BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

[0001] A van and van loading apparatus disclosed for the purpose of efficient delivery of goods and groceries to urban, suburban, and rural dwellings and businesses by delivery vehicles which haul the van. The purpose of the van and van loading apparatus is to enable persons to load goods and groceries into the van and deliver the goods and groceries to the dwelling and businesses with physical and mental ease.

Background Art

[0002] The delivery van is little changed from the original devised millennia ago. Goods and groceries are loaded individually or in containers into and out of the van. At the loading and delivery site often two people are required to lift and carry heavy goods or containers. Many people who can drive a transport to take the van to the loading and delivery sites are excluded from delivery jobs because of the difficulties of loading and unloading.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention there is a van loading apparatus comprising: a frame connectable to a van; a first pair of parallel lift arms which extend from the frame to grasp a container intermediate the pair, and an actuator to displace the lift arms to lift the container into and out of the van. [0004] The frame may comprise a support to connect to the van above a rest for the container in the van. The frame may comprise elongate parts arrayed parallel to each other. The elongate parts may be from 1 m long to 20 m long to span the width and/or length of the van.

[0005] The pair of parallel lift arms may be connected to one of the elongate parts connected to a first part of the frame connectable to the van. One of the elongate parts to which the pair is connected may be displaceable relative to the first part by the actuator. The frame may comprise a track or rail wherein the parallel lifting arms are slidably connected to the track or rail to be displaced by the actuator.

[0006] Each lift arm may comprise a grip facing the other to grasp the container intermediate the grips. Each grip may comprise a ledge, finger, prong, clip, hook, or coupler to catch the container as the pair of parallel lift arms are raised relative to the container and to release the container as the lift arms are lowered relative to the container.

[0007] The actuator may comprise an elevator to displace both grips together the same distance. The actuator comprises a translator to shift the parallel lift arms in the plane in which they extend. The actuator may comprise a translator is to displace the parallel lift arms perpendicular to the plane in which they extend.

[0008] The pair of parallel lift arms may extend substantially vertically from the frame. Each lift arm comprises a first end connected to the frame. The actuator may comprise a separator intermediate where each lift arm connects to the frame to displace the pair together without changing the distance between the parallel lift arms.

[0009] The van loading apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a second pair of parallel lift arms parallel to the first pair in which the four lift arms are position-able as comers of a rectangular box to lift containers.

[0010] The van loading apparatus may comprise: at least one overhead girder housed within a van in a first configuration. The frame may comprise the at least one overhead girder. In the first configuration said frame and pair of parallel lift arms may be housed within said van. In a second configuration the van loading apparatus may be cantilevered from a side of the van. At least one lift arm may be held substantially vertically from said overhead girder or beam(s) to lift and carry the containers from/to a floor of the van to/from ground beside the van. In said second configuration said parallel lift arms and a first part of said frame from which said parallel lift arms extend may be outside of said van. The van loading apparatus reduces manual labor at loading and unloading sites and enables people to goods and groceries.

[0011] The van loading apparatus may comprise a first connector attached to each lift arm to catch and release the containers. The van loading apparatus may also comprise a second connector attached to each lift arm to catch and release a platform on which the containers stand to lift and carry the containers. This helps a person to keep the containers upright as they are being loaded and unloaded. It also enable lifting and carry containers which comprise a holding portion on platform to be carried without the holding portion topping over or off of the platform. [0012] Said first and/or second connector may comprise a finger, prong, hook, or clip. The connector may extend laterally from each of the lift arms to catch, carry, and release the containers/platform. Said first and/or second connector may comprise a receptacle or socket to receive corresponding connector on the container platform. This helps catch and release of the container/platform to lift carry the container/platform into and out of the van.

[0013] Said overhead girder or beams may arrayed parallel to each other and perpendicular to the front to back direction of the van. This helps lifting and carrying the container through an opening in a lateral side of the van perpendicular to overhead girder or beams. At least one of the overhead girder or beams may comprise a first bar or sleeve attachable to the van and a second bar movable to extend the overhead girder or beam from fully inside the van in the first configuration to partially outside the van over the ground beside the van in the second configuration. The second bar may be a beam cantilevered from a side of van in the second configuration. This helps lifting and carrying the container/platform from/to inside the van to/ from ground or a loading dock beside the van. The lift arm(s) may be movably connected to said overhead girder or beam(s) to be displaced from within the van in the first configuration and to beside the van in the second configuration. The lift arms may be slidably connected to the overhead girder or beams.

