Pivotally mounted fork extensions for low-lift pallet trucks

Claim 2

In low-lift pallet trucks of the type comprising a transport vehicle having a pair of forks at one end attached to the transport vehicle and at the other end resting on rollers including lift means operative to raise the forks a small distance above the ground for raising and transporting pallets into which the forks are inserted, the improvement comprising: a bracing strap at the end of each of the forks; a pair of elongate fork extension frameworks each comprising a rim conforming with the outer perimeter of the sides of the forks, each said framework having a portion projecting beyond the forks a length sufficient to raise at least two adjacent pallets, each said framework having at least one crossbar spanning said rim and positioned to rest on said bracing strap, and truss bracing spanning said rim in said projecting portion to enhance the rigidity of said framework; and means pivotally mounting each said framework at one end at the base of one of the forks adjacent the transport vehicle for pivotal mounting between an upper position to facilitate maneuverability of the transport vehicle and a lower extending horizontal positIon resting on the fork for simultaneous transportation of adjacent pallets.

Claim 3

In low-lift pallet trucks as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for pivotally mounting each said fork extension framework includes a pair of fingers extending from the end of said framework adjacent the vehicle, plate means attached adjacent the base of the vehicle at the forks with two pairs of indentations, one pair on either side of each fork, for receiving the extending fingers of said frameworks, and support means attached across said rim of said framework to provide a pivot axis.

Claim 4

Fork extension apparatus for low-lift trucks of the type having a pair of forks at one end attached to a transporting vehicle and at the other end resting on rollers, said vehicle including lift means for raising the forks a small distance, said fork and lift means operative for raising a pallet into which the forks are inserted a small distance above the ground for transport, said fork extension apparatus comprising: a pair of elongate frameworks each comprising a rim conforming in width to the outer perimeter of the forks and a portion of said frameworks projecting beyond the forks a length sufficient to raise two adjacent pallets, crossmeans spanning said rim and positioned to rest on said forks, truss bracing spanning said rim in said projecting portion of said framework to enhance the rigidity of said frameworks, each of said frameworks being of an open construction such that when said framework is in said extending horizontal position the plane of the pallet support surface of said fork is substantially parallel to the plane of the pallet support surface of said framework; and means for pivotally mounting each said framework at one end adjacent the transport vehicle for pivotal movement between an upper position and a lower extending horizontal position resting on said forks for transportation of adjacent pallets simultaneously.

Claim 5

Fork extension apparatus for low-lift trucks of the type having a pair of forks at one end attached to a transporting vehicle and at the other end resting on rollers, said vehicle including lift means for raising the forks a small distance, said fork and lift means operative for raising a pallet into which the forks are inserted a small distance above the ground for transport, said fork extension apparatus comprising: a pair of elongate frameworks each comprising a rim conforming in width to the outer perimeter of the forks and a portion of said frameworks projecting beyond the forks a length sufficient to raise two adjacent pallets, crossmeans spanning said rim and positioned to rest on said forks, truss bracing spanning said rim in said projecting portion of said framework to enhance the rigidity of said frameworks, each of said frameworks being of an open construction such that when said framework is in said extending horizontal position the plane of the pallet support surface of said fork is substantially parallel to the plane of the pallet support surface of said framework; and means for pivotally mounting each said framework at one end adjacent the transport vehicle for pivotal movement between an upper position and a lower extending horizontal position resting on said forks for transportation of adjacent pallets simultaneously.

Claim 6

In low-lift truck vehicles as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said frameworks is of an open construction such that when said framework is in said extending horizontal position the pallet support surface of said fork projects through said framework for engagingly supporting a pallet.