Convertible Attachment Patents (Class 414/607)
  • Patent number: 11279004
    Abstract: Swivel wheel spindle housing clamps provide an easy way, without drilling holes, to attach a steel rectangular horizontal tube across a front of zero turn lawn mowers. The clamps fasten to a spindle housing by tightening two set screw bolts of the clamp against one side of the spindle housing. The same spindle housing clamp fits both left spindle housing and the right spindle housing of the lawn mowers. The clamps fit small to large spindle housings. A pair of housing clamps can remain on the zero turn lawn mower all year long and not inhibit normal use. Carriage bolts and large, rubber coated, threaded knobs are provided so wrenches are not needed to lock the rectangular steel tube inside the pair of housing clamps. The rectangular steel horizontal tube can support a variety of useful attachments, including a ball hitch, a carrier platform, a snow blade, a leaf rake, or other useful devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventor: Leslie P Ezra
  • Patent number: 11148919
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a material handling attachment being generally rectangular having left and right tubular main frame members for receiving the corresponding left and right lifting forks of a forklift truck. The tubular main frame members are supported by front and rear cross members and a floor is formed of expanded metal placed on an upper surface of the material handling attachment. The material handling attachment has a downwardly extending pad eye lifting lug at each corner for attaching a downwardly extending first strap having connecting means on its ends for attachment to a second strap which directly carries a cargo load or which passes through the opening formed in a pallet so that the pallet having heavy cargo thereon can be easily lifted using the forklift truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Timothy Lane Middleton
  • Patent number: 11107174
    Abstract: Robotic systems can autonomously pick a particular desired item from a mixed inventory storage location that includes multiple differing types of items. The autonomous robotic system can thereby facilitate order fulfillment and inventory management processes in an efficient manner. In particular, the systems and methods described herein can greatly reduce the amount of time required for a human worker to pick orders. The systems described take over many of the tasks related to picking items. Accordingly, the efficiency of order picking processes, as measured by the number of line items picked per human labor hour for example, is greatly enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Lisso, Gervasio Mutarelli
  • Patent number: 11097896
    Abstract: A variety of vehicle-based and warehouse-based solutions are provided to increase the adaptability, utility, and efficiency of materials handling vehicles in the warehouse environment, such as a materials handling vehicle comprising a picking attachment is secured to a fork carriage assembly and comprising an X-Y-Z-? positioner to engage and disengage a target tote such that movement of the picking attachment along a Z axis by the X-Y-Z-? positioner is independent of movement of the fork carriage assembly along the vertical axis Z? by the mast assembly and mast assembly control unit. The fork carriage assembly may comprise a mobile storage cart support platform defined by one or more cart lifting forks, and an anti-rock cart engagement mechanism configured to engage a mobile storage cart supported by the cart lifting forks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Otto, Gregory S. Garmann, Mark E. Addison
  • Patent number: 11097643
    Abstract: An L-arm protection system includes an L-arm assembly to engage with wheels of a vehicle for towing the vehicle, the L-arm assembly having a first side and a second side; a sleeve to secure over the first side of the L-arm assembly, the sleeve having a body extending from a first side to a second side and having a channel, the first side being open and the second side being closed; a set screw extending through the body and to tighten the body to the first side of the L-arm assembly; and a chain link secured to the second side of the body and to provide a securing point; the body of the sleeve is to secure around the first side of the L-arm assembly via the set screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph Campanella, Raj Mane
  • Patent number: 11066840
    Abstract: There is provided a lifting fixture securable to a lifting machine adapted for lifting/manipulating corresponding tier sections for assembly/disassembly of a modular auditorium including a plurality of tubes connected to a first fixture portion and a second fixture portion, the plurality of tubes adapted to be selectively secured to the lifting machine, the first fixture portion and the second fixture portion including a plurality of lifting interfaces adapted to interface with corresponding lifting interfaces of the corresponding tier sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Tait Towers Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Ager, Ewart Richardson
  • Patent number: 11034564
    Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a modular vehicle frame for a material handling vehicle. In some configurations, the modular vehicle frame includes a battery compartment, a handle configured to control a speed and direction of a traction wheel, and a mounting assembly configured to selectively quick-connect to a material handling attachment. In some configurations, the mounting assembly includes a mounting plate having a first side and a second side, at least one pivot block extending from the first side of the mounting plate and configured to provide a pivotal interface with the material handling attachment, and at least one locking latch attached to the second side of the mounting plate and configured to provide a selective locking interface with the material handling attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Wayne Standard, Robert Paul Mclachlan, Joseph Thomas Yahner
  • Patent number: 10913637
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for quickly and easily nesting and un-nesting bulk seed boxed. A first lower box is engaged with forks extending from a forklift truck, and the stacked boxes are elevated to a target height. Next, the forklift truck is advanced forward until the stacked boxes are in position in a box inverter apparatus, wherein the stacked boxes are positioned between opposing box engaging surfaces of rotary clamp pads. The rotary clamp pads engage the stacked boxes at a clamping location below the center of mass of the second, upper box unit. The forks of the fork truck carrying the first, lower box unit are then lowered until the first lower box unit is separated from the second, upper box unit, thereby affecting rotation of the second, upper box unit and rotary clamp pads until the second, upper box unit rotates a full 180 degrees to an inverted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: MCDOWELL AND DELLINGER LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Dale Dellinger, Shawn Brian McDowell
  • Patent number: 10723605
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a forklift adapter comprising multiple metal bars which create a payload carriage and two insertion points for traditional forklift forks. The adapter is capable of transporting payloads over obstacles and of precisely positioning the payload at the specified drop location. The adapter redirects the forklift insertion point such that the insertion point is perpendicular to the adapter bottom supports thereby transferring the support load of the forks from the bottom of the payload to the top of the payload. The adapter allows a forklift to position a payload over railings and reverse away from the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ivey Enterprisers LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Ivey
  • Patent number: 10538421
    Abstract: A system for managing an inventory of carpet rolls within a warehouse includes one or more autonomous lift trucks, a database configured to store location information for a plurality of carpet rolls in the warehouse, a server in electronic communication with the database, and a system manager configured to send one or more instructions to the one or more lift trucks. The one or more autonomous lift trucks include a frame, a mast attached to the frame, a pole fixedly mounted on the mast, the pole being configured for insertion within a core of a carpet roll for transport of the carpet roll, a plurality of imaging devices mounted on each lift truck in a displaceable manner, at least one navigation sensor, at least one safety sensor, at least one emergency stop, and at least three wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Atlantic Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua William Blevins, John Alan Little, Michael A. Peeples, Chandler Ryan Grant
  • Patent number: 10486579
    Abstract: Reusable, flexible, lightweight, low cost flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) for the delivery of granular proppant material for fracing that will allow the transport of higher weights of proppant, such as sand, per truck load. The invention includes a container made of a high strength, flexible material with a top opening for loading and deploying the proppant. The container can be lifted and deployed with a fork truck or crane. Alternatively, proprietary deployment systems, such as a conveyor system, can be used to quickly and efficiently deploy the proppant from the container at a desired site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Kevin M. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 10427924
    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, characterized 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: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventors: Carsten Schöttke, Ernst-Peter Magens, Jürgen Schmalzl, Hubert Bibernell
  • Patent number: 10381251
    Abstract: An overhead hoist transport vehicle comprising: an overhead hoist; a translating stage; and a gripper coupled to the translating stage, the gripper being configured to grip a material unit; wherein the overhead hoist is configured to transport the material unit to one of a load port and a storage location by performing operations comprising: the overhead hoist being configured to vertically move the gripper to the load port and the storage location; and the translating stage being configured to horizontally move the overhead hoist to the load port and the storage location; and wherein the load port is beneath an overhead rail; and wherein at least a portion of the storage location is disposed lateral to the overhead rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Murata Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian J. Doherty, Thomas R. Mariano, Robert P. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10314235
