG. 19 . In such embodiment, a lifting member  400  can reposition the apparatus  10  at a different location after each row or rows of bundles of shingles is removed from a pallet  200 . 
     As stated above, the apparatus  10  may also include one or more replaceable wear pads and the like (not shown) positioned between the slide member  30  and the second frame section  20  to minimize or prevent wearing of the slide member  30  and the second frame section  20  as a result of use over time. Similar wear pads and the like may also be positioned between the first horizontal attachment surface  21  and the horizontal slide member  50 . Suitable wear pads may include, but are not necessarily limited to wear pads comprising plastic, filled nylon plastic, steel, bronze, brass, composite, ultra-high molecular weight (“UHMW”) polyethylene, and combinations thereof. One exemplary wear pad is commercially available from Cope Plastics, Inc. Alton, Ill., U.S.A., under the trademark Nylatron®. As understood by the skilled artisan, wear pads may also be custom manufactured by fabrication companies that machine wear pads from steel, aluminum, plastic, and other metals and non-metals as desired. 
     Another embodiment of an apparatus  10  of the present disclosure is provided in  FIGS. 20-29 . As shown, the apparatus  10  of this embodiment includes a frame  111 , including a horizontal base section  115 , an intermediate section including a first vertical section  117  and a second vertical section  118  located at opposite ends of the base section  115  and extending out from the base section  115  in parallel alignment. The frame  111  further includes an upper section  119  interconnecting the vertical sections  117  and  118  as shown. Suitably, the upper section  119  is operationally configured as a connector to communicate the apparatus  10  with a crane, hoist, wench, or other lifting equipment for moving the apparatus  10  during operation of the apparatus  10  to one or more locations. In one embodiment, the upper section  119  may be provided as a separate member releasably secured to the vertical sections  117  and  118  via clamps, locking pins, fasteners as described above, and combinations thereof, or permanently secured the vertical sections  117  and  118  via welds. In another embodiment, the frame  111  may be provided as a one-piece construction. 
     From a front view of the apparatus  10 , the base section  115  is disposed along an X-axis, the vertical sections  117  and  118  are disposed along a Y-axis and the upper section  119  is disposed along a Z-axis. In this embodiment, the upper section  119  is provided as an inverted V-shape with a first leg  121  extending out from a distal end  124  of vertical section  117  and a second leg  122  extending out inward from a distal end  125  of vertical section  118  at an angle ranging from or about 20.0 degrees to 70.0 degrees wherein the distal ends of the legs  121 ,  122  converge at a midpoint of the frame  111  in a forward position as shown. In one particular embodiment, the legs  121 ,  122  extend out from the vertical sections  117  and  118  at an angle of 35.0 degrees (see angle  1 A in  FIG. 21 ). 
     In this embodiment, the upper section  119  includes a lift attachment member provided as a lift eye  127  located at the midpoint of the upper section  119 , i.e., located at the point of convergence of the distal ends of the legs  121 ,  122 . In another embodiment, the upper section  119  may include a lift attachment member in the form of a handle, hook, eye bolt, clevis fastener, hydraulic rotating unit, or other surface providing an attachment surface for a lift line  5  or other lifting or hoisting attachment or assembly for lifting and transport of the apparatus  10 . In another embodiment, the upper section  119  may itself operate as an attachment surface, for example, tying off the apparatus  10  via the upper section  119  with rope, strapping, cable, chain, wire, and combinations thereof and/or hooking or latching the upper section  119  with a hook or sling hook as known in the art of hoists, cranes and other lifting devices. 
     As shown, the base section  115 , the vertical sections  117  and  118  and the legs  121  and  122  of the upper section  119  are provided as elongated four sided members. In another embodiment, one or more of the base section  115 , the vertical sections  117  and  118  and the legs  121  and  122  may be provided as cylindrical members or other multi-sided member, e.g., three-sided, hexagonal, and the like. 
     The apparatus  10  of this embodiment further includes an adjustable assembly comprising a guide assembly including (1) a guide member  135  and (2) one or more arm members  133  pivotally attached to the base section  115  or pivotally attached to an adjustable attachment surface  116  (see pivot point  140 ). With reference to  FIG. 20 , the one or more arm members  133  may be pivotally attached directly to the adjustable attachment surface  116  or pivotally attached to a mounting surface or attachment surface of the adjustable attachment surface  116  via pivot pins, fasteners such as hex bolts and hex nuts, shoulder bolts, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the one or more arm members  133  may be pivotally attached to the front side of the base section  115  via hinged connections. Suitably, the guide assembly may be directed between an upright position (see  FIG. 24 ) and a down position as shown in  FIG. 20  during operation of the apparatus  10 . 
     As shown, the guide member  135  includes a planar first surface  137  and a planar second surface  138  extending out from the one or more arm members  133  at an angle ranging from 90.0 degrees to 170.0 degrees. In one particular embodiment, the planar second surface  138  of the guide member  135  extends out from the one or more arm members  133  at an angle of 150.0 degrees (see angle  1 B in  FIG. 21 ). As discussed below, the angle of the guide member  135  provides a sliding surface under gravity for one or more items of a unit load  300  as one or more items are directed off from the apparatus  10  as described below. In another embodiment, the first surface  137  may include a non-planar surface as shown in the simplified illustrations of  FIGS. 45 and 46 . In another embodiment, a guide member  135  may be provided as an enclosure or as a chute type member. 
     In this embodiment, one or both of the vertical sections  117  and  118  are suitably provided as hollow members or partially hollow members housing one or more linear actuators therein. Suitable linear actuators may include, but are not necessarily limited to hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, mechanical actuators, e.g., screw jacks, and combinations thereof. In one suitable embodiment, each of the vertical sections  117  and  118  may house a linear actuator in the form of a double acting hydraulic cylinder having a bore at a tail end secured to an inner surface of its corresponding vertical section  117  or  118  and a drive rod with a distal end attached to the adjustable attachment surface  116  via an attachment member disposed through linear vertical slots  106  and  107  running along the vertical sections  117  and  118  as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
     The apparatus  10  may include one or more support members including fork tines  112  and  113  as shown. In another embodiment, the apparatus  10  may include a support surface  11  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In this embodiment, the fork tines  112  and  113  are attached to the adjustable attachment surface  116  and extend out from the adjustable attachment surface  116  in a parallel arrangement (see  FIG. 22 ). In another embodiment, the fork tines  112  and  113  may be sized and spaced for operation with a particular portable platform  200  as described above. In operation, the one or more hydraulic cylinders housed within the vertical sections  117  and  118  may be powered to direct the adjustable attachment surface  116  and the fork tines  112 ,  113  along the vertical sections  117  and  118  according to the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder(s) and/or the length of the vertical slots  106  and  107 . 
     The apparatus  10  of this embodiment also includes a mover assembly operationally configured to direct a unit load  300  or part of a unit load from a platform support  16  and/or a portable platform  200  carried by the apparatus  10 . Similar as described above, the mover assembly of this embodiment of the apparatus  10  is operationally configured to remove a unit load  300  comprising one or more rows of stackable items from a portable platform  200  by removing each uppermost row of a unit load  300  from its stack (see  FIG. 23 ) until each row of stacked items has been removed from the portable platform  200 . 
     In this embodiment, the mover assembly includes a push assembly  152  operationally configured to be directed toward and apart from the vertical sections  117  and  118  along a horizontal plane. Similar as above, the push assembly  152  of this embodiment may include a horizontally aligned scissor linkage or lazy-tong configuration. The mover assembly may further include an actuation assembly including at least one linear actuator  139  in communication with the push assembly  152  for extending and retracting the push assembly  152 . 
     One suitable linear actuator  139  may include, but is not necessarily limited to a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or a mechanical actuator, e.g., a screw jack, located between the vertical section  117  and  118  or other location. In one particular embodiment, the linear actuator  139  may include a double acting hydraulic cylinder with a bore at a tail end secured to a mounting surface or attachment surface  142  of the vertical section  118  via a fastener, e.g., a pivot pin, a shoulder bolt, machined pin, trunnion mount, and the like and a drive rod with a distal end attached to a first arm member  154  of the push assembly  152  via a fastener, e.g., a pivot pin, a shoulder bolt, machined pin, trunnion mount, and the like—see pivot point  141 . As further shown in  FIG. 22 , the push assembly  152  also includes a second arm member  155  pivotally attached to the attachment surface  142  or the vertical section  118 . 
     The push assembly  152  includes a faceplate  158  defined by a forward pushing surface  159  operationally configured to engage one or more items located on a portable platform  200 . With reference to  FIG. 20 , the faceplate  158  may include opposing lip members  166  and  167  providing pivotal attachment points  168  and  169  for distal arms  160  and  161  of the scissor linkage push assembly  152 . In this embodiment, the forward pushing surface  59  is provided as a planar type surface along a vertical plane having a width defining the width of the push assembly  152  similar as described above. 
     With particular reference to the simplified example of  FIGS. 24-28 , at initial operation of the apparatus  10  the guide assembly, i.e., the arm members  133  and guide member  135  is suitably set at an upright fixed position (see  FIG. 24 ) via one or more hydraulic cylinders and/or pneumatic cylinders or otherwise secured to the frame  111  via, one or more locking pins, one or more load holding valves, one or more clips, one or more springs, one or more clamps, one or more hooks, one or more latches, rope, chain, one or more magnets, and combinations thereof as the fork tines  112  and  113  of the apparatus  10  are mated with openings of a pallet  200  carrying unit load  300 —shown in  FIG. 24  as a stack of eight rows of bundles of shingles. Once the fork tines  112  and  113  engage the pallet  200 , the guide assembly may be set to an unlocked position (see directional arrow J in  FIG. 25 ) wherein the frame  111 , arm members  133  and the guide member  135  enclose the unit load  300  and the apparatus  10  may be transported to a target location for removal of the unit load  300  from the pallet  200 . Prior to transport or once the apparatus  10  has arrived at a target location, the one or more hydraulic cylinders housed within the vertical sections  117  and  118  may be powered to adjust the location of the adjustable attachment surface  116  and fork tines  12 ,  13  in relation to the location of the push assembly  152  in order to align the upper row  301  of the stacked bundles of shingles with the forward pushing surface  159  of the faceplate  158 . The hydraulic cylinder  139  may then be powered to direct the push assembly  152  to an extended position (see directional arrow K), which directs or forces the upper row  301  of the bundles of shingles toward the guide member  135  (see  FIG. 26 ) where the upper row  301  of the bundles of shingles slides down the guide member  135  under gravity (see directional arrow L). In order to remove the next resulting upper row  302  of the bundles of shingles, the hydraulic cylinder  139  is suitably powered to direct the push assembly  152  to a fully retracted position apart from the remaining stack of the bundles of shingles (see directional arrow M in  FIG. 27 ). Once fully retracted, the one or more hydraulic cylinders housed within the vertical sections  117  and  118  may be powered to adjust the location of the adjustable attachment surface  116  and fork tines  12  and  13  in relation to the location of the push assembly  152  in order to align the upper row  302  of the bundles of shingles with the forward pushing surface  159  of the faceplate  158  (see directional arrow N in  FIG. 28 ). The apparatus  10  may be powered to remove the upper row  302  similar as upper row  301  and the process may be repeated until each row of the bundles of shingles is removed from the pallet  200 . 
