Method and apparatus for handling and transporting a load

Abstract

Apparatus for handling and transporting a load including at least one container or the like, such as between a ro/ro vessel and a terminal, include load transporting apparatus including a frame assembly having at least two members which are telescopically displaceable with respect to each other, power apparatus and a traction-providing and steering wheel assembly mounted on a first one of the frame members. The load transporting apparatus are provided with load handling apparatus for taking-up the load from and then depositing the load on the ground surface. The handling apparatus include at least one load lifting device mounted on the first one of the frame members and at least one moveable bogie assembly mounted on a second one of the frame members which is longitudinally displaceable with respect to the first frame member. The bogie assembly can be raised and lowered. According to the method of the invention, the load is lifted until a first lower edge thereof is lifted from the ground surface to a loading height whereupon the bogie assembly is moved under the load until it is located in a position between the center of gravity of the load and a second lower edge of the load which is resting on the ground surface. The second edge of the load is lifted using the bogie assembly from the ground surface to a transporting height while the first edge of the load is lowered from the loading height to the transporting height.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.