Patent ID: 7273217

Claim:
Reverse caster platform apparatus comprising: (a) a load-carrying platform having a generally horizontal load-carrying orientation; (b) a frame pivotally mounted to the platform on a transverse main pivot axis; (c) pivot flange portions laterally disposed on the frame for receiving pivot pins; (d) an axle assembly having an axle beam with spindle member extending from opposite sides thereof, the spindle member being pivotally connected to the axle beam on coplanar spindle pivot axes, the plane of the spindle pivot axes defining caster angles, the spindle members being also movably connected by a tie member for unison steerage thereof relative to the axle beam, the pivot flange portion and the springs being connected between the frame and the axle beam; (e) springs disposed on the frame for for biasing against downward movement of the frame relative to spindles of the axle assembly, the springs comprising laterally disposed shackle flange members on the frame for receiving corresponding shackle pins; and (f) an actuator for pivoting the frame about the transverse axis, the actuator being operable for positioning the frame in respective first and second positions relative to the platform, the first and second positions corresponding to different caster angles of the axle assembly.