Abstract: This invention relates to a piggyback forklift truck and a method of operating same. The piggyback forklift truck comprises a motive power unit which includes an electric motor, a rechargeable battery pack powering the electric motor, a battery pack charging unit, a first electricity power supply connector in electrical communication with the battery pack charging unit, a DC/AC converter in electrical communication with the battery pack charging unit, and a second electricity power supply connector in electrical communication with the DC/AC converter, the second electricity power supply being arranged for reception of an electrical power take off feed from a carrying vehicle. In this way, the piggyback forklift truck can be charged by the mains supply when the carrying vehicle is not in transit and can be trickle charged while the carrying vehicle is in transit. This will maximize the operating time of the electrically powered piggyback forklift truck while it is making deliveries to customers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a top mount method, a top mount system and a combination of forklift truck and carrying vehicle having such a top mount system. The top mount method differs from the known methods in that the forklift truck lifting assembly at least is provided with a remote control unit to permit the operator of the forklift to mount the forklift onto the carrying vehicle from a position remote from the forklift. The top mount system comprises a track having a carriage slidably mounted therein and a ram for moving the carriage relative the track. The obviates the need to use the drive of the forklift under remote operation. Finally, there is provided a combination of a forklift and a carrying vehicle having the top mount system which together provide a useful and safer alternative to the known combinations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a piggyback forklift truck and a method of operating same. The piggyback forklift truck comprises a motive power unit which includes an electric motor, a rechargeable battery pack powering the electric motor, a battery pack charging unit, a first electricity power supply connector in electrical communication with the battery pack charging unit, a DC/AC converter in electrical communication with the battery pack charging unit, and a second electricity power supply connector in electrical communication with the DC/AC converter, the second electricity power supply being arranged for reception of an electrical power take off feed from a carrying vehicle. In this way, the piggyback forklift truck can be charged by the mains supply when the carrying vehicle is not in transit and can be trickle charged while the carrying vehicle is in transit. This will maximize the operating time of the electrically powered piggyback forklift truck while it is making deliveries to customers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas tank-handling device, a method of handling a gas tank and a forklift truck having such a gas tank-handling device. Heretofore, forklift trucks have been deemed unsuitable for handling gas tanks due to high risk of damage to the gas tank or the forklift truck. Accordingly, placement of gas tanks typically requires the use of a truck loader crane to position the gas tank. This limits where the tank could be positioned on site. The present invention provides a device that enables a forklift to be used to move the gas tank. The device comprises a pair of tines mounted on and moveable laterally relative to a mounting frame and stubs mounted on the side face of the tines for engagement of the legs of the gas tank. The device will allow the gas tank to be held securely in place on the forks.

Abstract: This invention relates to a forklift truck (1) of the type suitable for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle, the forklift truck comprising a u-shaped chassis (3) having a vertical mast (17) mounted thereon. The vertical mast carries a side shift mechanism (21), the side shift mechanism comprising a fixed carriage (23) with a movable carriage (25) slidably mounted thereon. A pair of fluid actuated rams (27, 29) is provided to slide the movable carriage (25) laterally relative to the fixed carriage (23). A rotating cylinder (49) is provided to rotate a pair of forks (19) mounted on the movable carriage. The configuration achieves greater side shift without the use of rollers or chains and permits the use of a rotating cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for mounting a forklift to the rear of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The method includes providing a forklift in a vehicle, the forklift having a frame, a pair of spaced apart front wheels and at least one rear wheel. The forklift also has a pair of forks that are movably mounted to the frame, the pair of forks movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame. The vehicle has a rearward end with a fork support that receives the pair of forks of the forklift. The mounting system includes a pair of mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets being fixedly attached to the forklift frame or the rearward end of the vehicle and having an opening defined therethrough. The opening has a closed perimeter. Also included is a pair of receiving pins, the receiving pins being dimensioned such that they can slide through the opening in each of the mounting brackets. The receiving pins have a supporting position and a release position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved mounting system for mounting a forklift to the rear of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The mounting system includes in combination a forklift and a vehicle, the forklift having a frame, a pair of spaced apart front wheels and at least one rear wheel. The forklift also has a pair of forks that are movably mounted to the frame, the pair of forks movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame. The vehicle has a rearward end with a fork support that receives the pair of forks of the forklift. The mounting system includes a pair of mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets being fixedly attached to the forklift frame or the rearward end of the vehicle and having an opening defined therethrough. The opening has a closed perimeter. Also included is a pair of receiving pins, the receiving pins being dimensioned such that they can slide through the opening in each of the mounting brackets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting kit for fitting on the rear of a carrier vehicle chassis to receive a piggyback forklift truck having a pair of front wheels and a pair of height adjustable, forwardly projecting, load engaging tines. The mounting kit comprises a mounting frame having a pair of tine receiving sockets, a pair of forklift support receiving brackets and a pair of adjustable wheel abutment plates, one on each side of the tine receiving sockets, moveable forwards and backwards parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carrier vehicle. By having such an arrangement, various different forms of piggyback forklift truck may be mounted onto a chassis having the mounting kit thereon.

