Having Structure Allowing Propulsion Or Steering By Walking Attendant Patents (Class 187/231)
  • Patent number: 11235963
    Abstract: A fork for an industrial vehicle such as a forklift, and a method of making the same. The fork includes an elongate body portion, a toe portion, and, optionally, a heel portion. The elongate body portion may be formed in any length and coupled to the toe portion (and optionally, to the heel portion) to form a fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: HYSTER-YALE GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Robert C. Dunigan
  • Patent number: 10822011
    Abstract: A pallet truck has a pressed and non-welded fork structure. The fork structure includes an elongate body portion and an outboard end portion integrally formed with the body portion. The body portion has a top wall and opposing sidewalls integrally formed with the top wall. The outboard end portion projects from the body portion and includes a tip sidewall defining a tip region for guiding entry of a fork assembly beneath a pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: UNICARRIERS AMERICAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Rusche, Ryan Giovannini, Mark McGee, Ryan Ickes, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 9950861
    Abstract: Provided is an automated transfer unit of box-shaped elements corresponding with at least one storage surface, including clamping bars positioned alongside and distanced from each other so as to contain a plurality of box-shaped elements aligned with each other, and control and guide means configured to move the clamping bars to engage and translate the aligned box-shaped elements as a unit. Further provided is a procedure for placing box-shaped elements arranged in rows on a storage surface; translating as a unit onto a work surface at least a portion of a row including a plurality of box-shaped elements; selecting and separating on the work surface at least one box-shaped element and sending it for delivery; and repositioning any residual box-shaped elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: PHARMATHEK S.r.L.
    Inventors: Alexander Von Liechtenstein, Luigi Zecchetto
  • Patent number: 9821990
    Abstract: The invention provides an electric lifter, comprising a fixed mast structure, a movable mast structure that is movable relative to the fixed mast structure at feast one transmission means (chain or cog drive belt or rack or similar), and a load carrier, in particular a fork load carrier, being connected to the at least one transmission means and configured to carry a load, wherein the at least one transmission means is movably connected to the movable mast structure while being configured to move along a closed loop path, the closed loop path being stationary relative to the movable mast structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Zapi S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giannino Zanichelli
  • Patent number: 9815672
    Abstract: A loading apparatus, in particular for conveying freight over a road surface and loading it into a transporting vehicle and unloading it therefrom, comprises a basic structure, a loading structure, with a freight holder, and a double-action lifting device between the basic structure and the loading structure. The loading structure here comprises a lifting frame, on which the lifting device acts, and a freight carrier, which is mounted on the lifting frame, via a pull-out guide with a pull-out direction oriented transversely to the lifting direction, and has the freight holder. An undercarriage serving for advancing the loading apparatus over the road surface is part of the freight carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HOERBIGER HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Baudermann
  • Patent number: 9776650
    Abstract: A hand truck includes a quick release/attach mechanism operating according to a method for quickly and easily exchanging various tools with the hand truck, the quick release/latch mechanism including biased locking pins movably located within tubular frame members integral to the hand truck and proximal holes in the tubular frame members for receiving a projection member of the tool and spaced a predetermined distance from a hangar portion of the tool and wherein the hangar portion may be hung on a crossbar of the tubular frame and then the projection members of the tool may be coupled with and retained by the locking pins of the tubular frame. The arrangement requires no hand tools such as wrenches or screwdrivers, and no external fasteners such as pins or bolts. The geometry of the cross bars on the hand truck allow tool attachments to be captured or releases simply by tilting the hand truck forward or backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Darryl Edward Berlinger
  • Patent number: 9643631
    Abstract: A hand truck includes a quick release/attach mechanism operating according to a method for quickly and easily exchanging various tools with the hand truck, the quick release/latch mechanism including biased locking pins movably located within tubular frame members integral to the hand truck and proximal holes in the tubular frame members for receiving a projection member of the tool and spaced a predetermined distance from a hangar portion of the tool and wherein the hangar portion may be hung on a crossbar of the tubular frame and then the projection members of the tool may be coupled with and retained by the locking pins of the tubular frame. The arrangement requires no hand tools such as wrenches or screwdrivers, and no external fasteners such as pins or bolts. The geometry of the cross bars on the hand truck allow tool attachments to be captured or releases simply by tilting the hand truck forward or backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Darryl Edward Berlinger
