Patent Grant
12103832
Generally, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for moving articles, objects, or equipment between a first location and a second location. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for moving articles, objects, or equipment using a forklift or other similar lifting device. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a moving apparatus capable of being operatively coupled to a forklift or similar vehicle when the moving apparatus is on the ground, and is then secured to the lifting device when lifted off the ground. A connector assembly couples the object, article, or equipment to the moving apparatus. The connector assembly may include a pyramidal frame for enabling engagement of a gooseneck-type hitch or a five slider attached to the object, article, or equipment; a hitch frame for enabling engagement of different dimension ball hitches provided on articles, objects, or equipment; and a rotatable platform defining a platform channel into which part of the object, article or equipment is receivable.
In some industries it is needful to move large objects, equipment, or articles from one location to another on factory floors, inside large warehouses, or in commercial storage or display areas. Often these articles have to be moved around the yard or building, be loaded or unloaded, or otherwise moved into or out of position a number of times in a day or in a week. Forklifts are frequently used for this type of task. However, forklifts are typically only useable if the objects, equipment or articles to be moved (generally described herein by the term “articles”) are located on a pallet or skid. The tines of the forklift can be received within channels defined in the pallet or skid and the stacked pallet or skid can then be moved from one location to another. When the articles to be moved are not supported on pallets or skids, forklifts may not be able to be used to move those articles. In these instances, vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and other types of moving equipment have to be used instead. However, trucks, cars, and cranes are far less maneuverable than forklifts. Consequently, a need exists for a way to engage articles which are not on pallets or skids to a forklift.
The prior art describes a variety of attachments which can be used to operatively engage articles to forklifts.
Orthman (U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,013) discloses an attachment for a forklift having a frame which defines sleeves configured to receive the tines of the forklift therein. A stop member on the frame is rotated into a locking position to secure the frame to the forklift tines. The frame also includes hitch hooks and pins which enable three-point mounted equipment to be operably engaged with the forklift via the attachment. Once the three-point equipment is engaged with the hitch hooks and pins of the attachment, the forklift is operable to manipulate the attachment and thereby the three-point mounted equipment and move the same from one location to another.
Schroder (U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,317) discloses a forklift extension having a frame which defines channels to receive the tines of a forklift. One or more arms provided on the frame are pivoted into a locking position to hold and secure the extension to the forklift. The extension includes auxiliary extension tines which can be mounted directly to the frame at a desired location to engage articles.
Cooper et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 9,371,685) discloses an attachment which is engageable with a forklift and is configured to be useful for hanging doors. The attachment includes a lifter mount having a frame defining channels into which the tines of a forklift are received. A retaining device in the form of a rotatable bolt is provided on the frame to lock the tines in place once received in the channels. A plate is welded to the frame of the lifter mount at a position remote from where the tines are received into the channels. A plate provided on a door mounting frame is selectively secured to the plate on the lifter mount via a nut and bolt. A door is able to be engaged with the door mounting frame and the forklift is used to manipulate the door mounting frame via the lifter mount to suitably position the door in the door mounting frame for hanging.
The method and apparatus described herein relates to a moving apparatus which is selectively engageable with a forklift or other lifting device and is configured to directly engage an object, article, or piece of equipment, so that the article can be quickly and easily moved from one location to another by the forklift or other lifting device. The moving apparatus is engageable with the lifting device when seated on a surface and is secured to the lifting device by a retaining assembly when the lifting device lifts the moving apparatus off the surface. The moving device includes a connector assembly which is used to retain or secure an object, article, or piece of equipment to the moving apparatus. The connector assembly may be any suitable hitch-type apparatus such as a standard ball hitch or a gooseneck hitch. In other embodiments, the connector assembly may include a platform which is rotatably mounted to a body of the moving apparatus. The platform defines a platform channel into which a portion of the object, article, or piece of equipment is received.
In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a moving apparatus for engagement with a lifting device to move an article from a first location to a second location, said moving apparatus comprising a body having a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween; at least one channel member provided on the body, said at least one channel member extending in the longitudinal direction; a guided channel defined by the at least one channel member; a retaining assembly engaged with the at least one channel member and being operable to secure the body to the lifting device; and a connector assembly provided on the body, said connector assembly comprising a platform rotatable about a pivot axis, wherein the platform is adapted to engage the article to be moved.
