US3625385A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Forklift apparatus
Assignee: Metropolitan Stevedore Co
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Filing: 1970-02-02
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Granted: 1971-12-07
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Expires: 1990-02-02
Abstract
Abstract Forklift apparatus for use with pallets which are rectangular in plan view and adapted to receive the tines of a forklift in both their long and short dimensions. The apparatus includes a fork having forwardly projecting tine means. A vertical limit plate is disposed rearwardly on the tines and is shiftable between a first position limiting extension of the tine means to, or less than, the relatively short dimension and shiftable to a second position to limit insertion of the tine means under said pallets to, or less than, the long dimension. Actuation means is provided for shifting the limit plate between the first and second positions whereby such limit plate can be adjusted to permit full extension of the tines in either direction under the pallet but to limit projection of the tines from the far side of the pallet to thereby avoid damage to adjacent cargo.
Inventors
- 👤 Allan R Ide
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 13:40
CPC Classifications
B; B66; B66F; B66F9/00; B66F9/06; B66F9/075; B66F9/12; B62; B62B; B62B2203/00; B62B2203/20; B62B2203/29
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
208 words
Fork lift apparatus for use with lifting pallets having a relatively short dimension and a relatively long dimension, said apparatus comprising: a fork including forwardly projecting tine means; a limit plate disposed rearwardly on said tine means and shiftable arcuately downwardly and forwardly to a first position disposed intermediately on said tine means to limit extension of said tine means under said pallets to less than said relatively short dimension and shiftable arcuately upwardly and rearwardly to a second position to limit insertion of said tine means under said pallets to less than said relatively long dimension; locating linkage carried by said fork for mounting said limit plate to maintain said limit plate in a generally vertical orientation in both said first and second positions; and actuation means for shifting said limit plate between said first and second positions whereby said actuation means may be actuated to shift said limit plate to said one position when said tines are inserted under said pallets in said relatively short dimension and to shift said limit plate to said second position when said tines are to be inserted under said pallets to said relatively long dimension to thereby limit said tine means from projecting beyond the opposite sides of said pallets.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
208 words
Fork lift apparatus for use with lifting pallets having a relatively short dimension and a relatively long dimension, said apparatus comprising: a fork including forwardly projecting tine means; a limit plate disposed rearwardly on said tine means and shiftable arcuately downwardly and forwardly to a first position disposed intermediately on said tine means to limit extension of said tine means under said pallets to less than said relatively short dimension and shiftable arcuately upwardly and rearwardly to a second position to limit insertion of said tine means under said pallets to less than said relatively long dimension; locating linkage carried by said fork for mounting said limit plate to maintain said limit plate in a generally vertical orientation in both said first and second positions; and actuation means for shifting said limit plate between said first and second positions whereby said actuation means may be actuated to shift said limit plate to said one position when said tines are inserted under said pallets in said relatively short dimension and to shift said limit plate to said second position when said tines are to be inserted under said pallets to said relatively long dimension to thereby limit said tine means from projecting beyond the opposite sides of said pallets.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
Fork lift apparatus set forth in claim 1 that includes: an operator''s platform; and control means connected with the actuation means and including a control handle disposed adjacent said operator''s platform.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
139 words
Fork lift apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said locating means includes a parallelogrammatic linkage including longitudinally extending rigid arms pivotally connected on their rear extremities to said fork and on their respective front extremities to said limit plate and of sufficient length to enable said limit plate to be moved from said second position downwardly and forwardly to come to rest on said tine means disposed in said first position with said arms disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation to limit rearward movement of said limit plate; and said actuation means includes hydraulic cylinder means connected with said linkage and operable to selectively raise said front extremities of said arms to retract said plate to said second position and to lower said front extremities of said arms to extend said limit plate to said first position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
Fork lift apparatus as set forth in claim 1 that includes: an operator''s platform; control means adjacent said platform for controlling said actuation means whereby the operator can shift said limit plate between said first and second positions without leaving said platform.
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) | 1974-12-06 | 1975-06-07 | 1975-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-06 | 1979-06-07 | 1979-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-06 | 1983-06-07 | 1983-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |