Loader crane for gooseneck trailer

Claim 1

A combination of a flat-bed trailer and loading means, said flat-bed trailer having a gooseneck hitch for connection with a connector in the bed of a pick-up truck wherein said gooseneck hitch includes: a. a transverse wall-like frame upstanding from the front of said trailer and having a width corresponding to the width of the trailer frame, b. a generally horizontal frame cantilevered forwardly from the top of the vertical frame comprising two structural members attached to the outward corners of the vertical frame to extend forwardly and converge at the projection of the longitudinal center line of the trailer, and c. coupling means depending from the converging ends of the said members to connect with said connector in said pickup truck, with the vertical frame extending to a height which will permit the horizontal frame to overlie the bed walls of the pickup truck; said loading means comprising: a. a deck mounted on the horizontal frame thereby being above and forwardly of the bed of said trailer, b. a post rotatably mounted on said deck member, c. first power means to rotate said post relative to said deck, d. said first power means including means for rotating said post with respect to said deck, said rotating means including: 1. a chain sprocket attached to said post, 2. a pair of parallel spaced power cylinder means mounted on said deck, and 3. chain means passed around said sprocket and having each end attached to one of said power cylinder means whereby as one cylinder means is retracted said chain is pulled around said sprocket causing the post to rotate with respect to said deck, e. an articulated crane boom pivotally carried upon said post for vertical movement with respect to said post, to overreach the trailer bed and areas to the side of trailer bed, f. second power means to pivot said boom relative to said post, g. means for gripping loosE material at the opposite end of said boom, h. third power means to articulate said boom and operate said gripping means, i. control means mounted on said deck operatively associated with said power means, and j. an operator''s seat mounted on the deck forwardly of the control means and boom to permit an operator to view the trailer bed to the rear from an elevated position while operating the boom, k. said gripping means comprising a rectangular frame pivotally suspended from the free end of said boom and a pair of fork means having tines pivotally mounted on opposite members of said rectangular frame, l. said third power means including a power cylinder mounted on said rectangular frame for pivoting said fork means inwardly toward each other so as to grip said material.