Abstract: A material handling vehicle including a truck body and a fork assembly adjacent the truck body. A link arm extending between the truck body and the fork assembly has a proximal end and a distal end. A first pivot pin is fixed to the body and pivotally links the proximal end of the link arm to the body. A second pivot pin is fixed to the fork assembly and pivotally links the distal end of the link arm to the fork assembly. At least one of the first and second pivot pins includes an eccentric body interposed between ends. The eccentric body defines a first axis, and the ends define a second axis, wherein the link arm pivots about the first axis and rotation of the pivot pin about the second axis moves the first axis relative to the truck body to change the position of the fork assembly relative to the truck body.

Abstract: A cap-like valve body is fitted on an outer circumference of an end portion of a communicating pipe that provides a communication between a plurality of silencing chambers formed in a muffler main body. A compressed coil spring is mounted between a flange of the communicating pipe and a flange of the valve body. Communication holes are formed in a cylindrical portion of the valve body. When the valve body receives the pressure of the exhaust gases at a pressure receiving surface and moves along the axial direction against the biasing force of the spring, the exhaust gases within the communicating pipe flow out of the communication holes to the outside of the valve body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a displacement device mountable on a fork lift rack for allowing displacement of a lift member in a substantially vertical direction. The displacement device has a body with at least one elongated opening having its longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, a pin moveably received in the opening, and at least one coupler for connecting to the fork lift rack. A coupler of the fork lift member can be connected to the pin. Accordingly, the lift members can be inserted under an object that is placed on an inclined surface without having to tip the entire fork lift rack.

Abstract: A lift truck attachment for handling loads comprises a main frame assembly for attachment to an elevator of a lift truck and a lower slide assembly. The lower slide assembly includes an elongated sliding element for performing a reciprocal motion relative to the main frame assembly. A bottom slide cross tube is furnished and has an elongated structure extending substantially perpendicular to the elongated sliding element. An elongated pusher plate is attached to the bottom slide cross tube and extends substantially parallel to the elongated sliding element. A first shear plate has a first hole and is attached to an end of the bottom side cross tube. A second shear plate has a second hole and is rotatably attached to the first shear plate with a rotation axis disposed substantially parallel to the elongated sliding element. The first hole and the second hole have the same distance from the rotation axis. A threaded safety bolt penetrates through the first hole and through the second hole.

Abstract: The system is for use in a front loader assembly for refuse vehicles, which include two spaced fork members which are secured to a cross-member, which in turn are supported by lift arms which move the load supported on the forks into the refuse truck. The system includes flexure beams which are formed by cutout portions in a sensing portion of each fork. The flexure beams are located symmetrically about a centerline of a sensing section of each fork, and alternate between two different lengths, with the flexure beams of each length being in alignment. Three sets of long cutout portions and 3 sets of short cutout portions are included, in addition to a central pair of cutout portions on which the strain gauges are mounted. The sensing section of the fork is configured to provide the necessary stiffness with the plurality of flexure beams therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for attaching an additional set of forks or some other apparatus to a carriage without having to remove the existing tines.

Abstract: A device that enables a forklift beam to transport trailers or other mobile vehicles whereby a trailer hitch attachment is secured to a hollow shaft at one end of the device and a forklift beam on a forklift vehicle is secured to a hollow shaft at the other end of the device. When both the forklift beam and the trailer hitch are secured to the device, a mobile vehicle or trailer may be secured to the trailer hitch and transported via the forklift. The device may also receive a generic elongated beam in place of the trailer hitch such that the forklift can be used to lift heavy objects for transport such as combustion engines by securing a rope or chain to the engine and then securing the chain or rope around the beam.

Abstract: A fork lift tine construction is disclosed which includes a tine (11) and a tine mounting (12). The tine mounting (12) is characterised in that it includes at least one open area (A) through which the tip of the tine may be seen when viewed from the other side of the tine mounting (12). The construction aids in visibility of the tine for a fork lift operator and therefore offers greater accuracy.

Abstract: A fork lift rack that includes a first beam, a second beam and at least two spacer elements which fix the first and second beams at a distance from and substantially parallel to each other is taught. The load-bearing fork members can be mounted on the first and second beams. The fork members can be displaced along the length of the beams. The fork members have first and second legs that extend in separate vertical planes. The fork members are designed such that the distance between the first legs is greater than the distance between the second legs when the two forks are mounted in place on the rack. The spacer elements have fastening devices which are intended to releaseably fasten the fork lift rack to a lift mechanism, the upper beam has a web and a flange which are joined to each other at an angle &agr; different from 90°. The upper beam is joined to each spacer element via the web. The web is directed away from the lower beam.

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.

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.

Abstract: In an automated process for folding and unfolding a lift truck fork in response to movement of a carriage relative to a supporting mast, the lift truck fork is pivotally supported on the carriage such that under normal conditions a fork tine extends outwardly generally perpendicularly from the carriage. A latch is provided which is connected to the mast and is capable of selectively engaging the lift truck fork. When the carriage is at or near the bottom of the mast, the latch may be selectively caused to engage the lift truck fork. With the latch so engaged, raising of the carriage causes the fork tine to pivot until it lies generally parallel to the carriage. Subsequent lowering of the carriage then causes the fork tine to pivot back to its unfolded position wherein it extends generally perpendicularly from the carriage. The latch is biased to normally remain out of engagement with the lift truck fork so that once the carriage is lowered, the latch disengages from the lift truck fork.

Abstract: A paver installer (10) is described for receiving and carrying a paver from one location to another location. The paver installer has frame (12) comprising a pair of spaced apart frame members (18) and a longitudinal axis disposed between. To add strength, at least one brace member (24) is disposed between the frame members. Proximate the lower portion of the frame is a wheel assembly(26). So that pavers (62) can be place on pedestals (72) having varying heights above grade, the paver installer has a U-shaped platform (46) slidably mounted to the facing away from the wheel assembly. Substantially cylindrically shaped sleeves (54) are mounted to the platform which respectively slidably engage the frame members. To move the platform along the longitudinal axis, a self locking screw lift (34) is mounted to the at least one brace member and the platform. A shim (60) is provided on the platform to prevent damage to the paver and provide an adjustable fit.

Abstract: A load stabilizing bi-directional vehicle having a steerable front and a steerable rear wheel and a pair of lateral wheels for maintaining the balance of the bi-directional vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a forklift attachment device which automatically secures to the tongs of a forklift when the tongs are raised. The present invention functions to prevent a forklift load from becoming dislodged prematurely. The operative portion of the present invention is a pair of elastomer locking brakes which are positioned along the tongs of the forklift. The forks are inserted into the device. As the load is moved upwardly, levers attached to the locking brakes fall downwardly causing the locking brakes to move into operative engagement with the forks. When the load is returned to a position on the floor, the levers are returned to the starting position causing the locking brakes to release the attachment from the forks.

Abstract: A fork for a fork lift truck is attached to the typical mast mounted carriage by means of upper and lower hangers. Lateral adjustment of the position of the fork relative to the carriage involves engagement and release of a pin structure carried by the upper hanger. The upper hanger incorporates a pin which is vertically movable between a first position in which the pin engages slots in the upper mounting bar of the carriage and a second position in which the pin is recessed permitting lateral, relative movement between the fork and the carriage. A spring urges the pin to the first position where the pin engages slots in then carriage mounting bar. By lifting and turning the pin can be held in a second position so that the fork is slidable laterally along the carriage mounting bar.

Abstract: Pallet stops are provided for blades of a forklift truck. The pallet stops have elongated bodies of a predetermined length, and are easily placed on or removed from forklift blades in predetermined locations. For retrofitting existing forklift blades, the elongated bodies include magnets for removably securing the pallet stops to the blades, while for new forklift blades, the blades may have threaded openings formed in predetermined locations, and elongated pins may be selectively inserted into one of the threaded openings on each blade.

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.

Abstract: A lift table modified to permit user configuration to achieve a plurality of functions is provided. The lift table may be configured for any of these functions by the end user, without the use of special tools or training. In one embodiment the lift table is provided with coupling devices such as pockets, flanges, brackets, etc. which can be coupled to a plurality of standard sized or spaced attachments for multiple purposes such as pallet forklift, tilt/layover, conveyor, turntable and the like.

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.

Abstract: A robotic shelf handling apparatus usable with a power lifting device such as a swingreach or forklift which can be used to remove and replace large capacity conventional storage shelves. The shelf handling apparatus defines or pockets or slots for receiving a power lifting device fixedly secured thereinto and is positioned between vertically extending corner stanchions of shelving immediately below its shelf to be removed. The apparatus includes a frame with a shelf deck positioning device vertically movable upwardly therefrom to remove a shelf deck. Further the design includes a lateral stabilization means including a plurality of wheels and guide rollers adapted to engage the vertically extending stanchions of the shelving for maintaining lateral stability of the handling apparatus. Also a support bar positioning device is included which is adapted to hold the support bars used for supporting of the deck plates and removing them from engagement with the vertical stanchions as desired.

Abstract: A forklift is supported for movement by a pair of elongated wheeled members. The wheeled members are shiftable towards and away from one another to permit the handling of different types of loads. Each of the wheeled members has a rear wheel in the form of a caster as well as two front wheels. The front wheels of a wheeled member can be lowered and raised in such a manner that one of the front wheels is lifted from the ground as the other front wheel is moved down into contact with the ground. A first front wheel of each wheeled member is arranged to roll forwards and backwards while the second front wheel rolls sideways. During the transportation of loads from one location to another, the first front wheels are in contact with the ground. When the wheeled members are to be moved towards or away from one another, the second front wheels are brought into contact with the ground.

Abstract: The handling device is mounted on the lifting blades of a forklift truck and held in position by a safety chain. A frame includes a pair of spaced support members adapted to support the wheels of a wheel assembly therebetween. A removable adapter bar is stored on a stop plate of the frame when larger wheeled assemblies are handled, and may be moved to the outer ends of the support members when smaller wheeled assemblies are handled, in which case the bearing races at the ends of the wheel assembly are supported on conventional bearing race adapters which are supported on the stop plate and the adapter bar. The adapter bar is retained on the stop plate by a pair of spaced plates and a pin on the adapter bar which is received in a hole in the stop plate. The adapter bar is retained at the outer ends of the support members by a pair of spaced plates on one support member and a hole in the other support member which receives the pin on the adapter bar.

Abstract: A loader attachment includes a frame with a pair of arms pivotally connected thereto and depending therefrom. A tine is pivotally mounted at the lower end of each arm, and projects forwardly from each arm. Hydraulic cylinders are mounted between the frame and the arms to selectively pivot the arms inwardly towards one another and outwardly away from one another. A parallelogram linkage is provided on each arm to maintain the orientation of the tine on the arm as each arm is pivoted. A drive linkage interconnects the two parallelogram linkages such that the tines maintain an orientation relative to one another as the arms are pivoted. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and the drive linkage to permit selective rotation of the tines in opposing directions on the lower ends of the arms.

Abstract: Difficulties in handling drums when transporting them from one location to another may be avoided through use of an apparatus for transporting the drums that includes a cart frame (12) having spaced side members (13) and (14) extending to an open side. The spacing between the side members (13), (14) is such as to allow a drum (84) to be transported to fit between the side members (13), (14) by advancing the open side toward the drum (84). Wheels (18), (22) are located on the cart frame (10) and a lifting frame (12) is mounted on the cart frame (10) for elevating movement thereon. The lifting frame is open on one side to receive a drum to be transported and includes a lifting side (80) adapted to engage a rib (82) on a drum (84). Grapple arms (68) are located on the lifting frame (12) for engaging a drum (84) and holding the drum (84) against the lifting side (80). Lift assemblies (40) are provided for lifting the lifting frame (12) away from the cart frame (10).

Abstract: A protective guard for attachment to conventional lift trucks to prevent damage to transported materials caused by the hard surfaces and edges of lift forks is provided which comprises a flexible sheet having cushioning characteristics and having a width sufficient in length to span and cover the lift forks. The protective guard further comprises hook and loop type fasteners for attaching the flexible sheet to the lift truck such that the sheet covers the potentially damaging lift forks and allows for lateral movement of the lift forks.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with forklift vehicle and in particular with a shock absorber device for use with such vehicles to reduce the severity of damage caused to pallets by the forklift vehicle. In accordance with the invention, the forklift vehicle has a conventional post structure with a carriage structure movable up and down the post structure. The carriage structure includes vertically spaced, horizontally extending carriage beams to which the forks of the vehicle are attached. The shock absorber device has an elongate shock absorbing body and a backing plate on which the shock absorbing body is mounted. The backing plate is connected to and supported only by the lowest carriage beam with no attachment between the backing plate and any upper carriage beam. The shock absorbing body extends horizontally across and in front of the lowest carriage beam, between the forks, in a position to impact upon the internal cross-bearers of a pallet.

Abstract: A lift truck for transferring reels, and presenting a supporting platform adjustable in height; and a variable-capacity container for receiving at least one reel on edge, and connected to the supporting platform so as to travel between two limit positions in relation to the supporting platform and in a substantially horizontal direction parallel to the axis of the reel.

Abstract: A load clamping apparatus is provided for use with a forklift truck including a mast having a vertical guide channel, a lift carriage mounted to the mast for elevational movement therealong and a pair of spaced apart forks carried by the lift carriage to support a load to be handled.

Abstract: Pallet guards to interfit with opposite ends of a pallet, each guard comprising a restraining panel and a plurality of short depending feet to interengage the pallet and restrain the guard in upright position on the respective end of the pallet against movement outwardly of the pallet. Preferably, the guards can be rotated between the upright restraining position and horizontal compact position on top of an empty pallet for storage.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes existing problems by the provision of a lifting device below the lowest shanks and endwards of the platform. The lift stroke of the highest scissor obtains thereby a many times longer stroke relative to the very short stroke of the lifting device. In another preferred arrangement of the invention, two columns of scissors are mounted parallel laterally of each other for synchronized operation. The highest scissor-shanks then connect to top arms which bear holder shafts on which holders are kept to extend downwards from the holder shafts. The holders then carry on their lower ends the platform, whereby the platform can become sank down for meeting the level of the ground for an easy loading of the platform. The holders with the platform can become replaced by a cabin. The lifting device of the invention requires thereby only small space for instalment in a house or a hall.