  • Patent number: 9079754
    Abstract: A powered pallet truck is provided having a frame assembly that includes a base support portion and a load lift portion. The base support portion includes a lift cylinder device seat spaced from and above a steering seat, and the load lift portion includes a pair of forks which extend forwardly of the base support portion. The powered pallet truck has a lift cylinder device connected to the load lift portion and to the base support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: BIG LIFT, LLC
    Inventors: Meng Feiquan, Liu Yuanwei, Jinhui He
  • Patent number: 8752657
    Abstract: A pallet jack power assembly upgrades a manually powered pallet jack to provide a motor-driven drive wheel. In one example, the manually powered pallet jack includes left and right steering wheels separated by a narrow distance. A frame of the pallet jack power assembly may be adapted for attachment to the pallet jack. The frame supports a drive axle, which in turn supports a drive wheel. Attachment of the frame of the pallet jack power assembly locates the drive wheel between the left and right steering wheels. The drive axle and a steering axle, supporting the left and right steering wheels of the pallet jack, may be located in a same vertical plane. A biasing device, such as a spring, may be used to provide a downward force on the drive wheel, thereby increasing friction between the drive wheel and the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Power Handling, Incorporated
    Inventor: Greg Newell
  • Patent number: 8684654
    Abstract: A wheel assembly positioning device. The device includes a wheel assembly cradle that holds a wheel assembly. A lifting device is also included that raises or lowers the wheel assembly cradle to allow a technician to dismount or mount a wheel assembly to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Quality Stainless Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Bardin
  • Patent number: 8376089
    Abstract: A lift has two tines that project forward and are movable up-and-down to raise and lower pallets and skids. Two outriggers are pivotal between a stored position and a deployed position, and the outriggers project forward in the deployed position to stabilize the lift when the tines are elevated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bishamon Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Stone
  • Patent number: 8360443
    Abstract: A pallet jack is disclosed that comprises a left tine and a right tine. The pallet jack includes a lifting mechanism that may include an electrically powered hydraulic pump to effectuate the lifting motion. The pallet jack may also include power-driven wheels that are connected by an axle, thereby facilitating translational motion of the pallet jack. The wheels may be maximally spaced by using a maximum-length axle that is slightly longer than the width of the pallet jack body, thereby optimizing load stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Coca-Cola Bottling Co., United, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Charles Ellington
  • Patent number: 8186931
    Abstract: The powered hand truck has a chassis supported at one end by a single axle with two independently operable drive wheels. A prime mover is provided generally medially on the chassis, driving the drive wheels and powering the forklift mechanism. There is no operator console housing for the powered hand truck, as it is intended to be remotely controlled. A transmitter provides for specific and precise control of each drive wheel independently of the other, by using two drive wheel control switches. The powered hand truck has a caster wheel actuation strut housing over the caster wheel end of the chassis. A storage rack and dolly may be installed upon a suitable transport vehicle for transporting the powered hand truck. The hand truck forks engage the storage rack dolly, with the dolly translating along the rack to allow the truck to be deployed from, or loaded onto, the transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Borntrager, James Borntrager
  • Publication number: 20120031706
    Abstract: Hand truck with a frame provided with a substantially vertical guide, two wheels which are situated near the bottom side of the guide and which are rotatable about a transverse shaft, a handle which is situated near the upper side of the guide, a lifting device comprising a lifting element which is displaceable along the guide and a lifting drive which is connected to the lifting element for displacing the lifting element, a motor for driving the wheels and a brake cooperating with the wheels for blocking the rotation of the wheels, in which a control device is provided which can be operated via the handle for switching the lifting drive and the motor on and off, characterized in that, in a lower driving position of the lifting element, the brake is released and, when the lifting element is moved from the lower driving position to a lifting position, the brake is engaged, in which case the wheels can be driven via the motor at a positioning speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Hermanus Cornelis Van Der Helm
  • Publication number: 20110243696
