Load clamping wear-plate systems

This invention relates to providing a system for improved wear protection for the lift plates of industrial lift trucks. More particularly this invention relates to providing a system for providing increased wear protection on replaceable lift-blade attachments for industrial forklifts and similar load-lifting trucks.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to providing a system for improved wear protection for the lift plates of industrial lift trucks. More particularly this invention relates to providing a system for providing increased wear protection on replaceable lift-blade attachments for industrial forklifts and similar load-lifting trucks. Industrial forklifts commonly employ a set of lift plates used to move and/or lift heavy materials in industrial settings. Such apparatus are used in a variety of manufacturing, receiving, warehousing and shipping environments that require clamp handling.

In typical operation, lift plates move together to engage, lift, and transport the load. When the load is transported to the selected location, the lift plates are moved away from one another to release the load. During such use, the lift plates are often subjected to abrasive wear. If a significant wear of the lift plates occurs, slippage of a load which is squeezed between the plates frequently takes place which is potentially dangerous. Further, abrasive wear also occurs on the lower edge of the lift plates from contact with the floor. Additionally, in the past it was necessary to replace the entire clamping assembly, which can be very expensive, when such abrasive wear occurs.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide an improved wear protection system addressing the above-mentioned problem.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a wear protection system that effectively extends the service life of the clamping plates of an industrial-type lift truck.

It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a wear protection system comprising a replaceable wear bar on the lower edge of replaceable auxiliary clamping plates of industrial-type lift trucks.

A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and useful. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a wear protection system related to extending the service life of at least one clamping plate of at least one industrial-type lift truck, such system comprising: at least one wear-resistant protector structured and arranged to protect at least one face-portion and at least one edge-portion, while in operation of moving at least one load, of the at least one clamping plate of the at least one industrial-type lift truck; wherein such at least one wear-resistant protector comprises at least one first longitudinal edge, at least one second longitudinal edge, and at least one forward edge extending therebetween, at least one removable retainer structured and arranged to removably retain such at least one wear-resistant protector in at least one operable position adjacent such at least one clamping plate, positioned along substantially the entire at least one forward edge, at least one replaceable wear member structured and arranged to protect substantially the entire such at least one forward edge from abrasive wear, and positioned along substantially the entire at least one first longitudinal edge, at least one wear-guard structured and arranged to guard substantially the entire such at least one first longitudinal edge and the at least one edge-portion against abrasive wear; wherein such at least one replaceable wear member comprises at least one removable fastener structured and arranged to removably fasten such at least one replaceable wear member to such at least one wear-resistant protector; and wherein such at least one wear-guard substantially covers the at least one edge-portion of the at least one clamping plate.

Moreover, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one wear-guard comprises at least one bar underlying such at least one edge-portion on the lower edge of the at least one clamping plate.

Additionally, it provides such a wear protection system wherein: such at least one wear-resistant protector further comprises at least one contact plate structured and arranged to contact at least one portion of at least one load during transport by the at least one industrial-type lift truck; wherein such at least one contact plate extends substantially between such at least one first longitudinal edge, such at least one second longitudinal edge, such at least one forward edge, and at least one rear edge of such at least one wear-resistant protector; and wherein the at least one operable position of such at least one wear-resistant protector places such at least one contact plate in a position substantially between the at least one clamping plate and the at least one load.

Also, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one contact plate comprises at least one friction augmenter structured and arranged to augment the frictional forces developed during contact with the at least one load. In addition, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one friction augmenter comprises at least one resilient compressible material. And, it provides such a wear protection system wherein: such at least one resilient compressible material comprises at least one rubber-like material; and such at least one resilient compressible material covers substantially the entire such at least one contact plate. Further, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one resilient compressible material is bonded to such at least one contact plate. Even further, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one resilient compressible material comprises a plurality of substantially parallel surface grooves.

Moreover, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one contact plate substantially comprises at least one metallic composition. Additionally, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one contact plate substantially comprises aluminum.

