About Axis Located Between Or Adjacent To Wheel Sets Of Vehicle Having Plural, Tandemly Arranged Sets Of Rear Wheels, And Relative To Tow-engaging End Of Vehicle Patents (Class 414/484)
  • Patent number: 11628760
    Abstract: A waste removal system with a trailer for the storage of materials such as waste or rubble, wherein the trailer has a front wall, a rear wall, and plurality of side walls with an extended slope on at least one of the walls to increase the volume capacity therein. The trailer may additionally contain a slanted access door or ramp which alternatively raises and lowers, allowing for ease of ingress and egress of the trailer volume. The waste removal system may additionally include a transport vehicle with a grappler mounted at a distal end of a boom, wherein the grappler grasps waste and deposits the waste into the previously-mentioned trailer for transport to and from a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Gregory Fatla
  • Patent number: 9649967
    Abstract: A vehicle lowering system is provided having a movable arm that is connected to a vehicle through an upper link and a lower link. The upper and lower links pivot with respect to the vehicle on pivot points on one end and pivot with respect to the arm on pivot points at the opposite end. The spacing of the pivot points and the length of the upper and lower arm create an instant center, about which the movable arm pivots. An actuator is connected to the vehicle on one end and the movable part of the suspension on the opposite end. The actuator is movable between an extended and a retracted position. When the actuator moves between the extended and retracted position, the movable arm moves the vehicle between a raised and a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Ross Weldy
  • Patent number: 8303240
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a towing device which utilizes a towing base, wheels, and a plurality of movable tracks, a tongue hitch attachment, and a vehicle locator swivel plate. The invention can be supplied with hydraulic surge brakes or electric brakes, as well as brake and turn lights. Tie down straps are used for securing the vehicle to the dolly. The invention features an adjustable car locator swivel plate. This allows the adjustment of the weight distribution to “fine tune” the load. The tongue weight can be adjusted to comply with the RV hitch's requirements. Using the loading ramps supplied with the invention, the automobile and the golf cart can be ready for transport quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Stidd
  • Patent number: 8267410
    Abstract: A suspension for a trailer vehicle that allows the trailer itself to be used as a ramp. The suspension has an axle having an axis and wheels at each end of the axle. The axle is pivotally connected to the vehicle at a pivotal connection and the axis of the axle is offset from the pivotal connection to the vehicle. An actuation device having a first and second end is pivotally connected to the axle at its first end. The actuation device is movable between a retracted length and extended length. Shifting the actuation device between its retracted and extended lengths causes the axle to pivot about the pivotal connection on the trailer, thereby changing the height of the vehicle relative to the ground surface. The trailer can be used as a ramp, thus, eliminating the need for separate ramps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Michael S. Stutz, John Slayter
  • Publication number: 20120183380
    Abstract: Improvements in a lowerable trailer that uses pneumatic cushions to provide both the cushioning of the trailer bed and raising and lower of the trailer bed. The air in the pneumatic cushions can be vented to allow the bed of the trailer to lay flat on the ground. Another pneumatic cushion changes the angle of the bed to the tongue to ensure that both the front and the back of the bed come in contact with the ground. The lowerable trailer is ideal for the transportation of custom vehicles to and from an auto show where the custom vehicles may have limited ground clearance. The pneumatic cushions can be filled with a standard hand pneumatic hand pump or with an air compressor that can be powered by a car battery or an electrical outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Bradley AUBREY, Carlos AGRUSA
  • Patent number: 8118315
    Abstract: A trailer with a tilting bed includes an hydraulic tilt control. The tilt control includes piston-and-cylinder units for restraining or cushioning the pivotal movement of the bed between a transport mode and a tilt mode. A flow control valve provides fine control of the rotation of the bed when equipment is placed thereon and the trailer converts to a transport mode with the bed level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Fred W. Mann
  • Publication number: 20110299963
    Abstract: Improvements in a lowerable trailer that uses pneumatic cushions to provide both the cushioning of the trailer bed and raising and lower of the trailer bed. The air in the pneumatic cushions can be vented to allow the bed of the trailer to lay flat on the ground. Another pneumatic cushion changes the angle of the bed to the tongue to ensure that both the front and the back of the bed come in contact with the ground. The lowerable trailer is ideal for the transportation of custom vehicles to and from an auto show where the custom vehicles may have limited ground clearance. The pneumatic cushions can be filled with a standard hand pneumatic hand pump or with an air compressor that can be powered by a car battery or an electrical outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: BRADLEY AUBREY, CARLOS AGRUSA
  • Patent number: 7950685
    Abstract: A rear loading lowboy trailer is described having a pair of rear wheel assemblies mounted to a chassis of the trailer for movement between transport and loading positions such that the wheel assemblies are aligned across a back of the chassis when they are in the transport position and raised and positioned outwardly when the chassis is in the loading position. A linkage mechanism moves each of the wheel assemblies in both horizontal and vertical directions so as to move each of the wheel assemblies between the transport and loading positions. Each linkage mechanism automatically fastens the wheel assembly to the chassis of the trailer when the wheel assembly is moved to its transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: LeRoy G. Hagenbuch
  • Patent number: 7736115
    Abstract: A trailer that can be lowered to the floor or ground for loading, and after the trailer is loaded, it can be elevated to a height appropriate for transportation. Six elements are required for the taller to operate: a chassis, two axles (torsion bars), four pivoting arms, four hubs with wheels, two hydraulic cylinders, and a manually operated hydraulic or electric pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Jorge Omar Lambert
  • Patent number: 7690879
    Abstract: The invention is a towing device which utilizes a towing base, wheels, and a plurality of movable tracks, a tongue hitch attachment, and a vehicle locator swivel plate. The invention can be supplied with hydraulic surge brakes or electric brakes as well as brake and turn lights. The invention can use tie down straps for securing the vehicle to the dolly. The invention features an adjustable car locator swivel plate which allows the adjustment of the weight distribution to fine tune the load by moving the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Stidd
  • Patent number: 7658587
    Abstract: A hydraulic tail trailer comprising a main deck having a main tail assembly pivotally connected to the rearward end thereof with the pivotal connection therebetween being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle of the trailer suspension system. The location of the hinge between the main deck and the main tail assembly, by being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle, provides a main tail having an increased length thereby providing a lower loading angle without increasing the overall length of the trailer. The forward end of the main deck is pivotally connected to the rearward end of an upper deck so that the main deck may be raised which further reduces the angle between the rearward end of the main deck and the forward end of the main tail for loading and unloading purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Dakota Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Dierks, A. Dean Oehlerking, Ray Paradis, Brent Hohman, Cynthia Bjerrum, Don Huber, Steve Koch
  • Publication number: 20100021276
    Abstract: A tilting platform includes lengthwise extending beams with oppositely sloping bottom surfaces extending in from either end. A wheel supporting dolly assembly has inclined pieces on which forward beam bottom surfaces rest. A drive system shifts the dolly assembly forward from an intermediate position along the platform to allow the rear end of the platform to swing down and swings the platform back up when the dolly assembly is shifted back to the intermediate position to level the platform after loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: James Baughman
  • Patent number: 7618227
    Abstract: A trailer having a front and a rear. The trailer includes a frame constructed to receive a bed and a hitch attached to the frame at the front of the trailer. A tube is pivotally connected to the frame between the front and the rear of the trailer. First and second support arms are connected to the tube. Each wheel support arm has an axle and a wheel located at its distal end. The trailer further includes means for rotating the tube. In one embodiment, the trailer has an inclining feature and a shoe for ground engagement. The shoe is located vertically below a central axis of the tube and longitudinally between the wheels and the front of the trailer. In a second embodiment, the trailer has an inclining and elevating feature. In this second embodiment, the hitch is pivotally connected to the front of the trailer and there is provided means for rotating the tube and rotating the hitch relative to one another to elevate, incline, or decline the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Advance Metal Working Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7547032
    Abstract: A combined boat and jet ski towing trailer includes a jet ski support ramp on the arm that connects a trailer body to the towing vehicle. The jet ski supporting ramp is inclined and oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the trailer body to facilitate loading and unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7547178
    Abstract: A hydraulic tail trailer comprising a main deck having a main tail assembly pivotally connected to the rearward end thereof with the pivotal connection therebetween being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle of the trailer suspension system. The location of the hinge between the main deck and the main tail assembly, by being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle, provides a main tail having an increased length thereby providing a lower loading angle without increasing the overall length of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventors: Dale Dierks, Ray Paradis, A. Dean Oehlerking, Brent Hohman, Cynthia Bjerrum
  • Patent number: 6527494
    Abstract: A frame configuration that is particularly adaptable for use on a trailer such that the frame configuration is operable in both a tilt mode of operation and a dump mode of operation. An actuating mechanism includes a linear actuator that is supported on the frame by a bracket and a yoke that connects to a load bed to power the vertical movement of the load bed in both tilt and dump functions. The linear actuator is pivotally mounted to permit a re-positioning of the actuator into an inoperative position. The frame configuration is provided with an articulated tilt frame in which the tongue is pivoted thereto allowing the load bed to pivot about a tilt axis which can coincide with the wheel axis of the trailer. The bed frame can be locked to the tilt frame for tilting upon articulation with the tongue, while a disconnection of the bed frame from the tilt frame enables the bed frame to pivot about the dump axis to provide a dump function in addition to the tilt function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Innovations By Contract, Inc
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt
  • Patent number: 6199910
    Abstract: A method of draining fluid from a self-supporting transportable storage tank having a rear wheel chassis, a rear drain fitting, and a jack assembly at the forward end of the storage tank is disclosed. The forward end of the storage tank is elevated by extending the jack assembly to lift the forward end thereof off the ground. The rear drain fitting is opened to allow fluid to drain from the storage tank. Alternatively, a front drain fitting may be provided, and the storage tank is drained by lowering the rear wheel chassis to lift the rear-end of the storage tank off of the ground, and opening the forward drain fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Sidney Allen Wade
  • Patent number: 6179544
    Abstract: An improved automatic underride protection actuator for a trailer, the trailer being translatable over a ground surface, includes a rotatable ramp that is shiftable between a ground engaging load/unload disposition when the tiltable bed is in the load/unload disposition and an underride protection disposition when the tiltable bed is in the transport disposition. The ramp underride protection disposition is a disposition in which the ramp depends from a tiltable trailer bed the ramp and is rotatably displaceable from the ramp underride protection disposition by impact oft the ramp with the ground surface, such displacement substantially preventing damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Towmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Weseman
  • Patent number: 6053691
    Abstract: An automatic underride protection actuator for a trailer, where the trailer has a forward end and an opposed rearward end and has a tiltable bed supported by a trailer frame, the tiltable bed being tiltable with respect to the trailer frame between a transport disposition and a load/unload disposition, the tiltable bed presenting a trailer rear margin, a rotatable ramp being operably coupled to the tiltable bed proximate the trailer rear margin, the automatic underride protection actuator including an actuation apparatus. The actuation apparatus is operably coupled to the trailer frame and to the rotatable ramp, the actuation apparatus acting to rotate the rotatable ramp between a ground engaging load/unload disposition when the tiltable bed is in the load/unload disposition and an underride protection disposition when the tiltable bed is in the transport disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Towmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian H. Weseman
  • Patent number: 6053692
    Abstract: A device is provided for use on a vehicle chassis for securing a removable container during its transport. The chassis is the type having a tilting frame enabling a loaded container to be slidably cable-drawn from ground level onto the vehicle. The securing device includes a first sub-section mounted to the tilting frame side with a pivotal hook-like latching bar for securing the container to the tilting frame. The securing device further includes a second sub-section mounted in vertical alignment with the first sub-section, which acts to pivot the latching bar between its non-engaged position and its engaged position as a function of the movement of the tilting frame relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas M. Mason, Richard K. Rohrer
  • Patent number: 5975828
    Abstract: A suspension system for wheeled vehicles which allows the body or frame of a vehicle, such as a trailer, to be lowered or tilted. The suspension system includes an off-set axle which, when rotated, adjusts the clearance beneath the wheeled vehicle so that the body or frame thereof can be lowered or tilted. The off-set axle includes a central portion which can be rotated by applying tension to a tensioning member attached thereto. In one embodiment the tensioning member is coupled to a shuttle which in turn is detachably coupled to another tensioning member that can be detached from the shuttle and used to pull a load onto the vehicle. The shuttle can be used to transfer tension between the tensioning members and lock the axle into a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Ross A. Weldy
  • Patent number: 5772388
    Abstract: The combination hauler for hauling a vehicle and a loaded boat trailer comprises a wheeled horizontal flatbed to which a horizontal trailer engaging cradle is pivotably mounted. The cradle pivots from a predetermined elevated position above a front end of the flatbed to a lowered position where the cradle rests on a rear end portion of and extends beyond a rear end of the flatbed. The cradle at all times maintains a position parallel to the flatbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Richard J. Clark
  • Patent number: 5739477
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for weighing a vehicle on a ground support surface comprising a scale platform adapted to support the vehicle and a scale positioned on the scale platform operably engagable with the vehicle to monitor the weight of the vehicle. The platform having a lower side defining a ground contact surface engagable with the ground support surface. The ground contact surface having an area sufficient to support the platform and the vehicle on the ground support surface so as to prevent the platform from sinking substantially into the ground support surface. The platform is rollingly supportable on a plurality of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: C. Ray Queen
  • Patent number: 5688099
    Abstract: A tiltable dual beds trailer includes a main frame with a floor thereon and a pair of rear frames having removable floors thereon and being hingedly attached at a medial portion thereof to the rear end of the main frame such that the rear frames are essentially balanced upon the main frame. The floors on the rear frames can be easily removed to allow the user convenient access under any machines or vehicles loaded on the rear frames. The tiltable dual beds trailers also has a pair of gate/ramps hingedly attached to the front end of the main frame to allow an object or objects to be off-loaded from the front of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Terry D. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5551824
    Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle including a collection towing vehicle having a refuse loading mechanism for loading a semi-trailer coupled to a fifth wheel, the semi-trailer having a refuse collection body for receiving refuse from the refuse loading mechanism and a hoist mechanism for tilting the refuse collection body. The refuse collection system also includes a refuse transport vehicle which includes a transport towing vehicle having a fifth wheel for receiving a semi-trailer, and a dolly which may be coupled to the semi-trailer for towing additional semi-trailers. A control assembly is coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and the transport towing vehicle including the dolly, having control couplings for interconnection of control assemblies and control umbilicals for providing control to the various devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: The Hell Company
    Inventors: Jerald G. Zanzig, Marcel G. Stragier, John W. Pickrell
  • Patent number: 5112182
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-articulating low load platform trailer longitudinally divided into three load carrying segments; a rear load platform, a front coupling platform, and an inclined transitional platform between the coupling platform and the load platform. The trailer of the invention includes a self-contained power actuated lifting mechanism for the purpose of lowering the nose of the trailer to the ground without articulation of the trailer body to facilitate loading and unloading, and for the purpose of raising the nose of the trailer from the ground. The lifting mechanism includes lever arms configured to increase the vertical component of lifting force exerted by lift actuators, and further includes leverage links disposed between the lift actuators and lever arms for the purpose of further increasing the vertical component of lifting force when the nose of the trailer is near the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: William H. Nuttall
  • Patent number: 5096336
    Abstract: A trailer (10) constructed in conformance with European specification has three wheeled rear axles (56, 58, 60) and is adapted for the gravity unloading of a container (18) loaded with particulate lading. A container support frame (20) is pivotally connected about a horizontal axis (86) positioned between the rearmost axle (60) and intermediate axle (58) and is raised by hydraulic cylinder (92) at an unloading site as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 for the gravity unloading of the particulate lading into a hopper (100) positioned rearwardly of the rearmost axle (60) on a rear overhanging trailer portion (72). A rotary valve (116) in the hopper feeds the particulate lading into a high velocity air stream in a lower pneumatic hopper portion (120) for pneumatic discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Intermodal Container Systems, a partnership
    Inventors: Ronald G. Merrett, Oscar Eakin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5092623
    Abstract: A trailer is provided having a frame (2) upon which a bed (3) slides. The frame (2) has a wheel and axle assembly (1) and (5) disposed thereon which is connected thereto by a spring hanger assembly (6). The spring hanger assembly (6) is comprised of a spring and axle assembly (17). A tongue and coupling (7) is provided for connecting one end of the bed (3) to a vehicle. The bed (3) slides relative to the frame (2) when the wheels (5) are locked and the tongue assembly (7) pushed rearward. The bed (9) tilts when the rearmost portion moves the center of gravity away from the wheels (5). The end of the bed (3) will contact the ground, allowing loading on the surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Melvin B. Swanner
  • Patent number: 5051053
    Abstract: A trailer apparatus having a perimeter frame with a front, rear and intermediate portion thereof includes a trailer hitch attached to the front of the perimeter frame for permitting it to be attached to a towing vehicle. Wheels are rotatably attached to the perimeter frame and have axle-supporting structures passing between the left and right side aligned wheels. The tilting bed is pivotally attached at a point above and midway between the rotational axes of the axles, in the case of a tandem wheel arrangement having two wheels on each side thereof, or immediately above the axle on a trailer having just one wheel on each side thereof. By having the tilting bed pivotally connected to a perimeter frame at this point, the perimeter frame of the trailer will not have a tendency to tip during the loading process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Ronald L. Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 5028432
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition in the form of a gelatin capsules consisting of a filling containing as active ingredient ranitidine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof surrounded by a gelatin shell. The filling is formulated based on a non-aqueous matrix consisting of at least one fatty acid glyceride and/or mineral oil or paraffin. Preferably the matrix contains at least one surfactant. The matrix is essentially hydrophobic in character but is also sufficiently hydrophilic to permit dispersion and dissolution of the capsule filling in the gastrointenstinal tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Glaxo Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Sham K. Chopra, Tribhovan T. Makadia
  • Patent number: 4958978
    Abstract: The trailer chassis of a tractor-trailer is provided with a dumping apparatus for interchangeable shipping containers, operable to dump the contents of the container or to unload the container itself, and optionally to reload containers onto the chassis. The chassis is divided into fore and aft sections articulated on a horizontal axis at a knuckle which will bend only in a direction causing the chassis to form a hump. The knuckle is located forward of the center of gravity of the container, whereby the container remains on the aft section during dumping. A pivotable king pin plate is provided between the fore section of the trailer chassis and the tractor, avoiding stress on the king pin assembly when inclined. Vertical pins are preferably provided at each corner of the trailer chassis, the rear pins being controllably retractable for releasing the shipping container if the container itself is to be unloaded from the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: George E. Wilkinson
    Inventor: Joseph Shedleski
  • Patent number: 4943202
    Abstract: A tilting mobile platform comprising a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface with a first and a second rail member securely fastened to the lower surface of the platform is disclosed. An axle supporting frame is slidably secured to the rail members. A first axle is rotatably attached to the axle supporting frame such that the axle is transversely mounted on the axle supporting frame relative to a path of movement of the axle supporting frame along the rail members. An axle supporting frame moving means moves the axle supporting frame along the first and the second rail members from a first position to a second position. The axle further includes a first and a second axle arm extending perpendicular to the axle and each axle arm further includes a stud extending substantially perpendicular relative to the axle arm and parallel to the axle. A first and a second ground engaging wheel is rotatably attached to each parallel stud for movably supporting the platform and the articles placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: Donald Galloway
  • Patent number: 4915577
    Abstract: A self-propelled mobile cradle for boats including a frame having transversely spaced, longitudinally extending side members interconnected at their forward ends to form an opening extending inwardly from the rear end of the frame. Forward driven wheels are used in a caster-like arrangement for supporting the forward end of the frame. Rear wheel are disposed at the rear of the frame for support. The rear wheels comprises at least two wheels each independently operable from the other, one of the wheels being disposed on each side of the frame. Hydraulically operated cylinders are used for raising or lowering the frame relative to the rear wheels. The rear wheels are disposed on independently operable suspension for each of the rear wheels, whereby one side of the frame can be raised or lowered relative to the other side of the frame. A forward driving mechanism is used for raising or lowering the foward end of the frame relative to the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Richard Fraser
  • Patent number: 4826385
    Abstract: Trailer unit for transporting constructional machines and the like, in particular tracked excavators, by means of a conventional truck or similar towing vehicle. The weight of the machine during transporting is resting in part on the towing vehicle and in part on the trailer unit (1, 2, 3, 4). The unit can be assembled on the basis of a bogie having at least two wheel and axle sets on an undercarriage (4). At either side thereof there is provided a supporting cradle (3) for carrying a portion of the tracks or wheels of the machine, said cardles being tiltable about a transverse, horizontal axis (5) between a lowered loading position and an elevated transporting position. The horizontal tilting axis (5) is located somewhat forwardly of the rear end of each cradle (3) at an area between the two ends (3A, 3B) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Kr. Larsen Sveiseverksted A/S
    Inventor: Egil Martinsen
  • Patent number: 4753566
    Abstract: The invention concerns an inside loader, designed as a trailer for a semi-tractor, for road traffic, and for loading, transporting and unloading transportation racks, preferably for plate glass. The loader includes an undercarriage having parallel longitudinal members, on the outside of each of which are located the axles of one side of the trailer. The axles are individually mounted on axle rocker arms supported by air shocks which, in their filled condition, serve as axle shocks, and in their empty condition are used to load or unload a transportation racks. Preferably, the invention's inside loader is equipped at the back of the undercarriage with a hinged gate which, when closed, connects the longitudinal members of the undercarriage with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Fahrzeugbau Langendorf GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alfons Wegner
  • Patent number: 4589814
    Abstract: This application covers a trailer which has platforms at two levels, one for a boat and one for an automobile. It includes a frame supported by wheels, a primary loading platform which rests on the main frame and is pivotally attached thereto so that it can be tilted therewith. An upper or secondary load carrying platform is supported above the primary load platform by four stanchion. Means are provided to pull the secondary load platform down to the first load platform and then pivot the two so that a boat can be pulled onto the upper or secondary load platform. Then, the upper load platform is pivoted about the stanchion to an upright position and locked in place. The secondary or primary loading platforms are then pivoted together and the lower platform can then be loaded, for example, by driving a car up on it. When it is loaded, then the fixed primary and secondary loading platforms are rotated about the pivot so that they rest securely on the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Inventor: Medwin A. Cates
  • Patent number: 4578014
    Abstract: A self-contained trailer for transporting operative or inoperative motor vehicles. The trailer includes a tiltable flat bed for carrying the vehicle, a supporting framework, a towing bar, and an electric winch tilting mechanism. Six low profile wheels are provided to soften ride and to minimize degree of tilt required for loading and unloading. Aerodynamic features, including air scoops and dams, improve handling and fuel efficiency. Steel construction is used throughout for durability. An alternative embodiment is provided which can carry two autos or one very long vehicle. A second alternative embodiment is laterally expandable for hauling extra-wide vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Inventor: Ralph Colet
  • Patent number: 4516902
    Abstract: A low bed trailer includes a bumper/ramp unit pivotally attached to the back end. The bed is centrally pivoted to a wheel support unit for tilting to a loading position under gravity forces. A mechanical linkage between the bed and bumper/ramp unit provides automatic positioning of the bumper/ramp unit in response to the positioning of the bed between a horizontal transport position and a tilted loading position. In the bumper position, the bumper depends from the trailer bed and in the tilted loading position, the bumper abuts the trailing end of the bed and projects angularly to the ground as an inclined ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Western AG-Sales Inc.
    Inventor: Donald F. Matson
  • Patent number: 4494766
    Abstract: A drawbar trailer for transporting very long, very heavy, substantially rigid loads, the trailer having a load support platform carried by at least one front and at least one rear axle and separable wheel assembly, the trailer comprising: an adjustable suspension system having inflatable members disposed between the platform and the front and rear axles for selectively raising and lowering the front and rear of the platform and for selectively raising and lowering the sides of the platform; the drawbar being pivotably mounted to the platform about a substantially vertical axis; a mechanism, preferably hydraulic, for turning the wheels of at least one of the front and rear axle and wheel assemblies; an automatic control system for activating the turning mechanism in response to pivotal movements of the drawbar; and, members for securing the load to the platform, whereby the tilt axes of the load support platform can be adjusted with respect to the axle and wheel assemblies, and in turn, with respect to terrain
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: McHugh Brothers Crane Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. McHugh, James C. McHugh, Gerard J. McHugh, William Gallagher, David Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4415300
    Abstract: A transporter-unloader for large cylindrical hay bales features a main frame and a load frame, the load frame partially overlying the main frame and pivoted to the rear end of the latter frame. The rear end of each frame is equipped with a pair of wheels, and a scissors type hoist between the two frames raises the load frame relative to the main frame and at the same time elevates the rear end of the main frame relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Inventor: Mark J. Boddicker
  • Patent number: 4413943
    Abstract: To unload a lengthy object from a transport trailer, the rear of the trailer is supported by legs and the bogie wheels at the rear are shifted fowardly. As they reach the front of the trailer, they are automatically coupled to the tractor and the tractor is disconnected from the trailer. The bogie wheels continue their forward motion and push the tractor from beneath the trailer. The rear of the trailer is then lowered to the ground and the lengthy object is released from the trailer and slides into engagement with the ground. Thereafter, the trailer is driven forward by the tractor, while coupled to the bogie wheels, until the object is unloaded. The rear of the trailer is then raised by the legs and the bogie wheels are shifted rearwardly to their initial position, whereby the tractor is pulled into coupling engagement with the trailer and the bogie wheels are released from the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Inventor: Leo L. Liljestrom
  • Patent number: 4290733
    Abstract: A forage stack moving device has a tongue and bed mechanism rigidly secured to each other in which a plurality of endless chain elements pass over a plurality of longitudinal beam members and are driven by a mechanism driving all chains in unison while loading and unloading a stack. The bed mechanism is supported by a pair of fourbar linkages, each having a pair of substantially vertically extending arms pivotally joined to a longitudinally extending carriage member to which are secured a pair of wheels, each longitudinally extending member having a hydraulically controlled extensible member connected to the bed mechanism to move the carriage member and the wheels secured thereto, causing the bed mechanism to tilt for loading and unloading and to be substantially level during transportation of any forage stack on the bed mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: Lahman Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Fritz Lahman
  • Patent number: 4286906
    Abstract: A boat trailer in which a boat is supported on a carriage, which in turn is roller supported on a wheeled chassis and is extended from the chassis to launch or recover the boat without the trailer wheels entering the water. The trailer wheels are mounted at a fixed position on the chassis and the primary carriage supporting rollers are directly over the trailer wheels, so that the load is concentrated at the trailer wheels during loading and unloading and tipping loads on the trailer and towing vehicle are minimized. A ground engaging roller supports the rear end of the carriage when extended, the forward end of the carriage having a ramp which allows the carriage to be lowered close to and parallel to the ground when fully extended. Adjustment is provided for the bow snubbing post and for the loaded position of the carriage, which allows the trailer to accommodate boats in a wide range of sizes with the load substantially balanced over the trailer wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Inventor: Merrill L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 4222698
    Abstract: A trailer assembly for transporting snowmobiles. The trailer assembly includes a movable frame, preferably supported on wheels, a first snowmobile support portion mounted on the frame, and a second snowmobile support portion mounted on the frame in cooperative relationship with the first support portion. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the relative angular position between the first and second support portions, the adjusting mechanism being adapted to move the support portions between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: Arctic Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart R. Boelter
  • Patent number: RE41126
    Abstract: A frame configuration that is particularly adaptable for use on a trailer such that the frame configuration is operable in both a tilt mode of operation and a dump mode of operation. An actuating mechanism includes a linear actuator that is supported on the frame by a bracket and a yoke that connects to a load bed to power the vertical movement of the load bed in both tilt and dump functions. The linear actuator is pivotally mounted to permit a re-positioning of the actuator into an inoperative position. The frame configuration is provided with an articulated tilt frame in which the tongue is pivoted thereto allowing the load bed to pivot about a tilt axis which can coincide with the wheel axis of the trailer. The bed frame can be locked to the tilt frame for tilting upon articulation with the tongue, while a disconnection of the bed frame from the tilt frame enables the bed frame to pivot about the dump axis to provide a dump function in addition to the tilt function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Innovations By Contract, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Hurlburt