     In a scenario where the apparatus  10  is being used to unload bundles of shingles of a unit load  300  onto a pitched roof, the guide member  135  may be angularly aligned facing the roof  500  as shown in  FIG. 29 . In another embodiment, the guide member  135  may be angularly aligned or substantially aligned directionally according to the slope of roof  500 , e.g., facing the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 29  180.0 degrees in the opposite direction. If the slope of one or more target roofs  500  are known, an apparatus  10  may be provided with a guide member  135  having a planar second surface  138  that extends out from the one or more arm members  133  at a desired angle for optimum transfer of bundles of shingles onto one or more target roofs  500  and/or other target surfaces. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus  10  may be provided similar in design and construction as the embodiment of  FIG. 3  but include a guide member similar in design as guide member  135  (see guide member  235  in  FIG. 30 ). In still another embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 31-34 , an apparatus  10  may be provided with a faceplate  258  having a primary forward pushing surface  77  and a secondary forward pushing surface  78  operationally configured to maximize surface area for contacting part or all of a unit load  300 . In this embodiment, the mover assembly of the apparatus  10  includes a push assembly with one or more vertically aligned scissor linkage or lazy tong configuration members  252 A and  252 B aligned in parallel and attached to the faceplate  258  on opposite sides as shown. The faceplate  258  of this embodiment includes opposing lip members  266  and  267  providing pivotal attachment points for a distal arm of each scissor linkage members of the scissor linkage members  252 A,  252 B (see distal arm  260 A and attachment point  268  in  FIG. 34 ). Each lip member  266  and  267  includes an open linear slot  91 ,  92  there through providing a mating surface for each of the distal arms  261 A and  261 B of each scissor linkage member  252 A,  252 B. As shown, each distal arm  261 A and  261 B may be provided as an elongated planar type member with a mating pin or other appendage extending out from the surface of each distal arm  261 A,  261 B at or near its distal end perpendicular to the plane of the distal arm  261 A or  261 B in a manner effective to mate with slots  91  and  92  (see mating pin  94  in  FIG. 34 ). Each mating pin may be directed within its corresponding slot up to the length of the slot according to the retracted or extended position of each scissor linkage member  252 A,  252 B (see the location of the mating pin  94  within the slot  91  with scissor linkage member  252 A set at an extended position). Without limiting the disclosure, one suitable mating pin  94  may include a nut and bolt combination such as a hex bolt and hex nut combination to maintain the mated position of the pin within slot. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 34 , the mover assembly of this embodiment includes an actuation assembly in communication with an adjustable assembly. Similar as described above, the adjustable assembly includes a slide member  230  secured to a vertical member  220  in a manner effective for the slide member  230  to travel along the vertical member  220  a distance equal to or less than the length of the vertical member  220 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 32 and 34 , the actuation assembly includes linear actuators  95  and  96  operationally configured to extend and retract corresponding scissor linkage members  252 A and  252 B. In this embodiment, the linear actuators  95  and  96  may include double acting hydraulic cylinders including a bore at a tail end for attachment to a mounting surface or attachment surface  97  and  98  of the slide member  230  and a drive rod having a distal end pivotally attached to a first arm member  254 A or  254 B (see pivot point  99 ). Herein, the attachment between the distal end of the drive rod and the first arm members  254 A and  254 B may be referred to as a “first attachment point” or “first pivot point” of each of the first arm members  254 A and  254 B. Similar as described above, in another embodiment the linear actuators  95  and  96  may be provided as one or more pneumatic cylinders. In another embodiment, the linear actuators  95  and  96  may be provided as mechanical actuators, e.g., screw jacks. 
     The slide member  230  of this embodiment includes linear slots on opposite sides of the slide member  230  providing a mating surface for each of the second arm members  255 A,  255 B of each scissor linkage member  252 A,  252 B (see slot  89  in  FIG. 34 ). Similar as described above, each of the second arm members  255 A and  255 B is provided as an elongated planar type member with a mating pin or other appendage extending out from the surface of each second arm member  255 A and  255 B at or near its distal end perpendicular to the plane of the distal arm  255 A or  255 B in a manner effective to mate with corresponding slots, e.g., slot  89 . Each mating pin may be directed within its corresponding slot up to the length of the slot according to the retracted or extended position of each scissor linkage member  252 A,  252 B (see the location of the mating pin  90  within slot  89  with scissor linkage member  252 A set at an extended position in  FIG. 34 ). 
     As shown, each of the first arm members  254 A and  254 B of this embodiment is provided as a non-linear member with opposing planar surfaces providing a second attachment point or second pivot point of the first arm members  254 A and  254 B. In particular, the slide member  230  of this embodiment suitably includes a mounting surface or attachment surface for each of the first arm members  254 A and  254 B providing a second attachment point or second pivot point of each of the first arm members  254 A and  254 B at a bend of each first arm member (see attachment surface  171  and pivot point  173  in  FIG. 34 ). A non-limiting bend angle range of each of the first arm members  254 A and  254 B is 30.0 to 60.0 degrees. Suitably, the attachment points of each of the first arm members  254 A and  254 B promotes extension and retraction of each scissor linkage member  252 A,  252 B according to the stroke of the hydraulic cylinders  95  and  96  in a manner effective to direct a unit load  300  or part of a unit load  300  from a platform support  16  or a portable platform  200  carried by the apparatus  10 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 35 , in another embodiment of the apparatus  10  extension and retraction of the push assembly  52  may be controlled by one or more linear actuators  175  and  176  pivotally attached to the faceplate  58  as shown. Similar as described above, the one or more linear actuators may be provided as double acting hydraulic cylinders  175 ,  176  each having a bore at a tail end for pivotal attachment to the distal ends of the third and fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  23  and  24  and a drive rod having a distal end pivotally attached at opposing ends of the faceplate  58 . 
     Another embodiment of an apparatus  10  of the present disclosure is provided in  FIGS. 49-71 . With attention to  FIGS. 49-52 , the apparatus  10  of this embodiment includes a frame  411  including at least an elongated horizontal base section (hereafter “first frame section  415 ”) defined by a longitudinal center line, an elongated vertical intermediate section (hereafter “second frame section  420 ”) defined by a longitudinal center line including a proximal end  432  attached to the first frame section  415  in a fixed position, and an upper section (hereafter “third frame section  425 ”) defined by a longitudinal center line extending out from a distal end  436  of the second frame section  420  in a fixed forward position of the apparatus  10 . Similar as described above, from a front view of the apparatus  10  the first frame section  415  is disposed along an X-axis, the second frame section  420  is disposed along a Y-axis and the third frame section  425  is disposed along a Z-axis. 
     In one embodiment, the frame  411  may be provided as a one-piece construction. In another embodiment, the first frame section  415 , the second frame section  420  and the third frame section  425  may be provided as independent members releasably assembled or permanently assembled. In one embodiment, the first frame section  415 , the second frame section  420  and the third frame section  425  may be releasably secured together via fasteners such as nut/bolt type fasteners and/or other threaded fasteners. As shown in  FIGS. 49-52 , the first frame section  415 , the second frame section  420  and the third frame section  425  may be secured together via welds providing a fixed frame of the apparatus  10 . In this embodiment, the frame  411  may include one or more stiffener members such as gusset plates or the like operationally configured to reinforce the connections between the second frame section  420  and the first and third frame sections  415  and  425 . For example, the apparatus  10  may include opposing stiffener members  426  and  427  and/or stiffener member  428 , which are connected to the second frame section  420  and to the third frame section  425  and operationally configured to reinforce the welded connection between the second frame section  420  and the third frame section  425  and transfer loads from the third frame section  425  to second frame section  420 . The apparatus  10  may also include opposing stiffener members  429  and  431  connected to the second frame section  420  and the first frame section  415  operationally configured to reinforce the welded connection between the second frame section  420  and the first frame section  415  and to transfer loads from the second frame section  420  to the first frame section  415 . 
     As shown, the first frame section  415 , the second frame section  420  and the third frame section  425  are provided as elongated four sided members. In another embodiment, one or more of the first frame section  415 , the second frame section  420  and the third frame section  425  may be provided as cylindrical members or other multi-sided member, e.g., three-sided, hexagonal, and the like. Similar as described above, the apparatus  10  may include one or more support members in the form of a platform support  16  as described above or in the form of fork tines  412  and  413  attached to and extending out from opposing ends of the first frame section  15  in parallel or substantially parallel as described above. As shown in  FIG. 51 , each of the fork tines  412  and  413  may include an adjustable collar  417  and  418  similar as described above including apertures  404  and  405  for receiving a corresponding locking pin there through. As understood by the skilled artisan, the maximum width between the fork tines  412  and  413  is dictated according to the length of the first frame section  415 . With reference to  FIGS. 51 and 53 , the first frame section  415  may also include fork tine keepers  419  releasably fastened to the distal ends of the first frame section  415  and operationally configured to prevent the fork tines  412 ,  413  from slipping off from the first frame section  415 . 
     Similar as described above, in this embodiment the third frame section  425  extends out from an attachment point with the distal end  436  of the second frame section  420  forming an angle—shown in this embodiment as forming a ninety (90.0) degree angle with the second frame section  420 . In another embodiment, the angle formed may be greater than or less than ninety degrees. In this embodiment, the distal end  436  of the second frame section  420  acts as a support surface or seat for the third frame section  425  wherein the surface configuration of the distal end  436  may establish the angle of the third frame section  425  in relation to the second frame section  420 . 
     In this embodiment, the third frame section  425  is provided as part of a leveling assembly operationally configured as a connector to communicate the apparatus  10  with a lift line  5  for directing the apparatus  10  to one or more locations in a desired orientation. The leveling assembly is also operationally configured to maintain the second frame section  420  in a vertical or substantially vertical alignment with the earth&#39;s gravitational vector during operation. With reference to  FIGS. 51, 53 and 54 , in addition to the third frame section  425 , the leveling assembly further includes a leveling arm member  434  pivotally attached to the third frame section  425  and one or more linear actuators  480  operationally configured to direct the leveling arm member  434  toward and away from the third frame section  425  according to directional arrow O. As shown, in one embodiment the third frame section  425  may be provided as a hollow or partially hollow member for receiving one or more linear actuators  480  therein. In addition, the distal end of the third frame section  425  includes a space or open area operationally configured to receive a proximal end of the leveling arm member  434  whereby the one or more linear actuators  480  are operationally configured to direct the leveling arm member  434  between a fully extended position as shown in  FIG. 53  and a fully contracted position as shown in  FIG. 54 . 
     Suitably, the third frame section  425 , the leveling arm member  434  and the one or more linear actuators  480  are operably connected via fasteners and corresponding apertures for receiving the apertures there through. In addition, the leveling arm member  434  is provided as a hollow member with a proximal end shaped to include linkage geometry operationally configured to rotate the leveling arm member  434  according to directional arrow O when the leveling arm member  434  is acted on by the one or more linear actuators  480 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 51 , the distal end of the third frame section  425  includes opposing apertures  439  provided via mounting plates  440  secured to the third frame member  425 , e.g., via welds and/or fasteners, the opposing apertures  439  corresponding to a first set of apertures  441  of the leveling arm member  434  for receiving a pivot pin  442  there through in a manner effective for the leveling arm member  434  to be directed according to directional arrow O. The leveling arm member  434  also includes a second set of apertures  443  for receiving a fastener such as pin  444  there through for securing the one or more linear actuators  480  to the leveling arm member  434 —the pin  444  being secured during operation via a cotter pin or the like. In addition, the third frame member  425  also includes opposing apertures  445  provided via the opposing stiffener members  427  and  428  for receiving a fastener such as pin  446  there through in a manner effective to secure the one or more linear actuators  480  to the third frame member  425 . In this embodiment, the one or more linear actuators  480  may include a double acting hydraulic cylinder as described above in which the bore at a tail end of the hydraulic cylinder is secured to the third frame section  425  at attachment point  481  via pin  446  and the distal end of the drive rod  483  of the hydraulic cylinder  480  is pivotally attached to the leveling arm member  434  at attachment point  482  via pin  444 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 51 , the leveling assembly further includes a lift attachment member or crane mount  448  pivotally attached to the third frame section  425  via a pin  449  and fastener  450 , e.g. a bolt or the like, the crane mount  448  including a connection bracket  451  as shown operationally configured to be fastened, e.g., via bolts or the like, to a hydraulic rotation mechanism of a lifting member  400  such as a crane or the like providing for controlled rotation of the apparatus  10  as desired. In another embodiment, a different type of connection may be employed for use with different lifting equipment. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 53-57 , when the apparatus  10  is empty, i.e., when there is no unit load  300  on the one or more support members, e.g., platform support  16 , fork tines  412  and  413 , and the apparatus  10  is in a resting position, the leveling arm member  434  is suitably set at a fully contracted position ( FIG. 55 ) with the drive rod  483  of the hydraulic cylinder  480  set at a fully extended position. As the apparatus  10  is lifted to a suspended position via a lift line  5 , the leveling arm member  434  is directed apart from the third frame section  425  according to directional arrow P as shown in  FIG. 56 . This rotational movement of the leveling arm member  434  translates to linear movement of the drive rod  483  of the hydraulic cylinder  480  in a retracted direction. Linear movement of the drive rod in a retracted direction causes hydraulic fluid, e.g., oil, to pressurize within the hydraulic cylinder  480 . As understood by the skilled artisan, a hydraulic relief valve may be positioned in line with a hydraulic fluid port of the hydraulic cylinder  480  that is operationally configured to trap the hydraulic fluid and allow the fluid pressure to build inside the hydraulic cylinder  480 . As also understood by the skilled artisan, hydraulic fluid is not compressible, as such, the hydraulic fluid acts like a solid and the drive rod  483  of the hydraulic cylinder  480  cannot move in a retracted direction any further until the pressure within the hydraulic cylinder  480  builds high enough to open the corresponding hydraulic relief valve. Once the hydraulic relief valve opens, the hydraulic fluid exits a base part of the hydraulic cylinder  480  directing the drive rod in a retracted direction allowing the leveling arm member  434  to rotate until the apparatus  10  reaches a level position, e.g., the one or more support members are oriented in a horizontal or substantially horizontal position. 
     Once a level position of the apparatus  10  is realized, the hydraulic relief valve pressure setting is equal or substantially equal to the pressure within the hydraulic cylinder  480  whereby the hydraulic relief valve is directed to a closed position. When the apparatus  10  is carrying a unit load  300 , e.g., a full pallet of bundles of shingles, a level position of the apparatus  10  is realized when the leveling arm member  434  is in a vertical position or near vertical position as shown in  FIG. 57 . In such an operation, as bundles of shingles are removed from the apparatus  10 , the center of gravity of the apparatus  10  changes thereby directing the apparatus  10  to a non-level position. During removal of the bundles of shingles, i.e., during the unloading phase, an operator of the apparatus  10  may pressurize the hydraulic cylinder  480  via controls, e.g., a joystick, which directs the drive rod of the hydraulic cylinder  480  in an extended direction. In particular, as the volume of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic cylinder  480  increases, i.e., as the fluid pressure within the hydraulic cylinder  480  increases, the drive rod is directed linearly in an extended direction and directs the leveling arm member  434  toward a contracted position as desired. As stated above, leveling of the apparatus  10  is operator controlled, however, if the apparatus  10  is directed beyond its level position, the natural effect of the fluid pressure in the hydraulic cylinder  480  and the setting of the hydraulic relief valve are operationally configured to take effect to suspend the apparatus  10  from the lift line  5  in a level orientation. 
     Similar as described above, the apparatus  10  of this embodiment includes an adjustable assembly and a guide assembly. For example, the apparatus  10  includes a slide member  430  secured to the second frame section  420  in a manner effective for the slide member  430  to travel along the second frame section  420  a distance equal to or less than the length of the second frame section  420 . The apparatus  10  of this embodiment also includes first and second horizontal attachment surfaces  421 ,  422  and third and fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  423 ,  424  extending out perpendicular from the slide member  430  as shown. In addition, the guide assembly of this embodiment includes one or more arm members  433  and an adjustable non-planar guide member  435  releasably secured to the one or more arm members  433 . In particular, the guide member  435  includes one or more adjustable male type mating arm members  437  corresponding with the one or more female type arm members  433 . As shown in  FIG. 58 , the one or more arm members  433  and corresponding mating arm members  437  include a plurality of apertures  408  and  409  operationally configured to adjust the length of the guide member  435  in relation to the second frame section  420  via one or more removable set pins  407 . Seeing that the apparatus  10  may be built to scale, the size and number of apertures  408 ,  409  and the spacing between apertures  408 ,  409  may vary as desired or as otherwise required for one or more particular unit loads  300 . For purposes of a unit load  300  comprising bundles of shingles, the distal ends of the one or more arm members  433  and the corresponding one or more mating arm members  437  may include apertures  408 ,  409  spaced apart to accommodate a plurality of sizes of bundles of shingles and stacking arrangements—often referred to as how bundles of shingles are palletized when stacked on a pallet. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of shingles, economy type shingles are often palletized with three bundles of shingles per row (see  FIG. 59 ) and architectural bundles of shingles are often palletized with four bundles of shingles per row (see  FIG. 31 ). Apertures  408  and  409  of this embodiment of the apparatus  10  may include spacing measurements as described in Example 2 below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 58-59 , the guide member  435  of this embodiment includes a proximal side  455  with a cutout section providing an open space at a midpoint of the proximal side  455 —see inner edges  460 ,  461  and  462  defining the size and shape of the cutout section. Suitably, the size and shape of the cutout section is effective for the guide member  435  to be set to an upright position or folded position as shown in  FIGS. 61-62  when the guide member  435  is set to a retracted position of the mating arm members  437  within the one or more arm members  433 . In particular, the cutout section provides an open space along proximal side  455  of the guide member  435  allowing the guide member  435  to be directed to an upright vertical position whereby the cutout section of the guide member  435  provides clearance for receiving the second frame section  420  therein, which allows the guide member  435  to be set at a vertical position, which reduces the space required to store the apparatus  10  during storage and/or transport. As shown in  FIG. 62 , in one suitable embodiment the proximal side  455  is aligned with the rear portion  457  of the second frame section  420  when a retracted guide member  435  is set to a vertical position. When the guide member  435  is set to an extended position thereby increasing the length of the guide member  435 , the guide member  435  may be directed toward a vertical position (see directional arrow Q) until the inner most surface of the cutout section, e.g., edge  462 , contacts or draws near to the front side of the leveling arm member  434  as shown in  FIGS. 63 and 64 . In an embodiment of the apparatus  10  operationally configured for use with bundles of shingles, a minimum distance between inner edges  460  and  461  may include 25.4 cm (10.0 inches). 
     Referring to  FIG. 50 , the guide member  435  of this embodiment includes opposing side supports  468 ,  469  with a non-planar first guide surface  470  disposed there between at a first location and a non-planar second guide surface  475  disposed between the side supports  468 ,  469  at a second location and spaced apart from the first guide surface  470  defining an opening between the first guide surface  470  and the second guide surface  475  as shown. Suitably, the opening between the guide surfaces  470  and  475  is large enough to receive items of a unit load  300  there through similar as described above. The guide member  435  of this embodiment may also include an extension member  465  (or “kick plate”) hingedly attached thereto and/or resiliently attached thereto (see hinge  459  in  FIG. 60 ) and operationally configured as a third guide surface to extend the effective travel surface of the second guide surface  470 . Suitably, the hinged connection of the extension member  465  also allows the extension member  465  to pivot about the guide member  435  to conform to various inclined surfaces including one or more roof pitches for ease of removing items from the apparatus  10  and to protect against damaging target surfaces upon contact with the extension member  465 . In one embodiment, the extension member  465  may be directly hingedly attached to the guide member  435 . As shown in  FIG. 58 , in another embodiment the extension member  465  may include one or more mounting plates  466  for hingedly attaching the extension member  465  to the guide member  435 . The one or more mounting plates  466  also suitably act as stiffener members providing structural support for corresponding hinged connections and clearance for pivotal movement of the extension member  465 . The extension member  465  may be comprised of one or more planar members, one or more non-planar members, and combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 58 , each of the one or more arm members  433  includes a hinge plate assembly comprising a plate member  463  and a seat member  464  pivotally attached to the plate member  463  via a hinge pin (see pivot point  467 ). As shown, each seat member  464  includes a U-shape type configuration or the like operationally configured as a support surface for part of the first and second horizontal attachment surfaces  421  and  422  as shown. As understood by the skilled artisan, the shape of the seat member  464  may vary according to the outer shape of a corresponding first and second horizontal attachment surfaces  421  and  422 . The one or more arm members  433  of this embodiment are provided in an L-shape configuration with proximal ends including pairs of mounting plates  476 ,  477  attached thereto, e.g., via welds, that are pivotally communicated to one or more linear actuators  478 ,  479 , e.g., double acting hydraulic cylinders, via pin type fasteners  501 ,  502  disposed through apertures of each pair of mounting plates  476 ,  477  and the corresponding drive rods of the one or more linear actuators  478 ,  479 . As shown, the third and fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  423 ,  424  include a pair of mount plates  503 ,  504  attached thereto, e.g., via welds, for securing the opposite ends of the one or more linear actuators  478 ,  479 , e.g., securing the bores at the tail ends of each of the hydraulic cylinders via pin type fasteners  505 ,  506 . Accordingly, linear movement of the drive rods of the one or more linear actuators  478 ,  479  acts on the one or more arm members  433  whereby the one or more arm members  433  may be pivoted to one or more positions about the first and second horizontal attachment surfaces  421  and  422  (see pivot point  467 ) from a horizontal position as shown in  FIGS. 49 and 50  to a vertical position as shown in  FIGS. 61 and 62 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 49 , the apparatus of this embodiment includes a push assembly  552  including opposing horizontally oriented scissor linkages and a faceplate  558  including a primary forward pushing surface  577  and a secondary forward pushing surface  578  similar as discussed above. In this embodiment, a first arm member  508  of each scissor linkage is pivotally connected to each of the first and second horizontal attachment surfaces  421  and  422  via an attachment surface  509  or mounting plate, a pivot pin  510  and a pin boss  511  assembly (see  FIGS. 66-68 ). A second arm member  515  of each scissor linkage is provided as a linkage assembly including one or more roller type members  516  maintained within a linear track or track type housing  518  attached to the slide member  430  via welds or fasteners (see  FIGS. 67 and 68 ). As shown in  FIGS. 69 and 70 , a suitable linkage assembly includes a second arm member  515  with an aperture  519  located near its proximal end including a cylindrical member  525  mounted about the aperture  519  operationally configured to receive an assembly of bearings  520 , rings  521 , and an elongated pin  522  for holding roller type members  516  and  517  on either side of the second arm member  515  in a turnable manner. As shown, the second arm member  515  includes one or more additional apertures operationally configured for linking with another arm member. Such apertures may be provided with oil embedded sleeve bearings  526  or the like to promote extension and retraction of the push assembly  552 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 66-68 , each first arm member  508  includes an L-shape configuration including a proximal end that extends out beyond its attachment point with the attachment surface  509  and pivotally connects to a corresponding linear actuator  530 ,  531  e.g., a double acting hydraulic cylinder, that are operationally configured to act on the first arm members  508  to extend and retract the push assembly  552 . In particular, the proximal end of the first arm members  508  and a distal end of the drive rods are pivotally communicated via a pivot coupling  532  and corresponding pivot pin assembly  533  and the bore at a tail end of the linear actuators  530 ,  531  are connected to attachment surfaces, e.g., a mounting plates  535 ,  536 , located on the housing  518  via a fastening pin or the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 58 , linear movement of the slide member  430  along the second frame section  420  is accomplished via at least one linear actuator  537 , e.g., a double acting hydraulic cylinder, including a bore at its tail end attached to the slide member  430  and a drive rod with a distal end attached to the first frame section  415 . In particular, a bore at the tail end of the linear actuator  537  is secured to the slide member  430  via one or more attachment surfaces, e.g., a pair of mount plates  538  and a pin type fastener  539  and the distal end of the drive rod of the linear actuator  537  is secured to the first frame section  415  via one or more attachment surfaces, e.g., a pair of mount plates  540  and a pin type fastener  541 . In one suitable embodiment, mount plates  538  are attached to the slide member via welds and mount plates  540  are attached to the first frame section via welds. 
     Turning to  FIG. 66 , the apparatus  10  further includes a hydraulic manifold  545  operationally configured to provide and regulate hydraulic power to each of the hydraulic cylinders  478 ,  479 ,  530 ,  531 ,  537  of the apparatus  10 . As described above, one or more hydraulic supply lines of a lifting member  400  may be fluidly communicated with the hydraulic manifold  545  whereby pressurized fluid may be conveyed to one or more of the hydraulic cylinders  478 ,  479 ,  530 ,  531 ,  537  as desired during operation of the apparatus  10 . As further shown, the hydraulic manifold  545  may include an electric solenoid  547  operationally configured to actuate the hydraulic manifold  545 . As understood by the skilled artisan, as DC electrical current is applied, the solenoid  547  suitably shifts and opens a fluid flow passage within the hydraulic manifold  545  thereby directing pressurized hydraulic fluid to a desired hydraulic cylinder of the apparatus  10 . Without limiting the disclosure, one suitable hydraulic manifold  545  may be secured to the third horizontal attachment surface  423 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 66 , the apparatus  10  also includes a hose mount  554  (also referred to herein as a “bulkhead plate”) releasably secured to the slide member  430  and operationally configured as a point of attachment between hydraulic hoses  555  fluidly communicated with the hydraulic manifold  545  and hydraulic hoses  556  fluidly communicated with the hydraulic cylinders  478 ,  479 ,  530 ,  531 ,  537  (see threaded hydraulic hose crimp fittings  558  operationally configured to fluidly interconnect hydraulic hoses  555  and  556 ). The apparatus  10  may also include a hose track member  550  operationally configured to hold one or more hydraulic hoses  556  in a secure manner free from damage, entanglement and undesired disconnect from corresponding hydraulic cylinders  478 ,  479 ,  530 ,  531 ,  537 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 66 , the apparatus  10  may also include a weather tight or weatherproof electrical enclosure  549  operationally configured to house electrical equipment, including, but not necessarily limited to electric control circuitry or controller, one or more radio receivers, relays, fuses, wire harnesses, batteries, and combinations thereof, as may be required for operation of the apparatus  10  and its various functions for operation as described herein. Without limiting the disclosure, one suitable electrical enclosure  549  may be secured to the fourth horizontal attachment surfaces  424 . 
     As discussed above, the inner dimensions of the slide member  430  may be greater than the outer dimensions of the second frame section  420  providing spacing for one or more wear pads  560 . As shown in  FIG. 71 , the inner surface  562  of the slide member  430  may include one or more frame members  564  attached, e.g., welded, to the inner surface  562  operationally configured to hold corresponding wear pads  560  therein in a fixed manner during apparatus  10  operation. In one embodiment, the one or more wear pads  560  may be secured to the one or more frame members  564  via a snap-fit type mating. In another embodiment, adhesive material may be used to secure the one or more wear pads  560  to the inner surface  562  of the slide member  430  when mated with corresponding frame members  564 . In another embodiment, one or more wear pads  560  may be adhered to the inner surface  562  of the slide member  430  without frame members  564 . Suitable wear pads  560  may be constructed from nylon, ultra-high molecular weight plastic, metal, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, and combinations thereof. Suitable frame members  564  may be constructed from one or more metals including, but not necessarily limited to steel, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, other metals having strength properties high enough to withstand forces transmitted through the wear pads  560 , and combinations thereof, such that the one or more frame members  564  hold the wear pads  560  in a fixed position during linear travel of the slide member  430  along the second frame section  420 . 
     It is further contemplated that the apparatus  10  of the present disclosure may carry other items other than portable platforms  200 . For example, items housed within bags, sacks, pouches, caging, netting, and the like, may be secured to the apparatus  10  via ropes, cables, elastic cords, chains, straps, and combinations thereof as understood by the skilled artisan. Although the apparatus  10  is described above in relation to a lifting member  400  such as a crane, hoist, or other lifting device, in another embodiment, the apparatus  10  of this disclosure may be lifted and/or transported via a pulley system via manual operation. In another embodiment, the apparatus  10  may include a push assembly  752  operationally configured to remove a unit load  300  off from a side of the apparatus  10  as shown in the simplified illustration of  FIG. 112 . In this embodiment, the apparatus  10  includes a support member or support arm  760  for pivotal attachment of the push assembly  752 . The apparatus  10  also includes one or more linear actuators  762 , e.g., one or more double acting hydraulic cylinders, attached to the support arm  760  and communicated with the push assembly  752  via a sleeve  765  that may directed along the support arm  760  via the one or more linear actuators  762  in a manner effective to direct the push assembly  752  between an extended position as shown in  FIG. 112  and a retracted position. In another embodiment of the apparatus  10 , a push assembly may include a swing arm pivotally attached thereto that is operationally configured to be directed about its pivot point on the apparatus  10  in a manner effective to remove a unit load  300  from the apparatus  10 . One or more linear actuators, one or more double acting hydraulic cylinders, may be used to direct movement of a swing arm type push assembly. In still another embodiment, a pull assembly may be used as part of the apparatus  10  in place of a push assembly. 
     In still another embodiment, an apparatus  10  of this disclosure may be operationally configured for use with one or more commercially available telehandlers. Examples of commercial sources of telehandlers include, but are not necessarily limited to Pettibone Traverse Lift, L.L.C., Baraga, Mich., U.S.A.; and JLG Industries, Inc., McConnellsburg, Pa., U.S.A. 
     In still another embodiment, an apparatus  10  of this disclosure may be operationally configured so that unit loads  300  may be removed from the apparatus  10  manually if and when desired. An apparatus  10  of this disclosure may also be operated remotely, i.e., operated from a remote location. 
     Variations in the apparatus  10  may be provided as desired or as may be otherwise required for a particular operation. In addition, one or more component parts comprising the apparatus  10  may be constructed from one or more materials suitable for providing operative structural support in connection with one or more particular operations. Suitable materials of construction for one or more component parts comprising the apparatus  10  may include, but are not necessarily limited to, those materials resistant to chipping, cracking, excessive bending and reshaping as a result of weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemical influences, as well as impacts to the apparatus  10 . Particular materials of construction may include, but are not necessarily limited to one or more metals, plastics, rubbers, filled composite materials, woods, and combinations thereof depending on the performance requirements for one or more particular operations of the apparatus  10 . Suitable metals include ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals. Suitable ferrous metals may include steel, carbon steel, alloy steel including stainless steel, and combinations thereof. Suitable non-ferrous metals include aluminum, tin, and combinations thereof. Metals such as titanium are contemplated but may not be feasible based on material cost. Suitable plastics include thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (“CPVC”), UHMW polyethylene, high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), low density polyethylene (“LDPE”), polypropylene, and combinations thereof. An apparatus  10  as described in  FIGS. 49-71  may include a frame  411  constructed from minimum 344737.86 kPa (50000 psi) yield strength carbon steel, e.g., tubing according to ASTM A500 Grade B carbon steel and steel plate according to ASTM A572 Grade 50, and one embodiment of an apparatus  10  for use with bundles of shingles may have a total weight of or about 771.11 kg (1700.00 pounds). 
     The apparatus  10  of this disclosure may also be provided as part of a system for carrying one or more items to one or more target surfaces and placing one or more items carried by the apparatus  10  onto one or more target surfaces, the system including one or more portable supports installed onto one or more target surfaces in a manner effective to hold and maintain the one or more items removed from the apparatus  10  on the one or more target surfaces. As described above, items may be removed from the apparatus  10  and placed onto one or more target surfaces without the need to manually remove the one or more items from the apparatus  10 . Likewise, one or more portable supports may be installed onto one or more target surfaces without any manual assistance of individuals being located on or near the one or more target surfaces. In one embodiment, one or more portable supports may be delivered to one or more target surfaces via an apparatus  10  or via a lift line  5  of the apparatus  10  or other lifting or hoisting attachment or assembly of lifting equipment without use of the apparatus  10 . As such, the present disclosure provides a system and method for the automated installation of one or more portable supports onto one or more target surfaces and the automated carrying of one or more items to the one or more target surfaces, including elevated surfaces, and placing items carried by the apparatus  10  onto one or more of the target surfaces in a manner effective to be retained on the one or more target surfaces by the one or more portable supports without the presence of individuals on or near the one more target surfaces during the process. 
     In one embodiment including one or more target surfaces comprising one or more roofs  500  of one or more houses, buildings or other structures, items such as one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items may be removed from the apparatus  10  and placed onto the one or more roofs  500  without any individuals being located on the one or more roofs  500  during removal of one or more items from the apparatus  10 —a roof  500  in this scenario may be referred to as a “person free roof  500 .” One simplified illustration of a system for delivering one or more bundles of shingles  1099  to a person free roof  500  is shown in  FIG. 72 . In this embodiment, the system may include an apparatus  10  lifted by a lifting member  400  and one or more portable supports  1000  installed on the roof  500  and operationally configured to hold or retain the one or more bundles of shingles  1099  on the roof  500  for an extended period of time as desired. In one embodiment, the one or more supports  1000  may be delivered to one or more target surfaces and installed thereon via the apparatus  10 . In another embodiment, the one or more supports  1000  may be delivered to one or more target surfaces and installed thereon via a lift line  5  of the apparatus  10  or other lifting or hoisting attachment or assembly of lifting equipment without use of the apparatus  10 . In still another embodiment, the one or more supports  1000  may be delivered to one or more target surfaces and installed thereon manually as may be desired or otherwise required for one or more particular operations. 
     One embodiment of a portable support  1000  of this disclosure is depicted in  FIG. 73 . The portable support  1000  of this embodiment includes a main section  1015  and two opposing raised sections  1020  and  1025  defining a first end and a second end of the portable support  1000 . In one implementation, the portable support  1000  may be constructed from one or more rigid materials operation configured to maintain a fixed orientation of the portable support  1000 . As such, the portable support  1000  may be provided in a size and/or shape for installation onto one or more particular surfaces of particular sizes and/or surface shapes. For example, a portable support  1000  as shown in  FIG. 73  may be provided with a planar or substantially planar main section  1015  for installation upon a planar or substantially planar target surface (see roof  500  in  FIG. 74 ). In another embodiment, the main section  1015  may be defined by an angle for installation upon a target surface  1005  defined by a peak, e.g., a roof defined by a ridge as shown in  FIG. 75 . In another embodiment, the main section  1015  may include a curved shape for installation upon a curved target surface  1005  as shown in  FIG. 76 . Referring again to  FIG. 73 , a portable support  1000  constructed from one or more rigid materials may be provided as a single one-piece construction, or in the alternative, a portable support  1000  may be provided as an assembly of individual parts. For example, the two opposing raised sections  1020  and  1025  may be permanently or releasably secured to the main section  1015 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 77 , in another embodiment of a portable support  1000  constructed from one or more rigid materials, the main section  1015  may include two parts connected by a hinge member  1030  operationally configured for installation on planar or substantially planar target surfaces and/or target surfaces defined by a peak (“peaked surfaces”)—depicted as roofs  500  in  FIGS. 74 and 75 . In another embodiment, a portable support  10  may include two or more hinge members  30  (see  FIG. 78 ) whereby the portable support  10  may be operationally configured for installation upon planar or substantially planar target surfaces, peaked target surfaces, and curved target surfaces  5 —see the curved roof  500  in  FIG. 76 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 79 , in another embodiment, the main section  1015  may be provided as a rigid first section  1015 A and a rigid second section  1015 B interconnected by one or more elongated linking members  1035 . In one embodiment, the one or more elongated linking members  1035  may be constructed from one or more rigid materials. In one embodiment, the rigid materials may be bent or otherwise shaped for installation of the portable support  1000  on a particular shaped target surface, e.g., see roof  500  as shown in  FIGS. 74-76 . In another embodiment, the one or more elongated linking members  1035  may be constructed from one or more flexible materials effective for the portable support  1000 , to conform, substantially conform or otherwise operably conform to target surfaces as shown in  FIGS. 74-76 . Another feature of a portable support  1000  as shown in  FIGS. 77-79  that is provided with hinge members  1030  or one or more flexible linking members  1035  is that the portable support  1000  may be folded for storage and/or transportation and/or disposal, thereby, minimizing the footprint of the portable support  1000 . 
     In another embodiment, a portable support  1000  of this disclosure may include a main section  1015  constructed from one or more flexible materials effective for the portable support  1000  to conform, substantially conform or otherwise operably conform to a target surface as shown in  FIGS. 74-76  or other shapes. For example, a portable support  1000  constructed from one or more flexible materials is suitably operationally configured for installation and operable use on irregular surfaces such as multiple humped target surfaces and non-uniform target surfaces—see roof  500  in  FIG. 80 , which includes different angled surfaces on either side of the peak of the roof  500 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 81 , a portable support  1000  as shown in  FIGS. 73-80  includes a main section  1015  defined by an upper surface(s)  1016  and a bottom surface(s)  1017 . As shown in  FIG. 82 , the bottom surface  1017  is operationally configured to contact one or more target surfaces such as a roof  500  surface and the upper surface  1016  is operationally configured to receive and support one or more building materials and/or other items thereon including, but not necessarily limited to one or more bundles of shingles of a unit load  300 . In this embodiment, each of the raised sections  1020 ,  1025  includes an inner surface  1021  and  1026  operationally configured to act as a stop type surface for holding one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items on pitched roofs  500  and other surfaces where one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items may be directed in a downward direction as a result of gravitational force exerted on the one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items. 
     In one embodiment, the bottom surface  1017  of the main section  1015  may be operationally configured to engage one or more target surfaces in a manner effective to maintain the position of the portable support  1000  on one or more target surfaces during operation of the portable support  1000 . In an embodiment of a portable support  1000  constructed from one or more rigid materials, the bottom surface  1017  may include one or more adhesive materials and/or adhesive coated members operationally configured to maintain a portable support  1000  in a fixed position on one or more target surfaces. In another embodiment, the bottom surface  1017  may include one or more spikes or teeth type members extending out from the bottom surface  1017  in a manner effective to engage one or more target surfaces. In another embodiment, the bottom surface  1017  may include one or more non-slip materials defining the bottom surface  1017 . In another embodiment, the bottom surface  1017  may include one or more fiber based materials operationally configured to engage one or more target surfaces. The upper surface  1016  may also include one or more non-slip materials or friction materials operationally configured to stop and/or slow the movement of one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items thereon in real time as one or more building materials  1099  are removed from the apparatus  10  onto the portable support  1000 . 
     Herein, suitable rigid materials of construction of the main section  1015  and the raised sections  1020  and  1025  may include, but are not necessarily limited to materials resistant to chipping, cracking, excessive bending and reshaping as a result of ozone, weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemical influences, as well as physical impacts. Exemplary rigid materials of construction include, but are not necessarily limited to metals, plastics, rubbers, woods, filled composite materials, and combinations thereof. Suitable metals may include, but are not necessarily limited to stainless steel, hardened steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, brass, and combinations thereof. Metals such as titanium are contemplated but may not be feasible based on material cost. Suitable plastics may include, but are not necessarily limited to acrylic or polymethyl methacrylate (“PMMA”), polycarbonate (“PC”), polyethylene (“PE”), polypropylene (“PP”), polyethylene terephthalate (“PETE”), polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”), and combinations thereof. In an embodiment of the portable support  1000  including an assembly of individual parts, the raised sections  1020  and  1025  may be secured to the main section  1015  in a manner effective to operate as stop type members effective to hold one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items (see the resting position of the one or more building materials  1099  as shown in  FIG. 82 ). In this type of embodiment, the raised sections  1020  and  1025  may also be referred to as stop members  1020  and  1025 . In one embodiment, each of the stop members  1020  and  1025  may be releasably secured to the main section  1015  via one or more fasteners. In an embodiment including threaded fasteners such as threaded bolts, the main section  1015  may include apertures and the stop members  1020  and  1025  may include corresponding threaded holes for receiving threaded fasteners to secure the main section  1015  to the stop members  1020  and  1025 . In an embodiment including threaded fasteners such as threaded screws, the stop members  1020  and  1025  may be secured to the main section  1015  by directly screwing each of the stop members  1020  and  1025  to the main section  1015 . In another embodiment, the stop members  1020  and  1025  may be secured to the main section  1015  via one or more adhesives. In an embodiment of a portable support constructed from one or more metals, the stop members  1020  and  1025  may be welded to the main section  1015  or the stop members  1020  and  1025  and the main section  1015  may be held together via magnets. In still another embodiment, the stop members  1020  and  1025  may be constructed from closed cell foam, open cell foam, and combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment of the main section  1015  constructed from one or more flexible materials, the one or more flexible materials may be operationally configured to engage one or more target surfaces, e.g., one or more roofs  500 . In one embodiment, the main section  1015  may be constructed from one or more flexible rubber materials providing a non-slip bottom surface  1017 . In another embodiment, the main section  1015  may be constructed from one or more textiles with fibers effective to engage one or more target surfaces, e.g., textile fibers operation configured to catch and hold to parts of the one or more target surfaces. Suitable textiles may include, but are not necessarily limited to animal-based fibers, plant-based fibers, synthetic fibers, and combinations thereof. Suitable animal-based include, but are not necessarily limited to alpaca, wool, silk, yak, and combinations thereof. Suitable plant-based fibers include, but are not necessarily limited to bamboo, coir, cotton, flax, hemp, rayon, and combinations thereof. Suitable synthetic fibers may include, but are not necessarily limited to nylon, polyester, spandex, rayon, and combinations thereof. One particular textile may include felt made from wool and/or animal for and/or synthetic fibers, such as petroleum based acrylic and/or acrylonitrile or wood pulp-based rayon. 
     In an embodiment of a portable support  1000  including a flexible main section  1015 , each of the stop members  1020  and  1025  may be constructed from one or more materials as described above in regard to a portable support  1000  constructed from one or more rigid materials. In addition, each of the stop members  1020  and  1025  may be releasably secured to the main section  1015  via one or more fasteners similar as described above. In another embodiment, the distal ends of the main section  1015  may cover or wrap around the stop members  1020  and  1025  wherein the distal ends are secured to the inner surfaces  1021  and  1026  of the stop members  1020  and  1025  and/or the upper surface  1016  of the main section  1015  as shown in  FIG. 83 —or vice versa. 
     In another embodiment, a portable support  1000  as described above may include a main section  1015  with one or more adhesives as described above on the upper surface  1016  of the main section  1015  operationally configured to stop and/or hold one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items upon contact. In another embodiment, a portable support  1000  may include a main section  1015  constructed from one or more sticky or tacky type materials and/or non-skid materials wherein the upper surface  1016  of the main section  1015  is operationally configured to stop and/or hold one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items upon contact. In such embodiments, the portable support  1000  may be provided without stop members  1020 ,  1025 . Suitable non-skid materials include, but are not necessarily limited to vinyl latex, neoprene, silicone, pumice based materials, spray-on polyurea, polyurethane and polyurea formulations, thermoplastic polyolefins (“TPO”), cork, and combinations thereof. In still another embodiment, hook and loop fasteners may be added to one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items and to an upper surface  1016  of a portable support  1000 , and/or to the inner surface  1021  and  1026  stop members  1020 ,  1025 , in a manner effective to stop and hold (“capture”) the one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items on the upper surface  1016  in a fixed position. 
     In another embodiment a portable support  1000  may be constructed from plastic and/or metal wire and/or mesh material. In one embodiment, a portable support  1000  may be constructed from welded metal wire including (1) a planar or substantially planar main section  1015  or sections  1015 A and  1015 B and (2) distal end portions operationally configured as stop members. In this embodiment, the angle formed between the second section  1015 B and the stop member  1025  may range from or about 70.0 degrees to or about 110.0 degrees or other range effective for operation as a stop member. In this embodiment, the first section  1015 A and the second section  1015 B may be connected via one or more linking members  1035  and the one or more linking members  1035  may include angled linking members similar as described below disposed across a ridge  1007  of a target surface. 
     In one embodiment, the angled linking members  1035  may be provided as shown in  FIG. 84  having vertically arranged sidewalls  1036  during operation. In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 85 , the angled linking members  1035  may include a width defined by horizontally arranged bottom  1037  and top  1038  surfaces during operation. Suitably, the angled linking members  1035  may include fixed or adjustable angle. In an embodiment including a fixed angled linking member  1035 , any one particular angled linking member  1035  may be provided having an angle operationally configured for use on one or more angled target surfaces defined by a peak. In one adjustable embodiment of an angled linking member  1035 , the angled linking member  1035  may be constructed from one or more flexible or resilient materials. In another embodiment of an angled linking member  1035 , the angled linking member  1035  may include a plurality of adjustable parts operationally configured to adjust the angle of the angled linking member  1035  and fix the angle for operation via one or more set pins, clamps, and the like. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 100 , angled linking members  1035  may be provided as ridge engagement members of a portable support  1000  disposed atop a ridge  1007  of the target surface such as a roof  500  in a manner effective to hold the portable support  1000  in a fixed or substantially fixed position on the target surface. As such, in one embodiment the bottom surface  1037  of the angled linking member  1035  may include one or more protruding members  1040  for engaging one or more target surfaces, including, but not necessarily limited to spikes, teeth, and the like (see  FIG. 86 ). As also shown in  FIGS. 84-86 , the angled linking member  35  may include opposing apertures  1045  providing attachment surfaces of the angled linking member  1035  with other parts of the portable support  1000 . As shown in  FIG. 87 , in another embodiment an angled linking member  35  may include one or more hook type surfaces  1047  as attachment surfaces. 
     Turning to  FIG. 88 , in another embodiment a portable support  1000  may include (1) one or more ridge engagement members or catch members  1050  operationally configured to engage a target surface at or near a ridge or peak of the target surface, e.g., a ridge  1007  of a roof  500 , and (2) opposing stop members  1020  and  1025  tethered to the one or more catch members  1050  via one or more attachment lines  1055 . In one embodiment, the one or more catch members  1050  may include an angled member similar as an angled linking member  1035  as described in reference to  FIGS. 84-87 . In another embodiment, the one or more catch members  1050  may include a non-linear shape as shown in  FIG. 89  operationally configure to engage opposing sides of a target surface at its peak, e.g., a ridge  1007  of a roof  500 . Similar as discussed above, a catch member  1050  as shown in  FIG. 89  may also include one or more protruding members  1040  for engaging one or more target surfaces  5 . In one particular embodiment, one or more catch members  1050  of a portable support  1000  may include stamped or pressed out protruding members  1040  similar as a truss plate, mending plate, or the like (see  FIG. 90 ). In this embodiment, one or more attachment lines  1055  may attach to the catch member  1050  via one or more apertures  1052  of the catch member  1050 . In another embodiment, one or more additional apertures and/or one or more loop or handle type members may be provided as part of the catch member  1050  effective as a connection for the one or more attachment lines  1055 . As shown in the embodiments of  FIGS. 88 and 89 , the stop members  1020  and  1025  may include plank type members or other multi-sided members. In another embodiment, the stop members  1020  and  1025  may be provided as cylindrical members as shown in  FIGS. 91 and 92 . In one embodiment, the cylindrical stop members  1020  and  1025  may include solid members as shown in  FIG. 91  or tubular stop members  1020  and  1025  as shown in  FIG. 92 . In one embodiment, tubular stop members  1020 ,  1025  may include end caps thereon as known by persons skilled in tubulars. 
     Turning to  FIG. 93 , the stop members  1020 ,  1025  may include apertures  1008  for receiving distal ends of separate attachment lines  1055  crosswise through the stop members  1020 ,  1025 —the attachment lines  1055  be adhered to the stop members  1020 ,  1025  and/or linked to the stop members  1020 ,  1025  via washers  1058  or the like. As shown in  FIG. 94 , in another embodiment a single attachment line  1055  may be employed for connecting the catch member  50  to the stop members  1020 ,  1025 . In this embodiment, an aperture may be provided lengthwise through each of the stop members  1020 ,  1025  or an attachment line  1055  may be run through an opening of tubular stop members  1020 ,  1025 . In another embodiment, distal ends of attachment lines  1055  may be adhered to and/or fastened to the outer surface of the stop members  1020 ,  1025 . For example, attachment lines  1055  may be adhered to the outer surface of the stop members  1020 ,  1025  via one or more adhesive materials, e.g., one or more of epoxies, polyurethanes, polyimides, and/or removable adhesive materials such as tape and the like. The attachment lines  1055  may be fastened to the outer surface of the stop members  1020 ,  1025  via fasteners such as staples and the like. 
     Suitable attachment lines  1055  may include, but are not necessarily limited to elongated members operationally configured to maintain the position and/or orientation of the stop members  1020 ,  1025  in relation to the one or more catch members  1050  under load, e.g., when stopping and/or retaining one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items. In another embodiment, attachment lines  1055  may be constructed from one or more flexible materials allowing the attachment lines  1055  to bend, fold, stretch or lengthen a desired distance under load. Suitable attachment lines  1055  may include, but are not necessarily limited to rope, cable, strap material, wire, cord, twine, elastic tubing, chain, netting material, and combinations thereof. Suitable rope may be constructed from hemp, linen, cotton, coir, jute, straw, sisal, synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon, polyesters, polyethylene, aramids, acrylics, and combinations thereof. Suitable strap material may be constructed from plastic, metal, paper, rubber, fabric, and combinations thereof. Cable and wire may be constructed from one or more metals. Suitable cable and wire metals include, but are not necessarily limited to steel, copper, and aluminum, e.g., aluminum hot rolled wire. One non-limiting example of chain includes passing link chain, e.g., metal chain, plastic chain. 