    Abstract: A method of loading bales into a bale processing chamber of a bale processor. The bale processing chamber is mounted on a chamber frame mounted on wheels for travel on a ground surface in a forward operating travel direction. A bale fork is pivotally mounted on the chamber frame such that in a lowered position the bale fork is oriented substantially horizontally and rests on the ground surface. The chamber frame is moved rearward such that the bale fork slides under a bale resting on the ground surface with a bale axis oriented substantially horizontally in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the operating travel direction. The bale fork and the bale supported thereon are raised above the ground surface. The bale fork is turned such that the bale axis turns to a second direction substantially parallel to the operating travel direction while maintaining the bale rearward of the bale processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Highline Manufacturing Limited
    Inventors: Blake Neudorf, Montgomerie Summach, Joel Dokken, Gene Kondra
  • Patent number: 10115289
    Abstract: A sensor sleeve is disclosed for a waste service vehicle having a lift arm. The sensor sleeve may have a shell configured to be received by the lift arm. The sensor sleeve may also have a sensor connected to the shell. The sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a parameter of a waste receptacle loaded onto the lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: RUBICON GLOBAL HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Philip Rodoni
  • Patent number: 9963294
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for picking and sorting products in a warehouse, which arrangement comprises a main body (400) arranged to move in at least one direction, at least a first load handling unit (401) and a second load handling unit (402), arranged adjacent to each other in the main body for positioning the products to a storage position (201, 202; 203; 204) and removing the products from a storage position, means for producing location information of the products in the storage position, and a control unit for controlling the movements of the main body and the load handling units, based on the location information, for sorting the products to storage positions by type of products. The invention also relates to method for picking and sorting products in a warehouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Pesmel Oy
    Inventors: Jani Matikainen, Jouni Räisänen
  • Patent number: 9809434
    Abstract: An improved cart and pallet system and an improved compactly stackable pallet for use in the system are disclosed. The improved pallet has a central support extending beneath the pallet with channels on either side of the support. The support and channels are engaged by a ledged, generally U-shaped deck of a cart or pallet truck of the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel C. Magoto, Daniel W. Kahlig, Steven R. Pulskamp, Benjamin J. Purrenhage, Mark J. Sherman
  • Patent number: 9624078
    Abstract: A device for lifting the legs of a display case in a store or office which is supported on legs. The device features a a “U” shaped frame, having a horizontal portion and two substantially vertical side portions extending from the horizontal portion. A face plate is engageable with a leg lifting component. A jack situated on top of the horizontal portion provides the lift for the leg lifting component. The leg lifting components may be adapted to any type of leg and engaged with the device allowing one lifting apparatus to engage any type of leg on any display case it is adapted to engage. The jack can be user supplied or included with the device as a unit. An optional skate for the lifted leg can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Charles Cozza
  • Patent number: 9581148
    Abstract: An improved vacuum material handler having an onboard drive engine powering a vacuum pump and a hydraulic pump. The vacuum material handler also having a frame with integrated forklift lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Vaculift, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Solomon, Darrell Hocutt
  • Patent number: 9481557
    Abstract: Disclosed is an attachment for a fork of a forklift truck enabling the forklift truck to pull a pallet towards the forklift truck. At least one fork has a generally horizontal section extending away from the forklift truck and a generally vertical section adjacent to the forklift truck. The attachment has an elongate upside down U-shaped channel having a proximal end and a distal end for slipping onto the generally horizontal section of the fork of the forklift truck. The distal end of the attachment carries a U-shaped rod slippable over the generally vertical section of the fork. A troft is in the attachment near the proximal end. Upstanding teeth are retained by the attachment between the proximal end and the troft for retaining pallets so that the forklift truck can pull the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Rosati Window Co., LLC
    Inventor: David Lind
  • Patent number: 9309097
    Abstract: Forklift truck (100) includes a linkage system (300) which comprises first link arm (1) pivotally connected at one end to roller (1.4) at point (1.1) which is vertically movable within channel (6.1) of mounting carriage/member (6), and to forks (4) at the opposite end via fork carriage (5) at pivot point (1.3). Second link arm (2) is pivotally connected to first link arm (1) at pivot point (1.2). The opposite end of second link arm (2) is pivotally connected to mounting carriage/member (6) at pivot point (2.1). Pivot points (1.1) and (2.1) are positioned on or near the center line of channel (6.1). The tilt angle of forks (4) and fork carriage (5) is restricted by link arm (3) which is pivotally connected at one end to second link arm (2) at pivot point (3.2) and pivotally connected at the opposite end to fork carriage (5) at pivot point (3.1). During operation link arm (3) forces fork carriage (5) to rotate about pivot point (1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Terberg Kinglifter B.V.
    Inventor: Eric O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 9254971
    Abstract: A mobile loading dock including a planar ramp member having an underside with a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a tension spring, hydraulic member, a leg hingedly attached to the ramp underside and a wheel attached to the leg. The tension spring exerts a pulling force on the leg and wheel and the hydraulic member exerts a pushing force. The combined forces are directionally disposed to erect the wheel assembly when the lower end of the mobile loading dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Grant Leum
  • Patent number: 9169090
    Abstract: A mobile loading dock including a planar ramp member having an underside with a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a tension spring, hydraulic member, a leg hingedly attached to the ramp underside and a wheel attached to the leg. The tension spring exerts a pulling force on the leg and wheel and the hydraulic member exerts a pushing force. The combined forces are directionally disposed to erect the wheel assembly when the lower end of the mobile loading dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Grant Leum
  • Patent number: 9139405
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: David E. Balcom
  • Patent number: 9133001
    Abstract: A method of utilizing a pallet positioning bar 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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: HENRY IMPLEMENTS, LLC
    Inventor: Charles E. Henry
  • Patent number: 8991079
    Abstract: Machines are often used to collect and transport materials in a work environment. One of the more common methods of collecting and transporting materials is with a fork having tines. Another common instrument attached to a machine for collecting and transporting materials is a bucket. The present disclosure describes a bucket that engages the tines of a fork, and therefore can be used with a machine that already has a fork attached. The present disclosure also engages with tines of multiple lengths, meaning that the same bucket will engage with forks from different machines. The bucket has first and second side members; a collecting member extending between the first and second side members; and an engagement portion having an engagement surface and a pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy L. Stewart, Wayne M. Castegnaro, Jr., Ryan P. Shea
  • Patent number: 8974169
    Abstract: A fork lift, and especially a fork lift for a truck, may have structure on a forklift carriage for selectively receiving any of a variety of attachment tools. Alternatively, an assembly may be secured to the carriage and the assembly may provide the structure for selectively receiving the attachment tools. The structure may include a bolt and lever mechanism for selectively securing and releasing the attachment tools. A method may include selectively securing any of a variety of attachment tools including, but not limited to, a trencher, an auger, a backhoe, and a hydraulic breaker. These attachment tools may be connected to a hydraulic system for control of the attachment tools. The method may include the preliminary steps of locking the forklift against movement along a mast and insertion of fork tips in pocket(s) supported in the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Richard J. Mizner
  • Patent number: 8951000
    Abstract: An enhanced computer rack having sides is provided. The rack is used for housing electronic components and comprises in one embodiment of a lift rail having a plurality of multipurpose frame members capable of being engageably connected to at least one of the rack sides such that the frame members can be retracted into or extended out from the rack. In an alternate embodiment, a lift tool is provided for hoisting object into the rack. The lift tool is connected to at least one side of the rack and is capable of being retracted inside or being extended out from the rack. The two embodiments can also be combined to provide an enhanced rack with an integrated lift rails and lift tool design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. McIntosh, Budy D. Notohardjono, Kevin R. Qualters, Howard P. Welz
  • Patent number: 8936428
    Abstract: A bucket mounting system for efficiently attaching and removing a bucket attachment to a variety of different vehicles. The bucket mounting system generally includes a bucket configured with a pair of mounting bars extending parallel with respect to each other across the rear surface of the bucket. A pair of mounting brackets are provided which may be secured to the mounting bars via use of a pair of U-shaped locking members. Thus, the mounting brackets may be removably secured in a variety of positions on the rear face of the bucket to allow its mounting on a wide range of different vehicles such as loaders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: James H. Page
  • Publication number: 20140352133
    Abstract: Disclosed is an elongate arbor for mounting a wheel or wheel/tire combination onto an axle of a vehicle. One of the axle hub or the wheel bears threaded studs and the other bears tapped holes. The elongate arbor is terminated at one end with elongate fork tubes and at the opposite end with a flange having a plurality of apertures, says 3 apertures. The wheel to be mounted has tapped holes created to match the arbor flange apertures for mounting the wheel onto the arbor with threaded studs. Forks from, for example, a forklift, can be inserted into the elongate forklift tubes to lift and maneuver the arbor/wheel combination to align the wheel mounts with the axle mounts and threaded studs inserted for securement. The large wheel now can be mounted to axle hub of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: TRIBINE INDUSTRIES LLC
    Inventor: Ben N. Dillon
  • Publication number: 20140341688
    Abstract: A towing attachment for a for a forklift is described. The towing attachment includes a main frame for locating the attachment on a fork assembly of a forklift, a towing hitch assembly on the main frame for connection to a towed article; and one or more connectors mounted on the main frame for connecting the main frame to a forklift body or forklift chassis wherein the one or more connectors are adapted to transfer towing forces on the towing attachment to the forklift body or forklift chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Fox
  • Patent number: 8864164
    Abstract: Provided is a tugger attachment apparatus configured for use with a pallet transport. The pallet transport has a front drive portion and a rear load portion having a pair of forks. The tugger attachment includes a body, a fork coupling member at a bottom side of the body that is configured to secure the body to the forks, and a hitch supported by the body. A linkage can be provided that opens and closes the hitch in response to raising and lowering of the forks of the pallet transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Seegrid Corporation
    Inventor: Mitchell Weiss
  • Patent number: 8814238
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus has a frame and a plurality of clamping arms mounted on the frame for grasping and releasing a load. The frame defines an opening through which a load grasped by the clamping arms can pass to above the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Tygard Machine & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edward Tygard
  • Patent number: 8794386
    Abstract: A forklift apparatus includes a base that moves in a generally horizontal direction. The base carries a mast that includes a lower section and an upper section. The upper section pivots relative to the lower section between a first storage orientation and a second operating orientation. In the second operating orientation, the upper section forms an upward continuation of the lower section. The mast carries a lifting structure that can selectively engage an object. A drive structure moves the lifting structure in a generally vertical direction when the upper section is in the second operating orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Cardinal Gibbons High School
    Inventors: Ariana Keeling, Marc Celestini, Sean Lanier, Stefano Fenu, Sarah Dyer
  • Patent number: 8714901
    Abstract: A garbage can lifter having a pair of arms operatively connected to a handle, and a pair of pins secured to exterior surfaces of the pair of arms. The pair of arms is adapted to be operatively connected to one or more lifting arms of a tractor. The garbage can lifter also has a cross member secured to the pair of arms and the handle. The handle is positioned between the pair of arms and between interior surfaces of the pair of arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: David Cordy
  • Patent number: 8708383
    Abstract: The bucket lifting assembly is for use in lifting and transporting a bucket of no particular size via a fork of a forklift. The bucket lifting assembly is configured to attach onto opposing side handles of a bucket in order to lift and transport said bucket. The bucket lifting assembly is comprised of a lateral member that connects with vertical members that extend downwardly and engage opposing side handles of the bucket. The vertical members are able to slide laterally with respect to the lateral member so as to adjust for different bucket sizes. The lateral member includes a fort securing member that is affixed from underneath the lateral member such that a forklift fork is inserted and secured there between in order to prevent unintended separation when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Roberts, Ladawna J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8684655
    Abstract: A hay spear accessory apparatus for providing a secure and fixed mounting point for attachments such as ropes, chains, cables and the like, the apparatus being generally comprised of a an open-ended sleeve member having an interior diameter sized for slidable engagement over the distal end of a hay spear, the sleeve having attachment mounting means fixedly connected to the outer surface thereof. The interior of the sleeve has a varied diameter so as to accommodate the receipt of hay spears of various diameters. The apparatus of the subject invention is designed for frictional engagement with a hay spear, but optional securing means are also provided which prevent axial displacement of the apparatus along the hay spear once mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald Douglas Cannon
  • Patent number: 8662814
    Abstract: A transmission lift arm to facilitate the safe lifting and/or lowering of a transmission from or into a transmission jack. The transmission lift arm is provided in pairs and each is adapted for attachment to a transmission bell housing utilizing threaded rods secured thereto. The lift arms may be adjustably spaced apart on the lift arm of a lift truck to accommodate various spacings is the bell housing holes into which the threaded rods are placed and secured. The transmission arms may also be provided in a variety of sizes to mount to different lift bar sizes and/or to have different size threaded rods to accommodate a wide range of motor vehicle transmissions. In alternate embodiments, transmission lift arms having an adjustable opening may be used to accommodate different lift bar dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Russell Keith McInnis
  • Patent number: 8641357
    Abstract: A track hoe bucket attachment for purposes of loading and unloading pipe comprising two tines connected at one end by a pipe. The pipe has an opening that is capable of receiving the teeth of the track hoe bucket. The two tines are further connected by a support bar which has eyelets at its two ends. The eyelets of the support bar receive a chain that is connected to the track hoe to further secure the attachment to the track hoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Charles David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8616354