In one embodiment, the connector assembly may further comprise a connector frame engaged with the at least one channel member; and wherein the platform is rotatable relative to the connector frame. In one embodiment, the platform may be located vertically above the connector frame. In one embodiment, the connector assembly may further comprise a pivot rod extending between the connector frame and the platform, and wherein the pivot axis extends along a shaft of the pivot rod. In one embodiment, the pivot axis may be oriented at ninety degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one channel member, and the longitudinal axis extends between a first end and a second end of the at least one channel member. In one embodiment, the platform may be U-shaped in cross-section and defines a platform channel therein, and wherein the platform channel is adapted to receive a portion of the article to be moved therein.
In one embodiment, the moving apparatus may further comprise an opening to the guided channel defined in a front end of the at least one channel member, and wherein the guided channel is adapted to receive a tine of the lifting device therein through the opening. In one embodiment, the retaining assembly may be movable between an accepting position and an engaged position; wherein when the retaining assembly is in the accepting position, the guided channel is adapted to removably accept a tine of the lifting device therein; and wherein when the retaining assembly is in the engaged position, the tine of the lifting device is retained in the guided channel and the body is secured to the lifting device. In one embodiment, the moving apparatus may further comprise a biasing assembly engaged with the retaining assembly, wherein said biasing assembly urges the retaining assembly into the engaged position.
In one embodiment, the retaining assembly may comprise at least one arm member having a base positionable a distance outwardly beyond a front end of the at least one channel member, wherein the base is located below an opening to the guided channel when the retaining assembly is in the accepting position and the base is located above an imaginary plane extending along a top wall of the at least one channel member when the retaining assembly is in the engaged position. In one embodiment, the retaining assembly may further comprise a leg extending outwardly from one end of the base, wherein the leg is V-shaped and an apex of the V-shaped leg is pivotally secured to the at least one channel member.
In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a moving apparatus for engagement with a lifting device to move an article from a first location to a second location, said moving apparatus comprising a body including a first channel member and a second channel spaced laterally apart from one another, wherein each of the first channel member and second channel member has a first end and a second end spaced longitudinally apart from one another, and wherein the body is adapted to be engaged with the lifting device; a retaining assembly engageable with the body and operable to secure the body to the lifting device once the body is engaged with the lifting device; a connector assembly comprising a connector frame extending laterally between the first channel member and the second channel member; and a platform rotatably engaged with the connector frame, said platform being adapted to engage the article to be moved.
In one embodiment, the platform may be located vertically above the connector frame. In one embodiment, the connector assembly may further comprise a pivot rod oriented at ninety degrees relative to an upper surface of the platform. In one embodiment, the platform may be rotatable relative to the connector frame about a pivot axis extending at ninety degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the first channel member, where the longitudinal axis extends between the first end and second end of the first channel member. In one embodiment, the platform may define a platform channel therein which opens upwardly away from an upper surface of the platform, and wherein the platform channel is adapted to receive at least a portion of the article to be moved therein.
In another aspect, and exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method a moving an article from a first location to a second location with a lifting device, said method comprising placing a moving apparatus onto a surface at the first location; receiving a portion of the article to be moved within a platform channel defined by a platform that is rotatably engaged with a body of the moving apparatus; lifting the moving apparatus off the surface with the lifting device; moving a retaining assembly on the body of the moving apparatus from an accepting position to an engaged position as the moving apparatus lifts off the surface; securing the body of the moving apparatus to the lifting device with the retaining assembly; moving the lifting device from the first location to the second location; and moving the article from the first location to the second location with the moving apparatus while secured to the lifting device and while held a distance above the surface.
In one embodiment, the method may further comprise rotating the platform relative to a connector frame of the body of the moving apparatus, wherein the connector frame is engaged with the at least one channel member; and orienting the platform to a desired position relative to the connector frame in order to suitably accept the portion of the article therein. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise rotating the platform about a pivot axis oriented at ninety degrees relative to an upper surface of the platform which defines the platform channel. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise lowering the moving apparatus back into contact with the surface at the second location; moving the retaining assembly from the engaged position to the accepting position as the moving apparatus is lowered back into contact with the surface; releasing the body of the moving apparatus from the lifting apparatus as the retaining assembly moves to the accepting position; and removing the article from the moving apparatus by lifting the portion of the article from within the platform channel defined by the rotatable platform.
Sample embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the following description, are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
A first embodiment of a new moving apparatus 10 and method of operation thereof is depicted in the present disclosure and throughout
The disclosure focuses on an improved moving apparatus that may be used in conjunction with a common forklift, or otherwise a lifting device, as will be discussed hereafter.
Referring specifically to
Referring specifically to
The body of moving apparatus 10 further includes two different types of connector assembly which are useful for attaching an object, article, or piece of equipment to the moving apparatus 10. The two different types of connector assembly include a pyramidal frame 18 and a hitch frame 20. The pyramidal frame 18 is suitable for enabling an object, article or piece of equipment to be engaged with moving apparatus 10 via a gooseneck-type hitch or a five slider (via the use of an adapter). Hitch frame 20 is suitable for enabling an object, article, or piece of equipment to be engaged with the moving apparatus 10 via a standard ball hitch. Each of the components of the channel members 14, retaining assembly 16, pyramidal frame 18, and the hitch frame 20 and the method of use thereof will be described in greater detail later herein.
The moving apparatus 10 generally has a front 10A and a rear end 10B spaced longitudinally from one another and defining a longitudinally direction therebetween. (The front 10A is that side of the moving apparatus 10 which will be approached by a person when driving a forklift forward to engage the moving apparatus.) The moving apparatus 10 further includes is a top 10C and a bottom 10D opposed thereto. The top 10C and bottom 10D define a vertical direction therebetween. The moving apparatus 10 further includes a first side 10E and a second side 10F opposed thereto. The first side 10E and 10F are laterally spaced from one another and define a lateral direction therebetween.
The two channel members 14 are substantially identical in structure and function and are arranged as mirror images of one another about an imaginary midline “ML” (
Outer wall 14E and inner wall 14F of each channel member 14 extend between top wall 14C and bottom wall 14D. Each of the outer wall 14E and inner wall 14F is substantially planar along its length. The overall shape of the outer wall 14E and inner wall 14F differs when that particular wall is viewed from the side. Each outer wall 14E is straight along its uppermost edge where outer wall 14E intersects top wall 14C. The bottom edge of the outer wall 14E, however, is not straight from proximate the front end 14A of channel member 14 to proximate the back end 14B thereof. Instead, as shown in
The inner wall 14F of each channel member 14 is differently configured from the outer wall 14E thereof. Inner wall 14F includes a first region which is substantially identical and laterally aligned with the first region of outer wall 14E. Inner wall 14F, however, also includes a second region which is originates in rear end 14B and extends forwardly towards front end 14A, terminating a short distance from rear end 14B. Inner wall 14F is of a substantially constant height between the first region and the second region. The first region, like the first region of outer wall 14E, includes a generally triangular portion which extends below the rest of the bottom edge of the constant height portion of inner wall 14F located between the first and second regions. The bottom edge of the generally triangular portion includes a ground-engaging straight, flat section 14F′ which is laterally aligned with the ground-engaging straight, flat section 14E′ of outer wall 14E. The rest of the bottom edge of the first region of the inner wall 14F tapers in height from the section 14F′ to the bottom edge of the rest of the inner wall 14F. The tapering bottom edge of the first region of the inner wall is disposed at the same angle β as the tapering bottom edge of the first region of outer wall 14E.
Second region of inner wall 14F is generally rectangular in shape and is of substantially the same height as the bottom region. A section of the bottom edge of the second region tapers in height as it angles to join the bottom edge of the region of constant height which extends between the first and second regions of inner wall 14F. The angled section of the second region is located a distance forwardly from the rear end 14B of channel member 14. The bottom edge of the second region of inner wall 14F includes a straight, flat section 14F″. When moving apparatus 10 is placed in contact with a surface 36, such as is illustrated in
Referring to
As best seen in
Referring to
Referring now to
First leg 17B is a planar member that is straight and in the same plane along its entire length, where the length is measured from base 17A to a free end of first leg 17B. The free end of the first leg 17B is pivotally engaged with the channel member 14 by first pivot pin 16D extending through an aperture (not numbered) defined in the free end of the first leg 17B and through an aligned aperture (not numbered) defined in a flange 22 welded to channel member 14. In the illustrated embodiment, each flange 22 extends upwardly from the top wall 14C of channel member 14 proximate outer wall 14E but it will be understood that the two flanges 22 may instead be welded to inner wall 14F and outer wall 14F. Flanges 22 are laterally aligned with one another and are located a relatively short distance rearwardly of front end 14A of channel member 14.
Second leg 17C is differently configured to first leg 17B. Instead of being straight along its entire length from base 17A to a free end thereof, second leg 17C is substantially of an inverted V-shaped. Second leg 17C comprises a first section 17C′ and a second section 17C″ which intersect at an apex. First section 17C′ originates in the second end of base 17A and is of substantially the same length as the first leg 17B. Second section 17C″ extends from the apex (and thereby from first section 17C″) to a free end remote from the apex. The lower edges of the first and second sections 17C′, 17C″ are oriented at an angle Θ (
Referring still to
The second section 17C″ of the second leg 17C of arm member 16A and of arm member 16B are engaged with opposite ends of the crossbar 16C via fasteners 16G (
A biasing member 24 operatively engages the retaining assembly 16 to one or both channel members 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 24 comprises a spring which is engaged with each channel member 14 and a part of the retaining assembly 16. Each spring extends between the retaining assembly 16 and a stanchion 26 welded to the inner wall 14F of an associated channel member 14. The stanchion 26 is located a distance rearwardly of the flange 22 and includes a body with a first end 26A that is welded to the inner wall 14F of channel members 14. The body of stanchion 26 includes a second end 26B remote from the first end 26A. An aperture 26C is defined in the second end 26B. The aperture 16F on third section 17C′″ of second leg 17C of each arm member 16A, 16B is operative to accept a hook 24A′ provided on a first end 24A of the spring 24. The spring 24 further has a body which further includes a second end 24B that is longitudinally opposed to the first end 24A. The second end further includes a second hook 24B′ which extends through the aperture 26C defined in the stanchion 26.
While moving assembly 10 is in contact with the ground or other surface, such as is illustrated in
If moving assembly 10 is lifted off of the ground or the other surface, spring 24 moves from the extended position 24E to the retracted position 24R (
Sections 17C′, 17C″, and 17C′″ of second leg 17C are arranged at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to one another. In alternative embodiments the angle between adjacent sections of second leg 17C may be other than 120° depending on the stiffness of the springs 24 used to bias the retaining assembly 16 into a closed position. In the closed position, the base 17A of the two arm members 16A, 16B is located a distance vertically above the plane of the exterior surface of top wall 14C of the associated channel member 14. The retaining assembly 16 is movable to an open position. In the open position, base 17A of each arm member 16A, 16B is positioned so that the opening to guided channel 14H in front end 14A of the associated channel member 14 is accessible. The retaining assembly 16 is moved from the closed position to the open position by lowering the moving apparatus 10 towards the ground until the crossbar 16C contacts the surface. When this occurs, the crossbar 16C causes the arm members 16A, 16B to pivot in a one direction about the pivot access and expand the springs 24. The retaining assembly 16 is moved from the open position by raising the moving apparatus off the ground 46 until the crossbar 16C breaks contact with the surface. When this occurs, the springs 24 automatically return to their retracted positions and pivot the arm members 16A, 16B in the opposite direction about the pivot axis. The pivotal motion raises the base 17A of each arm member 16A, 16B above the plane of the exterior surface of the top wall 17C of the associated channel member 14. The purpose of being able to move the retaining assembly between the open position and the closed position will be discussed later herein.
Referring now to
An aperture 18C″″ is defined on one of the structural supports which forms third side face 18C. Aperture 18C″″ is provided to hold excess couplers or pins, as will be discussed later when describing future elements.
As best seen in
As best seen in
Furthermore, the ball of hitch 28A may be of any one of a variety of different diameters, based on the type and weight of articles to be moved with moving apparatus 10. Additionally, although not shown herein, it will be understood that a king pin of an article such as a semi-trailer, may be inserted through the aperture defined in platform 28 and be secured in place. Alternatively, a structure which makes it possible for a king pin to be engaged with platform 28 may be operatively engaged with platform 28.
Referring to
As best seen in
Although not numbered in the drawings, as shown in
A removable ball mount 32 is selectively engageable with hitch receiver 30. Referring to
Referring specifically to
When the pin 34 is removed, the ball mount 32 is no longer in operative connection with the hitch receiver 30 and ball mount 32 may be removed from hitch receiver 30 as indicated by arrow “B”. Once removed from hitch receiver 30, ball mount 32 may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about a horizontal (or longitudinal) axis as indicated by arrow “C”. Ball mount 32 may be rotated in order to position a selected one of the trailer balls 32D′, 32D″ and 32D′″ for use. When the selected trailer ball is facing upwardly, such as trailer ball 32D′ in
In other instances, it may be desired to engage a trailer ball of a different configuration from any of the trailer balls 32D′, 32D″, 32D′″ with ball mount 32. This is accomplished by removing the ball mount 32 from hitch receiver 30 as described above and then rotating the ball mount 32 about a vertical axis as indicated by arrow “D”. Ball mount 32 is then inserted into bore 30H of hitch receiver 30 from a direction moving from frame 18 towards frame 20. The differently configured trailer ball is then positioned in alignment with aperture 32C and a fastener is used to lock the differently configured trailer ball to ball mount 32. The pin 34 is then used to secure ball mount 32 to hitch receiver 30 as described earlier herein.
Having thus described an exemplary non-limiting configuration of the moving apparatus 10, the operation of the moving apparatus 10 will be discussed with reference to
In order for moving apparatus 10 to be engaged with forklift carriage 12b, moving apparatus 10 must rest on the ground 36 (or another support surface such as a factory floor). When moving apparatus 10 is on the ground 36, the bottom edges of the first and second regions of channel member 14 is in contact with the ground 36. Additionally, as can be seen from
The operator of the forklift will drive the vehicle towards moving apparatus 10, approaching it with tine 12A of carriage 12B aligned with channel member 14 and positioned such that the tip of tine 12A will be able to enter the opening to guided channel 14H. The tapered configuration of guided channel 14H helps to ensure that a variety of differently-configured typical forklift tines are able to be received into guided channel 14H. In order to slide tine 12A into guided channel 14H it may be necessary for the forklift operator to raise or lower carriage 12B so that the tip of tine 12A is aligned with the entrance opening in front end 14A of channel member 14.
While tine 12A is shown in
Lifting moving apparatus 10 off surface 36 also causes the upper surface of tine 12A and the tip thereof to move into contact with an interior surface of top wall 14H′ defining guided channel 14H. First leg 17B and second leg 17C of each arm member 16A, 16B extends along a portion of the associated tine 12A and the base 17A of each arm member 16A, 16B remains behind a back region of the associated tine 12A. This arrangement prevents withdrawal of each tine 12A from the associated guided channel 14H. Moving apparatus 10 is thus secured to forklift carriage 12B and will move in unison with forklift carriage 12B. The retaining assembly 16 is therefore operative to hold the tines 12A of forklift 12 (
Since guided channel 14H is tapered, tine 12A has reduced play in a vertical direction between the top wall 14H′ and bottom wall 14H″ of guided channel 14H. If the forklift 12 travels over uneven ground and hits a bump or enters a shallow depression, the resulting shock will tend to result in minimal vertical movement of the tine 12A within guided channel 14H. The tapered shape of guided channel 14H therefore acts as a type of dampening mechanism to such vertical movements.
Moving apparatus 10 is useful as a mechanism for connecting articles to forklift carriage 12B.
Referring specifically to
When trailer 38 has been moved to the new desired location, the operator will get out of the forklift 12, move the trailer jack 38B from the stowed position to the supportive position, lowering the foot of the trailer jack 38B back into contact with the ground 36. The operator will also unlock the locking mechanism which secures the coupler 38A to trailer ball 32D′. Once back in the forklift 12, the operator will manipulate the forklift carriage 12B and thereby the moving apparatus 10, lowering the moving apparatus 10 back towards the ground 36, in an opposite direction to arrow “L” (
It should be noted that because of the raised height of the pyramidal frame 18 on moving apparatus 10, the trailer ball 28A on frame 18 may also be coupled to fifth wheel type couplers using an adapter (not shown) designed for connecting fifth wheel couplers to trailer balls.