    Abstract: A powered hand truck comprises a vertically movable platform configured to raise and lower a weight of a full beer keg between a ground surface and a height of a truck loading surface. The powered hand truck may further comprise a motor configured to provide a force that enables the platform to be raised and lowered. A battery may be used to power the motor. In one embodiment, a chain and sprocket system may be used to transfer torque from the motor to a vertical force that enables controlled movement of the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Joe DiBenedetto
  • Patent number: 7976032
    Abstract: The pallet jack apparatus provides lateral fork adjustment between the two forks, each having a forwardly disposed pivoted wheel for added fork support. The lateral fork adjustment is controlled by the horizontal control lever on the stem. The lateral fork adjustment is via a motor with pinion gear which directly drives the first and second fork gears. The apparatus further provides height adjustment for the forks via the vertical control lever on the stem. The control levers are positioned within the handle interior of the oblong circular handle which guards against inadvertent control movements while providing superior leverage for positioning the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Diangelo S. Dockins, Stephanie Dockins
  • Publication number: 20100263967
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is designed to provide a means for placement and removal of conventional gas containing tanks such as oxygen tanks in various locations for usage or transport. The apparatus includes a transport carriage assembly with a plurality of wheels for moving thereof and a generally vertical beam with an angularly positioned reinforcing member for strengthening thereof. A parallel swing brace is pivotally connected to the vertical beam and extends outwardly therefrom. A tank retaining bracket assembly is secured to the outermost end of the parallel swing brace. Holding brackets and a foot plate are secured to the parallel swing braces and define a tank holding zone immediately thereadjacent. A strap secures the tank to the retaining bracket. A drive means is connected to the parallel swing brace to power movement thereof in a vertical direction either upwardly or downwardly as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Cielito B. Agoncillo, W. Brian McGinty, Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Patent number: 7810821
    Abstract: A pallet jack assembly includes a pallet jack having a frame assembly. An attachment includes a shell having a bottom wall and at least one side wall. The bottom wall and the at least one side wall define a storage cavity. The bottom wall is supported by the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Vestil Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Barry Trine, Robert A Link, Deryl T Webster, Matthew Clements, Ralph Trine
  • Patent number: 7744335
    Abstract: A pallet jack with a pallet engaging fork having separate and independently movable first and second fork arms connected to independently controlled and operable first and second fork arm elevating means, for lifting a pallet loaded with a stack of items so that when the stack of items leans and is out of balance one fork arm can be elevated higher than the other to compensate and restore balance to the stack of items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Tamara Cleary
  • Patent number: 7704035
    Abstract: The powered hand truck has a chassis supported at one end by a single axle with two independently operable drive wheels. A prime mover is provided generally medially on the chassis, driving the drive wheels and powering the forklift mechanism. An operator console extends from the end of the chassis opposite the wheels, with an operator platform extending beyond the base of the operator console. The forklift mechanism has a pantograph arrangement supported by a pivotally mounted column. The forklift mast remains parallel to the column at all times and includes a manually actuated upper extension. A storage rack and dolly may be installed upon a suitable transport vehicle for transporting the powered hand truck. The hand truck forks engage the storage rack dolly, with the dolly translating along the rack to allow the truck to be deployed from, or loaded onto, the transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: Steven Borntrager, James Borntrager
  • Publication number: 20100089703
    Abstract: A walkie/rider pallet truck is provided comprising a power unit; a set of forks associated with the power unit; a platform associated with the power unit and defining a location upon which an operator may stand; and a restraint system comprising a pivotable restraint structure. The restraint structure is movable to one of a walkie position, a rider-driving position and a quick-exit position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael P. Gallagher, Markus Graf, Franz Pöschl, Sultan Masoud Karimi, James V. Kraimer
  • Patent number: 7644806
    Abstract: Low lift truck, with a load part, which has a load carrying means and is coupled with a drive part via a lift cylinder arrangement and a bar linkage for load wheels of the load carrying means, a steered drive wheel, which forms with a drive motor a drive unit, which is rotatably bearing mounted around a vertical axis by the frame of the drive part, a drawbar, pivotable in the drive part around a horizontal and a vertical axis, which is in a driving connection with the drive unit, an hydraulic power pack for the hydraulic lift cylinder arrangement, and a battery casing, connected with the load part, whereby the drive motor is a wheel hub motor and the battery casing (34) is disposed above the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sebastian Huther