    Abstract: A configurable briefcase desktop having two generally planar support columns, each support column having a fixed length section and an extendable section. The extendable section of each support column is comprised of a scissors linkage and an elongated foot member. The elongated foot member provides improved load distribution across the surface supporting the invention. Embodiments typically include a fold lock mechanism to releasably lock each support column in its folded configuration. Other embodiments have a support stiffening mechanism adapted to yieldably resist movement of its respective support member from its support configuration. Further embodiments comprise at least one load sensor system to provide a warning signal when the extendable section of a support column is in extended configuration and subjected to a compression force in excess of a predetermined amount. In some embodiments the fold lock mechanism and support stiffening mechanism of a particular support column may be mechanically ganged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Vatche Azirian
  • 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: 8568078
    Abstract: A railway car door operator assembly is adapted for use in opening or closing railway car doors. The assembly is mountable on a self-propelled vehicle and includes a base mountable on the vehicle. An elongated arm having one end secured to an articulated joint on the base secures the arm to the base limiting movement of the arm to movement in a substantially horizontal plane. Another end of the arm is secured to a releasable restraint for releasable connection to a railway car door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Aldon Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Ornig, Michael L. Schirmer
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8469651
    Abstract: A conveyance device suitable for an automobile final assembly facility has an elevating table for supporting an object to be conveyed in a conveyance carriage which travels along a conveyance path. The elevating table has a table bearing base removably mounted on a table main body for supporting a bottom portion of the object to be conveyed. The table main body has a top surface flush with a flat work floor on the conveyance carriage when the table main body is at a lowering limit position. On the conveyance carriage, a strut bearing base formed of a pair of left and right strut members located on left and right sides of the object to be conveyed, when viewed in plan, and a bearing portion, provided for the strut member, for supporting left and right edges of the object to be conveyed is mounted removably in a state in which the pair of left and right strut members are positioned at both left and right sides of the elevating table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeyoshi Nishihara
  • Patent number: 8454295
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: David E. Balcom
  • Patent number: 8444366
    Abstract: Improvements in a forklift adapter to offer a way of double-stacking pallets by a single forklift operator, using an existing forklift equipped with single-double forks using existing forklift controls, which is both unique and superior to using two or three people to perform the same task manually. Double-stacking pallets are accomplished by placing a sheet of material on top of a first loaded pallet of material. The blades of the forklifts slide into rectangular tubes on the forklift adapter. Sheet material is gripped by a plurality of pins on the forklift adapter where the depth of the pins is adjustable. The forklift adapter utilizes a spring that provides the gripping force. Using a spring to provide to grip provides consistent force. The spring material, coils, spring force and spring length all have factors that can change the gripping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Allen Cole
  • 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: 8393848
    Abstract: A bale sweep having a plate assembly mounted on a rearward side of an upright frame for attaching to a skid steer loader. The bale sweep includes a step mounted to a forward side of the upright frame for easy entry into the skid steer loader. A plurality of spaced apart parallel tines are secured to the upright frame and extend in a forward direction. A brace rod, provided for each tine, has an end secured to an upper portion of the upright frame and extends forwardly and downwardly toward a brace connector secured adjacent a forward end of each tine. The brace connector includes a faceplate facing the brace rod. The faceplate having an opening for slidably receiving a forward end of the brace rod. A tension spring is connected between the brace rod and face plate allowing each tine to move upwardly independent of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: George Krizenawski
  • Patent number: 8388036
    Abstract: A retro-fit lift device for a front load refuse collection vehicle including a base having a rear surface, a trunnion receiving portion defining a channel, and a pin member movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The rear surface of the base is configured to receive a cross-beam of the front load refuse collection vehicle. The trunnion receiving portion is connected to the base member. At least a portion of the pin member extends into the channel in the extended position. A method of picking up a rear load collection container having a trunnion with a front load refuse collection vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: John Townsend
  • Patent number: 8376673
    Abstract: There is provided a load restraint installation apparatus comprising of an elongated body, tie receivers positioned at spaced intervals along the body, and a mounting assembly for mounting the body to a lifting apparatus, such that straps or cables are received in the tie receivers and then the body is lifted by the lifting apparatus to position the straps or cables at a top of a load on a transport vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Gordon Komarnisky