Abstract: A hydraulic device comprising at least two cylinder-piston assemblies. Each of the assemblies are of the double-action type with a front and rear chamber on either side of a piston. The chambers are connected in series in a hydraulic control circuit such that the front chamber of a first assembly has a direct connection to a rear chamber of a second assembly. At least one of the cylinder-piston assemblies is provided with a valve assembly which opens a bypass thereby bypassing the piston of the assembly when the piston is situated close to the direct connection at the end of its stroke and the effective piston surfaces are the same in the chambers mutually connected by the direct connection.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with forklift vehicle and in particular with a shock absorber device for use with such vehicles to reduce the severity of damage caused to pallets by the forklift vehicle. In accordance with the invention, the forklift vehicle has a conventional post structure with a carriage structure movable up and down the post structure. The carriage structure includes vertically spaced, horizontally extending carriage beams to which the forks of the vehicle are attached. The shock absorber device has an elongate shock absorbing body and a backing plate on which the shock absorbing body is mounted. The backing plate is connected to and supported only by the lowest carriage beam with no attachment between the backing plate and any upper carriage beam. The shock absorbing body extends horizontally across and in front of the lowest carriage beam, between the forks, in a position to impact upon the internal cross-bearers of a pallet.

Abstract: A lift truck for transferring reels, and presenting a supporting platform adjustable in height; and a variable-capacity container for receiving at least one reel on edge, and connected to the supporting platform so as to travel between two limit positions in relation to the supporting platform and in a substantially horizontal direction parallel to the axis of the reel.

Abstract: Pallet guards to interfit with opposite ends of a pallet, each guard comprising a restraining panel and a plurality of short depending feet to interengage the pallet and restrain the guard in upright position on the respective end of the pallet against movement outwardly of the pallet. Preferably, the guards can be rotated between the upright restraining position and horizontal compact position on top of an empty pallet for storage.

Abstract: A clamping assembly (10) adapted for attaching to a pair of substantially parallel forklift tines (14) is disclosed. The assembly (10) includes an L-shaped support bar (18) having a horizontal leg (18a) with at least one slot (26) therein and a vertical leg (18b). A fastener (27,28) passing through the slot (26) interconnects the support bar (18) to a clamp plate (22). A pair of slider bars (20), each having a pair of substantially vertical counterbores (24a) therethrough, are connected by separate adjustable fasteners (24) to the clamp plate (22).

Abstract: A novel woven webbing having improved resistance to cutting is provided. The webbing has edges adapted to resist cutting by absorbing the initial impact of a force applied to the webbing edge. The woven webbing may have a nontubular central region and at least one tube attached along the length of the central region and defining at least one edge of the webbing.

Abstract: A hand pallet truck of the type comprising a head frame and a pair of forks projecting forwardly therefrom is modified by providing a hinge portion of the forks which can fold upwardly from the operating position to a storage position latched to the frame. The folded truck can thus be readily be transported and stored so that it can be made available for use at different locations, for example by storage within the cab of a truck. The hinged forks include a stub fork portion at the frame projecting slightly outwardly from the frame for receiving a portion of the pallet. The link bar which operates the wheels of the fork is also hinged but can only pivot in the lowered position of the forks and frame. A locking arrangement locks the hinged forks in the operating position.

Abstract: A carriage assembly, 20h for a lift truck upright assembly, 12, has pivotally mounted forks, 30, controlled by hydraulic cylinders, 36, that are operated by side shifter circuit, 110, having a single operator control, 124, for manipulating the forks in unison, opening or closing the forks, or shifting them right or left in a coordinated fashion.

Abstract: A side shifter (20) attachment for a lift truck (10) having an upper crossbar (44) and a lower crossbar (46) is disclosed. The side shifter has a rigid frame (24) slideably positioned with respect to the upper and lower crossbars (44, 46) of the lift truck. The frame (24) has an upper horizontal cross member (26) and a lower horizontal cross member (28). A low-friction slide block (80)is positioned on the lower horizontal cross member (28). A lower intermediate plate (81) having a first (75) and a second (77) surface is positioned between the slide block (80) and the lower crossbar (46). The first surface (75) is in contact with the slide block (80) and the second surface is in contact with the lower crossbar (46). At least the first surface (75) of the lower intermediate plate (81) has a smooth, low-friction surface to facilitate sliding of the lower horizontal cross member (28) with respect to the lower crossbar (46).

Abstract: Lift forks for use in lifting equipment such as utility vehicles (e.g., three-wheeled commercial mowers, four-wheeled vehicles, outdoor power equipment, etc.) for inspection, servicing and repair purposes. The lift forks are attachable to tool bars. The lift forks are movable along the tool bars and are also movable transversely of the tool bars so that the lift forks can engage the wheels of a vehicle to be lifted even when the vehicle is not aligned parallel to the tool bars. When the tool bars are raised, the lift forks cause the vehicle to be lifted.

Abstract: Strapping apparatus for applying strapping to packages, and in particular to packages mounted on pallets, including at least one fork which may also be used to lift the pallet, a strapping retaining mechanism attached to a distal end of the fork, strapping guide mechanism and a strapping coil dispenser mechanism. The apparatus may be provided on a trolley or integrally mounted on a fork lift truck, pallet truck or other suitable vehicle. The strapping of the package can be readily attended to during the operation of manoeuvring the goods around a warehouse.

Abstract: A pallet handling platten system of the invention includes an auxiliary platten unit. The auxiliary platten unit comprises a pair of auxiliary plattens 30 normally stowable beneath the level of the load bearing surfaces of primary plattens 5 of the system. Devices 74,72 are provided for lifting the auxiliary plattens 30 to a first elevated level, for moving the auxiliary plattens 30 laterally of the system while not under load, and for lifting them when so extended to a second elevated level to take the load of the pallet. The primary plattens 5 of the system are then withdrawn while the load is supported on the auxiliary plattens, but the auxiliary plattens do not themselves move laterally under load.

Abstract: A lift truck includes an upright assembly having first, second and third telescoping mast sections. Each mast section is formed from pairs of laterally spaced and interconnected I-beam rails. A carriage assembly is mounted for movement along a path on the third mast section. Rollers are provided for mounting the mast sections and carriage assembly together for relative movement. A drive assembly connected to the upright assembly and carriage assembly serves to move the carriage assembly at a first, relatively slow speed over a first portion of the movement path and at a second relatively fast speed over a second portion of the movement path. More particularly, the drive assembly includes twinned actuating cylinders for operatively connecting the first and second mast sections. A first dead chain operatively connects the first and third mast sections. A second dead chain operatively connects the second mast section and the carriage assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a guard for warehouse personnel which guard is designed to be secured to a pallet and remain with the pallet both when the pallet is being transported and when it and its load are stored on racks in a warehouse. Thus, the guard remains with the pallet at all times to prevent the load on the pallet falling on personnel in an adjacent aisle. The guard can be separated from the pallet only as the result of intentional release by warehouse personnel.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and lifting a load that includes a pair of spaced-apart, L-shaped forks. The horizontal leg of each fork contains a series of longitudinally-extended grooves formed in the load contacting top surface thereof. The grooves reduce the load contacting area of the top surfaces by about 40 percent thereby increasing the frictional forces acting between the load and the forks.

Abstract: Apparatus for slicing tobacco bales comprising a plurality of parallel sharp prongs or lances (1) which can be moved to penetrate the bale (7) in a horizontal plane while the bale is supported on a lift device (14). A retractable pusher (9) is arranged to be movable parallel to the prongs so as to separate the slice from them after cutting and has downwardly dependent sharpened teeth (10) attached to its lower edge so as to extend between the prongs.

Abstract: A lift truck attachment for handling loads comprises a main frame assembly for attachment to an elevator of a lift truck and a lower slide assembly. A first channel member is associated with a first main frame vertical tube and disposed in an upright position. A second channel member is associated with a second main frame vertical tube and disposed substantially parallel to the first channel member. Upper closing members with center bores are attached to upper ends of the main frame vertical tubes and of lower sliding tubes. Lower sliding tubes are slidingly disposed in the main frame vertical tubes. First and second end members are attached at upper ends of first and second bolts. Third and fourth end members are attached at lower ends of first and second bolts. The first and second bolts pass through the center bores. The closing members are disposed between the first and third end members and between the second and fourth end members, respectively.

Abstract: A forklift truck blade cover constructed of a resilient compressible material that encloses and pads the toe of the forward extending lift blade of an industrial type forklift truck is provided. The blade cover provides protection from damaging pallets, piercing barrels, piercing trailer walls and creating sparks. The blade cover can be sized according to the type or brand of forklift truck being used and can be mounted on existing lift blades without modification. If the operator desires to secure the cover to the blade all that is required is drilling one or two holes in the blade for mounting bolts. The blade cover can be sized so as to prevent entry into certain types of openings in pallets, etc.

Abstract: An L-shaped screen is provided designed to remain with a pallet during both placement in and removal from storage and also while the pallet and its load are in storage, one leg of which is secured to a pallet for transport with the pallet and the other leg extends vertically from the one leg to serve as a barrier to intercept and hold the load on the pallet should it become unstable and prevent any of it from falling on the lift truck operator or on personnel in the adjacent aisle after the lift truck has withdrawn.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for transporting potted plants arranged according to at least one row, in which the apparatus lifts and transports the plant pots and fits them to a fork lift truck. The invention provides elongate cariers, wherein the interval between these carriers is smaller than the diameter at the top of the plant pot but greater than the diameter on the underside of the plant pot. This allows the apparatus to be displaced in the horizontal direction which contacts the plant pots, but also to lift the row of plant pots. According to a preferred embodiment the device is provided with two bearing surfaces for the plant pots. This doubles the carrying capacity of the apparatus. According to another preferred embodiment, said elongate carrier comprises disconnecting mechanism, allowing it to pick up only a limited number of plant pots in a row, for instance only every second plant pot. This allows decreasing the density of the plant pots.

Abstract: A wheel handling apparatus has an upright frame movably supporting a carrier connected to a wheel holder and a power unit for operating the wheel holder. A winch mounted on the carrier is used to move the carrier along the frame. The wheel holder has a body rotatably mounted on the carrier and a cone head connected to the power unit. The body supports arms that are moved into engagement with a wheel when the head is moved by the power unit into the body.

Abstract: Merchandise protector apparatus in conjunction with a lift truck of the type having a horizontal ram is used to enter the core of a coil of steel or like material and move the coil. The apparatus includes a contact wall mounted generally vertically at a right angle to the ram near but in front of its base, such that the edge of the coil, which coil is not aligned with the ram, will first contact a surface pad on the contact wall. The contact wall is mounted with shock absorbers such as springs for absorbing energy of contact and telescoping mechanisms for allowing the contact wall to move rearward and a roller on the top surface of the ram which transfers vertical loading to the ram. The apparatus serves to prevent dents in the coil edges and turn the coil to align it with the ram.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube bundle extractor capable of being used either suspended from a crane or while mounted onto a rigid extendible boom. The extractor features brackets for attaching the extractor to cables suspended from a crane. The extractor can also be mounted onto an extendible boom having an articulated head. When desired, the bundle extractor can be used while mounted onto the boom. If crane operations are preferred, the extractor can be readily detached from the boom and suspended from a crane at much higher elevations.

Abstract: A battery changing system for electric battery-powered vehicles, particularly for electric battery-powered underground mining vehicles having a main frame and a battery support attached to the main frame, and using several exchangeable batteries, the battery changing system comprising a bellcrank for connecting the battery support with the main frame, a first pin for mounting pivotably the bellcrank to the main frame, a second pin for mounting pivotably the battery support to the bellcrank, an eyebar link for connecting the battery support to the main frame in parallel with the bellcrank, a third pin for connecting pivotably the eyebar link to the main frame, a fourth pin for connecting pivotably the battery support to the eyebar link, and a hydraulic cylinder for pivoting the bellcrank around the first pin.

Abstract: Improved wheel and tire handling apparatus or structure including a base member adapted for movement on relatively level surfaces by the use of rollers and casters. A vertically moveable second section is adapted for movement up and down on uprights of the base member and a jack is mounted in between the base member and the second section to raise and lower the second section relative to the base member. The second section is further provided with an elongated axle extending across the second section on which are axially slideably mounted two tines. The tines can be restricted as to axial movement by the use of manually fixable slideable collars on the axle to prevent the tines from moving away from each other when a wheel and tire are received thereon. Rollers are provided for the tire receiving surfaces of the tines to facilitate rotational movement of the wheel and tire to align the wheel with lug bolts when remounting the wheel and tire.

Abstract: A shift travel device, exemplified by a vertical lift arm device, is described which provides for free rotation of its cylinder and arm about its shaft and free travel along the shaft without transfer of twist imposed by the arm and load to its shaft, constant sealing of operating air pressure within the cylinder during operation and load changes, and minimum friction during rotation when the cylinder and arm are in the extreme raised or lowered positions. The device includes unique self-aligning spherical bearings at the ends of the cylinder. The device is useful is a wide variety of environments, including those which are unusually dirty or clean.

Abstract: A roll conveyance device for conveying rolls and attaching or detaching the rolls in a roll applying apparatus includes guide pillars, and a roll rest having a plane on which a plurality of the rolls are positioned. The roll rest is movably supported by the guide pillars and has two mutually divisible sections so that the roll rest is foldable. A roll rest moving device vertically moves the roll rest.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for lifting containers onto rail cars includes a substantially rectangular horizontal frame slidably mounted on vertical hoist assemblies each supported on a tracked undercarriage. The lateral separation between the hoists and the lateral dimensions of the frame are hydraulically adjustable to adjust the alignment of two cantilevered lifting beams which extend from the frame over the undercarriage. An operator housing that rides with the frame provides view exposure to the lifting alignment of the cantilevered beams.

Abstract: An attachment to the boom of a boom-type vehicle is for lifting and supporting a panel assembly of the type having a panel and a purline. The purline is securely attached to the panel and disposed at an angle thereto. The attachment comprises an attachment connectable to a forward end of the boom of the vehicle for supporting at least a portion of the purline and at least a portion of the panel. The attachment provides selective movement between the purline, the panel, and the boom for permitting the panel assembly to be maneuvered in the desired manner at the construction site. A panel handler assembly is connectable to a forward portion of a mast assembly.

Abstract: An anti-rattle lower hanger is provided for mounting a lift truck fork to the lower carriage member of a lift truck. The lower hanger has a first end mountable to the shank of a lift truck fork and a raised lip spaced apart from the first end to define a channel between the lip and the shank for receiving a retaining edge of a lower carriage member of the lift truck. The lower hanger has a pair of openings extending through the lip which threadedly receive respective tightening members. The tightening members are extendable from each of the openings to engage the retaining edge of the lower carriage when the hanger is mounted over the lower carriage member.

Abstract: An attachment to the boom of a boom-type vehicle for lifting and supporting a panel assembly of the type having a panel and a purline. The purline is securely attached to the panel and disposed at an angle thereto. The attachment comprises attachment devices connectable to a forward end of the boom of the vehicle for supporting at least a portion of the purline and at least a portion of the panel. The attachment devices provide selective movement between the purline, the panel, and the boom for permitting the panel assembly to be manuvered in the desired manner at the construction site. A panel handler assembly is connectable to a forward portion of a mast assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing a manbasket to the tines of a lifting fork of a forklift. A preferred embodiment comprises a tine clamp mounted to a tine socket on the manbasket. The clamp automatically applies a self-adjusting gripping force to the underside of the tine whenever the fork has elevated the manbasket and automatically releases the tine when the manbasket is resting upright on a reference surface. The tine clamp comprises a lever pivotably mounted at mid-length to the tine socket, at least one gripping cam rotatably mounted to one end of the lever, and a cam release member pivotably mounted to the opposite end of the lever. The lever is biased to keep the gripping edge surface of the cam in contact with the underside of the tine whenever the tine is in the socket and the manbasket is elevated. The cam has an outwardly spiraled profile to enable it to apply a gripping force to the tine that increases as the tine is urged more strongly out of the socket.

Abstract: A suspension frame for raising or lowering by a crane or hoist carries an assembly of depending limbs or legs which are power operated by a ram for extension apart or retraction and when retracted have a detachable hook engagement with load bearing portions of a split pallet assembly. On extension of the legs the pallet portions are withdrawn apart from under the load in order to deposit it on the ground after which the separated pallet portions are raised clear of the load. An assembly of load holding or steadying plates also depend from the suspension structure and are power operated by a ram against the load to hold or steady the latter during withdrawal of the pallet portions from under the load and its deposit on the ground or other surface, on or after which the plates are released from the load.

Abstract: An adjustable lifting shoe assembly for sheet or sheet package lifting devices is disclosed. The assembly enables a plurality of lifting shoes suspended from a reinforced back plate to be slid laterally along the back plate to stradle and/or be inserted between full-width cross runners or circumferential bands extending beneath the sheet or sheet package. Such a construction is generally suspended from a crane or hoist and is useful in lifting all types of sheet packages.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to an attachment to the boom of a boom-type vehicle for lifting and supporting a panel assembly of the type having a panel and a purline. The purline is securely attached to the panel and disposed at an angle thereto. The attachment comprises attachment devices connectable to a forward end of the boom of the vehicle for supporting at least a portion of the purline and at least a portion of the panel. The attachment device provides selective movement between the purline, the panel, and the boom for permitting the panel assembly to be maneuvered in the desired manner at the construction site. A panel handler assembly is connectable to a forward portion of a mast assembly.

Abstract: A forkhook has a beveled portion formed on the periphery thereof so as to be welded to a fork. Dams are provided at corners of the beveled portion to prevent the liquid weld bead from dropping to the outer peripheral areas. Also, dams are provided between the beveled portion and the groove for receiving a locking pin to prevent the liquid weld bead from dropping into the groove. Thus, the operation for welding the forkhook to the fork is facilitated.

Abstract: A physically integrated manufacturing and materials handling system comprising a conveyor system and a storage system. A conveyor system is described which includes means for receiving pallets having metal sheets or the like placed thereon so that the metal sheets may be removed therefrom and placed on a storage system pallet. The loaded storage system pallets are transported to storage bays or other locations within the facility by means of an electronically guided forklift truck.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement for stabilizing a load carried on an elevationally movable load engaging device of a material handling lift mast has a clamp movably connected to the load engaging device and an actuator for moving the load engaging clamp between first and second spaced apart locations in response to the actuator being moved between extended and retracted positions. A connecting device connects the actuator to the load engaging device and maintains the load engaging clamp from movement toward the second position in response to engagement between the load engaging clamp and the load and provides a preselected amount of movement of the actuator relative to the load engaging clamp subsequent to engagement between the load engaging clamp and the load and thus reduces the potential of damaging the load. The clamping arrangement is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: A fork extension and retraction system for use with stockpickers automatically extends and retracts hydraulically extendable forks of a stockpicker when the load handler carrying the forks has moved to its extended position on the load side of the vehicle, and it also automatically retracts the forks if they have drifted from a home position before performing other fork related activities. Switches in the fork carriage assembly sense when the extendable forks are in the home position and near the home position. Other switches sense when the load handler assembly has reached its extreme positions on either side of the operator's platform. Still other switches are used to slow the traverse movement of the load handler assembly as it approaches its extreme positions, thus to cushion the shock of the load handler stopping. A control circuit senses the condition of these switches and controls the operation of both the load handle and the fork extension hydraulic system.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the mounting of a vehicle wheel. The present invention apparatus is adapted to provide apparatus for lifting a vehicle wheel to the height of a vehicle axle hub and mounting bolts and position the wheel for mounting thereon. A mounting base is equipped with a plurality of roller assemblies which permit the apparatus to be moved in all directions along the ground or other supporting surface. A supporting guide frame is secured to the mounting base to provide a positioning guide for lifting the vehicle wheel. A wheel positioning frame is slidably coupled to the positioning frame. The wheel positioning frame is curved to receive the vehicle tire. A plurality of rollers are coupled to the positioning frame in parallel spaced relation, the axis of each roller being adapted to be oriented parallel to the vehicle axle. A hoist assembly is coupled between the mounting base and the wheel positioning frame for raising the wheel positioning frame relative to the mounting base.

Abstract: A manually-operated portable lift which may telescopically raise its mast or post so as to raise a lifting platform above the lift's initial height. The lift may be folded up to a compact and easily-moved configuration for ease of transport and storage. The lift includes a base with built-in outriggers which can be easily snapped out to fixed extended positions and returned to their storage positions. The outrigger is automatically latched in either such position but not between them. The base portion forward of the post can be manually unlatched and folded up parallel to the post. The platform and its arms have provision for manually mounting the arms of the platform in a low lifting position, a high lifting position, and a compact storage position wherein the arms are adjacent the platform. An extension mast is provided in either a storage position adjacent the main mast or as an extension of that mast.

Abstract: A storage facility is provided for integration with a material distribution facility that includes as storage carousel for receiving and storing containers adapted to carry material goods. The carousel includes a multiplicity of connecting rack arrays arranged in side-by-side fashion. Each of the rack arrays includes a plurality of vertically spaced container racks for supporting selected containers, with the container racks from various rack arrays being arranged in a plurality of tiers. The carousel is adapted to rotate about a continuous track. Insertion and extraction assemblies are provided for each carousel tier that are adapted to load and unload containers from the various racks while the carousel remains in continuous motion. A novel lift arrangement is provided for carrying containers between a conveyor network and the various inserter and extractor assemblies. In an alternative aspects of the invention, a novel control system for a storage facility is described as well.

Abstract: A knock-down pallet truck utilizes a tubular construction as its fork assembly (43) such that each fork is separately removable from the carriage. Each light-weight fork (43) includes a pair of spaced apart tubular members (39) joined at a tip (41) and affixed to a pair of rigid connection splines (36) which are detachably affixed to a receptacle unit (18, 19) on the body (14) of the pallet truck.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of an automated material handling system for a cargo trailer which is integrated with an automated material handling system provided for a manufacturing assembly plant. The system for the cargo trailer includes a protective guard rail for bar-coded targets provided within the cargo trailer, modification of an automated lift truck which permits shifting of parts racks as they are loaded or unloaded from a cargo trailer and also exact positionment of parts racks with respect to an automated lift truck.

Abstract: An accessory chuck for utility vehicles having an upper jaw and a lower jaw slidably suspended therefrom and movable by turning a threaded rod supported by the upper jaw. Suspending members are pivotally attached to the lower jaw and to pairs of carrying nuts that ride on the threaded rods. Turning the threaded rod from either end causes each pair of carrying nuts to ride closer or farther apart, depending on the direction the rod is turned. As the carrying nuts move, the suspending members raise or lower the lower jaw to a releasing or a gripping position, respectively.

Abstract: When the center of gravity of the load put on the two prongs of a forklift is located to the right or left of the central position, the prongs are tilted. The invention is intended to prevent the prongs from tilting in this situation. Tilt sensors are mounted on the prongs. A computer calculates the tilt angles of the prongs, based on the output signals from the sensors. A driving device receives the output signals from the computer and brings the prongs into the horizontal.

Abstract: A drum handling apparatus adapted for use with an integrated tool carrier hicle or a forklift which has coupled thereto a tire handling attachment. The tire handling attachment has a pair of L shaped members which extend and retract. Located at the free end of the L shaped members are rotatable engaging elements. The drum handling apparatus includes a pair of square shaped tubular members in slidable engagement, with each tubular member having at the free end thereof a circular plate which attaches to one of the rotatable gripping elements of the tire handling attachment. Each tubular member has affixed thereto a curved plate with the curved plates to be utilized to grip a barrel or drum when the L shaped members of the tire handling attachment are retracted and release the barrel or drum when the L shaped members of the tire handling attachment are extended.

Abstract: A load lifting attachment suitable for mounting on a truck or other vehicle frame which can handle, load, unload, lift and transport various loads including containers and pallets. The attachment is pivotally mounted behind a truck cab by mounting on a pair of support beams which in turn are pivotally mounted to the truck frame. The attachment is pivoted to a raised position away from the rear of the truck frame when not in use permitting unimpeded connection of a trailer or the like to the truck frame by a fifth wheel or other trailer attaching device. When not in use, the load lifting attachment may be secured to the truck cab. When in use, the attachment is pivoted to a lowered position.

Abstract: In vehicles for material handling commonly known as lift trucks, it is known to have forks for lifting and supporting the material being handled. In this invention, the curved portion of the fork, known as the "heel" is modified to reduce the stresses which arise in this area when the fork is loaded. The modifications include thickening of the heel during forming by approximately 5% toward the blade and approximately 2.5% toward the shank, enlarging the inside radius of the heel by machining and providing a clearance cavity in the top surface of the region where the blade meets the heel.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a load by a vehicle having lifting forks reduced in length to combine with a rectangular pallet having side and end edges. The pallet has transversely extending floor boards and longitudinally extending stringers separated by spacer blocks with a deck of transversely extending boards mounted on the stringers. The assembly provides transverse channels into which the forks can be entered from either side edge to pick up the loaded pallet, and also provides longitudinal channels for receiving the forks entered from either end edge. By reducing the effective length of standard forks, the outer ends of the forks are prevented from the projecting from the remote side edge of the pallet when the forks are fully entered into the transverse channels. The length of the pallet plus the arrangement of the floor boards place the outer ends of the lifting forks clear of the outermost floor board when the forks are fully entered into the longitudinal channels.