US3929241A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Transport rig
Assignee: H B ZACHRY Co
•
Filing: 1973-08-08
•
Granted: 1975-12-30
•
Expires: 1993-08-08
Abstract
Abstract A transport rig for moving a heavy load, such as a concrete modular building unit, includes a pair of load-carrying frames supporting the front and rear ends of the load. Front and rear hydraulic cylinders are secured between corresponding front and rear load-carrying frames and running gear at the front and rear, respectively, of the transport rig to support the load above the ground. An adjustable cable extends from one load-carrying frame to the other beneath the load and is drawn tight to secure the load-carrying frames together. The opposite ends of the cable are connected to a pair of power-operated winch drums on one loadcarrying frame, and the cable is reeved in a closed loop around guide means on the front and rear load-carrying frames. The winch drums can be power-operated to shorten the effective length of the cable and pull the load-carrying frames tightly against the front and rear ends of the load. The load is removed from the transport rig by contracting the front and rear hydraulic cylinders to lower the load-carrying frames to place the load on a foundation or the like. The load-carrying frames may be shifted laterally in either direction to properly position the load directly above the foundation before the load is finally placed on the foundation. The cable is then disabled so the loadcarrying frames can be separately removed from the ends of the load.
Inventors
- 👤 Alvin A Putnam
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:58
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60P; B60P3/00; B60P3/40; E; E04; E04G; E04G21/00; E04G21/14; E04G21/16; E04G21/161
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
534 words
A transport rig for moving a load having a first and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carryIng the second end of the load, a first wheel frame for supporting a first set of wheels resting on the ground forward of the first load support frame, a first frame support attached to the first wheel frame and extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the first load support frame above the ground and so that the first frame support is able to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the first load support frame, a second wheel frame for supporting a second set of wheels resting on the ground behind the second load support frame, a second frame support attached to the second wheel frame and extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the second load support frame above the ground and so that the second frame support is able to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the second load support frame, an extendible and contractible first actuating arm extending from the first load support frame to a point on the first frame support spaced from the support''s point of attachment to the first load support frame, the first actuating arm being operative to pivot the first frame support about its horizontal axis to raise or lower the first end of the load, an extendible and contractible second actuating arm extending from the second load support frame to a point on the second frame support spaced from the support''s point of attachment to the second load support frame, the second actuating arm being operative to pivot the second frame support about its horizontal axis to raise or lower the second end of the load, and means for securing the first and second load support frames together comprising an elongated flexible cable engaged with tension adjusting means on the first load support frame for paying out or reeling in the cable, the cable extending from the tension adjusting means directly into engagement with guide means on the first load support frame independently of the first wheel support frame or the first frame support means and then to a point of attachment on the second load support frame independently of engagement with the second wheel support frame of the second frame support means so that the adjustment of the tension adjusting means can shorten the effective length of the cable to squeeze the first and second ends of the load between the first and second load support frames, respectively, and so that raising or lowering of the load can be done independently of the adjustment of the tension in the cable, whereby the transport rig and the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to either of the wheel support frames.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
534 words
A transport rig for moving a load having a first and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carryIng the second end of the load, a first wheel frame for supporting a first set of wheels resting on the ground forward of the first load support frame, a first frame support attached to the first wheel frame and extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the first load support frame above the ground and so that the first frame support is able to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the first load support frame, a second wheel frame for supporting a second set of wheels resting on the ground behind the second load support frame, a second frame support attached to the second wheel frame and extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the second load support frame above the ground and so that the second frame support is able to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the second load support frame, an extendible and contractible first actuating arm extending from the first load support frame to a point on the first frame support spaced from the support''s point of attachment to the first load support frame, the first actuating arm being operative to pivot the first frame support about its horizontal axis to raise or lower the first end of the load, an extendible and contractible second actuating arm extending from the second load support frame to a point on the second frame support spaced from the support''s point of attachment to the second load support frame, the second actuating arm being operative to pivot the second frame support about its horizontal axis to raise or lower the second end of the load, and means for securing the first and second load support frames together comprising an elongated flexible cable engaged with tension adjusting means on the first load support frame for paying out or reeling in the cable, the cable extending from the tension adjusting means directly into engagement with guide means on the first load support frame independently of the first wheel support frame or the first frame support means and then to a point of attachment on the second load support frame independently of engagement with the second wheel support frame of the second frame support means so that the adjustment of the tension adjusting means can shorten the effective length of the cable to squeeze the first and second ends of the load between the first and second load support frames, respectively, and so that raising or lowering of the load can be done independently of the adjustment of the tension in the cable, whereby the transport rig and the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to either of the wheel support frames.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
85 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first load support frame includes securing means shaped to fit around a portion of the first end of the load, and in which the second load support frame includes securing means shaped to fit around a portion of the second end of the load independently of the securing means at the other end of the load so that the two end portions of the load are carried independently of each other by their respective load support frames.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which each actuating arm comprises a hydraulic cylinder, and further including a first platform provided by the first wheel support frame, a second platform provided by the second wheel support frame, and in which the two platforms carry respective fluid drive means for actuating the hydraulic cylinders at their respective ends of the transport rig.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for steering the first wheel support frame, and means for steering the second wheel support frame independently of the other wheel support frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including means for laterally shifting the first frame support means relative to the first set of wheels and for laterally shifting the second frame support means relative to the second set of wheels.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 in which the lateral shifting means shifts the frame support means either to the left or to the right of the longitudinal axes of the first and second wheel support frames.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 including separate means for laterally shifting the first and second frame support means, and in which each lateral shifting means comprises a separate laterally extendible and contractible actuating arm rigidly secured to a corresponding wheel support frame, with each movable actuating arm being secured to a corresponding load support frame so that each wheel support frame acts as a thrust-base for lateral movement of its corresponding actuating arm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
493 words
A transport rig for moving a load having a first and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carrying the second end of the load, A first frame support means having opposite sides for being supported by a first set of laterally spaced apart wheels resting on the ground adjacent the first load support frame, a portion of the first frame support means extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the first load support frame above the ground and so that the first frame support means pivots about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the first load support frame, a second frame support means for being engaged with a second set of wheels resting on the ground adjacent the second load support frame, a portion of the second frame support means extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the second load support frame above the ground and so that the second frame support means pivots about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the second load support frame, whereby the transport rig and the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to one of the two frame support means, an extendible and contractible first actuating arm extending from the first load support frame to a point on the first frame support means spaced from the support''s point of attachment to the first load support frame means, the first actuating arm being operative to pivot the first frame support means about said horizontal axis to raise or lower the first end of the load, an extendible and contractible second actuating arm extending from the second load support frame to a point on the second frame support means spaced from the support''s point of attachment to the second load support frame means, the second actuating arm being operative to pivot the second frame support means about said horizontal axis to raise or lower the second end of the load, means for moving the opposite sides of the first frame support means laterally away from each other to widen the lateral distance between the wheels on opposite sides of the first frame support means, means mounted on the first frame support means for shifting the first load support frame in a lateral direction relative to said first set of wheels after the distance between the wheels on the support frame is widened, and means mounted on the second frame support means for shifting the second load support frame in a lateral direction relative to a second set of wheels engaged with the second frame support means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
493 words
A transport rig for moving a load having a first and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carrying the second end of the load, A first frame support means having opposite sides for being supported by a first set of laterally spaced apart wheels resting on the ground adjacent the first load support frame, a portion of the first frame support means extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the first load support frame above the ground and so that the first frame support means pivots about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the first load support frame, a second frame support means for being engaged with a second set of wheels resting on the ground adjacent the second load support frame, a portion of the second frame support means extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the second load support frame above the ground and so that the second frame support means pivots about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the second load support frame, whereby the transport rig and the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to one of the two frame support means, an extendible and contractible first actuating arm extending