Having Specific Load Support Structure (e.g., Forks) Patents (Class 187/237)
  • Publication number: 20100181148
    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: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Clark C. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20100166532
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed here for manipulating and recovery of wheels. The apparatus may include a housing and a lift operatively attached to the housing for manipulating and recovering the wheels. The apparatus may be adapted to inflate tires, and lift vehicles to facilitate changing of tires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Winfield J. Garnett
  • Publication number: 20100166531
    Abstract: A tire manipulator includes a base, first and second extensions coupled to the base and configured to support a tire, each of the first and second extensions including a first end coupled to the base and a second end configured to support the tire, and first and second supports movably coupled to the first and second extensions, respectively, the first and second supports being disposed between the first and second end of each of the first and second extensions. The first and second supports may be positionable to prevent the tire from rotating relative to the first and second extensions toward the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Karl James Bauer, Bradley Gayle Ethington
  • Patent number: 7744335
    Abstract: A pallet jack with a pallet engaging fork having separate and independently movable first and second fork arms connected to independently controlled and operable first and second fork arm elevating means, for lifting a pallet loaded with a stack of items so that when the stack of items leans and is out of balance one fork arm can be elevated higher than the other to compensate and restore balance to the stack of items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Tamara Cleary
  • Publication number: 20100140021
    Abstract: A device for increasing the spacing of pots in an open area configured for attachment to a vertically actuatable fork lift supported by a moving vehicle such as a tractor. The device includes a horizontally extending member, plurality of forks, each fork including parallel rails, a first end of the parallel rails being appended to a continuous drive located within the horizontally extending member and a reversible motor geared to the continuous drive such that when the reversible motor is actuated in the first direction, the forks are caused to separate from one another and when the reversible motor is actuated in the second direction, the forks are caused to move closer to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Gillotti
  • Patent number: 7730599
    Abstract: A method of removing at least one fork from a forklift carriage includes placing a guard on the forklift carriage to interpose the at least one fork between the forklift carriage and the guard, uncoupling the at least one fork from the forklift carriage at a first coupling location, positioning the at least one fork uncoupled from the forklift carriage at the first coupling location in a fork rack, removing the guard from the forklift carriage, and removing the at least one fork from the forklift carriage. Fork racks, methods, and systems for removing, replacing, and/or storing forks provide additional advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry C . Tyree
  • Publication number: 20100126806
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with construction of concrete through forms comprises a fixture attached to a lifting vehicle, a vertical component having an inner portion and an outer portion, a base component configured to support the vertical component, the base component having two or more parallel portions crossing two or more perpendicular parallel portions, and two or more brackets on the vertical component, wherein the brackets contain hook elements on one side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Mike Kerr
  • Publication number: 20100101895
    Abstract: A pallet fork includes a structural frame, a fork bar, a swing bar, and a pair of fork tines. The fork tines can be fixed or swinging through the removal of the swing bar. The swing bar can be conveniently stored onboard the pallet fork when it is inoperative. The structural frame is arranged for enhanced visibility by an operator to the fork tines to improve productivity and operator comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Rayme J. Collins, Karl E. Lindenmuth, Richard K. Oswald, Andrew L. Vering, Daniel E. Peschel
  • Patent number: 7695236
    Abstract: A versatile mobile utility cart or vehicle using either tracks, wheels or both for suspension and steering with propulsion coming from but not limited to an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The vehicle is meant to be a utility workhorse with the ability to load and unload itself as well as drag or carry materials. The vehicle can be configured in many ways to do many tasks with the main feature being labor savings. One of the unique features of the vehicle is a loading system called a fork and foot system. For transport the forks and feet system can be raised or detached individually or as a system, this is beneficial when unloading. The foot may remain attached and used for stability. Detaching the fork and foot system as a system allows the vehicle to be used for other tasks including but not limited to: a dump vehicle; a skidder; a reel carrier; a fork lift/carrier; and a prime mover or base for brush chippers, stump cutters, tree spades and more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin J. Green
  • Publication number: 20100032243
    Abstract: An industrial truck having at least one load pick-up device (1), in particular a lift having two fork arms, wherein provided for mounting the load pick-up device (1) is at least an upper hook (4) associated with the latter that when mounted engages a part of a pick-up carriage, is formed such that the retaining element (7) is provided with at least one open catch mouth (11) for a lock part (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Mario HEIDRICH, Arnold Vetter
  • Patent number: 7636961
    Abstract: An end portion of a patient transport cot having a collapsible undercarriage is elevated by a lift device including a collapsible frame on caster wheels and supporting a power operated lift member. A head member is mounted on the lift member and supports adjustable hook members which releasably engage an end portion of the frame of the transport cot. In one embodiment, the lift member includes a fluid cylinder operated from a fluid supply tank through a control valve. In other embodiments, the lift member is operated by an electric motor driven mechanical actuator controlled by a switch. A support bracket provides for conveniently mounting the lift device on a door of a transport vehicle for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: David L. Starkey
  • Publication number: 20090314582
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fork of a lifting device, such as a forklift truck. The fork comprises a carrier part with a proximal side where the carrier part is connected to the lifting device in the situation of use, and a distal side which is remote from the lifting device in the situation of use. The fork also comprises a sliding part which is displaceable in a direction running between the proximal side and the distal side, and which sliding part is connected to the carrier part. The fork also comprises a drive between the carrier part and the sliding part for selectively lengthening and/or shortening the fork, wherein the drive comprises an electric motor and the transmission comprises a slip coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: GEBR. MEIJER ST. JABIK B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Meijer
  • Publication number: 20090294218
    Abstract: A forklift assembly is mounted to a robotic bomb disposal vehicle. The forklift assembly includes at least one fork, and may be coupled via a receiver hitch to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the receiver hitch is positioned between articulating arms located on the vehicle, permitting vertical movement of the forks. An explosive countermeasure is positioned on the forks. With the countermeasure so positioned, the vehicle may be caused to travel proximate a vehicle suspected of having an explosive device therein. The countermeasure may then be lowered onto the ground at a desired position proximate the suspect vehicle, and the robotic bomb disposal vehicle withdrawn from the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Geoffrey Archer, Tim Ignatiuk
  • Publication number: 20090297320
    Abstract: A fork apparatus includes a body adapted to be operatively connected to an associated loader machine. First and second forks include respective first and second fork mounting portions connected to the body and respective first and second fork working portions that project outwardly away from the body. A first powered roller device is connected to the first fork and includes a first roller that rotates about a first working portion axis. A first roller actuator selectively rotates the first roller about the first working portion axis. A second powered roller device is connected to the second fork and includes a second roller that rotates about the second working portion axis that is parallel to the first working portion axis. A second roller actuator selectively rotates the second roller about the second working portion axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Shadruz Daraie, Robert Sikorski
  • Patent number: 7614841
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting fork for lifting pallets, panels, panel stacks, and the like, and comprises a fork carrier, the lower end of which supports lifting prongs, and the upper end of which is attachable to a linking piece which has a pendulous axis for the pendulous mounting of the lifting fork. According to the invention, the lifting fork is distinguished by the fact that a swivel device is provided by which all the lifting prongs are able to be swiveled, in the unloaded state, about a common axis which is located parallel to the pendulous axis of the linking piece and parallel to the insertion direction in which the lifting prongs are insertable under a pallet, panels, or a panel stack, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Kinshofer GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Friedrich, Bernie Faloney, Gordon Besch
  • Publication number: 20090205908
    Abstract: A powered omni-directional aircraft and ordinance handling vehicle which, in one embodiment, includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. A turret is rotatively mounted to the frame such that it is capable of rotation about the vertical axis, and an articulated ordinance handling arm is mounted to the turret. A castor is mounted to the frame for supporting the frame on the ground. A control system enables the vehicle to rotate in place to change headings while maintaining ordinance carried by the arm motionless with respect to the ground and to perform repetitive precise multi-axis motion control of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Publication number: 20090183954
    Abstract: A lifting device for warehouse shelving supported by closely spaced vertical members is provided. The device employs a pivotable bracket which engages the vertical member at a central position with a pin to allow the bracket to rotate to move the top of the bracket away from the vertical member and position the member in a gap in the bracket. In the rotated position the bracket is engageable to a plate whereupon the bracket is pivoted back parallel with the vertical member and engaged with a second pin. A jack lifts the plate thereafter to thereby lift the member and the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Frank Charles Cozza, Gerry Taylor
  • Publication number: 20090159371
    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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: STILL SAS
    Inventors: Albert Gobyn, Frank Schepp, Udo Supp
  • Patent number: 7548166
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tine-mounted antenna for reading RFID tags in a warehouse environment using RFID technology operating at ultra-high frequencies (UHF) or microwave frequencies and backscatter coupling techniques. At least one ruggedized antenna is mounted on the tine (or other base-level platform) of a lift truck (e.g., a forklift). The antenna can be configured to read RFID tags on pallets that are loaded on the lift truck and communicate the tag information to a warehouse management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: EMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Roeder, Donald L. Runyon, Richard W. Sorenson, Jr., Michael Sayre Clott
  • Publication number: 20090145697
    Abstract: A forklift truck (10) comprising a truck body, a fork mechanism at one end of the body, and at least one wheel (18) at an opposite end of the body, said at least one wheel (18) being mounted on the body for translational movement relative to the body between a working position and a storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Martin McVicar, Robert Moffett, Meredith Hall, Mark Whyte
  • Publication number: 20090139801
    Abstract: The present invention is a device that easily attaches a forklift hitch to a forklift beam. The device is removable from the forklift beam and does not require alteration to the forklift beam. The invention includes a cam, a cam assembly, a lock assembly, and a tensioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Delton Friesen
  • Publication number: 20090120723
    Abstract: A connection structure between a lifting device and a lifted body is provided wherein lifted body side portions are connected to a pair of lifting bodies moving up and down on the lifted body outer sides. Gripping means provided in each side of a lifted body grip a lifting arm of each lifting body and include a first gripping piece swingably connected to a base rack and a second gripping piece swingably connected to the first gripping piece. When the lifting arm is separated from the lifted body, the first gripping piece is located outwardly of the lifting arm and a gripper is located within a vertical projective space of the lifting arm, and the first gripping piece is lifted via the second gripping piece, by which a gripper abuts against the lifting arm from below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20090107775
    Abstract: A sod harvesting machine includes a tractor having a first frame, a second frame, a front sod carriage having a first lift member, a rear sod carriage, an elevated platform, vertical support members, and a second lift member. Between the elevated platform and the front and rear sod carriages, the tractor also includes a sod storage compartment into which pallets of stacked sod are mechanically conveyed for storage and transport. The first lift member can be a low vertical lift for lifting the pallet off the ground and conveying the pallet via conveyor chains toward the rear sod carriage. The second frame is telescopically engaged by the first frame so that the length of the sod storage compartment may be extended to accommodate additional pallets. The second lift member can be a high vertical lift for lifting pallets unloaded from the sod storage compartment onto a truck for shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Automated AG Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John Jene Dagorret, Stephen Richard Mason
  • Patent number: 7523808
    Abstract: A mast assembly of a forklift truck has outer and inner masts, a lift cylinder, a rearward projection and a cylinder support. The outer mast is supported by the truck body at the front thereof. The inner mast is movable upward and downward relative to the outer mast. The lift cylinder moves the inner mast relative to the outer mast. The rearward projection extending toward the truck body is mounted to the outer mast. The cylinder support is mounted to the rearward projection for supporting the lift cylinder at the bottom end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Tomonori Futamura
  • Patent number: 7520712
    Abstract: Device for holding a load on a load support of an industrial truck with the following characteristics: a support device on a lifting scaffold of the industrial truck, adjustable in its height by a shifting drive, extending approximately horizontally above the load support, at least one sack-shaped container, made of flexible, air-impermeable material, which is hanged up on the support device and which is filled with granular material, wherein the flexible material and the granular material are constituted such that the bottom side of the container adapts itself to the surface contour of the load, when the container is lowered onto the load, and an aspirating device, connectable with the interior of the container, for generating a negative pressure in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Bruns, Jan-Henning Wille
  • Publication number: 20090065308
    Abstract: An L-shaped fork for fork-lift trucks comprises a first substantially straight section intended to be secured to the truck, a second substantially straight section intended to support a load to be lifted and a knee portion connecting the first section to the second section. The knee portion has a larger cross section than the first and the second section of the fork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Emilio Bolzoni
  • Publication number: 20090064924
    Abstract: The method for consolidating plate-like, slice-like or modularelement-like ornamental stones comprises: the impregnation by means of the pressure created in the treatment environment with a water glass solution wherein the material being treated is plunged for enough time for the full penetration in fissures and microporosities of the surface thereof; characterised in that it has the following steps:—A pre-treatment of the material by exhausting;—A permanence of the pre-treatment step for enough time to extract gases, steams and powders existing in said fissures and microporosities;—An injection of the impregnating solution with a water glass solution and keeping the treatment chamber under vacuum during the injection and in the following impregnation step. The absolute pre-treatment pressure is preferably of 0.2-0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Luigi Pedrini
  • Publication number: 20080303337
    Abstract: Wheels including one or more retention elements for affixing a polyurethane tire to a hub of the wheel are disclosed. The polyurethane tires of the wheels disclosed are manufactured separate from the hub and affixed to the hub via the retention elements thereby enabling additional manufacturing processes for the polyurethane tires and reuse of the hub portion of the wheels. Such manufacturing processes also allow for more complex polyurethane tire design and combinations of polymers to produce composite wheels allowing for increased comfort and durability. The wheels are particular suitability for use with industrial vehicles, such as lift trucks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: STELLANA U.S. INC.
    Inventor: Gregory Michael Krantz
  • Publication number: 20080296094
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: MOFFETT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Kevin Turnbull, Barry McGrane
  • Publication number: 20080296095
    Abstract: A communication link arrangement for a cargo moving device comprises an electrical infrastructure that is mechanically coupled to a cargo moving device. The cargo moving device includes a cargo retaining structure and a main body coupled to the cargo retaining structure. The electrical infrastructure includes a single conductor electrically coupling the cargo retaining structure and the main body for delivering power and data signals between the cargo retaining structure and the main body. The electrical infrastructure further includes one or more conductors. A first networking element is mechanically coupled to the cargo retaining structure and is electrically coupled to the single conductor. A second networking element is mechanically coupled the main body and is also electrically coupled to the single conductor. A high-speed network link over power line carries data over the single conductor in the electrical infrastructure that supplies power between the main body and the cargo retaining structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Innovative American Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: DAVID L. FRANK
  • Publication number: 20080271952
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting manufacturing rings is provided. The lifting apparatus includes an attachment part having an opening extending therethrough, and a plurality of elongated legs extending from the attachment part. Each of the elongated legs has a slit disposed therein. A plurality of support rods are movably disposed in the slits. The support rods are pivotable between a lowered position in which each support rod extends from the associated slit and a raised position in which each support rod is disposed within the associated slit. The lifting apparatus further includes an actuating part operably associated with the support rods and for moving the support rods between the raised position and the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Donald O. Rican, Daniel E. Guhde, Paul D. Christenson
  • Publication number: 20080236953
    Abstract: The application discloses embodiments of a universal pinning system for lift arms of a power machine or vehicle. In embodiments disclosed, the universal pinning system includes a universal shaft. Lift arms are coupled to the universal shaft to provide a common pivot axis for the lift arms. The universal shaft is coupled to a frame or support of the power machine or vehicle via a pinning assembly. As disclosed, the universal pinning system has application for radial lift arms operable along a radial path or vertical lift arms operable along a vertical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Brandon J. Kisse, Mark F. Bares
  • Patent number: 7428940
    Abstract: A transport trolley is disclosed and which includes parallel spaced forks, ground engaging rollers, and a steering system including a distance monitor, a driving system for steering the rollers, and an electronic control system operatively connected to the distance monitors and the drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Tynecat Technologies Pty. Ltd
    Inventors: Bernd Raetze, Douglas Mayes, Robert J. Ellis, Norman I. Mathers
  • Publication number: 20080217111
    Abstract: Support leg truck with wheels or rollers in the front edges of the support legs and in the rear end, with a drive wheel on one side and a pivot wheel on the other side, one support leg being more strongly dimensioned than the other one so that when load is subjected the greatest force is taken by the more strongly dimensioned support leg. Advantageously the stronger support leg is arranged diagonally in relation to the drive wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Magnus Carlsson, Fredrik Larsson
  • Publication number: 20080202857
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including a longitudinal centerline and an operator compartment; first and second front wheels coupled to the frame; a rear steer wheel assembly coupled to the frame; mast apparatus coupled to the frame and including a pair of forks; and a battery associated with the frame and having a center of gravity. The battery is preferably positioned such that the battery center of gravity is laterally offset from the longitudinal center line. A stability triangle for the vehicle is defined by a first point at the first front wheel, a second point at the second front wheel and a third point at the rear steer wheel assembly. Preferably, the stability triangle defines a scalene triangle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lucas B. Waltz, William C. Jones, Andrew D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080202858
    Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including structure for defining an operator compartment and structure for defining a battery compartment; first and second front wheels coupled to the frame; a rear steer wheel assembly coupled to the frame; an electric motor; and a controller coupled to a front wall of the frame to control the operation of the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: CROWN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles F. Borchers, Andrew D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080164101
    Abstract: A lift has two tines that project forward and are movable up-and-down to raise and lower pallets and skids. Two outriggers are pivotal between a stored position and a deployed position, and the outriggers project forward in the deployed position to stabilize the lift when the tines are elevated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: BISHAMON INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert M. Stone
  • Publication number: 20080142307
    Abstract: Ground conveyor with a drive part with a frame, a load part, which is attached to the frame of the drive part and the height of which is operated on the, if applicable, one load pickup means that can be actuated by a lifting device, furthermore with parallely distanced wheel arms, which are attached with their rear ends on the frame or the load part and each support a load-bearing wheel with means for changing the distance of the wheel arms (wheel-arm width), wherein a bearing arm is fastened on the rear end of the wheel arms, which extends almost perpendicular to the wheel arm and is received fittingly and moveably in at least one bearing opening of the frame or the load part and fixing means are provided on the frame or load part, with which the axial and pivot position of the bearing arms can be releasably retained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Olaf Rath
  • Publication number: 20080135341
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the apparatus and manufacture of lifting apparatus (1) in the form of improved forklift tines. The lifting apparatus includes at least one lifting tine (3) having an upper surface (4), a lower surface (5), a heel and a tip (9). The upper surface is substantially planar and the lower surface is substantially tapered from the heel of the lifting tine to the tip of the lifting tine. The taper of the lower surface includes at least three reductions (6, 7, 8) in the angle of the taper along the length of the tine. The upper surface includes indentations having potentially coded, to assist the operator of the lifting apparatus with placement and operation of the lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus is adapted for use with cushioning apparatus (13) to cushion the impact of the forklift tines against objects being lifted by the tines, such as pallets and the like to assist in reducing damage to pallets and products and improve safety in the operation of forklifts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Craig Pollard
  • Patent number: 7360628
    Abstract: A “forward facing” lift truck (1) for transporting a vertical stack (2) of tires (3) located in front of the lift truck. The lift truck includes grasping means (4) mounted on the frame or “mast” (11) of the lift truck and adapted for picking up and dividing the stack vertically into two vertical, so-called “upper” (2H) and “lower” (2B) sections, so as to open up a space (E) between the two “upper” and “lower” sections of the stack. This space is created at a height above the floor such that the field of vision (CV) of the lift truck driver (or operator) passes through this space at an angle such that the operator can see the floor in front of the lift truck, at a predetermined “safe” distance (D) and beyond, and also has a distant view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Paul Charvet
  • Patent number: 7308972
    Abstract: A fabricated metal carrier apparatus includes a carrier member having downwardly facing parallel spaced channels for receiving the forwardly projecting parallel forks of a forklift truck or vehicle. The carrier member has a rotatable vertical shaft located between the forks and connected to support a suspended member adapted to be attached to a load to be transported. A locating and locking arm projects rearwardly from the carrier member and engages the forks to prevent sliding movement of the carrier member on the forks. When not in use, the carrier apparatus is supported and stored in a suspended and conveniently viewed elevated position by an A-frame which has a depending hook for engaging the carrier member. The frame permits the forklift vehicle to pick up and lock on the carrier apparatus and return while the vehicle operator remains in his seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Pax Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Pax, Eric A. Sudhoff, Terry L. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7287625
    Abstract: A forklift safety sensor and control system for preventing unsafe wear on the bottom surface of the fork. A fork height sensor detects when the fork is below a predefined threshold height at which the bottom surface is in close proximity to the ground or is in contact with the ground. The sensor sends a height signal to a system controller. In response, the controller sends a lockout signal to a lockout device, which prevents the forklift's drive mechanism from moving the forklift relative to the ground. The controller may also send an alert to the driver. When the fork is raised above the threshold height, the lockout is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Brian L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20070221450
    Abstract: A mast assembly of a forklift truck has outer and inner masts, a lift cylinder, a rearward projection and a cylinder support. The outer mast is supported by the truck body at the front thereof. The inner mast is movable upward and downward relative to the outer mast. The lift cylinder moves the inner mast relative to the outer mast. The rearward projection extending toward the truck body is mounted to the outer mast. The cylinder support is mounted to the rearward projection for supporting the lift cylinder at the bottom end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Tomonori Futamura
  • Patent number: 7246685
    Abstract: A guard for use with a forklift including a carriage and at least one fork coupled to the carriage. The guard includes a first member configured to be coupled to the carriage, a second member configured to be coupled to the carriage opposite the first member, and a fork interface member extending between the first member and the second member. The fork interface member is adapted to adjustably secure the at least one fork relative to the carriage when the at least one fork is only partially coupled with the carriage. Fork racks and systems for removing, replacing, and/or storing forks provide additional advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry C. Tyree
  • Patent number: 7213684
    Abstract: Device for holding a load on a load support of an industrial truck with the following characteristics: a support construction, adjustable in its height by a lifting drive, is mounted above the load support the support construction has several vertical guidances, distributed across a plane, in each of which one plunger (8) is vertically guided a clamping device is attached on the support construction, by means of which the plungers are fixable in the guidances in an arbitrary height position, and an actuation device for the clamping device for optional clamping or releasing the plungers in their guidances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Bruns, Stefan Steiger, Jan-Henning Wille
  • Patent number: 7195105
    Abstract: A lift truck includes a guide member secured to a mast of the lift truck and a guided member secured to a carriage vertically movable along the mast. The guided member engages with the guide member to resist twisting moments acting on the carriage and enable the carriage to move smoothly along the mast. A clamping apparatus for use with the lift truck is engageable with the forks of the lift truck so that the weight of the clamping apparatus can be supported by the forks. A bracket mounted on the lift truck can be detachably connected to the clamping apparatus to prevent movement of the clamping apparatus in the fore-and-aft direction of the lift truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Tygard Machine & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edward Tygard
  • Patent number: 7175379
    Abstract: A handling device is provided for a battery block (1) of an industrial truck having a lateral battery extraction opening. The handling device includes a pallet truck (3) and a battery receptacle (4) mountable on the pallet truck (3). The battery receptacle (4) on the pallet truck (3) can be inserted underneath a battery block (1) that is located in the industrial truck, whereupon the battery block (1) can be lifted and removed from the industrial truck. The battery receptacle (4) has a load-bearing frame by means of which the weight of the battery block (1) can be supported on the tines of the fork of the pallet truck (3). In one development, the handling device includes a battery tray on which the battery block (1) can be set down by the battery receptacle (4) that is located on the pallet truck (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Still GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Sellhorn, Christof-Walter Funk
  • Patent number: 6969225
    Abstract: A loader attachment including a frame having a left sidewall and a right sidewall. The loader attachment also includes a first track with a tine slidably coupled to the first track, a second track with a tine slidably coupled to the second track, a first actuator mounted on the right sidewall of the frame for initiating sliding of the first tine along the first track toward and away from the left sidewall, and a second actuator mounted on the left sidewall of the frame for initiating sliding of the second tine along the second track toward and away from the right sidewall of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Donald L. Mensch
  • Patent number: 6901323
    Abstract: Separately from a normal running mode, there is provided a turning mode in which a body (1) is allowed to turn. In the turning mode, road wheels (5a, 5b) and a driving wheel (8) are set such that the wheels are oriented so as to follow along a circumference R1 to R3 that would be formed about a distal end (B) of a fork arm (2b). As a result of this, the body (1) is allowed to turn about the distal end (B) of the fork arm (2b), whereby the body (1) can simply be positioned so as to confront the front of a pallet (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Yusoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Kokura
  • Patent number: 6881023
    Abstract: The present invention is a skid-steer attachment device with a load bearing D-ring for securing loads to the attachment device. A number of different attachment devices can be attached to a skid-steer loader, however, the preferred attachment device in this invention is a pallet fork carriage. The load securing D-ring is attached to the pallet fork carriage of the skid-steer so that loads can be secured to the D-ring by tying, strapping, or otherwise attaching the load to the D-ring. The D-ring on the pallet fork carriage functions to prevent a skid-steer loader's load from becoming dislodged prematurely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Attachment Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Marty Sullivan