Vehicle transport apparatus
DCFirst Claim
1. A method by steps comprising:
- providing a beam with a first kingpin and a tow tongue respectively attached on a proximal end and a second kingpin attached on a distal end of the beam;
linking a single and only axle in vertical support of the beam, wherein the beam adjusts vertically relative to the axle and wherein the beam is unsupported by the single and only axle during at least one operating mode of the beam;
translating at least one ramp from a loaded position to a loading position, the loading position being laterally adjacent the tow tongue to allow vehicular access to a top portion of the beam;
attaching a guide post to the axle;
securing a vertical slide member to the beam, the vertical slide member in sliding contact with the guide post;
interposing a vertical position control apparatus between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus controlling the vertical position of the beam relative to the axle; and
attaching a wheel to the single and only axle, wherein the beam is supported by the wheel during at least one alternate operating mode of the beam.
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Litigations
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods of making and using a vehicle transport apparatus are provided. An exemplary method of making the vehicle transport apparatus includes at least the steps of providing a beam with a kingpin attached on each a proximal and distal end, linking a single and only axle in vertical and horizontal sliding support of the beam, wherein the beam adjusts vertically relative to the axle, and the axle adjusts horizontally relative to the beam, and wherein the beam is unsupported by the single and only axle during at least one operating mode of the beam, attaching a guide post to the axle, securing a vertical slide member to the beam and in sliding contact with the guide post, and interposing a vertical position control apparatus between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus controlling the vertical position of the beam relative to the axle.
24 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method by steps comprising:
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providing a beam with a first kingpin and a tow tongue respectively attached on a proximal end and a second kingpin attached on a distal end of the beam; linking a single and only axle in vertical support of the beam, wherein the beam adjusts vertically relative to the axle and wherein the beam is unsupported by the single and only axle during at least one operating mode of the beam; translating at least one ramp from a loaded position to a loading position, the loading position being laterally adjacent the tow tongue to allow vehicular access to a top portion of the beam; attaching a guide post to the axle; securing a vertical slide member to the beam, the vertical slide member in sliding contact with the guide post; interposing a vertical position control apparatus between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus controlling the vertical position of the beam relative to the axle; and attaching a wheel to the single and only axle, wherein the beam is supported by the wheel during at least one alternate operating mode of the beam. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An apparatus comprising:
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a beam with a first kingpin and a tow tongue respectively attached on a proximal end and a second kingpin attached on a distal end of the beam; a single and only axle in vertical and horizontal sliding support of the beam, wherein the beam is capable of adjusting vertically relative to the axle, and the axle is capable of adjusting horizontally relative to the beam, and wherein the beam is unsupported by the single and only axle during at least one operating mode of the beam; at least one ramp capable of transitioning from a loaded position to a loading position, the loading position being laterally adjacent the tow tongue to allow vehicular access to a top portion of the beam a guide post attached to the axle; a vertical slide member secured to the beam, the vertical slide member and in sliding contact with the guide post; a vertical position control apparatus interposed between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus controlling the vertical position of the beam relative to the axle; and a wheel attached to the single and only axle, wherein the beam is supported by the wheel during at least one alternate operating mode of the beam. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification