Truck for handling containers

Claim 1

Apparatus for loading and unloading containers onto and from a vehicle comprising: a. a tilting frame mounted on said vehicle and having a plurality of longitudinal beams, the outermost beams having at least one outward projection positioned towards the vehicle rear which has at least its end located towards the vehicle rear beveled; b. means for tilting said frame; c. means for loading a container onto and unloading a container off said frame including: i. a single fluid cylinder and piston disposed longitudinally on said frame; ii. at least one first pulley mounted on said piston and at least one second pulley mounted on said cylinder; iii. first guide means associated with said piston and beams for guiding said piston and said at least one first pulley during extension of the piston, said first guide means comprising guide plates integral with the inside of said beams and fork means connected to said piston and operative to engage said guide plates; d. second guide means associated with said container and said frame for guiding said container during said extension, said second guide means comprising side flanges associated with said container operative to mate with said beveled projections as said container is rolled onto and slid on said frame; and e. said frame further comprising an extension having beveled portions at the remote end thereof and wheels mounted thereon, said beveled portions and wheels being operative to permit said extension to roll on the surface on which the vehicle stands when said frame is tilted.