Patent ID: 8360710

Claim:
A method of transferring cargo between a vehicle having a chassis and a cab, and a loading ramp of varying height capable of receiving and dispatching cargo, the method comprising the steps of: providing a loading and unloading device having: a tilt frame pivotally engaged to the vehicle chassis, the tilt frame including a first end located near the cab of the vehicle chassis and capable of being raised away from the vehicle chassis, and a second end distal from the cab; and a transfer bed capable of adjusting to varying heights, the transfer bed including a first end adjacent to the tilt frame and a second end adjacent to the loading ramp, wherein the tilt frame includes means for facilitating movement of the transfer bed along the tilt frame; leveling the transfer bed at varying heights without changing the height of the vehicle chassis by varying both of: the height of the first end of the transfer bed by moving it along an upper surface of the tilt frame; and the height of a carriage configured to support the second end of the transfer bed; loading the cargo from the loading ramp onto the second end of the transfer bed; pulling the transfer bed onto the tilt frame using the means for facilitating movement of the transfer bed along the tilt frame; and lowering the tilt frame.