Also, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one replaceable wear member substantially comprises at least one metallic composition. In addition, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one replaceable wear member comprises substantially steel.

And, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one removeable retainer comprises at least one plurality of threaded fasteners structured and arranged to mechanically engage the at least one clamping plate. Further, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one threaded fastener is structured and arranged to mechanically engage at least one pre-existing recessed hole in the at least one clamping plate. Even further, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such plurality of fasteners comprise countersunk bolts having exposed heads thereof structured and arranged to be situated below the respective exposed surfaces of such at least one contact plate and such at least one replaceable wear member.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a wear protection system related to extending the service life of at least one clamping plate of at least one industrial-type lift truck, such system comprising: wear-resistant protector means for protecting at least one face-portion and at least one edge-portion, while in operation of moving at least one load, of the at least one clamping plate of the at least one industrial-type lift truck; wherein such wear-resistant protector means comprises at least one first longitudinal edge, at least one second longitudinal edge, and at least one forward edge extending therebetween, removable retainer means for removably retaining such wear-resistant protector means in at least one operable position adjacent such at least one clamping plate, positioned along substantially the entire at least one forward edge, replaceable wear member means for protecting substantially the entire such at least one forward edge from abrasive wear, and positioned along substantially the entire at least one first longitudinal edge, wear-guard means for protecting substantially the entire such at least one first longitudinal edge and the at least one edge-portion from abrasive wear; wherein such replaceable wear member means comprises removable fastener means for removably fastening such replaceable wear member means to such wear-resistant protector means; and wherein such at least one replaceable wear-bar means substantially covers the at least one edge-portion of the at least one clamping plate.

Moreover, it provides such a wear protection system wherein: such wear-resistant protector means further comprises contact means for contacting at least one portion of at least one load during transport by the at least one industrial-type lift truck; wherein such contact means extends substantially between such at least one first longitudinal edge, such at least one second longitudinal edge, such at least one forward edge, and at least one rear edge of such wear-resistant protector means; and wherein the at least one operable position of such wear-resistant protector means places such contact means in a position substantially between the at least one clamping plate and the at least one load.

Additionally, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such contact means comprises friction augmenter means for augmenting the frictional forces developed during contact with the at least one load. Also, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such friction augmenter means comprises at least one resilient compressible material. In addition, it provides such a wear protection system wherein such at least one resilient compressible material covers substantially the entire such contact means.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a wear protection system related to extending the service life of at least one clamping plate of at least one industrial-type lift truck, such system comprising: at least one wear-resistant protector structured and arranged to protect at least one face-portion and at least one edge-portion, while in operation of moving at least one load, of the at least one clamping plate of the at least one industrial-type lift truck; wherein such at least one wear-resistant protector comprises at least one contact plate structured and arranged to contact at least one portion of at least one load during transport by the at least one industrial-type lift truck, wherein such at least one contact plate comprises at least one friction augmenter structured and arranged to augment the frictional forces developed during contact with the at least one load, at least one removable retainer structured and arranged to removably retain such at least one wear-resistant protector in at least one operable position adjacent the at least one clamping plate, positioned along substantially the entire at least one forward edge of such at least one contact plate, at least one replaceable shoe structured and arranged to protect substantially the entire such at least one forward edge from abrasive wear, and positioned along substantially the entire lower edge of such at least one contact plate, at least one wear-guard bar structured and arranged to guard substantially the entire such lower edge against abrasive wear; and wherein such at least one replaceable shoe comprises at least one removable fastener structured and arranged to removably fasten such at least one replaceable shoe to the at least one clamping plate; wherein such at least one wear-guard bar substantially covers the at least one edge-portion of the at least one clamping plate; wherein such at least one contact plate and such at least one replaceable shoe together extend the width of the lower portion of the at least one clamping plate; and wherein such at least one contact plate and such at least one replaceable shoe together substantially covers the at least one face-portion of the at least one clamping plate. Each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this patent application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A lift truck is designed with load clamping plates which move toward and away from each other. In typical operation, clamping plates move together to engage, lift, and transport the load. When the load is transported to the selected location, the clamping plates are moved away from one another to release the load. During such use, the clamping plates are often subjected to abrasive wear on the plate surfaces. If a significant wear of the lift plates occurs, slippage of a load, which is squeezed between the plates, frequently takes place which is potentially dangerous.

Additionally, in the past it was necessary to replace the entire clamping assembly, which can be very expensive. Furthermore, additional wear can occur on the lower edge of the clamping plates as a result of the clamping plates being dragged or scraped on a surface as the load is being moved. This will also cause a necessity to replace the lift plates frequently, which can also be costly.

FIG. 1shows a perspective view, illustrating a set of replaceable load clamping-plate assemblies120of load clamping plate-wear system100in an operable position on a lift truck105, as shown. Clamping-plate assembly120is depicted mounted in a preferred operable position on a lift truck105, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated generally inFIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of load clamping plate-wear system100is shown, as preferably used in conjunction with an industrial-type lift truck105. The industrial-type lift truck105preferably comprises at least two clamping-plate assemblies120, preferably at least one on the right and one on the left, preferably mirror images of each other. Lift truck105is designed to move clamping-plate assemblies120on a clamping mechanism, laterally toward and away from one another, and vertically on an additional mechanism, as shown inFIG. 1.

The details of operating the assembly shown inFIG. 1to effect the movement of the mechanisms are not provided here, since one of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading this specification, will appreciate how the present embodiments may be used in conjunction with such apparatus.

In operation, clamping-plate assembly120is moved adjacent the opposite sides of a large piece of equipment; such as a stack of large boxes or other similar load, and then are moved toward one another to squeeze the load thereby allowing the load to be lifted. The load may then be transported to a selected location. The load is then either raised or lowered to a selected position, and finally, clamping-plate assemblies120are moved away from one another laterally to allow the load to be placed in the selected location.

Clamping-plate assembly120preferably comprises clamping plate125and at least one clamping pad415, as shown. Clamping plate125preferably comprises metallic material, preferably aluminum (aluminum is a relatively light metallic material, allowing for easier handling). Clamping pad415preferably comprises a friction material structured and arranged to frictionally hold the load when clamping plate125engages the load. Clamping pad415preferably yields slightly under pressure to prevent damage to the load and clamping plate125. Clamping pad415comprises preferably rubber, alternately preferably a rubber-like material. Clamping pad415preferably comprises raised portions, preferably separated by parallel grooves, preferably extending from front to back (seeFIG. 4). Clamping pad415is preferably bonding attached to clamping plate125, as shown. Clamping pad415preferably is on the inside of clamping plate125as shown, such that each clamping pad415, on opposing clamping-plate assemblies120, are facing each other to allow for augmentation of the frictional forces resulting from contact with the load during transportation. After a period of operation, clamping-plate assembly120typically requires maintenance due to normal operational wear. The rather large size and weight of clamping-plate assembly120increases the cost of such maintenance. This customarily involves extensive replacement of apparatus components, even when wear is localized in high-wear areas, such as, for example, the forward edges and lower regions of clamping-plate assembly120.

FIG. 2shows an exploded bottom perspective view of load clamping plate-wear system100according to a preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1.FIG. 3Ashows an exploded bottom perspective view of the load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140of load clamping plate-wear system100, according to a preferred embodiment ofFIG. 2.FIG. 3Bshows a rear perspective view of the replaceable load clamping-plate assembly of load clamping plate-wear system according to a preferred embodiment ofFIG. 3A.

The preferred embodiment of load clamping plate-wear system100is preferably configured to reduce or eliminate the need for full replacement of the load clamping plate-assembly110by preferably locating removable/replaceable wear surfaces at high-wear regions of apparatus. The at least one clamping-plate assembly120is preferably fitted with a load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140, as shown.

