Abstract:
Embodiments provide shelves, bracket systems, automated picker robots, totes, and other features that may be used with delivery vehicle configurations that have automated cargo areas. A delivery vehicle may include a picking robot that selectively retrieves packages for delivery without requiring substantial human intervention for locating those packages. The cargo area of the delivery vehicle may further comprise a plurality of customizable shelving units that generate custom-sized shelves for packages. The shelves may include a plurality of individually movable shelf brackets having retaining members that pivot between an extended and retracted position to hold the package in place and to enable the picking robot to retrieve the package from the shelf. Another embodiment provides for a tote having a drive mechanism to hold letters so that a letter may be automatically retrieved from the cargo arear and provided at a delivery location.
Abstract:
A trailer for towing by a power vehicle is provided and generally includes a frame and a tandem wheel assembly. The frame forms an undercarriage chassis and the tandem wheel assembly positioned under the undercarriage chassis. The tandem wheel assembly includes a rear wheel assembly and a front wheel assembly. An extension assembly is provided and moves the front wheel assembly between trailing position and a self-propelled position where the rear wheel assembly and the front wheel assembly are positioned to equally support the undercarriage chassis.
Abstract:
A wheelchair accessible vehicle assembly includes a vehicle that has a plurality of entries. Each of the entries is large enough to have a wheelchair pass therethrough for transporting an individual in the wheelchair. A plurality of wheelchair lifts and each of the wheelchair lifts is coupled to the vehicle. Each of the wheelchair lifts can lift and lower the wheelchair and each of the wheelchair lifts is aligned with one of the entries. In this way the plurality of wheelchair lifts facilitates a plurality of wheelchairs to be simultaneously lifted and lowered.
Abstract:
A tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes a pair of hingedly connected panels and at least one extendable ramp member held within a one of the pair of hingedly connected panels. The hingedly connected panels are configured to pivot between a substantially parallel stowed configuration defining a tailgate structure and an opened deployed orientation for use as a portion of a ramp.
Abstract:
A motor vehicle has an automatically controllable rear-tailgate arrangement, which either is comprised of a single pivotable tailgate or a pivotable lower tailgate and a pivotable upper tailgate. An electronic control unit for the motorized control of the pivotable tailgates is associated with the rear-tailgate arrangement assembly. In particular, the control unit is designed to perform the following functionality by an appropriately programmed function module: the control unit evaluates information of a sensor unit for sensing the longitudinal tilt of the motor vehicle; after an opening command by an operating person, the control unit prevents complete opening either of the single rear tailgate or at least of the lower rear tailgate at least in the case of a rearward longitudinal tilt exceeding a defined threshold.
Abstract:
A modular shipping apparatus comprising: a shipping container having a first track and a second track attached to the bottom interior; a base having a bottom portion with wheel assemblies that slide along the first and second track; a liftgate having a first liftgate track and a second liftgate track, wherein the first liftgate track and a second liftgate track are aligned with the first track and the second track attached to the bottom interior and is pivotally attached to the bottom interior of the shipping container, a first and second guide rail which extend a portion of the length of the sides and having a first and second removable wing portion removably attached to provide a removed position and a working position, wherein the working position of the first and second removable wing portions extends to at least the left side and right side, respectively, of the liftgate.
Abstract:
A liftgate for loading and unloading cargo from a vehicle. The liftgate includes a moveable load platform having a proximal deck section and a distal deck section pivotally coupled to the proximal deck section. A side ramp is pivotally coupled to the distal deck section to facilitate unobstructed side loading and unloading of the distal deck section of the load platform.
Abstract:
A forked vehicle forms part of an assembly including a transporting vehicle having a powered lift gate. The forked vehicle includes a releasable grip securing the forked vehicle relative to the lift gate. The releasable grip is fixed relative to one of the lift gate and the forked vehicle and engages the other of the lift gate and forked vehicle to secure the forked vehicle relative to the lift gate.
Abstract:
One variation may include a product including a carrier having a doorway constructed and arranged so that a module or second container may be loaded into and out the carrier through the doorway, the carrier being movable, and wherein the carrier is constructed and arranged so that the doorway is in an elevated position, a bracket positioned to receive a module or second container, a lift system connected to the bracket and constructed and arranged to lift the bracket and the module or second container to a position wherein the module or second container may be inserted through the doorway and into a carrier, and to lower the bracket and the module or second container to a position wherein the module or second container is below at least a portion of the doorway and so that the second module or container may be removed from the bracket.
Abstract:
A vehicle-attached lifting device and tool support is provided. The device comprises a dual-rail frame supported in an upright configuration by the vehicle tow hitch, wherein an internal subassembly support frame is positioned between the rails for the purposes of supporting different lifting and tool support subassemblies. Along the sides of the upright frame is a pair of ground support members that extend downward towards the ground to support the frame during operation, preventing the load from compressing the vehicle suspension or damaging the same. A winch controls the vertical positioning of the support frame within the dual-rail frame, which controls the position of a lifting or tool support subassembly. Many subassemblies are contemplated for use with the present invention for the purposes of assisting a user without requiring manual input therefrom. The device can also adjust with relation to the vehicle using different trailer hitch attachments.