Abstract: A multi-task capable work assist vehicle is designed for transporting an operator and items to be handled by the operator and for elevating the operator with such items supported upon a load tray elevated with the operator. Preferably the load tray is mounted for positioning along a telescoping mast which supports and elevates the operator. A load deck or load platform is provided on a body of the vehicle in addition to the load tray so that items such as packages, tools, parts, merchandise and the like can be carried by the vehicle. Load shelves may also be provided adjacent the load deck to add flexibility and capacity to the load carrying capability of the vehicle. Uses of the vehicle include order picking, in-house service maintenance, stock management, cargo delivery and the like. It is designed to be compact in size and highly maneuverable for use in narrow storage aisles and tight quarters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for guiding a personnel carrying vehicle including a body with a pair of driven rear wheels and a pair of front caster wheels into a narrow aisle. A pair of guide rollers are mounted on each side of the vehicle and spaced between the front caster wheels and the driven rear wheels. A steering rail extends between the pair of guide rollers on each side of the vehicle and is curved inwardly towards the body. A guide rail is placed on each side of the narrow aisle for engaging the vehicle mounted rollers with the guide rails terminating in entry ends which engage the steering rails for entry of the vehicle into the narrow aisle. The vehicle is steered forward toward an aisle entrance to cause one of the forward guide rollers to engage one of the guide rails and one of the aisle entry ends to engage one of the steering rails. Continuing forward movement of the vehicle causes the vehicle to rotate about the engaged aisle entry end to align the vehicle within the aisle.

Abstract: The lifting mast (20), frame (12), and outriggers (16) of a slip sheet lift truck (10) are fixed and immovable with respect to one another. The platen (30), push-pull mechanism (45), and back plate (31) are an integral unit mounted to permit side shifting on a tilt carriage (29), which is mounted on lower pivots (28) and tiltable thereabout with upper tilt cylinders (35). These are carried on a lifting carriage (25) which is vertically moveable and supported by a lifting cylinder (26) on the lifting mast (20). The lift truck outriggers (16) extend and slope forwardly and downwardly from the mast (20) to provide better truck stability, clearance for the platen (30), and good underclearance for ramps and dockboards.