The invention relates to a load carrying vehicle of the type that has a load deck and a body forming a load carrying compartment above the load deck. The invention provides a load support structure for a load carrying vehicle of the said type. The load support structure comprises at least one load platform and at least one platform support structure, which is located along the longitudinal center line of the load deck. In its operative condition, the load platform is supported on the platform support structure at an elevated level above the load deck and approximately parallel thereto, thus permitting items to be located both on the load platform and on the load deck below the load platform for transportation purposes.

Methods and apparatus are provided that load goods into trailers. The apparatus facilitates the loading of goods into the trailer, and optimizes usage of storage space in the trailer.

A system and method of lifting and transporting a boat. A boat carrier has a chassis supported by wheels and a boat-carrying frame. The boat-carrying frame includes a plurality of outwardly-extending frame members for securing a boat during transit of the carrier and at least one lift assembly mounted thereon. The lift assembly includes at least one vertically moveable lift assembly arm extending away from the boat-carrying frame beyond the outwardly-extending frame members. The lift assembly arm is moveable between a lowered position whereby a boat may be placed on the lift assembly arm and a raised position aligned with one of the outwardly-extending frame members. The boat is placed on the lift assembly arm in the lowered position from a point outward of the outwardly-extending frame members and lifted with the lift assembly arm to the raised assembly arm position aligned with one of the outwardly-extending frame members. The boat may then be transferred from the lift assembly arm onto the aligned outwardly-extending frame member.

A cargo delivery vehicle has storage for multiple tiers, or levels, of cargo. The delivery vehicle includes a plurality of interior pallet elevators, at least one on either side of a center structural wall running parallel to the side walls. Specialized pallets are provided for use with the pallet elevators. The pallet elevators are powered by redundant hydraulic cylinders which drive four cross-shaft-linked chains to lift and lower the pallet support shelves. Compact rear access doors slide vertically to allow easy access for loading or unloading. Substantially continuous side access doors provide total exterior access to the lowermost tier of cargo by delivery vehicle personnel standing on the ground. Cargo stored at the upper tier may be positioned by an elevating means at the level of the lower tier for either rear loading or side retrieval purposes. The longitudinal center structural wall supports a plurality of transverse diagonal braces that extend from approximately the mid-point of the center structural wall to the upper outboard corners of the outer sidewall frames. This framing system greatly reduces the structural requirements of the side walls and floor, thereby permitting largely open outboard wall framing for multiple side access ports as well as a reduced floor thickness to permit easier access from the pavement.

A vehicle having accommodations for a wheelchair includes an upper floor panel disposed within the vehicle and having a lowerable portion thereof adapted to support a wheelchair, and a lift mechanism mounted below the upper floor panel for lowering and raising the lowerable portion with respect to the upper floor panel. The lift mechanism comprises threaded holes on a protruding part of the lowerable panel. The threaded holes are engaged by a plurality of jack screws. The jack screws can be driven by a motor, sprocket and chain drive system. These accommodations allow a person in the wheelchair to be lowered to a level where they can comfortably see out the windows of the vehicle.