Abstract: This invention relates to a top mount method, a top mount system and a combination of forklift truck and carrying vehicle having such a top mount system. The top mount method differs from the known methods in that the forklift truck lifting assembly at least is provided with a remote control unit to permit the operator of the forklift to mount the forklift onto the carrying vehicle from a position remote from the forklift. The top mount system comprises a track having a carriage slidably mounted therein and a ram for moving the carriage relative the track. The obviates the need to use the drive of the forklift under remote operation. Finally, there is provided a combination of a forklift and a carrying vehicle having the top mount system which together provide a useful and safer alternative to the known combinations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a forklift truck (1) of the type adapted to be mounted on a carrying vehicle, commonly referred to as a piggy-back forklift. The forklift truck has a forklift loading support comprising an upright bar (19) is mounted on the mast carriage (9) between the upright mast (11) and the side bar (7). The upright bar (19) may be pivotally mounted on the mast carriage, pivotable to and from a platform engaging position forward of the mast and a stowed position rearward of the front surface of the mast. The forklift loading support may be deployed very quickly and will not hinder loading of the forklift onto a carrying vehicle or require modification of the mounting gear for the forklift truck.

Abstract: This invention relates to a forklift truck (1) of the type suitable for mounting on the rear of a carrying vehicle, the forklift truck comprising a u-shaped chassis (3) having a vertical mast (17) mounted thereon. The vertical mast carries a side shift mechanism (21), the side shift mechanism comprising a fixed carriage (23) with a movable carriage (25) slidably mounted thereon. A pair of fluid actuated rams (27, 29) is provided to slide the movable carriage (25) laterally relative to the fixed carriage (23). A rotating cylinder (49) is provided to rotate a pair of forks (19) mounted on the movable carriage. The configuration achieves greater side shift without the use of rollers or chains and permits the use of a rotating cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved mounting system for mounting a forklift to the rear of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The mounting system includes in combination a forklift and a vehicle, the forklift having a frame, a pair of spaced apart front wheels and at least one rear wheel. The forklift also has a pair of forks that are movably mounted to the frame, the pair of forks movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame. The vehicle has a rearward end with a fork support that receives the pair of forks of the forklift. The mounting system includes a pair of mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets being fixedly attached to the forklift frame or the rearward end of the vehicle and having an opening defined therethrough. The opening has a closed perimeter. Also included is a pair of receiving pins, the receiving pins being dimensioned such that they can slide through the opening in each of the mounting brackets. The receiving pins have a supporting position and a release position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for mounting a forklift to the rear of a vehicle such as a truck or trailer. The method includes providing a forklift in a vehicle, the forklift having a frame, a pair of spaced apart front wheels and at least one rear wheel. The forklift also has a pair of forks that are movably mounted to the frame, the pair of forks movable in at least a vertical direction relative to the frame. The vehicle has a rearward end with a fork support that receives the pair of forks of the forklift. The mounting system includes a pair of mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets being fixedly attached to the forklift frame or the rearward end of the vehicle and having an opening defined therethrough. The opening has a closed perimeter. Also included is a pair of receiving pins, the receiving pins being dimensioned such that they can slide through the opening in each of the mounting brackets. The receiving pins have a supporting position and a release position.

Abstract: There is provided an alternative construction of driver's cab (1) for a load-handling vehicle and in particular an alternative construction of door (5) for a driver's cab. The door (5) is pivotally mounted on one of the uprights (13) of the driver's cab (1) and does not protrude outwardly from the driver's cab when opened or closed. The door (5) is mounted so that it effectively pivots about its own substantially vertical plane. The door (5) is provided with a locking mechanism that allows the door to be secured in position relative the upright (13) without the need for additional locking members being mounted on another of the uprights (13) on the driver's cab. The construction of driver's cab is lightweight and compact and allows for a more simplified manufacture by virtue of the omission of additional components.

Abstract: This invention relates to a quick release fork attachment for a forklift truck having a fork attachment carriage. The quick release fork attachment comprises an L-shaped fork with a pair of hooks protruding rearwardly therefrom. One of the hooks is pivotally mounted on the L-shaped fork to and from and open position and a closed position. There is provided a locking mechanism to releasably secure the pivotably mounted hook in a closed position. In this way, quick placement and removal of the quick release fork attachment to and from the fork attachment carriage is facilitated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a forklift truck (1) of the type adapted to be mounted on a carrying vehicle, commonly referred to as a piggy-back forklift. The forklift truck has a forklift loading support comprising an upright bar (19) is mounted on the mast carriage (9) between the upright mast (11) and the side bar (7). The upright bar (19) may be pivotally mounted on the mast carriage, pivotable to and from a platform engaging position forward of the mast and a stowed position rearward of the front surface of the mast. The forklift loading support may be deployed very quickly and will not hinder loading of the forklift onto a carrying vehicle or require modification of the mounting gear for the forklift truck.

Abstract: There is provided an alternative construction of driver's cab (1) for a load-handling vehicle and in particular an alternative construction of door (5) for a driver's cab. The door (5) is pivotally mounted on one of the uprights (13) of the driver's cab (1) and does not protrude outwardly from the driver's cab when opened or closed. The door (5) is mounted so that it effectively pivots about its own substantially vertical plane. The door (5) is provided with a locking mechanism that allows the door to be secured in position relative the upright (13) without the need for additional locking members being mounted on another of the uprights (13) on the driver's cab. The construction of driver's cab is lightweight and compact and allows for a more simplified manufacture by virtue of the omission of additional components.

Abstract: A truck mounted forklift comprises a u-shaped chassis having a rear crossbar and a pair of side plates, each of the side plates being connected to one end of the rear crossbar and projecting forwardly therefrom A lifting assembly is mounted on the chassis comprising a carriage movable forwards and backwards along the chassis, an upright boom support mounted on the carriage and an extendable boom pivotally mounted on the uppermost end of the boom support. There is provided means to pivot the boom about its mounting and means to move the carriage forwards and backwards on the chassis. In this way, the reach of the forklift may be improved while at the same time not impairing the stability and manoeuverability of the forklift. Furthermore, the weight and overhang of the forklift are not impaired by such a construction.