Patent attributes
An apparatus for transporting a load onto a raised surface includes: a frame; and rear, middle, and front wheel assemblies coupled to the frame. Each wheel assembly includes: at least one leg, at least one wheel rotatingly coupled to the leg for rollingly supporting the frame, and at least one actuator operatively coupled to the at least one leg. The front wheel assembly is configured to extend forwardly from, and retract rearwardly toward, the frame. The actuators are configured to independently raise and lower the at least one rear, middle, and front wheel. A load support member is located below the frame and moveable between a first position where the center of gravity of the load is located rearward of an axis defined by the at least one middle wheel, and a second position where the center of gravity of the load is located forward of the axis.