Carrier for lifting devices having variable width track

Details Carrier for lifting devices having variable width track Carrier for lifting devices having variable width track

2000-04-13

2001-03-27

Rice, Kenneth R. (Department: 3611)

Motor vehicles

Special wheel base

With means for changing number of supporting wheels, or for...

C180S905000, C280S638000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06206126

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to lifting devices and more specifically to a carrier for lifting devices having a variable width track which allows the track of the wheels to be changed while the carrier is transporting a load.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Many times it is advantageous for the width of a lifting device or the like to be as small as possible for entrance through gates and other narrow constraints. However, a lifting device with a narrow width is not appropriate for handling loads. Further, derricks and other lifting devices with variable tracks are nothing new. U.S. Pat. No. 3,754,361 to Branham, U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,398 to Althaus, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,114 to Ward all disclose devices having a variable track. The drawback to all these variable tracks is their inability to actuate while the carrier is moving. The carrier must be put on jacks, so that the wheels may be actuated inward or outward. The extra step of elevating the lifting device on jacks is time consuming and provides an extra opportunity for an accident to occur.
Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for a carrier for lifting devices having a variable width track which allows the track width to be changed while moving with the lifting device and when the carrier is transporting a load.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a carrier having a variable width track which may be actuated when the carrier is moving with or without a load.
A carrier for lifting devices having a variable width track includes a base frame, a first wheel frame, a second wheel frame, at least four slide assemblies, at least two actuation devices, and at least four wheel assemblies. The first wheel frame is slidably attached to one side of the base frame with at least two of the slide assemblies. The second wheel frame is slidably attached to the other side of the base frame with at least two of the slide assemblies. At least one of the actuation devices moves the first wheel frame relative to the base frame. At least one of the actuation devices moves the second wheel frame relative to the base frame. At least two of the wheel assemblies are mounted to the first wheel frame and at least two of the wheel assemblies are mounted to the second wheel frame.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a carrier for lifting devices or the like having a variable width track that may be actuated while the carrier is moving.
Finally, it is another object of the present invention to provide a carrier for lifting devices or the like having a variable width track that may be actuated when the carrier is carrying a load.
These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3712398 (1973-01-01), Althaus
patent: 3754361 (1973-08-01), Branham et al.
patent: 4350222 (1982-09-01), Lutteke et al.
patent: 4431074 (1984-02-01), Langerud
patent: 5039129 (1991-08-01), Balmer
patent: 5282644 (1994-02-01), Larson
patent: 5464243 (1995-11-01), Maiwald et al.
patent: 5489114 (1996-02-01), Ward et al.
patent: 6145610 (2000-11-01), Gallignani

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