Load Separately Supported On Plural Units (e.g., Pole Carrying Type) Patents (Class 280/404)
  • Publication number: 20040135344
    Abstract: A tractor unit/trailer combination which is capable of carrying out suspended transport of a heavy duty piece of equipment, with the equipment being coupled at its forward end to the tractor unit and at its rear end to the trailer, and in such a way that the equipment remains suspended above the ground while at the same time forming an articulated connection between the tractor unit and the trailer. The tractor unit has a fifth wheel coupling to which the forward end of the piece of equipment can be coupled. The trailer has an inclined support ramp on which the rear end of the piece of equipment can be supported. A coupling plate is provided which is able to couple the forward end of the piece of equipment to the fifth wheel coupling. Upon uncoupling of the piece of equipment from the tractor unit and the trailer, when it has reached its destination, the trailer can then be coupled directly to the tractor unit so as to form a tractor unit/combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Douglas, Terence Bratton
  • Publication number: 20040135343
    Abstract: A wheeled bogie unit is engageable with one end of a chassis of a treatment plant to support that end of the chassis above the ground for the suspended transport of the plant. The bogie unit has a chassis, at least one wheel set supporting the chassis, a lifting cradle mounted on the chassis and having a projecting end which is engageable with the end of the plant chassis, a support and guide surface provided on the projecting end of the cradle which is engageable with a lifting surface provided on the end of the plant chassis, in order to suspend one end of the plant chassis above the ground, and a slide mounting the cradle on the bogie chassis for relative slidable movement between a lowered position and a raised lifting position. In the lowered position, the end of the plant chassis is standing on the ground adjacent thereto. In the raised lifting position, the end of the plant chassis is lifted off the ground and is supported by the support and guide surface of the lifting cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Douglas, Christopher William Wagstaffe
  • Patent number: 6655709
    Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel (12) comprises a first assembly (16), a second assembly (26), and a mechanism (108). The first assembly (16) is operatively coupled to the steering wheel (12) and includes components (18 and 22) for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel. The second assembly (26) includes a steering gear (34) and components (28 and 30) for receiving the first signal and actuating the steering gear (34) in response to the first signal. The mechanism (108) when in a first mode of operation provides a mechanical connection between the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34). When the mechanism (108) is in the second mode of operation, the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34) lack a mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Sherwin, Robert T. Ducharme
  • Patent number: 6371505
    Abstract: A double gooseneck trailer for hauling large, heavy loads wherein there is provided: a jeep having a connector for connecting the jeep to a hitch on a tractor and a first hitch; a dolly having a second hitch and a plurality of axles; and a load unit having a removable front gooseneck with a connector for releasably attaching the load unit to the first hitch, a removable rear gooseneck for releasably attaching the load unit to the second hitch, and a plurality of steerable wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly including a suspension hydraulic cylinder in communication with a hydraulic cylinder on either the front gooseneck or the rear gooseneck such that a portion of a load placed on the load unit will be distributed between the wheel assemblies and the goosenecks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Jack E. Turner, II
  • Patent number: 6360166
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing logs from a forestry site. The apparatus and method includes a primary mobile machine having means attached to a rearward portion thereof for holding a first end of a first log cluster. The apparatus and method also includes a first secondary mobile machine with a first end having means for holding a second end of the first log cluster, and a second end having means for holding a first end of a second log cluster. The primary mobile machine and the first secondary mobile machine are interconnected by the first log cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar lnc.
    Inventor: L. Gregory Alster
  • Patent number: 6299181
    Abstract: A log hauler having a wheeled tractor and one or more wheeled log trailers with support wheels which are individually steerable to permit the log hauler to travel in a serpentine manner through a tree harvesting area. The support wheels are vertically adjustable to provide stability as the log hauler traverses uneven ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Jan A. Ericksson
  • Patent number: 6145863
    Abstract: A log trailer for carrying logs thereon. The log trailer includes an elongate main pole with a front cradle coupled thereto towards a front end of the main pole. A generally open rectangular rear support frame is coupled to the main pole adjacent a back end of the main pole. A rear cradle with spaced apart front and back bolsters is pivotally coupled to the rear support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Luther D. Brown
  • Patent number: 6050578
    Abstract: A log trailer load booster is described for construction in combination with or attachment to a log trailer having a wheeled trailer frame, a payload receiving bunk on the trailer frame, and an elongated trailer beam for connection to a log truck. The booster includes an elongated booster frame with a pivot connection on the booster frame configured to pivotably connect the booster frame to the trailer frame for up and down pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. A booster axle is mounted by a suspension on the booster frame. A link is configured to connect the trailer frame and booster frame and is selectively operable between a locked condition in which upward pivotal movement of the booster frame relative to the trailer frame about the horizontal axis is limited and an unlocked condition in which the booster frame is allowed substantially free pivotal movement about the horizontal axis relative to the trailer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: David R. Beck
  • Patent number: 6050627
    Abstract: A bed extender for extending the usable bed length of a vehicle. The extender includes hitch connecting apparatus, supporting apparatus, and positioning apparatus. The hitch connecting apparatus removably connects the bed extender with the orifice of a receiver hitch so as to allow the bed extender to be completely removed from the vehicle when the bed extender is not in use. The supporting apparatus supports a load when the load is substantially beyond the length of the bed of the vehicle so as to allow the weight of that portion of the load beyond the vehicle bed to be translated to the receiver hitch via the supporting apparatus and the hitch connecting apparatus. The positioning apparatus attaches the hitch connecting apparatus to the supporting apparatus and is substantially vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: William R. Lee
  • Patent number: 5993126
    Abstract: A log bunk assembly for use on logging truck-trailer units. The bunk comprises a generally horizontal bunk beam having a recess, hub-and-saucer assembly for allowing the bunk beam and trailer/log load to pivot in the horizontal plane, an upper trunnion saddle contained within the bunk beam recess, a lower trunnion saddle, and a trunnion tube attached to a pedestal mounted on the hub-and-saucer assembly. The trunnion tube is clamped between and frictionally engages the upper and lower trunnion saddles. The bunk beam pivots about the horizontal axis of the trunnion tube in the vertical plane. The trunnion tube always remains perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trailer/log load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: William W. Janzen
  • Patent number: 5906386
    Abstract: A vehicle towing arrangement for towing a vehicle with one end of the towed vehicle being secured to the towing vehicle or extension thereof and the other end of the towed vehicle supported by an independent support component which component has at least one wheel. The support component can be secured to the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventors: Ronald T. Baker, Victor J. Armbrust
  • Patent number: 5829605
    Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a mobile crane for hoisting movable articles and for being towed to and from an article hoisting site behind a pickup truck having a hitch attachment. The mobile crane comprises a frame having a front end, a rear end, a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. The mobile crane also has a mast extending vertically from the frame and a boom support bracket affixed to the mast. A telescopic boom having a far end and a near end is movably cantilevered in the boom support bracket. A tow bar is removably connected to the far end of the boom. The tow bar has a hook-up member mounted thereon and is connectable to the hitch attachment of the pickup truck. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is connected between the boom support bracket and the boom for raising the front wheels off the ground when the hook-up member is connected to the hitch attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Hermel G. Poitras
  • Patent number: 5779255
    Abstract: A carrier for a vessel which has a front support carriage and a rear support carriage removably attached to the vessel, the entire assembly cooperating to form an integral transport structure. Each support carriage is independently attached to the vessel and provides an independent mechanism for raising and lowering the respective ends of the vessel. The carrier is particularly adaptable for use with commonly available propane tanks and each carriage can be attached using commonly available chains and hooks. The assembled transport carrier can be used to transport vessels manually, or can be easily adapted for use with a towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel C. Garcia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5730455
    Abstract: A support for the forward end of a log trailer serves to hold the fifth wheel hitch plate of the trailer clear of the ground, thus obviating the need to clean and regrease the plate before each occasion the trailer is hitched to a truck tractor for towing. Such log trailers have articulated booms, which allow them to be folded for transport on the back of a truck tractor. The forward hinge at the hitch plate fails to provide rigidity for the structure when the empty trailer is unhitched, however, thus allowing the hitch plate to fall to the ground unless otherwise supported. The present support comprises a pair of stands having horizontal support members which removably engage mating receptacles affixed to the forward log bunk of the trailer, to which the hitch plate is also affixed. The support members and receptacles preclude rotation of the receptacles, and thus the log bunk and hitch, about the support members, thus keeping the hitch plate and attached structure upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventors: Robert R. Varnum, Sr., George L. May
  • Patent number: 5370414
    Abstract: A low profile dolly trailer pulled by a cab trailer for hauling large concrete, steel trusses and other material masses. The trailer includes a first frame and second frame. The first frame is supported at one end by the cab trailer and at its other end with an axle assembly. The second frame is pivotally connected adjacent one end to the first frame between the axle assembly and the first trailer, and is connected to a second trailer at its other end. The axle assembly has a wheeled axle that extends through an opening in the second frame to reduce the dolly trailer's profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Charles B. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5366337
    Abstract: A load vehicle has a chassis (7) comprising a front chassis member (48) and a rear chassis member (49). These two chassis members are mutually pivotally interconnected through a hinge (51) forming a substantially vertical pivot axis. A load carrier arrangement is arranged on the rear chassis member (49). The rear chassis member (49) comprises two chassis portions (61, 62,) which are mutually pivotally interconnected through a hinge (63) forming a substantially vertical pivot axis. Each of these chassis portions (61, 62) has wheels or the like (3, 4 and 5, 6, respectively).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Peter Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5362083
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving a stamping press or the like having a die opening, comprising a beam structure including a pair of elongated, laterally spaced, generally parallel beams. The beam structure is extended through the die opening with the ends of the beams projecting beyond the front and rear of the stamping press. Wheeled trucks disposed beneath the projecting ends of said beams support the beam structure at an elevation sufficient to raise the stamping press above the factory floor so that it may be moved to a new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Michael B. Emanuele, Richard E. Gorby
  • Patent number: 5217344
    Abstract: A manipulator designed to handle loads on construction or public works si is shown and described. A motorized carrier (1) has an orientable pole (9) and an arm that can be folded and unfolded (16) hinged to the top of the pole and made of several elements (17, 18, 19) hinged together. The end of arm (16) is connected by a motorized link (29) to a telescopic and orientable motorized compensator arm (2) having at least one degree of redundant clearance and endowed with a stress-detecting active-compliance gripper carrier (36) supporting a gripper (3). Adjustment and control mechanisms are provided for the motorization of carrier (1), compensator arm (2) and link (29), while other means supply energy to and adjust and control gripper (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignees: Potain (Societe Anonyme), Compagnie Generale de Batiment et de Construction CBC (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Michel Gendrault, Charles A. Roch
  • Patent number: 5163698
    Abstract: A load extension axle assembly for extending the load distribution of a tractor-trailer includes a load transfer beam with a front end connected by a horizontal trunnion to the trailer chassis and a rear end carried on a tag axle to trail behind the trailer. The trunnion is fixed to the trailer chassis above and between the tandem axle of the trailer. A first log bunk mounted on the tractor supports the front portion of a load of logs. A second bunk mounted on the load transfer beam between the trunnion and the tag axle supports a rear portion of the load. A vertical pivot in the load transfer beam aft of the second log bunk allows the tag axle to swing relative to the trunnion independently of the load to track behind the tandem axle during turns. A sliding sleeve arrangement between the pivot and the tag axle enables adjusting the length of the load transfer beam. A clamp and actuator coupled to the brake system enables the driver to extend or retract the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Peerless Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Evens
  • Patent number: 5127663
    Abstract: A truck-trailer-trailer combination including an intermediate trailer that has two load carrying bunk assemblies. The intermediate trailer carries the rearward end of a first set of elongate objects and the forward end of a second set of elongate objects. The forward end of the first set of elongate objects is carried by the truck and the rearward end of the second set of elongate objects is carried by a rear trailer. The truck-trailer-trailer combination carries such loads in a manner that complies with existing highway regulations and allows the user to reduce the number of trips required in order to transport a given number of elongate objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Jerald M. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 5112073
    Abstract: A steerable, load-supporting dolly is provided wherein the dolly is self-steerable in response to the loading thereon. Controllable responsiveness of the steering is provided by at least one king-pin, the castor of which may be selectively varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Trans World Crane, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. McGhie, Lowell K. Pendelton
  • Patent number: 5110149
    Abstract: A trailer system 10 is disclosed that offers enhanced load carrying capacity and maneuverability. The system includes primary and auxiliary trailers 28 and 30. The primary trailer 28 includes a bed assembly 36 that pivots about a horizontal bar 50 securing it to the primary trailer support assembly 34. The auxiliary trailer 30 is secured by vertical pins 164 and 184 and horizontal plates 96, 160, and 180 to the primary trailer 28. An air cushion system 32 controls the pivotal relationship between the bed assembly 36 and support assembly 34, allowing the auxiliary trailer 30 to be pivoted upward off the ground in connection with a sliding support system for weight transfer. As a result, it is easier to control the trailer system 10 when backed up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: Gale E. Dahlstrom
  • Patent number: 5042831
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable length vehicle chassis having front and rear reach beams and a center beam, and in which the center beam is telescopically slidable into the reach beams and one reach beam is telescopically slidable into the other reach beam to attain minimum length adjustments of the chassis. One of the reach beams also includes a longitudinal slot extending substantially over its length to permit fractional length adjustments over a wide variety of lengths between maximum and minimum chassis lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: E-Z Trail, Inc.
    Inventor: Abe B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 4990049
    Abstract: A multiple use bed liner, loading ramps and ladder assembly for use with a pickup truck load carrying body capable of many selective arrangements to provide substantially universal use when associated with a pickup truck body. The assembly includes a rigid bed liner having a peripheral rigid frame supporting a tread plate or decking covering a substantial portion of the bottom of the pickup bed with the liner including rearwardly opening recesses to slidably receive a pair of loading ramps which can be moved from their stored position within the bed liner to an extended position to extend the length of the bed liner and pickup truck body and to an inclined position to serve as loading ramps capable of being used by various types of vehicles and also providing a walkway to facilitate access into the pickup truck body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: James F. Hargrove
  • Patent number: 4988115
    Abstract: An undercarriage for pivotable supporting the front end of a trailer with the undercarriage including a set of bolsters that provide a pivoting and rockable connection between a box on the trailer and the front undercarriage to reduce stress on the box with the undercarriage including detachable lift members to permit the user to raise the rear wheels of the undercarriage to permit one to back the trailer like a conventional trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Charles W. Steinke
  • Patent number: 4966383
    Abstract: An extended trailer to attach to a tractor. The trailer has a main reach able to attach to a tractor. An extension reach extends rearwardly of the main reach. A bridge over the main is rigidly attached to the main reach. There is a forward self steering axle for the extended trailer. Springs extend forward from the bridge to the forward axle. The extension has an intermediate axle and rear axles. A subframe carries the intermediate and rear axles and is pivotally attached to the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Harold Sjostrom
  • Patent number: 4936596
    Abstract: A detachable auxiliary load-carrying apparatus for mobile equipment includes first frame structure fixed to the mobile equipment, second frame structure detachably connectable to the first frame structure and having at least one pair of wheels rotatably mounted thereon, a rod and retaining pin for detachably connecting the first frame structure to the second frame structure, and a frame tilting hydraulic ram on the mobile equipment for varying the distribution of weight between wheels on the mobile equipment and the wheels on the second frame structure by tilting a rearward portion of the mobile equipment. The apparatus further includes a member fixed under the rearward portion of the mobile equipment for pivotably supporting the rearward portion of the mobile equipent on the second frame structure, and one or more steel plates on opposing sides of the second frame structure for holding the pivotably supporting member above the second frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Inventor: John W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 4819955
    Abstract: A storage tank battery connectable between a towing frame and a dolly for transport via clevises on the tank battery and apertured plates extending from connecting frames mounted on the towing frame and the dolly. The connecting frame on the towing frame slides vertically on depending legs of the towing frame and the connecting frame on the dolly pivots on one end of the dolly so that the connecting frames can be raised and lowered by hydraulic jacks mounted on the connecting frames. The tank battery includes a rectangular container partitioned into separate tanks and internal and external bolsters, with corrugations of the partitions between tanks and laterally extending rods connected to the walls of the tanks, support the walls of the tanks against hydrostatic pressure of liquids in the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Incorporated Tank Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Cobb
  • Patent number: 4795178
    Abstract: A wheeled crossmember assembly (12) and an unwheeled crossmember assembly (16) of a carrier system (10) are detachably clamped in spaced apart locations to the mast of a sailboard. The sailboard and associated components are straped to the crossmember assemblies. Ground engaging wheels (14) are detachably attached to crossmember assembly (12). The end of the mast adjacent crossmember assembly (16) is lifted and either pulled or pushed to transport the sailboard, with the mast acting as the tongue of the carrier system. A pair of rail assemblies (20) are mountable on a standard vehicle top rack for sliding reception of crossmember assemblies (12,16) thereby to transport the carrier system (10) together with the sailboard on the top of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: Lance Nabarrete
  • Patent number: 4768801
    Abstract: In a tractor towed chassis having a telescoping, articulated stinger, a two function locking mechanism is disclosed complementary to the non-articulating and articulating functions of the chassis. In the non-articulating function, the chassis hauls short containers, has the stinger telescoped to a non-articulating disposition and conventionally pivots with respect to the towing tractor at a fifth wheel. In the articulating function, the chassis extends to expose the articulated portion of the stinger, is locked at the forward portion to the towing tractor for articulation and when turning of the tractor relative to the chassis occurs the rear wheels turn to assist in turning the tractor towed chassis. The locking mechanism has two discrete locks, a bolster lock that is engaged only when the chassis does not articulate and a fifth wheel lock that is engaged only when the chassis does articulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: X-Ten Corporation
    Inventor: Nicklas R. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 4762192
    Abstract: An extended assembly including at least one fore-trailer, a steering dolly and at least one aft-trailer. The fore-trailer has a longitudinally adjustable and pivotal connection between its forward end and a tractor. At least one longitudinally adjustable wheel assembly provides support for the rear of the fore-trailer where there also is a longitudinally adjustable, pivotally mounted load transfer assembly for supporting the forward end of a long massive load. The rear of the load is supported by an aft-trailer and a steering dolly. The steering dolly supports the forward end of the aft-trailer through a longitudinally adjustable pivotal connection while at least one longitudinally adjustable wheel assembly supports the rear of the aft-trailer. The front of the dolly is supported by steerable wheels and the rear is supported by a longitudinally adjustable wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Carroll B. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 4750785
    Abstract: A unique truss transportation trailer which provides a truss support trailer that may be easily and safely controlled by a single operator and which can be utilized to transport a large variety of truss sizes and configurations safely from the point of manufacture to the point of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Inventor: Jesse D. Helton
  • Patent number: 4735432
    Abstract: The vehicle has a main chassis (2) pivotally supported by front and rear sub-chassis (1,6), one of which carries the engine. Constant velocity power is communicated between the two sub-chassis (1,6) by an intermediate shaft (20) connected to front and rear shafts (18,21) extending along the center-lines (1',6') of the respective sub-chassis (1,6). For steering, pivoting of the rear sub-chassis (6) is controlled in dependence of the pivoting of the front sub-chassis (1) so that, during, turning, the center-lines (1',6') of the sub-chassis intersect at a point (61) nearer to the pivot axis (27) of the front sub-chassis (1) than to the pivot axis (30) of the rear sub-chassis (6). The universal joints (20a,20b) of the intermediate shaft (20) are equidistant from the intersection point (61). The rear sub-chassis (6) thus pivots through a smaller angle than the front sub-chassis (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Multidrive Limited
    Inventor: David P. Brown
  • Patent number: 4665834
    Abstract: An intermodal apparatus for the rail transportation of containers with or without a highway chassis includes double axle rail bogies having a lower bogie frame and an upper platform section. The upper platform section includes a pair of connecting plates each having locking clamps for clamping to openings in the bottom corner castings on the front and rear ends of the container. A pair of spaced elongated push pull bars extend between two rail bogies adjacent the longitudinal sides of the container. The bars absorb the longitudinal forces exerted on the bogies as the trailers are transported along the rails to prevent the forces from being exerted on the trailers. The upper platform section includes a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering a container chassis combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Sea-Land Service Inc.
    Inventor: Willem H. P. van Iperen
  • Patent number: 4660848
    Abstract: A chassis with a telescoping articulated stinger for receiving and hauling containers over 40 feet is disclosed where the chassis rear tandem wheels assist in steering. The chassis mounts conventionally and pivotally at a fifth wheel to a towing tractor with a forward bolster for supporting the forward end of a container. The chassis has a telescoping stinger connecting the rear set of tandem wheels with overlying rear bolster for conventionally supporting and towing short cargo containers, preferably of 20 to 40 feet in length. Where a container of greater than 40 feet is desired to be hauled on the chassis, the stinger is telescoped to expose an articulating joint and both bolsters are allowed to pivot with respect to the chassis. The towing tractor is locked to the chassis at the fifth wheel, and the articulated stinger adjusted in length for the desired lever arm to permit optimum tandem wheel steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: X-Ten Corporation
    Inventor: Nicklas R. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 4566714
    Abstract: A universal shipping container chassis is disclosed wherein shipping containers of various lengths can be readily accommodated and securely held thereto for transit. A rear wheel assembly includes a load-bearing portion adapted to securely receive and support one end portion of a shipping container; a fifth wheel assembly also includes a load-bearing portion which is adapted to securely receive and support a second end portion of said shipping container. The fifth wheel assembly is coupled to a truck tractor such that the chassis may be readily towed. The wheel assemblies are coupled one to the other by an elongate extensible stinger that is readily adjusted in extent to bring the wheel assemblies closer together for shorter containers and to space the wheel assemblies further apart for longer containers. The stinger includes a locking mechanism for securing it to the wheel assemblies at locations thereby providing a selected extension of the stinger that corresponds to the shipping container's length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: X-Ten Corporation
    Inventors: Nick De Witt, Lindsey C. Greene
  • Patent number: 4561671
    Abstract: A universal shipping container chassis is disclosed wherein shipping containers of various lengths can be readily accommodated and securely held thereto for transit. A rear wheel assembly includes a load-bearing portion adapted to securely receive and support one end portion of a shipping container; a fifth wheel assembly also includes a load-bearing portion which is adapted to securely receive and support a second end portion of said shipping container. The fifth wheel assembly is coupled to a truck tractor such that the chassis may be readily towed. The wheel assemblies are coupled one to the other by an elongate extensible stinger that is readily adjusted in extent to bring the wheel assemblies closer together for shorter containers and to space the wheel assemblies further apart for longer containers. The stinger includes a locking mechanism for securing it to the wheel assemblies at locations thereby providing a selected extension of the stinger that corresponds to the shipping container's length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: X-Ten Corporation
    Inventors: Nick DeWitt, Lindsey C. Greene
  • Patent number: 4526394
    Abstract: A wheeled dolly is provided having a fixed coupler which permits the dolly to rigidly connect to the end of the cantilevered reach of a wheeled trailer. The dolly and trailer can be connected together to form a trailer having a reach extending between spaced-apart sets of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Whitlog, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene C. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 4494798
    Abstract: A dual side-dumping truck and trailer combination utilizing a dolly-type trailer and a frameless material hauling bed. The bed is suspended on bunk assemblies mounted rotatably on bolsters on the truck frame and the trailer frame. Hinge mounting arrangements on the ends of the bunk assemblies enable selective tilting of the bed to one side or the other. The dolly-type trailer provides increased maneuverability and improved safety factor by enabling jackknifing while dumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: Clarence W. Bailey
  • Patent number: 4474384
    Abstract: An elongated object such as a rolled steel section is adapted to be conveyed by means of a trolley supporting it at one end while the other end of the object is supported by a movable platform. The trolley comprises a frame of inverted U-shape to the legs of which are fixed a pair of wheels with a handle being attached to the frame and extending from the plane of the U-shaped frame. A subframe is suspended for rotation from a pivot shaft at the center of the U. The subframe is a square and carries a platform on which the one end of the elongated object rests such that manipulation of the handle facilitates movement and maneuvering of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Western Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Bartlomeus Cronje
  • Patent number: 4434994
    Abstract: A crane boom is supported during transport such that it may pivot about a horizontal axis located forward of the terrain contacting wheels of a support assembly. The support assembly is detachably connected to the boom and has a telescoping frame which is pivotally attached to the boom adjacent its forward end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Inventor: Julien H. Pepin
  • Patent number: 4405144
    Abstract: Trailer and trailer connector for tractor/trailer for carrying elongated, self-supporting load. Tractor has conventional swivellable front bunk for supporting front of load, and trailer has a wheeled rear bogey and a non-swivelling rear bunk for rear of load. The trailer connector has a flexible link and a forward connection which connects forward end of link to front bunk and a rear connection which connects rear end of the link to the trailer. Length of the link does not change while towing the trailer and thus maintains tractor/trailer wheel alignment prior to loading. Trailer connector is considerably lighter than conventional telescopic trailer reaches, thus increasing maximum payload of tractor/trailer, and is less costly and easier to maintain than trailer reach, and also provides a more stable load platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Inventor: Arthur D. Chambers
  • Patent number: 4362312
    Abstract: Improved coupling means for connecting a logging truck and a trailer to provide the relative longitudinal movement therebetween to negotiate turns wherein the reachpole of the trailer has a cylindrical sleeve at the forward end thereof and a spring loaded telescopic reach member rotatably mounted therein with its free end connected to the hitch of the truck. These coupling means reduce tight turning and danger of load binding on sharp curves, where most of the accidents happen due to trucks not being able to get around sharp corners. This compensator is easy to maintain, due to fewer moving parts. It remains attached to the trailer, reducing replacement costs of truck, with truck replacement needed twice as often as trailer's. It can also be removed from an old trailer and be re-assembled on a new unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Inventors: Frank Deiaco, Allan J. McInnes
  • Patent number: 4362451
    Abstract: A pole-setting apparatus for raising a pole from a horizontal position and setting it in a vertical position in a hole and having a boom assembly extended between a ground-engaging dolly and a cradle-support structure, with a cradle frame pivotally mounted between its ends to the cradle-support structure, a single binder member for holding a pole in association with the cradle frame throughout manipulation of the pole, a single hydraulic cylinder connected between the cradle-support structure and the cradle frame for causing relative movement therebetween, and a quick-connection structure for pivotally connecting the boom assembly to the ground-engaging dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Racine Federated Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Thiermann, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4358128
    Abstract: Trailer and trailer connector for tractor/trailer for carrying elongated, self-supporting load. Tractor has conventional swivellable front bunk for supporting front of load, and trailer has a wheeled rear bogey and a non-swivelling rear bunk for rear of load. The trailer connector has a flexible link and a forward connection which connects forward end of link to front bunk and a rear connection which connects rear end of the link to the trailer. Length of the link does not change while towing the trailer and thus maintains tractor/trailer wheel alignment prior to loading. Trailer connector is considerably lighter than conventional telescopic trailer reaches, thus increasing maximum payload of tractor/trailer, and is less costly and easier to maintain than trailer reach, and also provides a more stable load platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Inventor: Arthur D. Chambers
  • Patent number: 4340309
    Abstract: A trailer transit mixer is disclosed which includes two oppositely positioned support members at least one of which is pivotably attached to a center frame and to a supporting wheel structure. Power means extend between and are secured to at least one of the support members and the center frame and upon activation the power means cause pivoting of the support members to which they are attached to contract the trailer transit mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Challenge-Cook Bros., Incorporated
    Inventor: Evan S. Prichard
  • Patent number: 4314712
    Abstract: An improved trailer is provided for use with an automotive draft vehicle. The trailer is of the class including a coupling member attached on its forward end to a draft vehicle and having a trailer rear axle assembly slidably mounted on the rear end so as to be movable longitudinally along the coupling pole between predetermined long-coupled and short-coupled positions to thereby adjust the effective length of the trailer. Improved coupling assemblies are also provided for adjusting the effective length of the trailer and maintaining the rear axle assembly in the adjusted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Inventors: Edward E. Owen, James F. Loveless
  • Patent number: 4268051
    Abstract: The specification discloses a roller insert which can be welded into a crossframe of a log trailer to provide low friction to a pivoted log bunk. Each insert includes a frame welded into a cutout portion in an end portion of the crossframe. Rollers are mounted on axles removably secured in the frame by keeper bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Enoch Skirvin & Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Skirvin, Walter W. Skirvin, Carl L. Skirvin
  • Patent number: 4262923
    Abstract: The plurality of multi-purpose trailer arrangements and combinations are provided to carry large and heavy loads for over-the highway transportation, the arrangements providing for greater versatility and load distribution necessary to meet highway requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Pullman Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary L. Weir
  • Patent number: 4243328
    Abstract: A trailer transit mixer including two oppositely positioned pairs of support members pivotably attached to a center frame and to forward and rear wheel structures. Power means extending between and secured to the pairs of support members and the center frame when activated cause pivoting of the support members to contract the trailer transit mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: Challenge-Cook Bros. Incorporated
    Inventor: Evan S. Prichard