Referring now to
Moving apparatus 110 includes a pair of channel members 114 which are substantially identical in structure and function to channel members 14. The two channel members 114 are substantially identical to one another and arranged as mirror images of one another about an imaginary midline “ML” (
An opening (unnumbered) is defined in front end 114A of channel member 114 and a horizontal member 114G spans the width of the channel member 114 proximate bottom wall 114D. The top wall 114C, bottom wall 114D, outer side 114E and inner side bound and define a guided channel 114H which is accessible through the opening in front end 114A. A retaining ledge 114J extends upwardly from the top wall 114C of each channel member 114 proximate the front end 114A thereof. Front end 114A, rear end 114B, top wall 114C, bottom wall 114D, outer side 114E, inner side 114F, horizontal member 114G, guided channel 114H, and retaining ledge 114J are substantially identical in structure and function to front end 14A, rear end 14B, top wall 14C, bottom wall 14D, outer side 14E, inner side 14F, horizontal member 14G, guided channel 14H, and retaining ledge 114J, respectively, and therefore will not be described in any further detail herein.
Moving apparatus 110 also includes a retaining assembly 116 which is operable to secure moving apparatus 110 to a forklift or other type of lifting equipment that includes tines or forks. Retaining assembly 116 comprises two arm members 116A and 116B which are joined to one another via a crossbar 116C. Arm members 116A, 116B are identical to one another and are arranged on moving apparatus 110 as mirror images of one another about the imaginary midline “ML” (
All of the components of moving apparatus 110 described to this point are substantially identical in structure and function to the same components of moving apparatus 10. Moving apparatus 110 differs from moving apparatus 10 in the structural components utilized as a connector assembly for securing an object, article, or piece of equipment to moving apparatus 110. Moving apparatus 10 includes two connector assemblies for securing articles thereto. Those two connector assemblies are the pyramidal frame 18 and the hitch frame 20. Moving apparatus 110 has a connector assembly, generally indicated at 150, which comprises a connector frame 152 and a platform 154 that is secured to the connector frame 152 via a pivot rod assembly 156. Each of the components of connector assembly 150 will be described in greater detail hereafter.
Connector frame 152 is located proximate rear ends 114B of channel members 114 and comprises a front wall 152A, a rear wall 152B (
Bottom wall 152D is shown in
Front wall 152A of connector frame 152 is of a height which substantially approximates the height of the second regions of the inner walls 114F of channel members 114. Front wall includes a flange 152A′ proximate its lower end. The flange 152A′ is integral with the front wall 152A and is oriented at 90° relative thereto, extending rearwardly from a rear surface of front wall 152A moving in a direction towards rear ends 114B of channel members 114. Flange 152A′ is aligned in a same plane as the bottom edge of the second regions of the inner walls 114F and will contact the ground 36 when moving apparatus 110 rests thereupon.
A cut-out 152A″ is defined in front wall (
Top wall 152C and front wall 152A may be integrally formed from a single piece of sheet metal that is bent at a particular location to form the two surfaces. The cut-out 152A″ defined in front wall 152A may be formed by making a generally V-shaped cut in the single piece of sheet metal and then bending the metal along a plane which intersects the ends of the V-shaped cut. When the bend is made in the metal, the cut-out 152A″ is formed in the front wall 152A and a generally V-shaped or triangular piece of metal projects outwardly beyond the bend. This V-shaped or triangular piece of metal forms a flange 152C′ (
As best seen in
Referring now to
Front wall 154A defines a break 154A′ therein. The break 154A′ divides the front wall 154A into two sections. Platform 154 includes a tab 154G which extends outwardly from the intermediate wall and beyond the break 154A′. Tab 154G is of a substantially similar configuration to the flange 152C′ provided on top wall 152C of connector frame 152. A reinforcement ring 154H is welded to the upper surface of tab 154G to reinforce a region of tab 154G which defines a through-hole 154J. The through-hole 154J extends from an upper surface of spacer 154H through to a lower surface of tab 154G. This can be seen in
In other embodiments, spacer 154H may not be welded to tab 154G but may simply be used in conjunction therewith. In these instances, a hole is defined in the tab and a hole defined in the spacer is aligned with the hole in the tab.