     As stated above, a portable support  1000  is suitably operationally configured to be installed on one or more target surfaces without working personnel and/or other individuals being located on the one or more target surfaces for installation purposes. For example, in an embodiment for installing one or more portable supports  1000  onto a pitched roof  500  the one or more portable supports  1000  may be installed via a lifting member  400  alone or via an apparatus  10  secured to the lifting member  400  as described above. In another embodiment, one or more portable supports  1000  may be installed onto a pitched roof  500  using another type of lift mechanism described herein and placed atop the ridge of the roof  500  in an operable position as shown in  FIG. 82 . Manual installation of one or more portable supports  1000  is also contemplated herein. 
     In an embodiment of the portable support  1000  as shown in  FIGS. 91 and 92 , self-installation of the portable support  1000  when set atop a target surface defined by a peak may be accomplished as a result of gravitational force exerted on the stop members  1020 ,  1025 . With reference to  FIG. 95 , a portable support  1000  having cylindrical or tubular stop members  1020 ,  1025  may be delivered to a peak of a target surface such as a peaked roof  500  in a rolled up position (or “storage position,” “non-operating position,” or “pre-install position”) in a manner effective for the catch member  1050  to engage the ridge  1007  of the roof  500  and for each of the stop members  1020  and  1025  to roll down the roof  500  (see directional arrows R and S) to a fully installed position as shown in  FIG. 96 . Also see  FIG. 97 , which depicts another embodiment of a portable support  1000  comprising a catch member  1050  in an installed position on a peaked roof  500 .  FIG. 97  further depicts another embodiment of a portable support including stop members  1020  and  1025  interconnected via one or more attachment lines  1055  without the use of one or more catch members. In particular,  FIG. 97  depicts a portable support  1000 A shown in a rolled up position and a similar portable support  1000 B shown in a fully installed position. As shown, the portable supports  1000 A,  1000 B include two separate attachment lines  1055  in parallel interconnecting the stop members  1020  and  1025 . As understood by the skilled artisan, the two attachment lines  1055  of each of the portable supports  1000 A,  1000 B are equal or about equal in length. 
     In an embodiment of the portable support  1000  including stop members  1020 ,  1025  provided as elongated plank type members or other multi-sided members (see  FIG. 89 ), the stop members  1020 ,  1025  may slide down a target surface such as a peaked roof  500  to a fully installed position, or an apparatus  10  secured to a lifting member  400  or a lifting member  400  alone or other equipment may be used to direct or maneuver stop members  1020 ,  1025  to a fully installed position. In one embodiment, a bottom surface  1029  of the stop members  1020 ,  1025  may include slick material(s) attached thereto and/or slick coatings to promote sliding of the stop members  1020 ,  1025  to a fully installed position. Examples of slick materials and/or coatings include, but are not necessarily limited to polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), polyoxymethylene, aluminum magnesium boride, industrial grease, and combinations thereof. Suitably, the one or more attachment lines  1055  are secured to the stop members  1020 ,  1025  in a manner effective for one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items to rest on part of the attachment line  1055  without disturbing desired operation of the stop members  1020 ,  1025 —see the bundle of roofing shingles  300  resting on attachment line  1055  in  FIG. 98 . 
     In the embodiments of the portable support  10  as described in  FIGS. 88-98 , the stop members  1020 ,  1025  are suitably constructed from one or more materials operationally configured so that the stop members  1020 ,  1025  are effective to act as contact surfaces for stopping and/or holding or retaining one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items on pitched and/or peaked roofs  500  and other inclined surfaces where one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items may be directed in a particular direction as a result of gravitational force exerted on the one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items. Suitable materials of construction of the stop members  1020 ,  1025  may include, but are not necessarily limited to metals, plastics, rubbers, cardboard, composite material, fiber reinforced plastic, wood, bamboo, rock and/or other earth based materials such as brick and/or concrete, and/or clay, textiles, sponge material, cork, polycarbonate, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the stop members  1020  and  1025  may be constructed from closed cell foam, open cell foam, and combinations thereof. In still another embodiment, the stop member  1020 ,  1025  and/or the other parts of the portable support  1000  may be constructed from one or more environmentally friendly biodegradable materials. 
     In another embodiment, the portable support  1000  may be provided with a catch member  1050  as described above and a single stop member  1025  as shown in  FIG. 99 . In another embodiment, the portable support  1000  may include two or more stop members  1025 A and  1025 B on one or more sides of the portable support  1000 , e.g., see  FIG. 100 . 
     Regarding the embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 88-100 , one or more portable supports  1000  may be transported to a location of installation on a target surface such as a roof  500  via an apparatus  10  secured to a lifting member  400 , via the lifting member  400 , or via another type of lift mechanism as described herein. In one embodiment, a lifting hook of a crane, hoist or the like may grab at least part of the portable support  1000  for delivery of the portable support  1000  to a desired target surface such as a roof  500  or other elevated surface, e.g., a lifting hook may grab one or more attachment lines  1055  or a lift eye or a handle type member attached to a catch member  1050  or angled linking members  1035  in a manner effective to install the portable support  1000  onto a target surface in an operable position. In another embodiment, a portable support  1000  may rest atop one or both fork tines  12  and  13  of an apparatus  10  or similar fork tines of a lifting member  400 . In another embodiment, a portable support  1000  may be suspended from one or both fork tines  12  and  13  of an apparatus  10  or similar fork tines of a lifting member  400 . In an embodiment of a portable support  1000  including tubular stop members  1020 ,  1025 , the portable support  1000  may be set to a rolled up position whereby fork tines  12  and  13  of the apparatus  10  or similar fork tines of a lifting member  400  may mate with the openings of the stop members  1020 ,  1025  for delivery of the portable support  1000  onto an elevated target surface such as a roof  500  or other elevated surface (see  FIG. 101 ). In another embodiment, a portable support  1000  may be carried in a pouch type member (not shown) transported by a lifting member  400  and removed from the pouch type member or other carrier at an intended location on a target surface. 
     In another embodiment, one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items to be delivered to a target surface, e.g., a peaked roof  500 , may be employed as stop members  1020 ,  1025 . As an example, in an embodiment where the one or more building materials  1099  includes bundles of shingles  300  to be delivered to a roof  500 , one or more bundles of shingles  300  may be used as stop members  1020 ,  1025  of a portable support  1000  and thereafter used as roofing shingles on the roof  500 . In another embodiment, lumber and/or plastic planks and/or foam planks may be used as stop members  1020 ,  1025 . Herein, such an embodiment of a portable support  1000  may also be referred to as a portable support system. As shown in  FIG. 102 , in one embodiment a portable support system may include a portable support  1000  with one or more sleeves  1065  whereby one or more building materials  1099 , e.g., one or more bundles of shingles  300 , and/or other items may be inserted into the sleeves  1065  and positioned for operable use as stop members  1020 ,  1025 . In one embodiment, sleeves  1065  may include one open end and one closed end as shown in  FIG. 102 . In another embodiment, sleeves  1065  may include two open ends. As shown in  FIG. 103 , in another embodiment a portable support  1000  may include one or more pockets  1067  whereby one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items may be inserted into the one or more pockets  1067  for operable use as stop members  1020 ,  1025 . 
     In another embodiment, straps  1069  or the like may be used to secure building materials  1099 , e.g., one or more bundles of shingles  300 , and/or other items for use as stop members  1020 ,  1025 —see  FIG. 100 , which depicts straps  1069  for holding bundles of roofing shingles  300  in a manner effective as stop members  1020 ,  1025 . Straps  1069  may include hook and loop fasteners, latches, hooks, buckles and other strap securing members effective to maintain the straps  1069  in an operating position for securing building materials  1099 . Straps may also be maintained in an operation position via one or more adhesives, tape, stitching, staples, and combinations thereof. 
     In another embodiment, a portable support  1000  or portable support system may include one or more straps  1069 , e.g., one or more flexible or bendable straps, as shown in  FIG. 104 . In this embodiment, a strap  1069  includes openings  1004  and  1006  located near opposing ends of the strap  1069  as shown. The strap  1069  may also include an opening  1009  at or near the midpoint of the strap  1069  as shown. In another embodiment, the strap  1069  may be provided without an opening  1009  at or near the midpoint of the strap  1069 . In this embodiment, the openings  1004  and  1006  are not limited to a particular size and/or shape, however, overall size of the openings  1004  and  1006  may be dictated according to the length and width of the strap  1069 . 
     Suitably, the openings  1004  and  1006  include a size and shape operationally configured to receive part of the strap  1069  through the openings  1004  and  1006  in a manner effective to form one or more loops  1070 ,  1071  at one or more distal ends of the strap  1069  as shown in  FIG. 105 . In other words, the one or more loops  1070 ,  1071  may be formed by feeding part of the strap  1069  through its openings  1004  and  1006 . 
     Depending on the material(s) of construction of the one or more straps  1069 , the openings  1004 ,  1006  and  1009  may be formed during manufacturing of the one or more straps  1069 , or users of the one or more straps  1069  may form the openings  1004 ,  1006  and  1009  in the one or more straps  1069  at the time of use or prior to use via a cutting instrument such as scissors, a knife, a razor blade, and the like. As understood by the skilled artisan, suitable strap material may be provided in bulk such as in rolls whereby persons can cut off one or more desired lengths of the strap material and form the openings  1004 ,  1006  and  1009  in the strap material to produce one or more straps  1069 . Such straps  1069  may be produced and stored at a first location and used at a second location. In another embodiment, users of an apparatus  10  and lifting member  400  may transport strap material, e.g., one or more rolls of strap material, to one or target locations for the delivery of one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items and produce the one or more straps  1069  on location as desired or as otherwise required for workable installation of the portable support  1000  or portable support system on one or more target surfaces such as one or more roofs  500 , e.g., calculate the length of the one or more straps  1069  to be produced according to the surface area and/or layout of the one or more target surfaces. In another embodiment, users of the apparatus  10  and the lifting member  400  may be provided guidelines as to the length of one or more straps  1069  prior to assembly of the portable support  1000  or portable support system. Depending on the material(s) of construction of the one or more straps  1069 , the openings  1004 ,  1006  and  1009  may be reinforced for added strength to protecting against ripping or tearing of the one or more straps  1069  at the openings  1004 ,  1006  and  1009  by including tape and/or stitching along the perimeter of the openings  1004 ,  1006  and  1009  and/or by sealing the perimeter of the openings  1004 ,  1006  and  1009  via flame treatment as understood by the skilled artisan. 
