Patent ID: 6129495
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
A tandem wheeled carriage for transporting large and heavy loads along roadways which may be curved and difficult, said carriage comprising base means having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a functional plane, front, rear and first and second side portions, tandem wheel sets mounted longitudinally on said base means adjacent each said side portion, each wheel being pivotally mounted on said base means by separate pivot means each having a pivot axis oriented substantially normal to said functional plane, each said pivot means allowing its associated wheel to pivot about a pivot axis thru a steering angle of up to about 120.degree., steering means interconnecting all said wheels for synchronously positioning the same at the same steering angle, first coupling means adjacent said first side portion and second coupling means adjacent said second side portion for engaging respective laterally spaced load support members on said load, first lift means mounted on said base means and connected to said first coupling means for selectively elevating or lowering said first coupling means relative to said functional plane, and second lift means mounted on said base means and connected to said second coupling means for selectively elevating or lowering said second coupling means relative to said functional plane, each said first and second lift means having a generally lateral dynamic lift axis and being operable independently of the other lift means and of said steering means whereby said load can be maintained substantially in a given posture or intentionally tilted therefrom, each said coupling means having pivot means for allowing said load support members and load to rotate about said dynamic lift axes, and first and second power means for independently operating each said first and second lift means, and third power means for operating said steering means.