# US 5,707,203 A · Pallet unloading method for pick-up trucks

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- Number: US 5,707,203 A
- Document ID: US5707203A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/782,156
- Filed: 1997-01-13
- Granted: 1998-01-13
- Earliest claimed: 1997-01-13
- Inventors: Robert A. Richter
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5707203A

## CPC

- B60P 1/6454: {the load transporting element being shifted by means of an inclined ramp connected to the vehicle}
- B60P: VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS (vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances A61G3/00)

## Abstract

A truck having a flat body is fitted with a tram to unload burdened pallets. The tram travels on rails and rollers fastened to the truck body. A burdened pallet on the tram is to be unloaded from the truck. A winch pulls the tram rearward and as the tram and load begin to tilt, one or more fixed restraining cables control the tilt. On contact with the ground a restraining pin holding the pallet from proceeding down the grade, automatically retracts allowing the pallet and burden to move down the tram. A flat adjustable spring bears against the pallet, reducing its velocity. The truck is moved forward and the pallet and burden rests on the ground. The tram is retracted into the truck by the winch. The truck driver closes the tailgate.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for unloading a previously loaded burdened pallet off a truck comprising the steps of:
providing a carriage moving on rails and rollers to transport the burdened pallet rearward;
providing a means for moving said carriage rearwardly;
providing one or more fixed cables to restrain the carriage in rearward tilting travel to finally attain about 30 degrees with the ground;
providing at least one pin to prevent the burdened pallet from sliding down the carriage before an end of the carriage strikes the ground;
providing a lever system to retract said pin or pins to be activated when the carriage strikes the ground allowing the burdened pallet to slide toward the ground;
providing an adjustable brake on the carriage to slow the burdened pallet easing it to the ground; and
providing means to return the carriage within the truck.