     As understood by the skilled artisan, the size of each loop  1070 ,  1071  is dictated according to the length of the strap  1069  directed through each of the openings  1004  and  1006 , e.g., loop  1070  is depicted larger than loop  1071  as the length of the strap  1069  directed through opening  1004  is greater than the length of the strap  1069  directed through opening  1006 . The strap  1069  of this embodiment may be referred to as a “self-looping strap” because one or two loops  1070 ,  1071  may be formed in the strap  1069  as shown without having to tie knots in the strap  1069  to form and maintain the one or two loops  1070 ,  1071  and without having to use hook and loop fasteners, latches, hooks, buckles, one or more adhesives, tape, stitching, staples, or other strap securing members to form and maintain the one or two loops  1070 ,  1071 . Examples of strap material for the one or more straps  1069  of this embodiment include, but are not necessarily limited to nylon webbing, polyester webbing, seatbelt webbing, and combinations thereof. 
     Once loops  1070  and  1071  are formed, one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items operationally configured as stop members  1020 ,  1025  may be set within the loops  1070  and  1071  of one or more straps  1069  and the one or more straps  1069  may be manipulated in a manner effective to tighten each loop  1070 ,  1071  around its corresponding one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items in a manner effective to hold or secure the one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items during installation of the portable support system, e.g., when carried by the apparatus  10  or other lifting member  400 , and during operation of the portable support system. In one embodiment of a portable support system, the one or more building materials  1099  may include bundles of shingles  300  for use as stop members  1020 ,  1025  on a roof  500  (see  FIG. 100 ). As shown in  FIG. 100 , one portable support system may comprise two straps  1069  aligned in parallel. In another embodiment, one or more rungs, e.g., strap material, may be employed to interconnect parallel straps  1069 . In still another embodiment, a first strap  1069 A may be inserted through an opening  1009  of a second strap  1069 B interconnecting the first and second straps  1069 A,  1069 B providing an X-shape or cross-shape pair of straps  1069  for use as part of a portable support system as shown in the simplified illustration of  FIG. 106 . Although the strap  1069  of  FIG. 104  is depicted in the form of a commercially available strap material, other shapes and/or configures of straps  1069  are herein contemplated. 
     Depending on the total number of bundles of shingles to be delivered to a target roof  500  and/or the size of the roof  500 , one or more portable support systems may be installed on a common roof  500  as shown in  FIG. 100 . In operation, a desired number of individual bundles of shingles may be removed from a unit load  300  and connected to each of the loops  1070  and  1071  of one or more straps  1069  for use as stop members  1020 ,  1025  of a portable support system—see  FIG. 100 , which depicts stop members  1020 ,  1025  having a stack of two bundles of shingles oriented left to right parallel or substantially parallel to the ridge  1007  of a roof  500  as shown providing a maximum surface contact area of the bundles of shingles for stopping bundles of shingles removed from the apparatus  10  onto the roof  500 . The total number of bundles of shingles used as stop members  1020 ,  1025  may include one or more bundles of shingles as desired or as may otherwise be required for a particular operation. In one embodiment, each stop member  1020 ,  1025  may include a total of three bundles of shingles in a stacked configuration. In another embodiment, each stop member  1020 ,  1025  may include a total of four bundles of shingles in a stacked configuration. Moreover, two or more portable support systems may be installed on a common roof  500  with at least one portable support system having stop members  1020 ,  1025  with a different total number of bundles of shingles compared to one or more other portable support systems installed on the same roof  500 . In such embodiment, once bundles of shingles are removed from a unit load  300  to form stop members  1020 ,  1025  of a desired number of portable support systems, the apparatus  10  may carry and remove the remaining bundles of shingles for that particular unit load  300  onto the roof  500  in addition to one or more additional unit loads  300  as desired. 
     Similar as a portable support  1000  as described above, a portable support system may also be suspended from one or both fork tines  12  and  13  of an apparatus  10  or similar fork tines of a lifting member  400  and transported to a target surface, e.g., a roof  500 , for purposes of installation as part of the automated shingle delivery and/or person free shingle delivery of this disclosure. In one non-limiting example as shown in  FIG. 107 , a portable support system  2000  may be suspended from the apparatus  10  during transport by resting a single stop member on the fork tines  12  and  13  of the apparatus  10  (see stop member  1025 ) with the opposing stop member being suspended below the fork tines  12  and  13  via one or more straps  1069 . In another non-limiting example as shown in  FIG. 108 , a portable support system  2000  may be suspended from the apparatus  10  during transport by placing the one or more straps  1069  across the fork tines  12  and  13  of the apparatus  10  with both stop members  1020 ,  1025  suspending below the fork tines  12  and  13 . 
     As shown in the simplified illustrations of  FIGS. 109 and 110 , a portable support system  2000  carried by an apparatus  10  in a manner as shown in  FIG. 107  may be installed on a roof  500  by directing the front side  13 A of the fork tines  12  and  13  toward a first surface  500 A of a roof in a manner effective to set stop member  1020  on the first surface  500 A at a desired installation location, i.e., a transverse direction in relation to the ridge  1007 . Next, the apparatus  10  may be directed in a reverse direction according to directional arrow T whereby stop member  1025  may be directed off from the fork tines  12  and  13  onto a second surface  500 B of the roof at a desired installation location according to directional arrow U. In another embodiment, the portable support system  200  may be installed in the opposite direction including placement of stop member  1020  on the second surface  500 B and then placement of stop member  1025  on the first surface  500 A. 
     As shown in the simplified illustration of  FIG. 111 , a portable support system  2000  carried by an apparatus  10  in a manner as shown in  FIG. 108  may be installed on a roof  500  by approaching a ridge  1007  of a roof  500  longitudinally whereby the apparatus  10  may be lowered until the stop members  1020 ,  1025  are set on the roof  500 . As shown, in this embodiment the distance between the stop members  1020 ,  1025  when suspended from the apparatus  10  is determined according to the outer width of the fork tines  12  and  13 . As such, as the apparatus  10  is lowered, one or both stop members  1020 ,  1025  may be located on the roof  500  on either side of the ridge at a distance less than an installation distance between the  1020 ,  1025 , i.e., one or both of the  1020 ,  1025  may be set on the roof  500  at a location(s) closer to the ridge  1007  than desired. Depending on the pitch of the roof  500 , the stop members  1020 ,  1025  may slide to an installed position under gravity, i.e., slide away from the ridge  1007 . Otherwise, the fork tines  12  and/or  13  may be used to direct one or both of the stop members  1020 ,  1025  to an installed position on the roof  500 . In another embodiment, as bundles of shingles  300  are removed from the apparatus  10  onto the roof  500 , momentum of one or more bundles of shingles  300  exiting the apparatus  10  may be used to push one or both of the stop members  1020 ,  1025  away from the ridge  1007  to an installed position. 
     In another embodiment of a portable support  1000 , the stop members  1020  and  1025  may be operationally configured to support one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items on top of the stop members  1020  and  1025  separated apart from a target surface. In one non-limiting example as shown in  FIG. 114  including a target surface comprising a ridge of a roof  500 , the portable support  1000  is operationally configured to hold one or more building materials  1099  and/or other items at or near the peak of the roof  500  apart from the ridge  1007 . In another embodiment it is contemplated that each stop member  1020  and  1025  may be located a different distance from a ridge  1007  of a roof  500  as may be desired or otherwise required for one or more particular operations. 
     The disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are illustrative only and not intended to limit the present disclosure to a particular embodiment. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     In a first non-limiting example, an apparatus  10  as depicted in  FIG. 3  and operationally configured for carrying and unloading construction materials from the apparatus  10  including bundles of shingles  300  may be provided according to the dimensions listed below and as shown in  FIGS. 36-38 : 
     D1: 121.9 cm (48.0 inches) to 152.4 cm (60.0 inches); 
     D2: 15.24 cm (6.0 inches); 
     D3: 152.4 cm (60.0 inches) to 228.6 cm (90.0 inches); 
     D4: 121.9 cm (48.0 inches) to 182.9 cm (72.0 inches); 
     D5: 15.24 cm (6.0 inches); 
     D6: 91.4 cm (36.0 inches) to 121.9 cm (48.0 inches); 
     D7: 91.4 cm (36.0 inches) to 121.9 cm (48.0 inches); 
     D8: 30.5 cm (12.0 inches) to 50.8 cm (20.0 inches); 
     D9: 30.5 cm (12.0 inches) to 50.8 cm (20.0 inches); 
     D10: 76.2 cm (30.0 inches) to 127.0 cm (50.0 inches); and 
     D11: 30.5 cm (12.0 inches) to 50.8 cm (20.0 inches). 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     With reference to  FIG. 58 , in a second non-limiting example an apparatus  10  may include one or more arm members  433  and one or more mating arm members  437  with apertures  408  and  409  spacing measurements listed below and as shown in  FIG. 60 : 
     D2: 16.51 cm (6.50 inches); 
     D13: 20.32 cm (8.00 inches); 
     D14: 12.7 cm (5.00 inches); and 
     D15: 36.83 cm (14.50 inches). 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     In a third non-limiting example, an apparatus  10  as shown in  FIG. 53  may include a height of 2.81 meters (110.75 inches) at a fully extended position and a height of 2.31 meters (90.75 inches) at a fully contracted position as shown in  FIG. 54 . 
     Although the disclosure is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead might be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosure, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments. 
     Terms and phrases used in this disclosure, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time. 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The embodiment(s) described herein are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the disclosure, which is defined in the claims.