from the first load support frame to a point on the first frame support means spaced from the support''s point of attachment to the first load support frame means, the first actuating arm being operative to pivot the first frame support means about said horizontal axis to raise or lower the first end of the load, an extendible and contractible second actuating arm extending from the second load support frame to a point on the second frame support means spaced from the support''s point of attachment to the second load support frame means, the second actuating arm being operative to pivot the second frame support means about said horizontal axis to raise or lower the second end of the load, means for moving the opposite sides of the first frame support means laterally away from each other to widen the lateral distance between the wheels on opposite sides of the first frame support means, means mounted on the first frame support means for shifting the first load support frame in a lateral direction relative to said first set of wheels after the distance between the wheels on the support frame is widened, and means mounted on the second frame support means for shifting the second load support frame in a lateral direction relative to a second set of wheels engaged with the second frame support means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
173 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the first frame support means comprises a first wheel frame supported by said first set of wheels, and a first frame support means pivotally attached to the first wheel frame and extending to the load for said pivotal attachment to the fIrst load support frame, and in which the second frame support means comprises a second wheel frame for supporting said second set of wheels, and a second frame support means pivotally attached to the second wheel frame and extending to the load for said pivotal attachment to the second load support frame, a first lateral shifting means extending between the first wheel frame and the first frame support, the first lateral shifting means being operative to shift the first frame support laterally relative to the first wheel frame, and a second lateral shifting means extending between the second wheel frame and the second frame support, the second lateral shifting means being operative to shift the second frame support laterally relative to the second wheel frame.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
345 words
A transport rig for moving a load having a first end and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carrying the second end of the load, a first frame support means for being engaged with a first set of wheels resting on the ground, the first frame support means being secured to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, a second frame support means for being engaged with a second set of wheels resting on the ground, the second frame support means being secured to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, and means securing the first and second load support frames together comprising a pair of spaced apart power-driven rotatable winch drums mounted on the first load support frame, a flexible elongated cable in which each end thereof is connected to a separate one of the winch drums to be payed out and reeled in during rotation of the winch drums, first guide means on the first load support frame, and second guide means on the second load support frame, the cable extending in a closed loop from one winch drum around the guide means on the first load support frame and then lengthwise relative to the load around the guide means on the second load support frame and then lengthwise again relative to the load back to the guide means on the first load support frame and then being connected at its opposite end to the other winch drum so that the winch drums can be rotated to shorten the effective length of the cable to squeeze the first and second ends of the load between the first and second load support frames, respectively, whereby the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to one of the frame support means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
345 words
A transport rig for moving a load having a first end and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carrying the second end of the load, a first frame support means for being engaged with a first set of wheels resting on the ground, the first frame support means being secured to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, a second frame support means for being engaged with a second set of wheels resting on the ground, the second frame support means being secured to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, and means securing the first and second load support frames together comprising a pair of spaced apart power-driven rotatable winch drums mounted on the first load support frame, a flexible elongated cable in which each end thereof is connected to a separate one of the winch drums to be payed out and reeled in during rotation of the winch drums, first guide means on the first load support frame, and second guide means on the second load support frame, the cable extending in a closed loop from one winch drum around the guide means on the first load support frame and then lengthwise relative to the load around the guide means on the second load support frame and then lengthwise again relative to the load back to the guide means on the first load support frame and then being connected at its opposite end to the other winch drum so that the winch drums can be rotated to shorten the effective length of the cable to squeeze the first and second ends of the load between the first and second load support frames, respectively, whereby the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to one of the frame support means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 in which both winch drums are mounted on a common rotatable shift driven by power means mounted on the first load support frame.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
326 words