An opening to the platform channel 155 faces upwardly such that an upper surface of the intermediate wall 154C thereof forms a bottom of the platform channel 155 into which a portion of the article to be moved is received. The front wall 154A and rear wall 154A extend vertically upwardly from the intermediate wall 154C and aid in preventing the portion of the article received therein from sliding out of the platform channel 155. The ends of the platform channel 155 proximate first side edge 154E and second side edge 154F are preferably open so that the portion of the article received therein can extend outwardly beyond the first and second side edges 154E, 154F of platform 154. It will be understood, however, that in other embodiments, one or both of the first side edge 154E and second side edge 154F may include a wall which extends upwardly from the upper surface of intermediate wall 154C and any such walls may be of any desired height with respect to intermediate wall 154C.
It should also be noted that platform 154 may be of any desired width or length, where the width is measured between front wall 154A and rear wall 154B and length is measured between first side edge 154E and second side edge 154F. Additionally, front wall 154A and rear wall 154B may be of any desired height measured from intermediate wall 154C to a top edge of the associated wall 154A, 154B. It should also be noted that while the heights of front wall 154A and rear wall 154B are illustrated as being generally the same in the attached figures, it will be understood that front wall 154A and rear wall 154B may be off different heights relative to one another. The dimensions of the particular platform 154 engaged with connector frame 152 will be selected based on the type of articles which will typically be moved utilizing moving apparatus 110. Additionally, in another embodiment, one or both of the front wall 154A and rear wall 154B may be omitted or may be differently configured from what is illustrated in the attached figures and described herein.
Pivot rod assembly 156 secures platform 154 to connector frame 152, and thereby to the two channel members 114. Pivot rod assembly 156 enables platform 154 to rotate relative to connector frame 152 about a vertical axis “V” (
Pivot rod assembly 156 may be of any desired configuration and components. An exemplary pivot rod assembly 156 is shown in the attached figures as comprising a fastener 158, a first washer 160, a spacer 162, a second washer 164, and a nut 166. Platform 154 is secured to connector frame 152 by aligning a hole in washer 160 with hole 154J in tab 154G, with hole 152G in flange 152C′, with a hole in spacer 162, with hole 152F of bracket 152E, and with a hole in washer 164. The shaft of fastener 158 is then inserted through the aforementioned aligned holes and nut 166 is threadedly engaged with fastener 158 to secure platform 154 to connector frame 152. Platform 154 is engaged with connector frame 152 by way of fastener 158 such that platform 154 is able to pivot about a vertical axis “V” which extends along the shaft of fastener 158. The possible pivotal motion of platform 154 about axis “V” is shown by the arrow “N” in
Moving apparatus 110 is engaged with a forklift 12 or other lifting device/vehicle in exactly the same manner as moving apparatus 10 is engaged with forklift 12. In brief, moving apparatus 110 is placed on the ground or a surface 36 and when this occurs, the retaining assembly 116 is in the open position and so tines 12A of a forklift carriage 12B are able to be inserted into the guided channel 114H defined by each channel member 114. When forklift carriage 12B is raised off the ground 36, the retaining assembly 116 rotates into a closed position. In the closed position, tines 12A are prevented from being withdrawn from guided channels 114H by base 17A of the associated arm member 116A, 116B. Moving apparatus 110 is thereby secured to forklift carriage 12A and will move in unison therewith.
Moving apparatus 110 is able to be used to manipulate and maneuver various articles, such as the shed 170 shown in
In some instances, beam 172 may be secured to platform 154 by appropriate clamps (not shown) or any other type of securement device. In other instances, an article to be moved may be directly secured to platform in any other appropriate manner such as by clamps or fasteners. Platform 154 is able to pivot about axis “V” as necessary during an operation for moving shed 170 (or some other object, article or equipment.
While platform 154 has been disclosed herein as being a generally U-shaped component, it will be understood that in other instances platform may be a flat component which has securement holes formed therein and through which fasteners may be received to retain an article to the platform.
A method of using moving apparatus 110 to move an article, such as shed 170, from a first location to a second location with a lifting device 12, is described hereafter. The method includes placing the moving apparatus 110 onto a surface 36 at the first location; receiving a portion of the article to be moved, such as the beam 172 at the base of shed 170, within a platform channel 155 defined by a platform 154 which is rotatably engaged with a body of the moving apparatus 110. Before or after receiving the portion of the article into platform channel 155, the method includes lifting the moving apparatus 110 off the surface 36 with the lifting device 12, as indicated by the arrow “L” in
Once the moving apparatus 110 is secured to the lifting device 12 via the retaining assembly 116, the method further includes moving the lifting device 12 from the first location to a remote second location. In the case of the lifting device 12 being a forklift 12, moving the lifting device 12 between the two locations means driving the forklift from one location to another while keeping the moving apparatus 110 secured to the lifting device 12. The moving apparatus 110 is kept secured to the lifting device by holding the moving apparatus 110 a distance vertically above the surface 36 as the lifting device 12 travels between the two locations.
When placing the portion of the article, such as beam 172 of shed 170, into the platform channel 155 defined by the platform 154, the method may include rotating the platform 154 relative to connector frame 152 of the body of the moving apparatus 110. The connector frame 152 is engaged with the at least one channel member 114. The method further includes orienting the platform 154 to a desired position relative to the connector frame 152 by rotating the platform 154 in order to suitably accept the portion 172 of the article 170 within the platform channel 155. The platform 154 is rotated about a pivot axis “V” oriented at ninety degrees relative to an upper surface of the intermediate wall 154C of platform 154 which defines the platform channel 155. Once the lifting apparatus arrives at the second location, the method includes lowering the moving apparatus 110 back into contact with the surface 36 at the second location and moving the retaining assembly 116 from the engaged position (
Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
The device, assembly, system, or method of the present disclosure may additionally include one or more sensor to sense or gather data pertaining to the surrounding environment or operation of the device, assembly, system, or method. Some exemplary sensors capable of being electronically coupled with the device, assembly, system, or method of the present disclosure (either directly connected to the device, assembly, system, or method of the present disclosure or remotely connected thereto) may include but are not limited to: accelerometers sensing accelerations experienced during rotation, translation, velocity/speed, and location traveled.
As described herein, aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, or other similar secondary components and/or systems therein. The present disclosure is therefore contemplated and will be understood to include any necessary operational components thereof. For example, electrical components will be understood to include any suitable and necessary wiring, fuses, or the like for normal operation thereof. Similarly, any pneumatic systems provided may include any secondary or peripheral components such as air hoses, compressors, valves, meters, or the like. It will be further understood that any connections between various components not explicitly described herein may be made through any suitable means including mechanical fasteners, or more permanent attachment means, such as welding or the like. Alternatively, where feasible and/or desirable, various components of the present disclosure may be integrally formed as a single unit.
While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.
All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.
The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.
As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the term “effecting” or a phrase or claim element beginning with the term “effecting” should be understood to mean to cause something to happen or to bring something about. For example, effecting an event to occur may be caused by actions of a first party even though a second party actually performed the event or had the event occur to the second party. Stated otherwise, effecting refers to one party giving another party the tools, objects, or resources to cause an event to occur. Thus, in this example a claim element of “effecting an event to occur” would mean that a first party is giving a second party the tools or resources needed for the second party to perform the event, however the affirmative single action is the responsibility of the first party to provide the tools or resources to cause said event to occur.
When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.
If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.
Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result.
To the extent that the present disclosure has utilized the term “invention” in various titles or sections of this specification, this term was included as required by the formatting requirements of word document submissions pursuant the guidelines/requirements of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and shall not, in any manner, be considered a disavowal of any subject matter.
In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/307,406 filed May 4, 2021, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/100,275 filed Nov. 20, 2020, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/043,987 filed Jun. 25, 2020, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230219795 A1 | Jul 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63043987 | Jun 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17100275 | Nov 2020 | US |
| Child | 17307406 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17307406 | May 2021 | US |
| Child | 18177793 | US |
