Porta-crane

A truck crane for use on a vehicle frame, comprising:

• A. a support frame including a pair of spaced apart support members,
• B. means for pivotally mounting said support members at substantially one end thereof between operative and inoperative positions,
• C. an extension device cooperatively associated with said support members, said extension device comprising a pair of extension members, each extension member and a respective support member being interfitted one within the other and being slidable and longitudinally adjustable relatively to its support member, so as to be adjustable between extended and retracted positions,
• D. bridging means interconnecting said extension members at the free end thereof,
• E. releasably interconnecting means for retaining said support members and said extension members in longitudinally aligned extended and retracted positions,
• F. said interconnecting means including:
• 1. a band in telescopic relation to each said support member,
• 2. cooperating apertures in each said support member and said extension member in alignment with each other when said extension members are in said extended and retracted positions, and
• 3. a fastener associated with each band to extend within said apertures for obtaining a locking relationship therebetween,
• G. means for maintaining said support members in laterally spaced relation to each other, said maintaining means including a cross-member extending between said bands of said interconnecting means,
• H. hydraulic means pivotally connected at one end thereof to the vehicle frame and at the opposite end pivotally connected to said cross-member, so as to support said support frame in selected operative positions,
• I. said hydraulic means includes a cylinder connected to the vehicle frame at one end thereof and a longitudinally extending arm hydraulically powered by and extending from one end of said cylinder and coupled at its opposite end to said cross-member, said hydraulic means being connected to the vehicle frame and to said cross-member in a manner to permit rotating motion therebetween,
• J. winch means contained on the vehicle,
• K. cable means having a hook at one end extending over said bridging means and connected to said winch means at the opposite end thereof, such that said support frame is adjustable in the operative position extending beyond the vehicle to the inoperative position in which the said support frame is contained on the vehicle and said cable powered by said winch operates the hook in the operative position of said support frame, and
• L. adjustable securing means extending between the vehicle and said support frame.