Method and apparatus for transporting work objects
First Claim
1. An apparatus for transporting a work object comprising a frame adapted to be mounted on a means of conveyance having a supporting surface, a platform for receiving sad work object in rested relation thereon disposed in overlaying relation to said supporting surface of the means of conveyance, an inflatable reservoir disposed between said supporting surface and the platform, at least two spaced corresponding portions of said platform and frame individually linked by guide plates individually extending substantially vertically between the platform and the frame to define a path of movement for said platform toward and from the frame, rotational guide assemblies individually engageable with said guide plates for guiding movement of the platform in said path, and means for selectivity inflating said reservoir to move the platform and thus the work object borne thereby from the frame to a suspended position cushioned against damage during transport by said means of conveyance.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for transporting a work object including a frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a supporting surface, a platform for receiving the work object in rested relation thereon disposed in overlaying relation to the supporting surface of the vehicle, an inflatable reservoir disposed between the supporting surface and the platform, and a system for selectively inflating the reservoir to move the platform and thus the work object borne thereby to a suspended position cushioned against damage during transport by the vehicle.
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Citations
13 Claims
- 1. An apparatus for transporting a work object comprising a frame adapted to be mounted on a means of conveyance having a supporting surface, a platform for receiving sad work object in rested relation thereon disposed in overlaying relation to said supporting surface of the means of conveyance, an inflatable reservoir disposed between said supporting surface and the platform, at least two spaced corresponding portions of said platform and frame individually linked by guide plates individually extending substantially vertically between the platform and the frame to define a path of movement for said platform toward and from the frame, rotational guide assemblies individually engageable with said guide plates for guiding movement of the platform in said path, and means for selectivity inflating said reservoir to move the platform and thus the work object borne thereby from the frame to a suspended position cushioned against damage during transport by said means of conveyance.
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7. An apparatus for transporting a work object comprising a frame of a rectangular configuration having four corners adapted to be mounted on a substantially horizontal bed of a vehicle;
- a platform of a rectangular configuration substantially conforming to said rectangular configuration of the frame and having four corners individually substantially overlaying the four corners of the frame for receiving said work object in rested relation thereon disposed in overlaying relation to said bed of the vehicle, said platform being movable from a first position, wherein the platform and bed of the vehicle are spaced from each other to define a chamber therebetween, to a second position, wherein the platform is spaced farther above the bed of the vehicle than in said first position;
an air bag disposed in the chamber between the platform and the bed of the vehicle;
means for selectively inflating the air bag to move the platform, and thus the work object borne thereby, between the first and second positions cushioned against damage during transport by said vehicle in said second position; and
at least two corresponding corners of the frame and platform individually linked by guide plates individually extending substantially vertically between the platform and frame to define a path of movement of said platform between said first and second positions and rollers individually engageable with said guide plates to guide movement therealong. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- a platform of a rectangular configuration substantially conforming to said rectangular configuration of the frame and having four corners individually substantially overlaying the four corners of the frame for receiving said work object in rested relation thereon disposed in overlaying relation to said bed of the vehicle, said platform being movable from a first position, wherein the platform and bed of the vehicle are spaced from each other to define a chamber therebetween, to a second position, wherein the platform is spaced farther above the bed of the vehicle than in said first position;
Specification