  • Patent number: 7610977
    Abstract: A lift truck is provided comprising: a power unit assembly comprising a power unit base, a wheel coupled to the base, and a system for driving the wheel; and a main frame assembly detachably connected to the power unit assembly. The main frame assembly comprises a main frame base, a mast assembly coupled to the main frame base, a carriage assembly coupled to the mast assembly, and hydraulic drive apparatus coupled to the mast assembly. Preferably, substantially the entirety of the hydraulic drive apparatus is provided on the main frame assembly such that the main frame assembly is detachable from the power unit assembly without requiring disconnecting hydraulic connections to the power unit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Leroy M. Kluver, Jay L. Kuck
  • Publication number: 20090183953
    Abstract: A motorized pallet jack comprises one or more motors that can propel the pallet jack and lift each of the tines. The pallet jack has three tines, and the center tine can be about 2 times the width of each of the left and right tines, though other widths of the center tine can also be implemented. Because the center tine is about twice the width of the left and right tines, two pallets, side-by-side, can be carried simultaneously with only three tines. A portion of the center tine (a right-most portion) and the right tine can have raised areas that enable an operator of the pallet jack to lift a right pallet that sits on the raised areas higher than the left pallet. The left pallet sits on the left tine and center tine without the raised areas (at a lower height). The operator of the pallet jack can place the left pallet in a first location without disengaging the tines from the right pallet, or without lowering the right pallet all the way to the ground (or a first location surface).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Coca-Cola Bottling Co.United, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Charles Ellington
  • Publication number: 20090020369
    Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly kit composed of quickly easily interchangeable modular components that can be reconfigured in a number of different ways into a number of different versions of a self supporting frame on wheels to form a multimode and multifunction implement carrier. The purpose is: i) to take advantage of a number of different propulsion means, and ii) to accommodate more suitably a wider range of dependent attached small equipment implements than are presently possible on current known related versions of machines referred to as implement carriers, for example utility tractors, front end loader machines and hydraulic boom excavators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Christopher Warachka
  • Patent number: 7478704
    Abstract: A wheeled cart includes a lift platform mounted for vertical movement on a frame, an actuating system for effecting movement of the platform, a brake system acting against a wheel to prevent movement of the cart, a tank containing compressed air and an air conduit system for directing compressed air to the actuating system and the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Clyde M. Church
  • Publication number: 20080164101
    Abstract: A lift has two tines that project forward and are movable up-and-down to raise and lower pallets and skids. Two outriggers are pivotal between a stored position and a deployed position, and the outriggers project forward in the deployed position to stabilize the lift when the tines are elevated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: BISHAMON INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert M. Stone
  • Patent number: 7325655
    Abstract: A steering arm for a walking/rider pallet truck, the truck having a housing with an upper side and the steering arm having a steering rod which is linked to the upper side of the housing with one end, and carries a steering head at the other end. The steering head includes actuation elements for the control of functions of the pallet truck, the steering rod having an upper surface and lateral surfaces which join to the upper surface, at least the lateral surfaces being covered by a cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Lohmann, Matthias Roder
  • Patent number: 7314116
    Abstract: A walkie/rider truck which has a platform at the rear of the truck body and a holding bar to be grasped by one hand of the operator standing on the platform. A switch box is attached to the holding bar and houses at least one key switch in order to switch the driving control means into a creeping mode. This switch is also provided to switch a driving control means into a fast travel mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernd David, Dietrich Vahldiek
  • Patent number: 7237645
    Abstract: A steering arm for a walkie/rider truck which has a truck body, a driving motor and load bearing means, a platform for the operator and a steering rod. Button portions extend adjacent both lateral surfaces of the horn of a steering above the grip portions and extend approximately parallel to the lateral surfaces and are supported for pivoting movement approximately about horizontal axes. The button portions are arranged such that they can be actuated by the thumb or the index finger of the hand engaging the associated grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Jungheinrich AG
    Inventors: Helmut Lohmann, Michael Niebuhr
  • Patent number: 7128188
    Abstract: A lifting truck such as a forklift truck which can be provided with a supply container which is especially easy to build. To this end, space is made on a carrier between a lifting device for the lifting platform of the forklift truck, a pump and two U-shaped guards. The supply container is arranged in this space. Since it lies there protected, there is no danger of impact-like stresses so that the supply container can be made of a relatively light-weight plastic, a feature that significantly simplifies both the production and also the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Franz Kahl GmbH
    Inventor: Alwin Seidlhuber
  • Patent number: 6766882
    Abstract: Low-lifting floor conveyor truck, in which in a driving unit a driving wheel as well as a driving motor for the driving wheel are mounted and a steering appliance for the driving wheel, which is rotatable around a vertical axis, and at least one lifting cylinder are disposed, and in which further two parallel load arms are attached on a load unit, each of which being provided on the front end with one load wheel which on its part is beared in a rocker arm, the lifting cylinder acting upon the load unit and a linkage transmission is disposed between the driving unit and the rocker arm, which according to a lifting path of the lifting unit adjusts the rocker arm in height with respect to the load arms, and by doing this the load wheels also, a bearing component being linked to the upper end of the lifting cylinder, which is connected with the load unit via a screwed connection, the screwed connection in its detached state allowing for a limited relative displacement of bearing component and load unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmut Lohmann
  • Publication number: 20030221914
    Abstract: A portable lift system for transporting and installing electronic systems within a rack system having a lockable rolling support structure including an upright mast, a base and a telescoping support carriage or shelf. The base has first and second telescoping support members which are integrally formed with lockable wheel castors for multi-directional rolling contact with a variety of rolling contact surfaces. The telescopic support members are stabilized by an integrally attached coupler for enabling simultaneous rolling and telescopic motion of the base in a direction perpendicular with respect to a base portion of the mast. The base also includes a lifting assembly which has a carriage connector, at least one motor, a motor support member and a line dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Paul L. Smith, Michael P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030213651
    Abstract: Low-lifting floor conveyor truck, in which in a driving unit a driving wheel as well as a driving motor for the driving wheel are mounted and a steering appliance for the driving wheel, which is rotatable around a vertical axis, and at least one lifting cylinder are disposed, and in which further two parallel load arms are attached on a load unit, each of which being provided on the front end with one load wheel which on its part is beared in a rocker arm, the lifting cylinder acting upon the load unit and a linkage transmission is disposed between the driving unit and the rocker arm, which according to a lifting path of the lifting unit adjusts the rocker arm in height with respect to the load arms, and by doing this the load wheels also, a bearing component being linked to the upper end of the lifting cylinder, which is connected with the load unit via a screwed connection, the screwed connection in its detached state allowing for a limited relative displacement of bearing component and load unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Helmut Lohmann
  • Publication number: 20030205433
    Abstract: A transport lift (10) has a base (12) and two spaced-apart legs (30, 32) are slidingly mounted on the base for movement toward and away from each other. Wheels (34, 36, 38) support the base and legs for rolling movement. Leg motor drive means (62) operate to drive the two spaced-apart legs toward and away from each other to vary the straddle spacing between the legs. A lift column (14) extends generally vertically from the base. Lift drive means (16) are associated with the lift column for driving an end effectuator (18) along the lift column, the end of effectuator adapted for engaging a load. A programmable controller (90) operates the lift drive means to position the end effectuator at at least one predetermined height position on the lift column. The controller is adapted for storing a plurality of height adjustments as sequential steps, and the controller operates the lift drive means to place the end effectuator sequentially at the sequence of predetermined height positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Earl L Hagman
  • Patent number: 6382359
    Abstract: A hand/co-traveller lift truck with a steering column, with a standing platform as a standing space for a co-travelling person and with a holding bar which extends essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the lift truck and which is arranged between the steering column and load region, said holding bar being for the co-travelling person, in particular for firmly holding onto during the driving operation, and on which there is provided a switch means for controlling the truck functions, wherein the switch means comprises at least one switch box which is arranged outside the middle longitudinal axis of the lift truck on the holding bar, in particular for operation by the co-travelling person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmut Lohmann
  • Patent number: 6343674
    Abstract: A multi-terrain vertical lift transporter for lifting and transporting loads over various soil conditions and terrain. The lift transporter has a laterally adjustable wheel base to allow it to accommodate loads of varying widths. Further, the lift transporter does not require a counter-weight as the center of gravity of the load is substantially within the wheel base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Hugh Sexsmith
  • Patent number: 6241047
    Abstract: A personnel carrying vehicle comprises a self propelled, steerable body, a telescoping mast attached to and extending upwardly from the body, and a personnel compartment attached to the mast. Two control handles are mounted within the personnel compartment, with one handle including a rocker mechanism mounted therein for pivotal movement within a generally horizontal plane to control steering and the other handle being rotated to controlling traction. Sensors ensure that the operator's hands are on both control handles and both feet are properly positioned on a floor of the operator's compartment before the vehicle can be moved or the platform raised; this ensures a four point stance, providing for operator stability and that the operator's hands and feet are within the operator's compartment anytime the vehicle is being moved or during lifting or lowering operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Gilliland, Bradley A. Burns, Joseph H. Knapschaefer, John F. McClusky, Leif A. Norland, Daniel L. Sherman, David B. Smith, Harold A. Stammen, Robert J. Stauffer, Ronald A. Grisez, William J. Heidemann, Matthew P. Ranly, Thomas W. Linn, Ned E. Dammeyer, Pieter C. Kruithof, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6199665
    Abstract: Each straddle arm of a lift truck is formed from a cylindrical section of steel pipe or tubing which is continuous in its circumference, to evenly distribute the torque which is transferred from a forwardly extending portion of the straddle arm to a mast assembly of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Eilerman, Robert J. Henshaw, Patrick A. Tebbe
  • Patent number: 6125971
    Abstract: A forklift truck which includes a chassis (10) and a housing (12). Two parallel spaced wheel arms are attached to the chassis. The housing includes a battery-operated driving motor as well as a hydraulic lift. A pole (16) including control means for the control of said motor and said hydraulic lift is connected to a stand (203), the stand being rotatably mounted about a vertical axis and connected to a driving wheel (202). A monomast (20) is arranged centrally between the wheel arms and integral with the housing, the monomast have front and back sides, the back side facing the pole. A carriage (22) for a load fork is attached to the hydraulic lift. A box-shaped cover is attached to the back side of the monomast, and the pole is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the monomast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Niebuhr, Hans-Peter Schmohl, Heinz Schalmath
  • Patent number: 6035972
    Abstract: A portable lift table is described having a wheeled frame, a table with a workpiece support surface, and elevating means for selectively raising and lowering the table. The workpiece support surface may be positioned at two different heights relative to the elevating means. The table can be raised to a height greater than that of the mast of the apparatus. The lift table is useful for carrying a workpiece from the floor to a workbench or from low bench (or grinder) to workstation height. The table also preferably includes a roll gate to prevent objects from rolling off the end of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: John M. Beattie
  • Patent number: 6021869
    Abstract: A lift truck, especially for use in air cargo handling, includes a drive part having at least one driving wheel and a load part guided at the drive part and having at least one roller. Two lifting devices are operable in sequence. The lifting devices each set a height of the load part relative to the drive part in a respective lifting stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: ICE Cargo Equipment Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Horst Fischer
  • Patent number: 5992572
    Abstract: A personnel carrying vehicle comprising a self propelled, steerable body, a telescoping mast attached to and extending upwardly from said body, and a personnel compartment attached to the mast and provided with a rail member that extends from the mast and around the sides. A pair of gate members, which are pivotally attached to the rail member and to the floor of the compartment, are movable from a closed position to an open position wherein said gate members extend into the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Gilliland, Thomas L. Bidwell, Eugene G. Bruns, Bradley A. Burns, Joseph H. Knapschaefer, John F. McClusky, Lief A. Norland, Daniel L. Sherman, David B. Smith, Harold A. Stammen, Robert J. Stauffer, Donald E. Luebrecht, Ronald A. Grisez, William J. Heidemann
  • Patent number: 5938710
    Abstract: An industrial truck, in particular a counterbalanced front-forklift truck, is provided which can be operated both manually and automatically and has a fork to handle pallets and loads located thereon. The forklift truck is equipped for automatic operation with a control system which can be brought into active connection with the vehicle drive system, the vehicle steering system, the vehicle braking system or the movement control system for the fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignees: Fiat Om Carrelli Elevatori S.p.A., Consorzio Telerobot
    Inventors: Fabrizio Lanza, Guido Livon, Stefano Masciangelo, Marco Ilic, Paolo Bassino, Giovanni Garibotto
  • Patent number: 5918703
    Abstract: A low-lifting industrial truck with a driving unit having two wheels and two jibs protruding from a front thereof. The jibs are attached to a vertical frame (5), which is vertically movable in relation to the driving unit by means of a hydraulic cylinder (8). The frame (5) is connected, through links (11, 12), to a cradle (10) included in the driving unit (1), the cradle is connected, by a hinge (15), to a cross bar (16) which, at opposite ends, is, through steering pins, connected to side stands (17, 17') being supported by drivable wheels (2, 2') which are rotatably mounted in bearings. The jib having a rolling device with vertically acting hydraulic cylinders which allow each individual jib to be raised and lowered in relation to the rolling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Sven Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 5871069
    Abstract: A power option is provided for a manually-operated material lift that employs a telescoping mast system which is extended or retracted by a winch. In one embodiment a reversible electric motor is connected to the winch via two-way reduction gearing that remains in the drive train during manual operation and requires no clutches or disconnect means. In a second embodiment a crankshaft that operates the winch is provided with slide couplings that either engage the manual operating handles or release the handles and engage the motorized drive. The power option is initiated by selecting the position of a reversing switch that controls the motor, and closing an on/off switch which energizes the motor for rotation in the selected direction. When the on/off switch is open, the lift may be manually operated in the conventional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Richard A. Carmitchel
  • Patent number: 5862885
    Abstract: A power option is provided for a manually-operated material lift that employs a telescoping mast system which is extended or retracted by a winch. A reversible electric motor is connected to the winch via two-way reduction gearing that remains in the drive train during manual operation and requires no clutches or disconnect means. The power option is initiated by selecting the position of a reversing switch that controls the motor, and closing an on/off switch which energizes the motor for rotation in the selected direction. When the on/off switch is open, the lift may be manually operated in the conventional manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Richard A. Carmitchel
  • Patent number: 5848668
    Abstract: A method, device and system are provided that is a portable lifting system for easy movement of moderately heavy items, including a base member, a vertical support member connected to the base member and a load member slideably connected along the vertical support member. The system is typically small in size, allowing for ease of loading, lifting, transporting and unloading of moderately heavy objects of 25 to 100 pounds. The system is typically used in enclosed areas such as an office, home, workshop, garage or basement. The actual load member varies depending upon the type of load being lifted. A common type connector is used allowing interchangeability between the various load members. The system can further include a mechanical advantage member including a screw or a motor to control load member height. The mechanical advantage member may be controlled manually, or electronically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: EZ Life Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Kafrissen, Robert F. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 5820330
    Abstract: A transport appliance (10) to be actuated manually serves for handling large-volume reels (11) of packaging material. This transport appliance (10) is equipped with a lifting mechanism (23) which in each case grasps a reel (11) with vertical positioning, specifically by means of carrier rods (24, 25) on the cylindrical circumferential surface. The lifting mechanism (23) is operated hydraulically by means of a vertical hydraulic cylinder (33) which is supplied with oil via a hydraulic pump (38) to be operated by hand, in order to raise the carrier rods (24, 25) together with the reel (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Johann Koster, Hugo Mutschall
  • Patent number: 5752584
    Abstract: An improved pallet truck, having an extended length pair of forks capable of supporting multiple, side-by-side, pallets which may be raised well above the floor to assist an operator in an order selection operation, includes a first fork lifting mechanism connected to one end of a pair of primary forks. A pair of load wheels are mounted on levers at a other end of the forks and are mechanically connected to the first fork lifting mechanism which causes the other end of the primary forks to be raised from a lower level to an upper level simultaneously with the raising of the first end thereby to maintain the primary forks level while lifting the maximum capacity of the truck. A pair of secondary forks are mounted above the primary forks and are movable from a nested position with respect to the first forks to a raised position by a second fork lifting mechanism carried by the primary forks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel C. Magoto, Gerald R. Metzger