Patent ID: 6155769
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
A transportation system comprising:a plurality of carrier units, each carrier unit including:a load bearing structure for carrying a load; andtwo supports depending from spaced apart positions on the load bearing structure each support having adjustable components for adjusting the height of the support between a field position of the carrier unit, with the support at a lowered field height with respect to the load bearing structure for supporting the load bearing structure above a ground surface and a transport position of the carrier unit, with the support at a raised transport height with respect to the load bearing structure; anda vehicle having longitudinally spaced front and rear ends, the vehicle including:a single longitudinally extending vehicle bed extending between the front and rear ends of the vehicle, the single vehicle bed being engageable simultaneously under the load bearing structures and between the supports of the plurality of carriers arranged in a longitudinal row;ground wheels supporting the vehicle on the ground surface; anda vehicle height adjustment system for adjusting the height of the single vehicle bed on the ground wheels, between a raised position of the vehicle in which the single bed supports the load bearing structures of the carrier units at a height above the field height whereby the supports are spaced above the ground surface, and a lowered position of the vehicle in which the bed is spaced between the field and transport heights of the supports.