[0014] The overhead girder or beams may comprise attachments to attach said overhead girder or beam(s) to a ceiling of the van parallel to the ceiling. The van loading apparatus may comprise attachments to attach said overhead girder or beam(s) to opposite side walls of the van rising from the floor. This enables the structure of the van to support the weight of the containers being lifted carried out of the van which eases the burden on people delivering goods and groceries. [0015] At least one of said attachments may attach moveably to the ceiling/side wall to move at least one of said overhead girders from fully inside the van in said first configuration to partially outside the van in the second configuration. At least one of said girder is disposed on said girder or beam(s) intermediate movable portions of the girder or beam configured to cantilever from a side of the van in the second configuration.

[0016] The van loading apparatus may comprise a first door installable in a side wall of the van for the lift arms to lift and carry the containers through in the second configuration. Said first door is sized and openable when installed in said side wall to permit passage through the door of part of said overhead girder or beam when moving from the first configuration to the second configuration. This door aids concealing and protecting the containers inside the van when the van is parked at a depot or rest stop or during transport. The van may comprise said door.

[0017] The van loading apparatus may comprise a jack to raise and lower the van comprising the van loading apparatus from a chassis of a truck. This helps lifting and carrying the containers to a platform outside the van which would otherwise be too high relative to the overhead girder or beam and lift arms which hang down from the overhead van.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention there is van loading apparatus as disclosed herein comprising a second pair of parallel lift arms parallel to the first pair in which the four lift arms are position-able as corners of a rectangular box to lift containers. The frame may be arrayed parallel and proximate to a ceiling of the van. The parallel lift arms may be suspended from the frame.

[0019] In a first configuration the frame and pair of parallel lift arms may be housed within the van. In the first configuration the parallel lift arms may be oriented vertically inside the van. In a second configuration the pair and a first part of the frame from which the pair extend may be outside the van. In the second configuration the first part of the frame from which the pair extend is cantilevered from a second part of the frame connected to the van. In the second configuration the first pair of arms may be extended vertically from the frame to grasp the container resting on ground beside the van.

[0020] A part of the frame which is connected to the first pair may be disposed or configured to be displaced through the door in the van in transforming from the first configuration to/from the second configuration.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention there is a truck comprising a cab for a driver, a van behind the cab and the van loading apparatus.

[0022] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 shows a truck with a van behind a cab, and a side door of the van is open showing containers inside;

[0024] Figure 2 shows a perspective view a van loading apparatus over a floor of a van;

[0025] Figure 3 shows the van loading apparatus with a part of a frame cantilevered past the floor of the van to suspend pairs of parallel lift arms beside the floor;

[0026] Figure 4 shows containers resting on the floor of the van and the pairs of parallel lifting arms in stowage configuration;

[0027] Figure 5 shows a container carried beside the van by a pair of parallel lift arms suspended from a part of a frame cantilevered past the floor of the van; and

[0028] Figure 6 shows a row of containers on an elongate platform carried beside the van by two pairs of parallel lift arms suspended from two parts of a frame cantilevered past the floor of the van.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0029] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. The details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the invention.

[0030] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment," etcetera, indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be understood that spatial descriptions (e.g., “above,” “below,” “up,” “left,” “right,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc.) used herein are for purposes of illustration only, and that practical implementations of the structures described herein can be spatially arranged in any orientation or manner.

[0032] Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0033] Referring to the Figures, there is shown in Figure 1 a truck. It comprises a cab for a driver 2000 and a van 1000. The van 1000 is shown with a side open to reveal a row of containers 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 inside.

[0034] In the van 1000, the containers 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 are supported on an elongate platform 202 on a floor 17 of the van. The elongate platform lengthwise direction is the traveling direction of the truck.

[0035] Three pairs of parallel lift arms 120, 130, 140 are stowed in a storage position intermediate the cab 2000 and the containers 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 on the elongate platform 202. [0036] In use the parallel lift arms 120,130, 140 load and unload one or more of containers 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 into and out of the van 1000 through the open side of the van. The parallel lift arms 120, 130, 140 are also able to load and unload the containers of the van through a back door.

[0037] In Figure 2 the van is shown with the side walls and ceiling removed. The containers 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 are also removed. Above the floor 17 of the van can be seen a van loading apparatus. The van loading apparatus comprises a frame comprising beams 226, 228, 230. The van loading apparatus also comprises a first pair of parallel lifting arms 124, 126; a second pair of parallel lifting arms 120, 122; a third pair of parallel lifting arms 134, 136; a fourth pair of parallel lifting arms 130, 132; a fifth pair of parallel lifting arms 144, 146; and a sixth pair of parallel lifting arms 140, 142. Each pair of parallel lifting arms is suspended vertically from one of the beams 226, 228, 230.

[0038] The frame is connected to the van by the beams 226, 228, 230 being connected to girders 222, 224 which support the ceiling of the van. The girders are in turn supported by vertical posts 206, 208, 210, 212 rising from the floor 17 of the van. The girders 224, 222 are oriented lengthwise parallel to the rolling direction of the wheels 16 of the van 1000. The girders 222, 224 are also longitudinally parallel to the roof of the van. The girders 222, 224 are overhead as installed in the van, and the girders 222, 224 are in top comers of the van just under the roof. [0039] If van does not itself comprise a sufficiently strong girders and/or posts to support the frame, then the girders and/or posts may be provided as parts of the van loading apparatus. [0040] The frame is parallel to the floor 17 because the beams 226, 228, 230 are parallel to the floor 17. It is not essential for the beams 17 to be parallel to the floor because the length of the pairs of parallel lifting arms can be increased or lessened as beams are extended and as the parallel lifting arms are displaced along the beams.

[0041] The beams 226, 228, 230 aligned parallel to each other and across the floor 17 from lateral side to opposite lateral side of the van 1000. This positioning of the beams facilitates unloading and loading through the lateral sides of the van 1000. The beams 226, 228, 230 are orthogonal to the girders 222, 244 which support ends of beams to hold the beams above floor 17.

[0042] Figure 2 shows the van loading apparatus in first configuration housed within the perimeter of the floor 17 of the van 1000. The van loading apparatus pairs of parallel arms, 124, 126; 120, 122; 134, 136; 130, 132; 144, 146; 140, 142 are withdrawn within the perimeter of the floor 17 the van 1000. As shown in Figure 1, the van may have sides and a roof. Lift arms 120, 130, 140 may be seen stowed in first configuration for transportation.

[0043] The first and second pair have a connection near to the top of each lift arm 120, 122, 124, 126 of the first beam 230. The third and fourth pair have a connection near to the top of each lift arm 130, 132, 134, 136 of the second beam 228. The fifth and sixth pair have a connection near to the top of each lift arm 140, 142, 144, 146 of the third beam 226. Each lift arm is hung substantially vertical from its beam. The lift arms comprise elongate portions a just a little shorter than the vertical posts 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 210. Each lift arm reaches down nearly to the floor 70 of the van.

[0044] Figure 3 shows the van loading apparatus in a second configuration. The first beam 230 comprises an extendable portion 231 and the second pair of parallel lift arms 120, 122 hang vertically from it. The extendable portion 231 is extended past the overhead 222 girder and the perimeter of the floor 17 of the van. The first beam 230 holds the extendable portion 231 to be cantilevered from the ceiling out of the van 1000 The second pair of parallel lift arms 120, 122 hangs beside the perimeter by the lateral side of the van. The second pair of parallel lift arms 120, 122 is poised to pick up and carry the first container beside the van 1000.

[0045] Figure 3 shows the second beam 228 comprises a second extendable portion 229. The fourth pair of parallel lift arms 130, 132 is in a temporary movable position beside the floor 70 near lateral side of the van. The fourth pair of parallel lift arms 130, 132 is poised to pick up a container beside the van and carry it through an opening in the lateral side of the van. An example of this is shown Figure 5 where an opposite extendable portion 232 from the second 231 extends from an end of the first beam 230 past the longitudinal girder 224. The first pair of parallel lift arms 124, 126 has grasped and carried the container 51 through side opening between vertical posts 204, 208 and underneath the longitudinal girder 224.

[0046] Figure 3 shows the third beam 226 comprises a third extendable portion 227. The sixth pair of parallel lift arms 140, 142 is in a temporary movable position beside the floor 70 near the same lateral side of the van as the second pair and the fourth. The sixth pair of parallel lift arms 140, 142 is poised to pick up a container beside the van and carry it through an opening in the lateral side of the van.

[0047] Figure 3 shows the fourth pair of parallel lift arms 130, 132 and the sixth pair of parallel lift arms 140, 142 are aligned. The parallel lift arms 130, 132, 140, 142 are arranged at corners of a rectangular box. The lengthwise direction is parallel to the girder 222.

[0048] The first girder 222 is aligned from rear to front of the van 1000 along the roof in the traveling direction of the van. The first girder 222 is aligned to facilitate unloading and loading containers though an opening in the side of the van.

[0049] Figures 4, 5, and 6 show how a first pair of parallel lift arms 124, 126 extend from the frame 230 to grasp a container 51. First the pair of lift arms 124, 126 is positioned intermediate the pair by an actuator. Then the actuator displaces the lift arms 124, 126 to lift the container into and out of the van.

[0050] The actuator that moves the pair of lift arms 124, 126 horizontally can be the same actuator that raises and lowers the lift arms 124, 126. It is not essential for them to be the actuator. In some embodiments there is a particular actuator for each one of the lift arms elevator displacement and, or a particular actuator for lateral displacement of the lift arms along the frame.

[0051] The first container 502 and the second container 504 are lifted and carried from/to the floor 70 of the van to/from a rest for the containers outside van 1000.

[0052] Figures 4, 5, and 6 also how a rectangular platform 202 which supports a row of the containers 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 may be carried. The fourth pair 130, 132 and the sixth pair of parallel lift arms 140, 142 are positioned to pick up a rectangular platform 202. The platform is lengthwise from the fourth pair to the sixth pair. The shorter width of the platform is between the third and fourth parallel lift arms 130, 132 and the shorter width of the platform is between the fifth and sixth parallel lift arms 140, 142.

[0053] The lift arms 120, 122, 124, 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 140, 142, 144, 146 include a telescopic sleeve or piston which slides within or along the part of the lift arm. The piston or sleeve are driven by an actuator which is hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical or manual actuator such as a jacking lever or a wheel which turns a gear or a cable. The lift arms are extendable from and retractable toward the respective overhead girder beam 226, 228, 230 from which they hang. They are extendable down to ground beside the floor 17 of the van 1000, or a platform above ground beside the van. This enables the lift arms to pick up a container 50 to 92 resting on the floor 17 carry the over the edge of floor 17 and lower the container down to the ground.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, each lift arm 120, 122, 124, 126 .. . 146 has a connector 301 to 312 which connects the lift arm to the beam 226, 228, 230 above it. In an embodiment the connectors 301 to 312 are cable type or gimble type, or universal type. These types of connectors suspend the lift arm 120, 122, 124, 126 .. . 146 from the beam 226, 228, 230 by a rotatable connection which enables the lift arm to align vertically in line with the pull of gravity. The van 1000 may be on a slope so that the beam 226, 228, 230 fixed to the van may not be horizontal according to gravity. However the lift arms so suspended will be vertical according to gravity and parallel to other. This helps prevent the lift arms 140, 180 from being bent by the weight of the containers 504 which they carry. Piston or sleeve travel of the lift arm is aligned directly with the weight of the container grasped between a pair of the parallel lift arms. The connectors 301 to 312 avoid being broken by leverage of weight of the container around the connector since the connector is able to align with the weight. [0055] In an embodiment the connectors are rigid and hold each lift arm to one direction with respect to the beam to which it is connected. The direction is orthogonal to the beam. The van may be on a slope, and the lift arms will remain orthogonal to the floor 17 of the van 1000. This helps the lift arms to align with containers on the floor 17 of van or with a platform for pick and place of the containers.

[0056] In an embodiment the beams 226, 228, 230 are extendable beyond the girders 222, 224 to be cantilevered over a lateral side of the floor. They are extendable by a slidable or telescopic extendable portion 231, 232, 227. The connectors 301 to 312 of a pair of the parallel lift arms are connected to one of the extendable portions 231, 232, 227. In an embodiment the beams 226, 228, 230 comprise a track aligned with the elongate direction of the beam. The track is about the length of the beam. The connectors 301 to 312 of a pair of the parallel lift arms are connected to the track to slide along the beam. These embodiments aid the actuators to displace and position a pair of the parallel lift arms to grasp and carry the containers 50 to 92 or a platform 220. It aids coordinated lifting and carrying a more than one container at once from/to more than one place. [0057] The second pair of lift arms 120, 122 comprises grips 401, 402 to grasp a container between the second pair. Figures 3 and 5 show the grip 401 at the distal end of lift arm 120 from the connection to the beam 230. The grip 402 is at the distal end of lift arm 122 from the connection to the beam 230. The fourth pair of lift arms 120, 122 comprises grips 403, 404 to grasp a container between the fourth pair. The grip 403 is at the distal end of lift arm 130 from the connection to the beam 228. The grip 404 is at the distal end of lift arm 132 from the connection to the beam 228. The grips 401, 402, 403, 404 temporarily connect to the container. When the container is temporarily connected, the lift arm 180 is able to lift and carry the container.

[0058] In an embodiment to prevent the container from falling over when connected to a pair of parallel lift arms and lifted, the grips 401, 402, 403, 404 comprise three couplers are arranged non-colinearly. These three couplers enable the container to be picked up from a plate or dolly at the bottom of the container without risk that upper part of the container will spill over or slide of the plate or dolly.

[0059] In another embodiment, the grips comprise only coupler which is cylindrical pin or socket. This coupler enables the container to be picked up near its top. The container held is upright by gravity since the bottom of the container rotates to the lowest possible location around coupler. This helps pick and place of the containers onto or from a sloped floor or ground surface.

[0060] In an alternate embodiment the connectors are rigid and hold each lift arm to one direction with respect to the beam to which it is connected. The direction is orthogonal to the beam. The van may be on a slope, and the lift arms will remain orthogonal to the floor 17 of the van 1000. This helps the lift arms to align with containers on the floor 17 of van or with a platform for pick and place of the containers.

[0061] In an alternate embodiment the beams 226, 228, 230 are extendable beyond the girders 222, 224 to be cantilevered over a lateral side of the floor. They are extendable by a slidable or telescopic extendable portion 231, 232, 227. The connectors 301 to 312 of a pair of the parallel lift arms are connected to one of the extendable portions 231, 232, 227. In an embodiment the beams 226, 228, 230 comprise a track aligned with the elongate direction of the beam. The track is about the length of the beam. The connectors 301 to 312 of a pair of the parallel lift arms are connected to the track to slide along the beam. These embodiments aid the actuators to displace and position a pair of the parallel lift arms to grasp and carry the containers 50 to 92 or a platform 220. It aids coordinated lifting and carrying a more than one container at once from/to more than one place.

[0062] The second pair of lift arms 120, 122 comprises grips 401, 402 to grasp a container between the second pair. Figures 3 and 5 show the grip 401 at the distal end of lift arm 120 from the connection to the beam 230. The grip 402 is at the distal end of lift arm 122 from the connection to the beam 230. The fourth pair of lift arms 120, 122 comprises grips 403, 404 to grasp a container between the fourth pair. The grip 403 is at the distal end of lift arm 130 from the connection to the beam 228. The grip 404 is at the distal end of lift arm 132 from the connection to the beam 228. The grips 401, 402, 403, 404 temporarily connect to the container. When the container is temporarily connected, the lift arm 180 is able to lift and carry the container.

[0063] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus comprising: a frame connectable to a van; a first pair of parallel lift arms which extend from said frame to grasp a container intermediate said first pair of parallel lift arms; and an actuator to displace said first pair of parallel lift arms to lift said container into and out of said van. The lift arms are enabled by motors and controls for motion, and are remotely controllable from either a hand held smart device, via virtual reality, and / or augmented virtual reality wireless remote control systems. [0064] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein said frame comprises a support to connect to said van above a rest for said container in said van.

[0065] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein each lift arm comprises a grip facing the other to grasp said container intermediate said grips.

[0066] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein each grip comprises a ledge, finger, prong, clip, or hook to catch said container as said first pair of parallel lift arms are raised relative to said container and to release said container as said first pair of parallel lift arms are lowered relative to said container.

[0067] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein said actuator comprises an elevator to displace both grips together the same distance.

[0068] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein said first pair of parallel lift arms extend substantially vertically from said frame.

[0069] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein each lift arm comprises a first end connected to said frame.

[0070] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein said actuator comprises a separator intermediate where each lift arm connects to said frame to displace said first pair of parallel lift arms together without changing the distance between said first pair of parallel lift arms.

[0071] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein said actuator comprises a translator to shift said first pair of parallel lift arms in the plane in which they extend.

[0072] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein said actuator comprises a translator is to displace said first pair of parallel lift arms perpendicular to the plane in which they extend.

[0073] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein said frame comprises elongate parts arrayed parallel to each other. The elongate parts are typically arranged to frame the interior surface area of a van or cargo area and welded together for connection to the van and supportive strength in lifting and relocating or moving containers.

[0074] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein said elongate parts are from 1 m long to 20 m long to span the width and/or length of said van.

[0075] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein said first pair of parallel lift arms is connected to one of said elongate parts connected to a first part of said frame connectable to said van. Any implementation can include a plurality of pairs of parallel lift arms to enable movement of a plurality of containers either in sync or individually.

[0076] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein one of said elongate parts to which said first pair of parallel lift arms is connected is displaceable relative to said first part of said frame by said actuator.

[0077] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus wherein said frame comprises a track or rail wherein said first pair of parallel lift arms are slidably connected to said track or rail to be displaced by said actuator.

[0078] In an alternate embodiment there is a van loading apparatus comprising a second pair of parallel lift arms parallel to said first pair of parallel lift arms in which the four lift arms are position-able as corners of a rectangular box to lift containers.

[0079] In an alternate embodiment there is a van comprising the van loading apparatus in which in a first configuration said frame and pair of parallel lift arms are housed within said van, and in a second configuration said parallel lift arms and a part of said frame from which said parallel lift arms extend are outside said van. [0080] In an alternate embodiment there is a van in which in said second configuration and part of said frame from which said parallel lift arms extend is cantilevered from a second part of said frame connected to said van.

[0081] In an alternate embodiment there is a van wherein said frame is arrayed parallel and proximate to a ceiling of said van. The frame is placed as close to the edges of the ceiling as practical consider the movement of the attached arms and containers.

[0082] In an alternate embodiment there is a van in which in said first configuration said parallel lift arms are oriented vertically inside said van.

[0083] In an alternate embodiment there is a van wherein said parallel lift arms are suspended from said frame.

[0084] In an alternate embodiment there is a van in which in said second configuration said first pair of parallel lift arms are extended vertically from said frame to grasp a container resting on ground beside said van. The lift arms are extended downward once outside from underneath the ceiling of the van to each down to the ground to either pick up or drop off containers being moved. A number of nested poles or arms determines the extendable length.

[0085] In an alternate embodiment there is a van comprising a door, wherein a part of said frame connected to said first pair of parallel lift arms is disposed to be displace through in transforming from said first configuration to/from said second configuration.

[0086] In an alternate embodiment there is a truck comprising a cab for a driver and a van.

[0087] The invention has been described by way of examples only. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims. [0088] The invention has been described by way of examples only. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims. [0089] Although the invention has been explained in relation to various embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.