Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A drawbar trailer for transporting very long, very heavy, substantially rigid loads, the trailer having a load support platform carried by at least one front and at least one rear axle and separable wheel assembly, the trailer comprising: an adjustable suspension system having inflatable members disposed between the platform and the front and rear axles for selectively raising and lowering the front and rear of the platform and for selectively raising and lowering the sides of the platform; the drawbar being pivotably mounted to the platform about a substantially vertical axis; a mechanism, preferably hydraulic, for turning the wheels of at least one of the front and rear axle and wheel assemblies; an automatic control system for activating the turning mechanism in response to pivotal movements of the drawbar; and, members for securing the load to the platform, whereby the tilt axes of the load support platform can be adjusted with respect to the axle and wheel assemblies, and in turn, with respect to terrain features. In the presently preferred embodiment, the drawbar trailer is particularly adapted for transporting rapid transit subway cars, railcars and like vehicles having internal suspension systems. Such a specially adapted drawbar trailer further comprises support members for holding and immobilizing the bodies of the carried vehicles with respect to the platform, preventing movement of the vehicle bodies on their internal suspension systems. The load support platform may be inclined about its tilt axes to facilitate loading, carrying and unloading the carried vehicle.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim