Patent ID: 7673889

Claim:
An apparatus for use in transporting and handling a cargo platform comprising: a frame having a cradle beam that receives the cargo platform, wherein the cradle beam is positioned to receive a lower surface of the cargo platform; the cradle beam being pivotable between a horizontal position and a non-horizontal position to facilitate loading the cargo platform thereon; a locking mechanism having a lock key portion and being operably associated with the cradle beam, and that automatically moves as the cargo platform is rested upon the cradle beam to latch on to a portion of the cargo platform, wherein the locking mechanism secures the cargo platform to the frame; a plurality of wheel assemblies for supporting the apparatus as an independent, self standing assembly, and enabling the frame to be wheeled along a ground surface; and wherein the cradle beam extends parallel to an axis of rotation of the wheel assemblies, and pivots about an axis that is parallel to said axis of rotation of the wheel assemblies.