Apparatus for lifting waste containers on to trucks

Claim 1

Apparatus for unloading the contents of a relatively large waste container onto a vehicle comprising a lifting assembly located on each side of said vehicle, each of said assemblies comprising a first elongated lever member pivotably mounted at one end to said vehicle and extending along the side of the vehicle for pivotable movement in a generally vertical plane; first means mounted on said vehicle for applying a force to said first lever member to effect pivotable movement thereof; a second elongated lever member carried at one end by the extended end of said first lever member for movement conjointly therewith in said vertical plane and for pivotable movement relative thereto; second means for applying a force to said second lever member mounted on said first lever member to effect pivotable movement thereof: a third lever member carried on the extended end of said second lever member for conjoint movement therewith in said vertical plane and also for pivotable movement relative thereto, said third lever member including means for supporting at least two chains or cables in spaced relation; and third means for applying a force to said third lever member mounted on said second lever to effect pivotable movement thereof, said lever members in each of said assemblies being selectively movable from a first position in which said levers extend along a substantially horizontal axis at the sides of the vehicle and a second position wherein said levers are articulated in said vertical plane to carry the containers above said vehicle, said second and third levers being selectively movable with respect to each other and the first lever to tilt said container in said second position said third lever being movable in an arc sufficient to invert said container beyond the vehicle.