US3567055A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Arrangement of a movable fork of a stacking crane or the like
Assignee: Sverre Munck AS
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Filing: 1968-10-14
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Granted: 1971-03-02
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Expires: 1988-10-14
Abstract
Abstract On a fork carrier of a stacking crane, a load supporting fork is movable on either side of the fork carrier between an extended position and a retracted position. Movement is directed by a parallelogram linkage connecting the fork to a linearly moving guide element on the fork carrier. Control levers connected to the fork carrier assure the movement of the fork between the two positions as the guide element moves on the fork carrier.
Inventors
- 👤 Serge Preto
- 👤 Rasmus Kjolen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 11:36
CPC Classifications
B; B66; B66F; B66F9/00; B66F9/06; B66F9/07; B66F9/075; B66F9/12; B66F9/14; B66F9/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
250 words
An apparatus for manipulating a load supporting fork of a stacking crane comprising, a fork carrier adapted to be lifted and lowered along guides in a crane post, vertically extending guide surfaces formed on said fork carrier, a guide element mounted on said fork carrier for vertical movement along said guide surfaces, a load supporting fork having a generally horizontal load supporting surface, a fork head connected to the fork, a parallelogram linkage comprising a pair of parallel links, each pivotally connected at one end to the guide element and at the other end to the fork head, and a control means operative connected to the parallelogram linkage to control movement of the same, relative to the fork carrier, such that as the guide element moves vertically along said guide surfaces, the fork head moves in a horizontal path in a direction transverse to the said pivot axis between two positions located on opposite sides of the said pivot connection of the parallelogram linkage to the guide element, while retaining the load supporting surface generally horizontal, whereby in one of said positions, the fork extends outwardly from the fork carrier to receive a load, and in the other position the fork is located closer to the fork carrier, said control means comprising a control arm pivotally connected at one end to the parallelogram linkage and at the other end to the fork carrier, such that as the guide element moves vertically, the fork head swings between the two said positions.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
250 words
An apparatus for manipulating a load supporting fork of a stacking crane comprising, a fork carrier adapted to be lifted and lowered along guides in a crane post, vertically extending guide surfaces formed on said fork carrier, a guide element mounted on said fork carrier for vertical movement along said guide surfaces, a load supporting fork having a generally horizontal load supporting surface, a fork head connected to the fork, a parallelogram linkage comprising a pair of parallel links, each pivotally connected at one end to the guide element and at the other end to the fork head, and a control means operative connected to the parallelogram linkage to control movement of the same, relative to the fork carrier, such that as the guide element moves vertically along said guide surfaces, the fork head moves in a horizontal path in a direction transverse to the said pivot axis between two positions located on opposite sides of the said pivot connection of the parallelogram linkage to the guide element, while retaining the load supporting surface generally horizontal, whereby in one of said positions, the fork extends outwardly from the fork carrier to receive a load, and in the other position the fork is located closer to the fork carrier, said control means comprising a control arm pivotally connected at one end to the parallelogram linkage and at the other end to the fork carrier, such that as the guide element moves vertically, the fork head swings between the two said positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, including a power means arranged to move said fork head between the two said positions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control means comprises a control arm pivotally connected to the parallelogram linkage and to the fork carrier, and wherein said power means is connected to the said control arm to turn the same about its connection to the fork carrier to swing the parallelogram linkage, and hence the fork head between the two said positions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
82 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the said load supporting surface of the fork extends horizontally outwardly from said fork head, and including a second load supporting surface extending upwardly from said fork head, and wherein the fork can be swung 90* about an axis through said fork head such that the second load supporting surface of the fork extends horizontally in a direction opposite from the first said load supporting surface when the latter is in its generally horizontal position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-01 | 1974-08-31 | 1975-03-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-01 | 1978-08-31 | 1979-03-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-01 | 1982-08-31 | 1983-03-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |