GB887989A - Improvements in road vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

887,989. Vehicles with load platforms which lower for loading. NICOLAS, J. B. June 19, 1959 [June 27, 1958; Nov. 13, 1958], No. 21203/59. Class 78 (4). [Also in Group XXXII] Wheels 2, located on either side of the chassis of a transport vehicle are mounted on arms 4 which are each pivoted about an axis 6 which is inclined with respect to a vertical longitudinal plane, and to a lesser degree, a vertical transverse plane of a platform 1b, so that on reversing the vehicle the wheels will move outwardly to raise slightly and then to lower the platform towards the ground. The inclination of each axis is such that in swinging the wheel 2 from a position OX to OY the platform 1b is raised, and on swinging it from OY to OZ the platform is lowered a small amount so that a component of the weight continuously urges the wheel 2 to a position OA. On moving the wheels 2 from position A to position B, the component of the weight acting on the wheels is overcome initially by a jack 21, Fig. 1, which can be operated from the vehicle hydraulic braking system when the platform is to be lowered. The pivoting of the arms can be limited by an abutment 44, Fig. 3, or by links 26, Fig. 1, pivoted to the arms 4 at one end, and at the other end to a nut 28, 29 which engages a screw-thread 30a, 30b on a rotatable shaft, thus co-ordinating the outward movement of the two wheels 2, 3. To prevent the loaded platform having a braking effect by resting on the ground, the platform can be provided with a hinged flap 46b, Fig. 4, of which the ground engaging underside is curved so that a tilting action is effected when the vehicle is moved forward or the tilting can be effected by means of a wheel. Each arm 4 may support a pair of wheels arranged side-by-side or behind one another. The arms 4 may be locked in the position A by a spring dowel 48, Fig. 5 (not shown). Specification 887,990 is referred to.