Abstract: This invention relates to a self adjusting bearing arrrangement (10) for a pair of relatively movably members (12) which eliminates the problems of manual adjustment, improper adjustment, premature bearing failure and inefficient operation of the relatively movable members (12). The self adjusting bearing arrangement (10) has a bearing (17) slidably guided by a support assembly (28) connected to the first member (18) and a thrust member (32) movable relative to the bearing (17) for applying a predetermined force to the bearing (17) and moving the bearing (17) from a first position at which the bearing (17) is spaced from contact with the second member 20 and a second position at which the bearing (17) is in contact with the second member (20) and for maintaining the bearing (17) at the second position. Thus, the self adjusting bearing arrangement eliminates the problems of manual adjustment, improve adjustment, premature bearing failure and inefficient operation of the relatively movable members (12).

Abstract: A guide assembly in a material-handling device (10) is disclosed which includes a frame (18), a mast assembly (12) pivotally mounted adjacent its bottom end (16) to the frame, and hydraulic cylinders (20) for rotating the mast assembly to tilt forwardly and rearwardly. The assembly further includes a bar (22) attached to the frame spaced from the mast assembly. The assembly also includes a guide tongue (29) pivotally mounted to said mast assembly further above the bottom end thereof than is the pivotal mounting thereof to the frame (18) and slidingly disposed intermediate its ends to the guide bar (22). The hydraulic cylinders are positioned to act between the frame (18) and the tongue (29).

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an improved carriage guide and mast stiffener for a lift mast of the sort used on a lift truck or the like. Such a lift mast comprises a pair of spaced apart outer mast members, a pair of spaced apart inner mast members between the outer mast members, each slidably mounted in a respective one of the outer mast members and a carriage structure mounted on the inner mast members for translation therein. The improved structure of the present invention comprises a pair of rails each affixed to extend longitudinally along a respective outer surface of a respective one of the outer mast members and a pair of bearings affixed to the carriage structure, each snugly but slidably engaging a respective one of the rails and allowing relative longitudinal translation of the carriage structure relative to the outer mast members while preventing other translation therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an improvement in a lift truck having a mast assembly, a frame and tilt motor apparatus for tilting the mast assembly forwardly and rearwardly relative to the frame. Particularly the invention is concerned with a lateral support device for the mast assembly. The lateral support device comprises a pair of guides each affixed to a lateral outer surface of the mast assembly and a pair of bearing devices affixed to the frame, each in position to slidably receive a respective one of the guides on operation of the tilt motor apparatus to tilt a top portion of the mast assembly rearwardly to thereby bearingly hold the mast assembly snugly between the pair of bearing devices whereby during movement of the lift truck lateral motion of the mast assembly is restricted when the guides are held between the bearing devices.

Abstract: An adjustable arbor wheel mounting arrangement has a support frame having a mounting surface and an arbor having an axis and an end mounting surface. A wheel means is mounted on the arbor and fastening means is provided for clamping the arbor end mounting surface against the mounting surface of the support frame upon reaching a preselected working position. An abutment reaction means is provided for directing thrust forces upon the wheel means and substantially normal to the axis through the arbor and to the support frame.

Abstract: A load force bypassing apparatus is provided for a work engaging support assembly, such as a lift truck fork and mast assembly, having a plurality of rollers movably mounting a carriage assembly on a generally upright support with the rollers normally subjected to load forces imparted against the carriage assembly during a normal load crowding operation. The bypassing apparatus is positioned between the carriage assembly and the upright support in direct force transmitting relation to effectively isolate the rollers from the load forces during the normal load crowding operation.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle has a generally vertically movable carriage, first and second spaced apart, chain assemblies connected to the carriage, and a power device associated with the chain assemblies for generally vertically moving the first ends of the chain assemblies and the carriage in response thereto. A pivot element is associated with the chain assemblies for controlling relative movement thereof.

Abstract: A container handling attachment is provided for lift trucks and the like to permit such trucks to load and transport relatively large horizontally disposed cylindrical objects. The attachment includes a pair of sleeve members which are slidably received over the forks of a conventional lift mast to permit easy attachment thereto. The attachment also includes a pair of lifting lugs which are selectively positionable in underlying engagement with a pair of longitudinally spaced lifting bars provided on the object. Latching means are positionable around such lifting bars to prevent their disengagement from the lifting lugs. Bumper stops are also provided for engagement with the legs of the object to prevent rotation of the object about its longitudinal axis when it is raised from the ground.