Load securing assembly for a forklift truck

Claim 1

A forklift, the forklift being selectively positionable along a generally vertically extending mast, the forklift having a shank selectively positioned along said generally vertically extending mast, the forklift having affixed to the shank at least one generally horizontally extending dependent tine, said tine being disposed generally remote from said mast; a load engaging and disengaging means affixed to said shank with load engaging means adapted to engage a load on said forklift when said forklift is raised above a supporting surface, said load engaging means adapted to disengage said load when the said tine is disposed generally adjacent said supporting surface, including a member defining a generally vertically extending passageway affixed adjacent said shank, the load engaging means having a generally J-shaped configuration, the load engaging means slideably disposed with the inset passageway, said load engaging means having a generally linear shank slideably disposed in the passageway and a toe portion extending generally away from said mast; the load engaging means being in an inverted position wherein said linear shank extends below the bottom of the tine when the tine is in a raised position; and when the tine is in a lowered position, the toe of the load engaging means being disposed upwardly relative to said tine; the toe of said load engaging means being adapted to engage a recess on a load when said tine assembly is in a raised position and disengage from the recess on a load when the tine is in a lowered position.