Having Specific Load Support Structure (e.g., Forks) Patents (Class 187/237)
  • Patent number: 11462891
    Abstract: Apparatus adapted for use with an existing wire tugger includes a primary frame, a slide frame configured to receive the wire tugger, and a jack that causes the slide frame and existing wire tugger to move up and down, thereby enabling a user to position the upper end adapter of the existing wire tugger proximate to an overhead wire pull location. The system enables the existing wire puller to be transported and physically oriented to address a broader range of overhead wire pulling applications on jobsites. A wheeled cart facilitates traversing throughout jobs and vertical wire-puller mounting, thereby mitigating space constraints while allowing for easier set-up and a broader range of uses. Various interchangeable end adapters facilitate temporary coupling and stabilization with respect to different conduit sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Trio Electric, LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Carder, Jarrod Pollock
  • Patent number: 11414311
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck comprising a mast, a load-carrying apparatus, which can be moved upwards and downwards thereon and which has at least one load-receiving assembly for receiving a load that is to be transported, and a support structure connecting the load-receiving assembly to the mast, the load-receiving assembly having a load-carrying arrangement connected to the support structure, and a device for reducing vibrations, characterised in that the device for reducing vibrations has at least one load support, which covers the load-carrying arrangement at the top at least in regions, on which support a load received by the load-carrying apparatus can be supported and which support is provided so as to be movable to a limited extent on the load-carrying arrangement such that it can perform vibration-reducing movements relative to the load-carrying arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: JUNGHEINRICH AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Carsten Schöttke, Ernst-Peter Magens, Jürgen Schmalzl, Hubert Bibernell
  • Patent number: 10870563
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck comprising a mast, a load-carrying apparatus, which can be moved upwards and downwards thereon and which has at least one load-receiving assembly for receiving a load that is to be transported, and a support structure connecting the load-receiving assembly to the mast, the load-receiving assembly having a load-carrying arrangement connected to the support structure, and a device for reducing vibrations, characterised in that the device for reducing vibrations has at least one load support, which covers the load-carrying arrangement at the top at least in regions, on which support a load received by the load-carrying apparatus can be supported and which support is provided so as to be movable to a limited extent on the load-carrying arrangement such that it can perform vibration-reducing movements relative to the load-carrying arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: JUNGHEINRICH AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Carsten Schöttke, Ernst-Peter Magens, Jürgen Schmalzl, Hubert Bibernell
  • Patent number: 10040675
    Abstract: A carriage assembly is provided, which is adapted to be movably coupled to a mast assembly of a materials handling vehicle. The carriage assembly comprises a lifting carriage comprising a lifting carriage upper member including structure for laterally shifting a fork carriage. The fork carriage is mounted on the lifting carriage upper member and comprises fork carriage upper and lower members and fork carriage first and second side members, wherein the upper and lower members are coupled to the fork carriage first and second side members. The upper member comprises a fork-supporting bar having an outer fork-receiving hook and a reinforcement bar mounted to a first side of the fork-supporting bar opposite a second side near the fork-receiving hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Jay L. Kuck, Steven E. Koenig, Patrick H. Wenning
  • Patent number: 9908761
    Abstract: A fork tine assembly includes a tine having a support surface and an inner surface. A lift rail is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The lift rail provides a lift rail support surface higher than the upper surface of the tine when the lift rail is in the deployed position. The lift rail is not an innermost surface of the tine assembly when the lift rail is in the retracted position and when the lift rail is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Philip A. King
  • Patent number: 9840350
    Abstract: The present application discloses a pallet truck backrest assembly for handling half-size pallets. A first half-size pallet support is pivotally coupled to a backrest of the backrest assembly at a first height and a second half-size pallet support is pivotally coupled to the backrest at a second height with the second height being less than the first height. The half-size pallet supports pivot between first positions against the backrest and second positions extending over the forks of the pallet truck to accommodate half-size pallets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Moran, Brad A. Halbert, David A. Hickman
  • Patent number: 9192967
    Abstract: A compact, modular and fully integrateable apparatus for recycling volatile cleaning solvents which can be utilized independently as a stand-alone recycler unit in conjunction with any typical parts washer apparatus (e.g., sink-on-a-drum or immersion type units) in common use. The core modular recycler component can also be fully integrated with a wash basin component and a docking base that is specifically designed to be docked to standard drums containing cleaning solvent, thereby providing a fully integrated recycler/parts washer apparatus that has a significantly reduced footprint. The core modular recycler component includes an outer housing surrounding a distillation chamber with heaters, a condenser and cooling fan, a vacuum/fluid pump, a clean distillate reservoir and a residue discharge port. Periodically, during continuous recycling operations, batches (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: SystemOne Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos R. Suarez, Christopher Hiatt
  • Patent number: 8944218
    Abstract: A pallet fork includes a frame having a top support tube and a bottom support tube between opposing end plates. A fork bar and a carriage plate are supported by the frame. A fork tine is mounted to the fork bar via a slotted tube. The fork tine includes a vertical leg and a horizontal leg. The slotted tube is at an upper portion of the vertical leg. A locking plate is provided on the top support tube. An upper locking member selectively inserted through a slot in the slotted tube and through one of a plurality of notches to engage the vertical leg of the fork tine with the locking plate and restrict lateral motion of the fork tine. The upper locking member has a head portion with an open point that rests on a top surface of the top support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Peschel, Andrew L. Vering, Jimmy L. Stewart, Ryan P. Shea
  • Publication number: 20140374193
    Abstract: Disclosed is a manually length-adjustable fork for a lifting device such as a forklift truck, a forklift truck provided therewith, and a method therefor. The fork includes a fixed fork part; an adjustable fork part displaceable relative to the fixed fork part and provided from a tubular profile which is for a large part open on the side facing downward during use; and a locking mechanism connected to the fixed fork part and provided with a locking catch, a spring mechanism and a fastener accessible from an underside for manual operation of the locking catch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Hendrik Meijer, Joris Van De Wal
  • Publication number: 20140326543
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided including a vehicle power unit, a monomast coupled to the vehicle power unit, and a fork carriage apparatus supported on the monomast. The fork carriage apparatus includes a mast carriage assembly directly coupled to the monomast for vertical movement, a fork carriage mechanism to which forks are mounted, and a reach mechanism coupled to the mast carriage assembly and to the fork carriage mechanism for actuating the fork carriage mechanism to move between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Jay L. Kuck, Lee M. Wente
  • Publication number: 20140262627
    Abstract: A boom accessory for a fork truck comprises a frame having a back stiffener, a convertiplate attached to the back stiffener, receiver tubes for receiving forks of a fork truck, a boom extending forwardly from the frame, and an anchor assembly on the frame. Top and bottom connectors are configured to securely engage cross bars on the fork truck's carriage. The anchor restrains the boom frame from horizontally sliding off the forks when the forks are used for lifting. The anchor can be left on when the top and bottom connectors are used for lifting the boom accessory, or can be removed. The anchor attaches to either the back stiffener or the convertiplate, or can be taken off and stored on the boom apparatus, thus providing different attachment mechanisms for attaching the boom accessory to a fork truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: David E. Balcom
  • Publication number: 20140262550
    Abstract: A forklift scale to measure a load carried by a pair of forks of a forklift that includes a fork carriage to movably position the forks. The forklift scale includes a pair of load cells that are configured to mount to the fork carriage independent of each other and to removably receive a respective fork of the forklift. Each load cell includes a structural arrangement that couples the respective fork to the fork carriage during operation such that an entirety of the load carried by the forks during operation is transmitted to the carriage via the pair of load cells. Other related forklift scales, load cells thereof and methods of measuring a forklift load are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Larry D. Santi
  • Publication number: 20140246272
    Abstract: A method for producing a fork arm (18) for load-carrying devices, said fork comprising a fork blade (5) which is substantially horizontal in the operating position, and a substantially vertical fork back (20) that connects via a fork bend (19) to said fork blade and is provided with connection elements (2, 3) for the conveying device, wherein the fork arm consists of a plurality of parts (1; 2, 4, 8, 9, 11; 18?, 12 to 17) that are connected to one another, at least a number of said parts are welded to one another, and parts (1; 2, 4, 8, 9, 11; 18?, 12 to 17) of the fork arm are welded to one another by electron beam welding and/or laser welding, wherein the weld penetrates planarly with a depth of at least 15 mm between adjoining surfaces of the parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Philipp Szlezak
  • Publication number: 20140224588
    Abstract: A device 1 includes a carrying body for carrying a load. The carrying body includes a first wall 3 which receives the load and an opposite second wall 2. Between the first wall and the second wall is a space in which a force sensor is provided. A part of the force sensor 4 is coupled to the second wall 2 and the other part of the force sensor extends beyond an edge of the second wall 2 so that the force sensor has some freedom to bend. An at least partially bendable force transmission body 5 is fixed to the first wall 3 and extends in a cavity 6 in the other part of the force sensor. Owing to the force transmission body 5 the force sensor is loaded only in a direction to which the force sensor is tuned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: RAVAS EUROPE B.V.
    Inventor: Henri, Peter, Maria Van Seumeren
  • Publication number: 20140224589
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a lifter for a material-handling truck, in particular, a fork (1) for an industrial truck, comprising at least one fork arm having a shank (2) and a blade attached to the shank, a folding shoe (6) being pivotal on the free outer end of the blade (3) opposite the shank (2) in such a way that pivoting of the fork shoe (6) proceeds reliably whenever forces occur that have a component toward the blade, thereby preventing the load from being damaged and eliminating the possibility of damage, including environmental damage and injury to personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Arnold Vetter, David Lueckhof
  • Publication number: 20140166405
    Abstract: A material handling system for supporting and retaining a cylindrical object being transported, such as on the forks of a lift truck. Each support includes a backplane having a curved or wedge-shaped portion on opposing ends. The resilient material of the support or cradle conforms to a range of diameters to retain the position of the object on the forks, as well as to displace the weight of the object over a extended area. Straps may be used to further bind the object to the lifting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald Bow, D. Keith Bow
  • Publication number: 20140133953
    Abstract: An industrial truck battery assembly includes a case that defines an upper opening that is covered by a lid. The lid defines at least one lift truck fork pocket and is assembled to the housing to span the upper opening. A method is disclosed for providing a plurality of charged batteries on a trailer to a facility that uses batteries for a plurality of industrial trucks. The batteries on the trailer are charged out-of-doors at a remote charging location and the trailer with the charged batteries is returned to the facility. The battery charging facility may comprise a plurality of battery chargers disposed inside a van trailer. A tine for the battery assembly has a distal end that includes a stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Energy Products Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt H. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140116809
    Abstract: A container transportation forklift includes a main body. The main body is configured with a roller guidance alignment device configured to guide a container to enter a limiting position of the container transportation forklift. The rollers in the roller guidance alignment device can rotate and have an automatic guidance function. The container transportation forklift does not need to be completely aligned with the container resulting in shorter regulation time, and increased transportation efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zenghong Chen, Chunhao Wu, Kunhsien Lin, Minghu Qi, Zhenhua Guo, Weibing Yang
  • 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: 8591165
    Abstract: A material handling vehicle, such as an AGV, for loading and unloading a transport and wherein the vehicle includes a pair of freely floating forks. The forks are freely moveable in the vertical direction as well as capable of pivoting or tilting about an axis relative to a fork carriage, however when a load is applied, the forks are locked are prevented from such free floating movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventor: Gerald E. Chilson
  • Patent number: 8585344
    Abstract: An adjustable width pallet and product protector for a lift truck having a first outer L-shaped fork, a first inner L-shaped fork, a second outer L-shaped fork, and a second inner L-shaped fork. The protector can include a first horizontally elongated plate, a second horizontally elongated plate disposed rearwardly of the first horizontally elongated plate, a first outer mounting plate disposed rearwardly of and coupled to the first horizontally elongated plate, a first inner mounting plate disposed rearwardly of and slidably coupled to the first horizontally elongated plate, a second outer mounting plate disposed rearwardly of and coupled to the second horizontally elongated plate, and a second inner mounting plate disposed rearwardly of and slidably coupled to the second horizontally elongated plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Geoffrey R. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20130284541
    Abstract: A boom accessory for a fork truck comprises a frame having receiver tubes for receiving forks of a fork truck, a boom extending forwardly from the frame, and a frame-to-carriage anchor assembly on the frame. The frame-to-carriage anchor assembly includes a carriage-attaching subassembly with top and bottom connectors for securely engaging mating structure on the fork truck's carriage, and includes a vertically-slidable anchor between the carriage-attaching subassembly and the frame to restrain the frame horizontally from sliding forwardly off the forks. By this arrangement, the forks can lift a weight of the frame, boom, and boom-carried load without stressing the anchor assembly, but can provide a substantial and secure horizontal retaining force prevent the boom accessory from sliding forward off the forks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: David E. Balcom
  • Publication number: 20130277151
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an innovative anti-scratch and anti-slip device (1) for realizing the lifting of a load with the fork (10) of a lift, for example a fork lift. The device is realized through the overlapping of three different layers. In particular, a first magnetic layer (2) is included so as to result magnetically applicable to the fork. A second external layer (4) covers the first layer (2) and is realized of a rubber material since it has to be in contact directly with the load. The rubber guarantees seal and does not scratch the load. Last, the third layer is an intermediate metallic layer (3), interposed between the first (2) and the second layers (4) so as to duly stiffen the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Mirco Giannetti
  • Patent number: 8545161
    Abstract: An unloading vehicle for the rotary unloading of a container, able to be covered by a fixed cover, which has a container base with two fork pockets, with a frame on which a carrier, provided with a pair of fork prongs, is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis running horizontally and parallel to the fork prongs. In order to be able to handle not only the container but also its cover by an unloading vehicle, a further carrier is provided above the rotatably arranged carrier, which is provided with a receiving arrangement for taking hold of the cover of the container, and is vertically adjustable and/or able to be swiveled up and down with respect to the framed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Peter Wanek-Pusset, Bernhard Grentner
  • Patent number: 8528700
    Abstract: An industrial truck (1) has a lifting device (9) including a movable load bearing implement (11) having a fork-shaped load handling attachment (14) and a towing device (20). The load handling attachment (14) has at least one load segment (14b) which is mounted so that it can be pivoted around an essentially horizontal pivoting axis (15). In one embodiment of the invention, the towing device (20) is located in the vicinity of the lifting device (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Still SAS
    Inventors: Albert Gobyn, Frank Schepp, Udo Supp
  • Publication number: 20130202400
    Abstract: A pallet truck adapter having side by side shoes for fitting over pallet supporting tines, in which the shoes are of different heights. This facilitates locating one pallet on the higher shoe, lifting it slightly off of the supporting surface, and then moving to and lifting another pallet on the lower shoe. The adjacent pallets can then be moved together and off loaded at different locations, unloading the pallet on the lower shoe first, and the pallet on the higher shoe thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: MAGLINE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Richard, John C. Belotti
  • Patent number: 8434598
    Abstract: A carpet pole carriage assembly for a lift truck includes a carriage having a front plate and a back plate. The front plate includes a carpet pole receiving opening. A carpet pole retainer is carried on the carriage. A carpet pole retainer includes a first section secured to the front plate about the carpet pole receiving opening and a second section secured to the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Clark Material Handling Company
    Inventor: Clark C. Simpson
  • Patent number: 8433469
    Abstract: A propulsion drive system is operated by a controller to propel an industrial vehicle along a path in an unmanned mode. An autonomous processor module sends commands to the vehicle controller in response to messages received via a communication network from a guidance and navigation system. The guidance and navigation system transmits a message over the communication network, wherein that message contains a first numerical value specifying the velocity and a second numerical value specifying an amount that the propulsion drive system is to turn a wheel of the industrial vehicle. The message also specifies a maximum speed limit and indicators commanding that a load carried by the industrial vehicle be raised and lowered. The autonomous processor module transmits a feedback message indicate actual vehicle operating parameters to the guidance and navigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Dean S. Harvey, Stephen L. Page, Richard M. Day
  • Publication number: 20130092478
    Abstract: A pallet fork includes a frame having a top support tube and a bottom support tube between opposing end plates. A fork bar and a carriage plate are supported by the frame. A fork tine is mounted to the fork bar via a slotted tube. The fork tine includes a vertical leg and a horizontal leg. The slotted tube is at an upper portion of the vertical leg. A locking plate is provided on the top support tube. An upper locking member selectively inserted through a slot in the slotted tube and through one of a plurality of notches to engage the vertical leg of the fork tine with the locking plate and restrict lateral motion of the fork tine. The upper locking member has a head portion with an open point that rests on a top surface of the top support tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Peschel, Andrew L. Vering, Jimmy L. Stewart, Ryan P. Shea
  • Patent number: 8353388
    Abstract: A 3-point suspension forklift scale adapted for quick and easy attachment/detachment to/from a forklift—without the need for leveling or other pre-operation setup procedures. Further, due to the single lower reaction point of the forklift scale, there is no concern that the initially installed position of the forklift scale will change during use as a result of a loose adjuster, repositioning due to impact, etc. The forklift scale is designed to accurately determine the weight of a load placed on the forks or other lifting elements of the forklift, regardless of the position of the load thereon. Preferably, a forklift scale of the present invention includes a central viewing window that allows an operator see through the forklift scale when operating an associated forklift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas S. Rice, Ben T. Siefker, Mitchell A. Tobias, Darin E. Foley
  • Publication number: 20120211308
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fork for handling equipment, comprising: a fork arm extending along an arm axis (B), and a trigger (22) mounted on the fork arm such that it can rotate between inoperative and operative positions. The trigger comprises a distal trigger end (26) which, in the inoperative position, defines the distal end of the fork and the trigger is configured such that, when a pressure (FR) is exerted on the distal trigger end along the arm axis (B) in the direction of the fork arm, the trigger tilts from the inoperative position to the operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Issartel
  • Publication number: 20120132485
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a power unit, a mast assembly and a fluid supply system. The mast assembly is coupled to the power unit. The mast assembly comprises a weldment, a movable element and a ram/cylinder assembly coupled to the movable element to effect movement of the element. The fluid supply system includes manifold apparatus and at least one fluid line coupled to the manifold apparatus and the ram/cylinder assembly. The manifold apparatus provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ram/cylinder assembly via the fluid line to raise the movable element. The manifold apparatus is mounted to the mast assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Craig J. Rekow, Ryan R. Berger, Thornton K. Lothrop, Roger J. Quinlan, JR., William C. Jones, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120111669
    Abstract: This invention includes a screw shaft 1, a screw thread 30 formed spirally on an outer periphery of the screw shaft, main rollers 4 with rolling surfaces 4c each of which comes into contact with a flank surface 1a of the thread, the main rollers each rolling along the flank surface by rotating about a rotational axis D, roller support members 6 each supporting one main roller so as to enable the main roller to rotate about the rotational axis, and a roller cage 2 supporting the roller support member so as to enable the support member to oscillate with respect to a force transmitted from the flank surface via the rolling surface to the main roller, the roller cage being constructed to turn about the screw shaft in relative form with respect to the screw shaft when the main roller rolls. Thus, the roller and the screw shaft reliably come into linear contact with each other, even if a backlash due to dimensional errors between parts exists between the parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Isao Hayase, Kenji Hiraku, Hiroyuki Yamada, Masami Ochiai, Yuichi Yanagi
  • Publication number: 20120097483
    Abstract: A pallet positioning bar adapted to reposition a loaded pallet, the pallet positioning bar having a main body with a face member, a pair of fork members and a lifting flange connected to the face member at or near the top, wherein the fork members are adapted to be manually inserted into the loaded pallet with the main body flush against one side of the pallet, such that the fork tips of a forklift or handtruck can be abutted against the face member beneath the lifting flange, then lifted to raise and tilt the pallet positioning bar and the loaded pallet, enabling the loaded pallet to be repositioned by pushing against the face member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Charles E. Henry
  • Patent number: 8162107
    Abstract: The invention relates to a load suspension means for a lifting apparatus (11), which can be fitted on a lifting column (16) of the lifting apparatus (11) and has a transverse support (24) and at least one load suspension element (26) which is arranged thereon and is provided in a manner such that it can be displaced along the transverse support (24) for adjustment to a load suspension point on an object to be raised, wherein, for adjustment to the load suspension point, the at least one load suspension element (26) can be transferred by a pivoting movement, which is delimited by a lift-off safeguard (56), from and into a secured load suspension position without a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Gerhard Finkbeiner
  • Publication number: 20110308889
    Abstract: A lift truck that includes a motorized mover and a front end assembly movably coupled to the motorized mover. The front end assembly is positionable in a safety configuration and a working configuration. The front end assembly includes at least one vertical member having a bottom end and a top end and at least one horizontal member having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the bottom end and is moveable between a safety configuration and a working configuration. When the front end assembly is positioned in the working configuration, the horizontal member is oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the vertical member and extends in a direction away from the motorized mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Walter D. Hall
  • Patent number: 8075244
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Charles Ellington
  • Publication number: 20110226556
    Abstract: A boom apparatus is provided for a fork truck having an elevator frame, a carriage movable via the elevator frame, and fork-supporting transverse members on the carriage. The apparatus includes a boom mount mechanically attached to the transverse members, and a boom mechanically attached to the boom mount. The boom mount includes a vertical plate, and top and bottom braces forming opposing hooks for engaging the transverse members. The top brace also includes a narrow section with horizontal hole that aligns with holes in brackets on the boom. A lock pin extends through the aligned holes to lock the boom to the mount. The mount includes a bottom T pin that fits into a slot at the boom's bottom to secure the boom in a vertical orientation on the mount. By this arrangement, the boom and boom mount can be securely and easily attached to a fork truck without welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: DAVID E. BALCOM
  • Patent number: 7988405
    Abstract: A pallet jack is disclosed that comprises a left tine, center tine, and a right tine. The center tine is 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. According to another embodiment of the pallet jack, 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). Thus, 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Stanley Charles Ellington
  • Publication number: 20110176905
    Abstract: An implement for transfer of long pieces. At least two casings are fitted in a frame of the implement. Inside the casings ends of the long pieces bound in a bundle can be inserted. The ends of the pieces are supported to the casings when the piece is lifted, and the casings lift all the pieces with them. Mounting units are fitted in the frame for mounting to a transfer device for moving the implement and for transferring the pieces. A system includes a transfer device, on which the implement is mounted; and at least one bundle of long pieces bound to each other. Placement, shape and dimensions of the pieces substantially corresponds to placement, shape and dimensions of the casings such that the ends of the pieces can be inserted into the casings of the implement for the transfer of the bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Oy Meclift Ltd.
    Inventor: Olavi Savolainen
  • 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: 20110139546
    Abstract: The invention relates to hydraulic system for an double stacker truck comprising a pump for providing hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic system and a first hydraulic lifting cylinder for moving a first load carriage and a second hydraulic lifting cylinder for moving a second load carriage of the truck, the hydraulic lifting system is characterized in a flow divider for dividing the flow of hydraulic fluid between the first and the second hydraulic cylinder and a first directional valve which is arranged open in a first direction for leading hydraulic fluid to the first lifting cylinder or to open in a second direction for leading hydraulic fluid to the second hydraulic cylinder. The invention also relates to a double stacker truck comprising a hydraulic system for moving the load carriages of the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: BT Products AB
    Inventor: Lena Look
  • Publication number: 20110120807
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck comprising a first mast comprising two uprights and a first and a second load carriage arranged to be independently moved in the vertical direction wherein a second mast is arranged between the uprights of the first mast and that the first load carriage is arranged to be moved along the first mast and the second load carriage is arranged to be moved along the second mast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: BT PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Magnus Persson, Bjorn Hedberg
  • Publication number: 20110091305
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for picking up and setting down objects capable of being picked up, such as plant pots, from or onto a surface for the objects. The device comprises a movable frame such as a forklift truck, a guide on the frame, a fork and a drive with at least one spacer which during use defines a minimal space between the fork and the surface. The invention also relates to an assembly. This comprises a fork which is at least connectable to a guide on a movable frame and which is adapted to carry at least one of the objects, and at least one spacer which during use defines a space between the fork and the surface. The invention also relates to a method for picking up objects from a surface with a fork on a movable frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: VISSER 'S-GRAVENDEEL HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Johan Christiaan Preesman, Cornelis Frans Taco Visser
  • Publication number: 20110064558
    Abstract: A pallet jack attachment that is adapted to be coupled to the back support of a standard manual or a battery operated lift that has the ability to lift objects off the floor from a lifting range of zero inches to any desirable height. The attachment supports the back of any container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Johnson
  • Patent number: 7901175
    Abstract: A load arm for a fork of a low lift industrial truck, with an arm frame which is approximately U- or C-shaped in cross section with upward pointing bridge and downward pointing legs and an arm tip, which is connected to the arm frame via a welding connection, wherein the arm tip, tapered towards the free end, has bearing openings for the bearing of a load roller and introduction and withdrawal surfaces on the lower side, which ascend or fall off, respectively, towards the free end of the arm tip with respect to the lower edges or brims of the arm frame, and wherein the arm tip has an abutting surface at the rear end, which abuts against the blunt end of the arm frame, wherein the arm tip is formed by an integral piece of cast material, the arm tip has arm sections on the end facing the arm frame, which extend below the associated edges or brims of the arm frame and sit snugly on the lower edges or brims of the arm frame when arm frame and arm tip cling together, and the withdrawal surfaces are provided on the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sebastian Huther
  • Publication number: 20110027055
    Abstract: A cradle for supporting and installing a rolled curtain door comprises rollers configured to support, and permit rolling, of a rolled curtain door thereon. Extensions with rollers permit the cradle to support rolled curtain doors of varying length. A motor may be connected to the rollers to assist in rotating the door. The cradle may be mounted on the tines of a fork on a lifting device. A lift assembly having a tower and base may be attached to the cradle for manually positioning, and mechanically elevating the cradle and door when installing the door. The tower is extended by a piston-and-cylinder unit. A winch motor and cable, or a boom hoist attached to the tower may be used to load a door onto the cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Charles L. NUNLEY
  • Publication number: 20100300812
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for transporting a plurality of palletless product units at a single time. A palletless product handling vehicle comprising two clamping pads capable of being positioned on either side of a plurality of product units maintained in side-by-side relation can be used to transport the product units during manufacturing, distribution, and storage processes. The clamping members can be maintained at a neutral camber, open to a distance of at least 96 inches, and close to a distance of about 28 inches or less. As a result of the camber, the improved mobility of the clamping members, and the improved clamping pads, two or more palletless product units can be transported in side-by-side relation at one time without causing damage or creasing to the product units. Thus, more efficient and cost-effective transportation of product units and product storage can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Georgia-Pacifica Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Jack F. Hall, Ralph E. Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20100234980
    Abstract: A multi-level parking lot has a multi-level parking lot comprising a roadway disposed on aground surface. A plurality of parking containers each adapted to receive and store an automotive passenger vehicle. At least two of the parking containers being vertically stacked to form an inner stack of vertically stacked parking containers extending generally parallel to a first side of the roadway. At least two of the parking containers are vertically stacked to form an outer stack of vertically stacked columns of parking containers extending generally parallel to the first side of the roadway, and located between the first side of the roadway and the inner stack of vertically stacked parking containers. Each of the plurality of parking containers having an access aperture generally facing toward the first side of the roadway for passage of the vehicle therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Armand Lapre
  • Patent number: 7789612
    Abstract: The present invention comprehends a forklift attachment, generally comprising a pair of forks rotatably mounted to a fork plate using a pair of pivot pins with each pivot pin having a center axis normal to the fork plate. Upper bore pins and lower bore pins are adapted to travel within bores of the fork plate. As such, actuators connected to the upper bore pin rotate the forks about the center axis such that the forks can apply opposing lateral compression forces to a flexible dumpster. In a method for collecting waste, a disposer places the flexible dumpster near the waste disposal site whereby a truck-mounted forklift can be utilized to engage the forks with the side portions of the flexible dumpster for loading and disposal. Accordingly, large dumpsters do not have to dropped off at the waste disposal site and large trucks no longer have to be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Milani, Stephen V. Milani