A transport rig for moving a load having a first end and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carrying the second end of the load, a first frame support means for being engaged with a first set of wheels resting on the ground, the first frame support means being secured to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, a second frame support means for being engaged with a second set of wheels resting on the ground, the second frame support means being secured to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, means securing the first and second load support frames together comprising a power-driven rotatable winch drum mounted on the first load support frame, a flexible elongated cable attached to the winch drum to be payed out and reeled in during rotation of the drum, first guide means on the first load support frame, and second guide meanS on the second load support frame, the cable being engaged with the first and second guide means in addition to the winch drum, to form a closed loop attachment assembly between the first and second load support frames so that rotation of the winch drum shortens the effective length of the cable via the guide means to squeeze the first and second ends of the load between the first and second load support frames, respectively, and means for laterally shifting the first frame support means relative to the first set of wheels and for laterally shifting the second frame support means relative to the second set of wheels, whereby the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to one of the frame support means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
326 words
A transport rig for moving a load having a first end and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carrying the second end of the load, a first frame support means for being engaged with a first set of wheels resting on the ground, the first frame support means being secured to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, a second frame support means for being engaged with a second set of wheels resting on the ground, the second frame support means being secured to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, means securing the first and second load support frames together comprising a power-driven rotatable winch drum mounted on the first load support frame, a flexible elongated cable attached to the winch drum to be payed out and reeled in during rotation of the drum, first guide means on the first load support frame, and second guide meanS on the second load support frame, the cable being engaged with the first and second guide means in addition to the winch drum, to form a closed loop attachment assembly between the first and second load support frames so that rotation of the winch drum shortens the effective length of the cable via the guide means to squeeze the first and second ends of the load between the first and second load support frames, respectively, and means for laterally shifting the first frame support means relative to the first set of wheels and for laterally shifting the second frame support means relative to the second set of wheels, whereby the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to one of the frame support means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the lateral shifting means comprises separate laterally extendable and contractable actuating arms connected to the first and second load support frames so that movement of the actuating arms can shift the load laterally either to the left or the right of the longitudinal axis of the first and second wheel support frames.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
306 words
A transport rig for moving a load having a first end and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carrying the second end of the load, a first frame support means for being engaged with a first set of wheels resting on the ground, the first frame support means being secured to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, a second frame support means for being engaged with a second set of wheels resting on the ground, the second frame support means being secured to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, and means securing the first and second load support frame together comprising a power-driven rotatable winch drum mounted on the first load support frame, a flexible elongated cable attached to the winch drum to be payed out and reeled in during rotation of the drum, first guide means on the first load support frame, and second guide means on the second load support frame, the cable being engaged with the first and second guide means independently of the first and second frame support means, in addition to being engaged with the winch drum, to form a closed loop attachment assembly between the first and second load support frames so that rotation of the winch drum shortens the effective length of the cable via the guide means to squeeze the first and second ends of the load between the first and second load support frames, respectively, whereby the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to one of the frame support means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
306 words
A transport rig for moving a load having a first end and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carrying the second end of the load, a first frame support means for being engaged with a first set of wheels resting on the ground, the first frame support means being secured to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, a second frame support means for being engaged with a second set of wheels resting on the ground, the second frame support means being secured to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means thereof above the ground, and means securing the first and second load support frame together comprising a power-driven rotatable winch drum mounted on the first load support frame, a flexible elongated cable attached to the winch drum to be payed out and reeled in during rotation of the drum, first guide means on the first load support frame, and second guide means on the second load support frame, the cable being engaged with the first and second guide means independently of the first and second frame support means, in addition to being engaged with the winch drum, to form a closed loop attachment assembly between the first and second load support frames so that rotation of the winch drum shortens the effective length of the cable via the guide means to squeeze the first and second ends of the load between the first and second load support frames, respectively, whereby the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to one of the frame support means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
163 words
Apparatus according to claim 14 including an extendible and contractible first actuating arm extending from the first load support frame to a point on the first frame support means spaced from the frame support means point of attachment to the first load support frame, the first actuating arm being operative to pivot the first frame support means about a horizontal axis to raise or lower the first end of the load, and an extendible and contractible second actuating arm extending from the second load support frame to a point on the second frame support means spaced from the frame support means point of attachment to the second load support frame, the second actuating arm being operative to pivot the second frame support means about a horizontal axis to raise or lower the second end of the load, so that raising or lowering the load by the first and second actuating arms is done independently of the adjustment of the tension in the cable.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
118 words
Apparatus according to claim 14 comprising a pair of spaced apart winch drums mounted on the first load support frame, each winch drum being power driven, and in which each separate end of the cable is connected to a separate one of the power driven winch drums so that the cable extends in a closed loop from one winch drum around guide means on the first load support frame and then lengthwise relative to the load around guide means on the second load support frame and then lengthwise again relative to the load back to guide means on the first load support frame and then is connected at its opposite end to the other power driven winch drum.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
463 words
A transport rig for moving a load driving a first end and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carrying the second end of the load, a first wheel frame having opposite sides supported by a first set of laterally spaced apart wheels resting on the ground adjacent the first load support frame, a first frame support pivotally attached to the first wheel frame and extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the first load support frame above the ground and so that the first frame support pivots about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the first load support frame, a second wheel frame for being supported by a second set of wheels resting on the ground adjacent the second load support frame, a second frame support pivotally attached to the second wheel frame and extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the second load support frame above the ground and so that the second frame support means pivots about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the second load support frame, means for raising and lowering the first and second load support frames relative to the ground to raise and lower the object carried between them, whereby the transport rig and the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to one of the two wheel frames, means for moving the opposite sides of the first wheel frame laterally away from each other to widen the lateral distance between the wheels on opposite sides of the first wheel frame, a first lateral shifting means having one end affixed to the first wheel frame and having its opposite end affixed to the first frame support, and a sliding connection between the first wheel frame and the first frame support so that the first lateral shifting means can move the first frame support in a lateral direction relative to the first wheel frame, and a second lateral shifting means having one end affixed to the second wheel frame and its opposite end affixed to the second frame support, and a sliding connection between the second frame support and the second wheel frame so that the second lateral shifting means can move the second frame support in a lateral direction relative to the second wheel frame, whereby the first and second load support frames can be moved laterally to shift the lateral position of the load.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
463 words
A transport rig for moving a load driving a first end and a second end, the transport rig comprising a first load support frame having means on it for carrying the first end of the load, a second load support frame having means on it for carrying the second end of the load, a first wheel frame having opposite sides supported by a first set of laterally spaced apart wheels resting on the ground adjacent the first load support frame, a first frame support pivotally attached to the first wheel frame and extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the first load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the first load support frame above the ground and so that the first frame support pivots about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the first load support frame, a second wheel frame for being supported by a second set of wheels resting on the ground adjacent the second load support frame, a second frame support pivotally attached to the second wheel frame and extending toward the load for pivotal attachment to the second load support frame so as to maintain the carrying means of the second load support frame above the ground and so that the second frame support means pivots about a substantially horizontal axis through its point of attachment to the second load support frame, means for raising and lowering the first and second load support frames relative to the ground to raise and lower the object carried between them, whereby the transport rig and the load may be transported as a unit under power supplied by a towing vehicle coupled to one of the two wheel frames, means for moving the opposite sides of the first wheel frame laterally away from each other to widen the lateral distance between the wheels on opposite sides of the first wheel frame, a first lateral shifting means having one end affixed to the first wheel frame and having its opposite end affixed to the first frame support, and a sliding connection between the first wheel frame and the first frame support so that the first lateral shifting means can move the first frame support in a lateral direction relative to the first wheel frame, and a second lateral shifting means having one end affixed to the second wheel frame and its opposite end affixed to the second frame support, and a sliding connection between the second frame support and the second wheel frame so that the second lateral shifting means can move the second frame support in a lateral direction relative to the second wheel frame, whereby the first and second load support frames can be moved laterally to shift the lateral position of the load.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-29 | 1979-06-30 | 1979-12-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-29 | 1983-06-30 | 1983-12-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-29 | 1987-06-30 | 1987-12-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |