Direct loading apparatus for pallet related systems
First Claim
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1. 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.
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Abstract
An apparatus for transporting and handling a cargo platform is provided. The apparatus includes a frame having a cradle beam that receives the cargo platform. The cradle beam supports a lower surface of the cargo platform. The apparatus further includes a locking mechanism operably associated with the cradle beam and actuates to securely fasten the cargo platform to the frame when the cargo platform is rested upon the cradle beam. The apparatus also includes a plurality of wheel assemblies for wheeling the frame along a ground surface.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An apparatus for use in transporting and handling a cargo platform comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A direct loading apparatus comprising:
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a first cargo transportation loader that receives and supports a first portion of a cargo platform from underneath the cargo platform; an independent second cargo transportation loader that receives and supports a second portion of the cargo platform; each of said first and second cargo transportation loaders having first and second locking mechanisms each including a moveable lock key assembly that automatically latches onto said first and second portions, respectively, of said cargo platform as said cargo platform is lowered onto said first and second cargo transportation loaders, to secure said cargo platform to said cargo transportation loaders; the first cargo transportation loader having a first wheel assembly having four wheels for enabling the first cargo transportation loader to be wheeled over a ground surface; and the second cargo transportation loader having a second wheel assembly having four wheels for enabling the second cargo transportation loader to be wheeled over a ground surface independently of the first cargo transportation loader, and positioned independently of the first cargo transportation loader when receiving said second portion of said cargo platform. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A direct loading apparatus for supporting and moving a cargo platform, the apparatus comprising:
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a first cargo transportation loader that receives and supports a first portion of a cargo platform from underneath the cargo platform, said first cargo transportation loader including a first frame for supporting a first wheel system having four wheels for enabling said first cargo transportation loader to be moved along a ground surface while supporting said first portion of said cargo platform, and an elevationally adjustable and pivotal cradle beam; and an independent second cargo transportation loader that receives and supports a second portion of the cargo platform, said second cargo transportation loader including a second frame for supporting a second wheel system having four wheels for enabling said second cargo transportation loader to be moved along said ground surface while supporting said second portion of said cargo platform; each of said first and second cargo transportation loaders including a locking system for automatically latching on to its respective said portion of said cargo platform when its respective said portion is lowered thereon; and said first frame having a plurality of recesses arranged to receive said four wheels of said independent second cargo transportation loader to enable said independent second cargo transportation loader to be stacked on said independent first cargo transportation loader when said independent first and second cargo transportation loaders are not in use.
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Specification