Load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140preferably further comprises at least one auxiliary pad410(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one contact plate comprises at least one friction augmenter structured and arranged to augment the frictional forces developed during contact with the at least one load; and at least herein embodying wherein said at least one friction augmenter comprises at least one resilient compressible material; and at least herein embodying wherein contact means comprises friction augmenter means for augmenting the frictional forces developed during contact with the at least one load; and at least herein embodying wherein friction augmenter means comprises at least one resilient compressible material; and at least herein embodying wherein said at least one contact plate comprises at least one friction augmenter structured and arranged to augment the frictional forces developed during contact with the at least one load). Auxiliary pad410preferably is substantially similar in function and material to clamping pad415, however is sized and positioned to fit on load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140, as shown. Auxiliary pad410(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one resilient compressible material comprises at least one rubber-like material; and at least herein embodying wherein said at least one resilient compressible material covers substantially the entire said at least one contact plate; and at least herein embodying wherein said at least one resilient compressible material covers substantially the entire said at least one contact means) comprises preferably rubber or alternately preferably a rubber-like material. Auxiliary pad410(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one resilient compressible material comprises a plurality of substantially parallel surface grooves) preferably comprises raised portions420, preferably separated by parallel grooves430, preferably extending from front to back similar to clamping pad415, as illustrated most clearly inFIG. 4. Auxiliary pad410(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one resilient compressible material is bonded to said at least one contact plate) preferably is bonded to inner face210of contact plate350of the load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140.

Inner face210of contact plate350(at least herein embodying wherein the at least one operable position places said at least one wear-resistant protector places said at least one contact plate in a position substantially between the at least one clamping plate and the at least one load; and at least herein embodying wherein the at least one operable position of said wear-resistant protector means places said contact means in a position substantially between the at least one clamping plate and the at least one load) is preferably substantially planar and preferably functions, in combination with a facing of yieldable friction material410, to engage the load during material handling operations.

Forward edge330of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140preferably comprises a replaceable shoe or nose piece220(at least embodying herein positioned along substantially the entire at least one forward edge, at least one replaceable wear member structured and arranged to protect substantially the entire said at least one forward edge from abrasive wear; and at least embodying herein positioned along substantially the entire at least one forward edge, replaceable wear member means for protecting substantially the entire said at least one forward edge from abrasive wear; and at least embodying herein positioned along substantially the entire at least one forward edge of said at least one contact plate, at least one replaceable shoe structured and arranged to protect substantially the entire said at least one forward edge from abrasive wear), preferably having a beveled front edge, as shown. Nose piece220is preferably positioned at inner face210along substantially the entire width of forward edge330, as shown. More specifically nose piece220comprises a preferred width B substantially equaling the preferred width B of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140, as shown.

Nose piece220preferably functions as a replaceable wear member structured and arranged to protect substantially the entire forward edge330from abrasive wear during use. Preferably, nose piece220(at least herein embodying wherein at least one replaceable wear member substantially comprises at least one metallic composition; and at least herein embodying wherein said at least one replaceable wear member comprises substantially steel) substantially comprises at least one metallic composition, more preferably steel, most preferably abrasion-resistant (AR) steel. Upon reading the this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as cost, intended use, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, mild steel, other metals, cermets, high-density plastics, etc., may suffice.

As shown inFIG. 2, attachment of nose piece220is preferably effected through recessed holes260by means of threaded fasteners280(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one wear-resistant protector comprises at least one removable retainer structured and arranged to removably retain said at least one wear-resistant protector in at least one operable position adjacent said at least one clamping plate; and at least herein embodying wherein said wear-resistant protector means comprises removable retainer means in at least one operable position adjacent said at least one clamping plate; and at least embodying herein at least one removable retainer structured and arranged to removably retain said at least one wear resistant protector in at least one operable position adjacent the at least one clamping plate), which preferably engage tapped holes290(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one fastener is structured and arranged to mechanically engage at least one pre-existing recessed hole in the at least one clamping plate) (or recessed nuts secured into the exposed or outer surface of the respective load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140) to firmly hold nose piece220in place on the respective load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140, preferably adjacent forward edge330(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one removable retainer comprises at least one plurality of threaded fasteners structured and arranged to mechanically engage the at least one clamping plate), as shown. Threaded fasteners280(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one replaceable wear member comprises at least one removable fastener structured and arranged to removably fasten said at least one replaceable wear member to said at least one wear-resistant protector; and at least herein embodying wherein said replaceable wear member means comprises removable fastener means for removably fastening said replaceable wear member means to said wear-resistant protector means; and at least herein embodying wherein said at least one replaceable shoe comprises at least one removable fastener structured and arranged to removably fasten said at least one replaceable shoe to the at least one clamping plate) preferably comprise ¼-inch diameter by ½-inch long flat-head socket cap screws having 20 threads per inch (TPI).

It should be noted that threaded fasteners280(at least herein embodying wherein said plurality of fasteners comprise countersunk bolts having exposed heads thereof structured and arranged to be situated below the respective exposed surfaces of said at least one contact plate and said at least one replaceable wear member) passing through nose piece220preferably do not extend through the exposed surface of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140and the heads of threaded fasteners280are preferably maintained below the exposed surface of nose piece220in recessed holes260, as shown. It should also be noted that the nose piece220is tapered from the front edge outwardly to the upper surface, as shown. The manner in which nose piece220fits over forward edge330of the load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140is by means of a recess230having a thickness equal to the thickness of contact plate350.

Load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140with nose piece220attached preferably comprises a total length A which is substantially equal to length A of clamping-plate assemblies120(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one contact plate and said at least one replaceable shoe together extend the width of the lower portion of the at least one clamping plate).

FIG. 4shows an end view of the replaceable load clamping-plate assembly140of load clamping plate wear system100according to a preferred embodiment ofFIG. 3.FIG. 5shows an exploded end view of the replaceable load clamping-plate assembly140of load clamping plate-wear system100according to a preferred embodiment ofFIG. 4.

Inner face210of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140preferably comprises an auxiliary pad410, preferably used to augment the frictional forces developed during contact with load, as shown. The channels or grooves430are preferably located between upper surfaces of raised portions420, as shown. Consequently, when pressure is applied through a squeezing action of the movement of clamping-plates assemblies120toward one another to engage a load, the yieldable friction material of auxiliary pad410is compressed and is permitted to expand into the area of grooves430. This permits substantial resiliency; and once the load is released, yieldable friction material of auxiliary pad410is configured to rebound to the original configuration. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as cost, user preference, etc., other resilient surface arrangements, such as, for example, circular depressions or cylindrical columns, etc., may suffice. The preferred vertical thickness of auxiliary pad410is selected to be even with clamping pad415, as shown.

Attachment of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140assembly, and the attached nose piece220to clamping-plate assembly120, is preferably effected first by cutting away an 8 inch width of clamping pad415from the lower longitudinal edge of clamping plate assembly120, leaving the metal plate exposed. Often this cutting away of clamping pad415follows the initial wearing of clamping pad415at the high-wear area along the lower edge, as opposed to the complete replacement of clamping-plate assembly120, which ordinarily results from such wear. Load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140with nose piece220attached is then aligned onto clamping plate assembly120with the yieldable friction material on the inner face abutting the yieldable friction material of clamping plate assembly120, as shown (at least herein embodying wherein said at least one contact plate and said at least one replaceable shoe together substantially covers the at least one face-portion of the at least one clamping plate). Attachment is then effected through recessed holes255by means of threaded fasteners240, which preferably engage tapped holes250(previously drilled and tapped as part of a retrofit process) to firmly hold load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140in place on the respective clamping plate assembly120, as shown. Threaded fasteners240preferably comprise flat socket head screws, preferably ¾-10NC flat socket head screws.

It should be noted that threaded fasteners240passing through load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140preferably do not extend through the exposed surface of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140; and the heads of threaded fasteners240are preferably maintained below the exposed surface of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140, preferably below auxiliary pad410, as shown.

After usefulness of the load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140has been expended, the assemblies may preferably be removed and replaced with new units. Load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140preferably comprises a relatively small portion of the overall assembly, thus reducing maintenance costs to a significant degree. If nose piece220should become damaged, it is also preferably replaceable by removing threaded fasteners280, and then preferably reassembling a new nose piece220with threaded fasteners280in the manner described above.

The preferred embodiment of load clamping plate-wear system100preferably further comprises at least one wear-resistant bar440(at least embodying herein positioned along substantially the entire at least one first longitudinal edge, at least one wear-guard structured and arranged to guard substantially the entire said at least one first longitudinal edge and the at least one edge-portion against abrasive wear; and at least embodying herein positioned along substantially the entire at least one first longitudinal edge, wear-guard means for protecting substantially the entire said at least one first longitudinal edge and the at least one edge-portion from abrasive wear; and at least embodying herein positioned along substantially the entire lower edge of said at least one contact plate, at least one wear-guard bar structured and arranged to guard substantially the entire said lower edge against abrasive wear) attached to the lower edge of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one wear-guard comprises at least one bar underlying said at least one edge-portion of the lower edge of the at least one clamping plate; and at least herein embodying wherein said at least one wear-guard bar substantially covers the at least one edge-portion of the at least one clamping plate) (best illustrated byFIG. 2andFIG. 3). Wear-resistant bar440preferably comprises a metal construction, preferably mild steel, alternately preferably abrasion-resistant (AR) steel, alternately preferably hard-faced steel construction. Wear-resistant bar440preferably comprises a solid rectangular rod comprising a width D of about ¼ inch and a height C of about ⅛ inch construction which preferably extends about the full length of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140(at least herein embodying wherein said at least one wear-guard substantially covers the at least one edge-portion of the at least one clamping plate; and at least herein embodying wherein said at least one replaceable wear-bar means substantially covers the at least one edge-portion of the at least one clamping plate).

Wear-resistant bar440preferably underlies the at least one clamping plate125and the at least one contact plate350, preferably protecting the lower edge of both clamping plate and contact plate350from wear due to contact with objects and floor, as shown. Wear on the underside edge can cause clamping plate to wear into tapped holes250and tapped holes290rendering clamping-plate assembly120in need of replacement. Wear-resistant bar440preferably further comprises at least one wear-level marker. A wear-level marker preferably indicates the level of wear at which wear-resistant bar440needs replacing to preferably prevent wear to occur on lower edge of clamping plate125. The wear level marker preferably comprises a line, preferably a color change line. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as cost, available materials, etc., other wear-level indicators, such as, for example, depth markings, engravings, depth grooves, etc., may suffice.

Attachment of wear-resistant bar440is preferably effected by first by creating a bevel510of the lower longitudinal edge of clamping plate125, as shown. Wear-resistant bar440preferably is then welding attached to the lower longitudinal edge of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140, preferably using a stitch weld520. It should be noted that using stitch weld520to attach wear-resistant bar440to load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140allows for the wear-resistant bar440to be attached without causing any bowing or other disfiguring of load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140. Upon reading the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as cost, time constraints, user preference, etc., other welding techniques, such as, for example, standard bead welding, fusion welding, adhesive welding, etc., may suffice.

Bevel510of the lower longitudinal edge of clamping plate125creates a groove along the lower longitudinal edge such that when the wear-resistant bar440is stitch weld520attached, back face205of contact plate350fits flush against the inner face of the clamping-plate assembly120over stitch weld520. Once the wear-resistant bar440is attached to load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140, the auxiliary wear-plate assemblies can be attached as described above to the clamping-plate assembly120. The forward end of wear-resistant bar440extends slightly forward of the forward end of the load clamping auxiliary wear-plate assembly140such that it fits underneath recess230at the underside of the nose piece220, as shown.

The addition of wear-resistant bar440to the lower edge of the load clamping-plate assembly110provides additional protection against abrasive wear to the lower edge of clamping plate125, and thus helps to further reduce the need for replacement of the clamping plate assembly, which further reduces costs and downtime of the industrial-type lift trucks.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.