Fork lift for trucks, methods, and associated devices

A fork lift for a truck may have at least one mounting beam for pivotally supporting a fork lift mast on a truck frame. The mounting beam may be mounted in a bed of the truck via other structural members and bolts that extend through the members, bed, and truck frame. The fork lift may extend well below a level of the truck bed to enable engagement of palletized loads resting on the ground by the forks of the fork lift. The fork lift may have hydraulics including pumps, solenoids and motors that may be supported in a tool box that also helps to secure the mounting beam. An electric over hydraulic control system enables remote control from within the cab of the truck. Fork position during stabbing of a pallet may be viewed on a monitor in the cab, with the monitor operatively connected to one or more cameras.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention generally relates to lifts, booms, and other devices for lifting and hauling loads, and more particularly to a fork lift for a truck and related devices and methods of lifting and hauling loads.

2. State of the Art

In the past, lifts on trucks have included booms or cranes. These booms are generally tall and are not well adapted for placing pallets in residential garages. Furthermore, these lifts are manufactured with a limited capacity, typically less than or equal to 1,500 pounds. The tendency is to overload the boom and risk failure, damage to property, and possible injury to the operator or others. Users of such lifts are typically not experienced in loading, transporting, and unloading heavily laden pallets. However, with the advent of Home Depot (TM of Horner TLC, Inc.) and other do-it-yourself home product and project stores, the temptation for users to try to handle loads with such lifts is very real. In operating such a lift, maintaining control of the swinging load can be especially dangerous. Hence, devices and a method for home delivery of loads in a range from approximately 200 pounds up to approximately 4000 pounds are needed. It should be noted that currently the state of Arizona, (and perhaps other states), require a CDL license for loads of 2,601 pounds or greater. Additional fees are also required for carrying such loads.

In other applications, such as in roofing of new buildings having high roofs and/or uneven or soft terrain, a telescoping all-terrain fork lift is used. These all-terrain fork lifts are expensive and costly to maintain. Changing the brakes on any fork lift will typically cost around $2,000. Furthermore, non-all terrain fork lifts do not have the capability of going in rough or soft terrain.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to truck fork lifts and other related devices for lifting and hauling medium sized loads. Because of the deficiencies of past devices and methods, there is an incentive to provide a set of devices and methods that enable transport and delivery of loads in a medium range of weights. As explained above, there is a demand for a delivery method for safely and reliably lifting and hauling medium sized loads and the devices that enable such a method. The Inventor has found a market niche for using such devices and for providing delivery of these medium sized loads.

Accordingly, the present invention includes a fork lift that may be mounted on the back of a truck. In an exemplary embodiment, the fork lift has a fork bearing mast that is pivotally mounted to channel type mounting beams that extend in fore and aft directions in the bed of a pickup truck. Alternatively, the fork lift may be applied to a cabover truck. It is to be understood that the fork lift may be mounted on a truck having a bed or may be mounted on a truck having an otherwise bare frame. The mast may be moved from an upright use position to a flat non-use position by actuating hydraulic ram(s) that pivotally pull the mast down into the bed of the truck. These hydraulic ram(s) may also be used to tilt the mast for proper angular orientation of the forks during use. The channel type mounting beams may be four to eight feet long and may be welded or otherwise fixed to flat stock material lying flat in the bed of the truck. The flat stock may be bolted to a truck frame cross member of the truck chassis by ⅝ inch bolts extending through the bed of the truck and the flat stock to the mounting beam, for example.

The fork lift may have a mast of 6 feet or less so that when backing in and out of residential garages, the total (unloaded) height may reach no more than seventy-nine inches. Alternatively, the present invention could incorporate an 8 foot lift that could reach a height of 20-25 feet in its extended configuration. Such a height capability would be advantageous for roofing applications where the terrain may be uneven. For example, the invention with a 20-25 feet height capacity could be used for lifting loads of ceramic tile to a roof.

In another aspect, it is apparent that a truck fork lift of the present invention is less costly to both provide and maintain, while being capable of use in applications having rough or soft terrain.

In order to guide the truck fork lift of the present invention, two or more cameras may be installed with a corresponding two or more channel monitor in the cab of the truck. These cameras may be DC Mobil rated. One of the cameras may be placed on the mast or bumper of the truck, and may be directed to view an area immediately behind the truck. The other camera may be positioned on the forks or fork plate to view the openings in a pallet during stabbing of the forks into the pallet. The fork lift may further include a viewing mechanism having at least one camera supported on and movable with the fork plate. The fork lift may also include, or have associated therewith, a monitor in a cab of the truck. A video cable may operatively connect the camera to the monitor. The video cable may be advantageously supported at least in part by a spring loaded cable reel that pays out cable when the cable is under tension from a camera end thereof. The cable reel may also automatically retract a portion of the cable in order to take up slack in the cable when the fork plate and the camera move and change the required effective length of the cable.

The fork lift may include manual hydraulic actuators, which enable actuation at a speed proportional to the distance the actuators are moved. However, this would require extensive modification within the cab for operator comfort and ease. Therefore, the present invention typically has on/off electric over hydraulic solenoid valves, which do not enable variable speed operation. With this electric over hydraulic actuator configuration, the flow in the hydraulic system may be restricted to ensure that the lift moves at a slower speed. Furthermore, the common practice of bumping the fork lift on and off is still available for fine adjustments in height. Still further, an electric over hydraulic control that is capable of adjusting the speed to be proportional to a distance the actuator is moved is also possible with the present invention.

In any case, the electric over hydraulic control enables remote operation of the fork lift so that a user may operate the lift from the cab or from outside the truck. This is particularly advantageous because of the need to see and adjust the height of the fork in uneven terrain. Furthermore, remote actuation enables accurate stabbing of the fork because the user can get any vantage point he or she wishes.

The truck fork lift of the present invention may be placed on a one ton truck having dual wheels and a manufacturer's specification or be modified to a weight capacity in a range from 3,400 to 4,400 pounds. It is to be understood that the fork lift of the present invention may be mounted on any truck including those of lower weight capacity rear suspensions. A two stage minimum 4,000 pound capacity fork lift with at least 36 inch forks may be incorporated.

A special stanchion may be provided to hold the fork lift when it is separated from the truck. This stanchion may be in the form of a frame having receptacles for the forks so that a user may selectively stab the forks into the receptacles, loosen bolts or pins that support the fork lift in the truck, and drive the truck away from the fork and the stanchion. Thus, the fork lift may be stored separately from the truck when the bed of the truck is needed for other purposes. Furthermore, the stanchion may have a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the fork during mounting and removal of the fork lift to and from the truck.

The invention may include the truck fork lift (including the truck) in combination with a fifth wheel trailer. The fifth wheel trailer may be an approximately fourteen foot trailer having greater than or equal to a 15,000 pound capacity. The mast may be short enough to permit movement in and out of low profile openings such as residential garages. In most cases, the fifth wheel hitch will be located forward of the channel type mounting beams. Alternatively, the fifth wheel hitch in the truck may be modified to accommodate both of the fork lift and the hitch, or the fifth wheel hitch may be connected to the channel type frame. Furthermore, the trailer may have a hydraulic cylinder jack for raising the hitch for easy connect and disconnect from the truck.

Additionally, the combination may include a pallet buggy that is similar in form to an engine pulling device, but which is self propelled and has a pallet fork connected to the hoist thereof. This pallet buggy is useful for moving loaded pallets into and out of tight spaces in which the truck fork is not capable of entering or exiting. The pallet buggy may be stored on the trailer along with two rows of two pallets each. This combination of devices enables the methods of using outlined in the detailed description section below. The combination of devices and the method of using them clarifies the invention. Advantageously, the method incorporating the truck fork lift may reduce unloading time by 15 to 20 minutes per delivery and the user may operate the fork lift from the safety of his or her truck cab.

In a simple form, a truck fork lift in accordance with the present invention may include a fork lift mast mounted on a bed of a truck, a fork plate slidably mounted on the mast, a lift actuator connected to the mast and to the fork plate for moving the fork plate along the mast, and at least one tilt actuator connected to the bed of the truck and to the mast for tilting the mast. The truck fork lift has a deployed position of use in which the mast is generally positioned rearwardly of the bed in a generally upright orientation and a stowed position in which the mast is positioned in overlying relation to the bed. The mast is pivotably mounted on the bed of the truck. The truck fork lift may further include a fork pivotably supported on the fork plate so that the mast is pivoted into the overlying relation and the fork is separately pivoted to rest in the bed in the stowed position.

The truck fork lift may include a first hydraulic pump hydraulically connected to the lift actuator and a second hydraulic pump hydraulically connected to the at least one tilt actuator. First and second control switches may be operatively connected to respective first and second hydraulic pumps to provide an electric over hydraulic control.

The truck fork lift may include a tool box mounted in a forward end of the bed, the tool box having open channels therethrough. Channels may receive at least some of the mounting beams that also support the fork lift in the bed of the truck. A first hydraulic pump may be hydraulically connected to the lift actuator and a second hydraulic pump may be hydraulically connected to the at least one tilt actuator. The first and second pumps may be supported in a portion of the tool box.

The truck fork lift may further include a viewing mechanism including at least one of a camera or a mirror supported on at least one of the truck, the mast, and the fork for viewing a stabbing of the fork by the driver located in a cab of the truck. When the viewing mechanism includes at least one camera, the truck fork lift further includes at least one monitor operatively connected to the at least one camera. The monitor may thus display images captured by the at least one camera for viewing by a driver while seated in the cab and operating the truck to stab the fork. The truck fork lift may further include a plurality of cameras. At least one of the plurality of cameras may be mounted on the mast and at least another of the plurality of cameras may be mounted on the fork plate or fork.

The truck fork lift may also include a fifth wheel hitch connected to a chassis of the truck either directly or via the mounting beams.

In another aspect, a pallet buggy of the present invention may include a buggy chassis, at least three wheels supported on the chassis, a boom adjustably mounted on the chassis, and a lift actuator connected to the chassis and the boom. The pallet buggy may include a motor supported on the chassis. The motor may be drivingly connected to at least one of the wheels and to the lift actuator for selectively driving the buggy and running the actuator. The pallet buggy chassis may have a space therein between at least two of the wheels for receiving a load in the space for engagement and lifting by the buggy. The pallet buggy may further include a fork suspended from the boom for engaging and supporting a load to be lifted and transported by the pallet buggy. At least one of the wheels may be a steering wheel. The pallet buggy may further include at least one steering actuator for guiding the steering wheel. The drive wheel may also be the steering wheel. The pallet buggy may be a self propelled and hydraulically actuated buggy.

A system for loading and hauling in accordance with the present invention may include a truck, a lift mounted in a bed of the truck, a trailer connectable with the truck, and a pallet buggy. The system may also include ramps supported on an underside of the trailer for loading the pallet buggy on the trailer. The lift may include a boom pivotally and adjustably mounted in the bed. The lift may be a fork lift including a fork lift mast pivotally mounted in the bed. The trailer may be a fifth wheel trailer. The system may further include a fifth wheel hitch mounted in the bed of the truck for selectively connecting the trailer to the truck. The trailer may further include at least one trailer lift mounted on a front end of the trailer for unhitching a loaded trailer.

In one aspect, the mast may be an extensible mast for increased height capacity. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the mast may be extensible to heights of approximately twenty feet or greater. Thus, the system may further include at least one stand on a corner of the truck. The stand may be in the form of an adjustable lift that can be actuated to support the truck in a particular position to reduce movement of the truck during operation of the extensible fork lift. Furthermore, a plurality of stands or lifts may be provided for reducing movement of the truck during use of the extensible fork lift.

In still another aspect, the invention includes a method of loading and hauling loads. This method may include supporting a hydraulic lift in a bed of a truck, lifting a load with the lift, and placing the load in one of the bed of the truck or on a trailer. The overall load may be in a range from approximately 200 pounds to a maximum permitted by the state and local laws. On the other hand, individual pallets will most likely not exceed 7,000 pounds of weight. The step of placing may include placing the load on the trailer. The step of lifting may include lifting the load with a fork slidably supported on a mast. The step of supporting may include pivotably supporting the mast on the bed of the truck. In this aspect, the method may include unhitching the trailer from the truck by at least one electric powered hydraulic trailer lift. In fact, the method may include unhitching the trailer in a loaded condition at a point of delivery by at least one electric powered hydraulic trailer lift.

Advantageously, the method may include removing the load from the trailer by the hydraulic lift in the bed of the truck. The method may also include a preliminary step of lifting the load with a self propelled pallet buggy. This step would include moving the load to a location that is more accessible to the hydraulic lift.

In the case where the hydraulic lift is a fork lift, the method may include stabbing the load by operating the truck from within a cab of the truck. In this case, the method includes capturing images of a relationship between a fork and the load and displaying the images on a screen in the cab. The method may further include viewing the images on the screen and controlling at least one of the truck and the lift from within the cab based on the images on the screen.

In still another aspect, the invention includes a stanchion for supporting the mast and forks of a fork lift in a condition separated from a truck. The stanchion may include an elongate base, an upright stand supported on the elongate base, and at least one fork receiver extending longitudinally in at least partially overlying relation to the elongate base. The fork receiver may have an opening that is in a range of approximately 2 inches to approximately 6 inches in a vertical direction. The elongate base may include a plurality of skids having lengths in a range from approximately 4 feet to approximately 12 feet. The fork receiver may include a plurality of tubular members for receiving each of a plurality of forks of the fork lift to support the forks and the mast separate from the truck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to truck fork lifts and other related devices for loading and hauling medium sized loads.

As shown inFIG. 1A, a pickup truck and fork lift combination12facilitates easier, faster, and safer loading and transport of medium sized loads. Medium sized loads for the purposes of the present invention are defined as loads having a weight in a range from approximately 200 pounds to approximately 3,000 pounds. The fork lift15is a fork lift having a capacity rating of 1,000 to 7,000 pounds. The fork lift15is an extensible fork lift as indicated by the break line and dashed extension at17inFIG. 1A. Likewise, the pickup truck18is a truck having a manufacturer's rating of 3,400 to 7,000 pounds. Alternatively, the pickup truck may be modified to include a suspension with a 5,000 pound rating or a 7,000 pound rating, for example. Larger trucks and fork lifts having higher capacity ratings can also be implemented in accordance with the present invention. Nevertheless, loads weighing in the range from approximately 200 pounds to approximately 7,000 pounds may be lifted by the lifts of the present invention.

As shown, the truck fork lift12includes fork lift masts21and22and forks24. The masts21and22are pivotally supported on the truck bed27by a pair of fore and aft extending channel beams30and33, respectively. These beams30,33are mounted to the truck frame or chassis336(FIG. 5A) by bolts or other mounting structure that passes through the bed of the truck. Alternatively, the beams30,33may form part of the chassis. This may be accomplished by modifying the truck frame to include the beams30,33, or the beams30,33may be incorporated as part of the chassis during the original manufacture of the vehicle. Pivot connections36and37(FIG. 1C), which are at the rear end of the bed27, and beams30,33enable masts21and22, respectively, to rotate from the vertical position of use shown inFIG. 1Ainto a stored and transport position laying more or less flat in the bed27. Hydraulic rams45and46are connected to the beams30and33, respectively, and to corresponding masts21and22for selectively moving the fork lift15from a vertically oriented position of use to a stowed position of transport with the mast lying generally flat or in an overlying relation in the bed27of the truck.

Other arrangements can alternatively be implemented for raising and lowering the fork lift masts21and22relative to the beams30,33and the bed27of the truck. One such arrangement involves the hydraulic ram45connected to a linkage that extends between and is connected to each of the mast21, and the beams30,33. In this linkage version, the linkage arms may be moved from a doubled condition into a relatively straight condition as the fork lift mast21is moved from a stowed position into a vertical position of use. In any case, one or more tilt rams45may be incorporated, and the hydraulic rams45and46can also provide tilting adjustment of the mast21during use such as for positioning the forks in order to lean a load toward the mast during transport. The tilt ram(s)45may be mounted to a block or mounting plate52connected to the beams30,33or to the truck frame generally at or below the level of the truck bed27, as shown inFIG. 1B. Furthermore, the pivot connection36of the mast may be close to the level of the bed27so that the mast may be pulled and pushed in and out of an overlying relationship relative to the truck bed27and beams30,33.

Further alternatively, one or more hydraulic rams45may be positioned under the bed27of the truck and connected to a lower end53of the mast21. While this configuration has the advantage of enabling a lower profile stowed position of the mast21in the truck bed27, locating the hydraulic rams45under the bed27and connecting them to the frame of the truck may occupy a space that otherwise would be used for storage of a spare tire.

In one exemplary embodiment, a suspension of the truck18may have six main springs and five overload springs at each of the rear wheels. The springs may be adjusted so that the lowest overload spring is in a range from approximately one half to three fourths of an inch above the lowest main spring. In this configuration, the truck will only squat slightly before engaging the overload springs. For example, the truck18having this spring configuration and having the truck fork lift15and associated components on the truck18without any additional load may squat just enough to engage or almost engage the overload springs. This may be important in order to ensure that the truck maintains a proper clearance for a lower end53of the fork lift mast. As may be appreciated fromFIG. 1A, the lower end53of the mast may have a clearance of approximately twelve to fourteen inches in a non-loaded state. When fully loaded, the rear suspension of the truck will engage the overload springs and may only squat approximately four inches, leaving a minimum of approximately eight inches of clearance from the ground. This amount of clearance is excellent when compared to a regular clearance in a range from approximately three to four inches between a lower end of a mast and the ground for a standard fork lift. Standard fork lifts are configured to have the forks extend downwardly a maximum of approximately two to four inches from the lower end of the mast. The capability of extending the forks downwardly from the lower end of the mast enables the forks to engage or nearly engage the ground so that they may slide under low set loads, such as when stabbing the forks into and engaging a pallet. With the mast21of the present invention, the forks must be extended downwardly by approximately fifteen inches more than standard forks in order to compensate for the clearance between the lower end53of the mast21and the ground. With this clearance and these modifications, the truck and fork lift12is well adapted for any terrain having medium to great contours. For example, the truck and fork lift12, having a fourteen inch non-loaded clearance for the lower end53, may back a load of three thousand to three thousand eight hundred pounds down a twenty degree slope into a garage having a level floor and maintain a clearance of nine inches or more.

As shown inFIG. 1B, the fork lift15is provided as a separate apparatus that is retrofitted to an existing truck. Alternatively, the fork lift15may be provided as an integral part of a truck during manufacture. In either case, all or part of the fork lift15may be easily removed to enable more space and/or other uses of the truck bed27, such as for hauling loads that will not otherwise fit in the bed27. InFIG. 1B, the fork lift is shown as a separate apparatus that may be removed together with the beams30,33. The beams30and33that support the truck fork lift15may be welded or otherwise attached to flat stock material60as shown by welds at63. While the flat stock material60is shown as a laterally extending strip near a rear end of the bed27and beams30,33inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the flat stock material could alternatively cover a larger area of the bed27. In fact, the flat stock material could cover almost an entire area of the bed27. Further alternatively, the flat stock material could be provided in selected areas such as at66and/or67, which may correspond to underlying cross members in a frame of the truck18. Thus, bolts69may be used to connect the flat stock material60to the underlying cross members of the truck frame or chassis.

A hydraulic actuation system70including a control box71is shown schematically inFIG. 1B. The hydraulic actuation system includes pumps, solenoids, motors, hydraulic lines, and electric lines all connected as will be described below. The control box71is shown in a particular configuration inFIG. 1B, which functions substantially in accordance with the other embodiments described more particularly below. In any case, the control box71has controls for actuating the hydraulic pumps and solenoids to move the fork plate up and down and the tilt the mast in and out.

A beam cross member72is provided to connect the beams30and33for greater stability and strength. Furthermore, a space75, as shown inFIG. 1A, is provided between a majority of the beams30and33and the bed27of the truck. This space75may advantageously enable the beams30and33to flex under the heavy loads that will be applied thereto during use. It is to be understood that the flat stock material60,66,67, cross member72, and other structural members may alternatively include strengthening contours in order to advantageously increase a strength to weight ratio of the mounting and strengthening structure of the fork lift15and the truck frame. Hence, in this embodiment, the first and second mounting beams30and33are spaced apart from the truck bed27. In these embodiments, the mounting beams30and33are positioned above the truck bed27of the truck18.

As shown inFIG. 1C, a pair of frame members78may straddle each of the mounting beams30and33and form brackets with pivot holes81for the pivot connections36with the mast21. A fork plate84may be slidably supported on the mast21in a known manner. Forks24may be supported on the fork plate84. As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the forks24may be pivotally and slidably connected to the fork plate84by sleeves87that engage a rod90of the fork plate84. Thus, when the mast21is folded into the stowed position lying generally flat in the bed27of the truck18, the forks24can be manually rotated so that tips93rotate and engage the bed27of the truck18.

As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1C, the truck fork lift15may further include a viewing mechanism with at least one of a camera92or a mirror supported on the mast, for example. One or more additional cameras94,95,97or mirrors may be mounted on the fork plate84or fork24. These cameras92,94,95,97, and/or mirrors, may be provided for viewing the relationship between the truck fork lift15, forks24, and a load during stabbing of the forks24. A monitor98may be remotely located in the cab of the truck, for example, for viewing by a driver also located in a cab. The monitor98may thus display images captured by the at least one camera92,94,95,97for viewing by a driver while seated in the cab and operating the truck to stab the fork. When mirrors are implemented, it is to be understood that a durable stainless steel device can provide a durable yet effective mirror.

Hence, fork lift15is for attachment to a truck frame336(FIG. 5A) of a truck18. In one embodiment, the fork lift15includes a fork lift mast assembly16pivotably coupled to first and second mounting beams30and33through tilt actuators45and46, respectively. The first and second tilt actuators45and46are connected between the first and second mounting beams30and33, respectively, and the fork lift mast assembly16. The first and second tilt actuators45and46are connected to the fork lift mast assembly16through fork lift mast brackets57and58, respectively. The fork lift mast assembly16is repeatably moveable between positions extending parallel and perpendicular to the truck bed27in response to actuating actuators45and46.

In this embodiment, the first and second mounting beams30and33are carried by the truck frame336. A truck bed27is positioned between the truck frame336and the first and second mounting beams30and33. In this way, the first and second mounting beams30and33are positioned above the truck bed27of the truck18. In this embodiment, the distal ends of the first and second mounting beams30and33extend beyond the rear of the truck bed27(FIG. 5A). The fork lift mast assembly16is pivotably connected to the first and second mounting beam30and33proximate to the rear of the truck bed27.

In this embodiment, the fork lift15includes a plurality of detachable attachment mechanisms69connecting the first and second mounting beams30and33to the truck frame336. The plurality of detachable attachment mechanisms69extend through the truck bed27of the truck18. The truck bed27includes an opening through which the detachable attachment mechanism69extends. In some embodiments, the detachable attachment mechanisms69extend through openings of the truck bed27. As shown inFIG. 5A, detachable attachment mechanism69is positioned between a rear of the truck bed27and a rear wheel287of the truck. In this way, at least one of the detachable attachment mechanisms69is positioned between a rear of the truck bed27and a rear wheel287of the truck18. In this embodiment, detachable attachment mechanism69extends through the truck bed27, and has one end engaged with the truck frame336and an opposed end engaged with the mounting beam30(FIG. 5A). It should be noted that, in this embodiment, another attachment mechanism69has an end connected to the truck frame336and an opposed end connected to the second mounting beam33. In some embodiments, the first and second detachable attachment mechanisms69extend perpendicular to the first and second mounting beams30and33, respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second detachable attachment mechanisms69connect the first and second mounting beams30and33, respectively, to the truck frame336. In this embodiment, the first and second attachment mechanisms69are engaged with the truck frame336and first and second mounting beams30and33, respectively.

In this embodiment, the fork lift15includes a fork lift carriage19carried by the fork lift mast assembly16. The fork lift carriage19is repeatably slideable between raised and lowered positions relative to the fork lift mast assembly16. The fork lift mast assembly16includes a fork lift hydraulic ram152. The fork lift carriage19is repeatably slideable between raised and lowered positions relative to the fork lift mast assembly16in response to actuating the fork lift hydraulic ram. In this way, the fork lift carriage19slides along the fork lift mast assembly16in response to actuating the fork lift hydraulic ram152.

In this embodiment, the fork lift15includes first and second mast chains250and251which are coupled to the fork lift carriage19. The first and second mast chains250and251are coupled between the first and second sliding mast arms55and56, respectively, and the fork lift hydraulic ram152. The fork lift hydraulic ram152is operatively coupled to the fork lift carriage19through the first and second mast chains250and251.

In this embodiment, the fork lift mast assembly16includes first and second pivot mast arms21and22pivotably connected to the first and second mounting beam30and33, respectively. In particular, the first and second pivot mast arms21and22pivotably connected to the corresponding first and second mounting beam30and33through actuators45and46, respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second pivot mast arms21and22are C-channel beams. In this embodiment, the fork lift mast assembly16includes first and second sliding mast arms55and56slidingly engaged with the first and second pivot mast arms21and22, respectively. The first and second sliding mast arms55and56slide relative to the first and second pivot mast arms21and22in response to actuating the fork lift hydraulic ram152. In this embodiment, the first and second sliding mast arms55and56are I-channel beams.

As shown inFIG. 2A, forward ends of the beams30and33may be supported in the bed of the truck in a special manner, which may be in addition to the flat stock material mounting of the beams30and33in the bed27of the truck as described above. As shown, a toolbox96may be provided in the bed27of the truck. The toolbox96may be mounted in the bed27adjacent to the cab. The toolbox96may be mounted to the truck frame through the bed27in a secure manner similar to the mounting of the flat stock material described above. The toolbox96may have two openings99and100near a base thereof, which openings99and100may be reinforced by respective channel members extending in the fore and aft direction. The channel members may have large enough openings to receive the beams30and33. Hence the toolbox may be secured to the bed27of the truck and the underlying frame, and the beams30and33may likewise additionally be secured to the truck by the tool box96and the channel members. The toolbox96may have lids103and106for accessing an interior of the toolbox96. One or more padlocks109, or other locking device(s), may be used to secure one or both lids103in a closed condition to protect tools and other components against access by unauthorized persons. Hence, in this embodiment, the fork lift15includes tool box96positioned on the mounting beams30and33. The tool box96is positioned at an opposite ends of the mounting beams30and33from the fork lift mast assembly16. The tool box96includes first and second channels99and100. The proximal ends of the first and second mounting beams30and33extending through the first and second channels99and100, respectively.

FIG. 2Bis a top plan view including an interior of the toolbox96and the beams30and33. The toolbox96may have an interior112, (shown in an empty condition inFIG. 2B.) The toolbox96may be attached to the bed27of the truck by angle iron119extending along a forward base of the tool box96. The angle iron119may be fixed to the tool box and bolted by bolts121or otherwise connected to frame members of the truck through the bed27. Alternatively or additionally, a bottom wall115of the toolbox may be attached to the bed27of the truck by channel iron118or flat stock material. The channel iron118may have holes therethrough corresponding to holes in the bottom115of the toolbox and holes through the bed27of the truck. Bolts121may be used to secure the channel iron118and the toolbox96to the bed27. The bolts121may engage in a frame of the truck below the bed27. As shown, The channel members for receiving the mounting beams30,33may be closed channels124that may be fixed to and extend through a bottom portion of the toolbox96. These closed channels124open rearwardly into openings99and100shown inFIG. 2A. Thus the beams30and33may be received in the closed channels124for a secure attachment of the beams30and33to the truck bed27and the underlying truck frame.

FIG. 2Balso shows a fifth wheel hitch127. This fifth wheel hitch127may be secured directly to the beams30and33, to one or more of a cross member, the flat stock material, and the truck frame through the truck bed27. To this end, the fifth wheel hitch127may be secured by bolts121or other attachment mechanisms.

FIG. 2Cis a diagrammatic top plan view of half of the toolbox96, generally encompassing a region corresponding to the area of the circle labeled2C inFIG. 2B. However,FIG. 2Cincludes components that may be located in one side or the other of the toolbox96. These components may include, but are not limited to, a mast pump130that may be a single or double acting pump; a tilt pump133, which may be a double acting pump; first and second solenoid valves136,139connected to the mast pump130and the tilt pump133, respectively; and first and second electric motors142,145connected to respective electric solenoid valves136,139. A mast hydraulic line148may extend from the electric solenoid valve136to the mast hydraulic ram152, as may be appreciated from viewingFIGS. 2C and 1B. A tilt “in” hydraulic line155and a tilt “out” hydraulic line158may be connected to the electronic solenoid valve139and to the one or more tilt hydraulic rams45.

Electricity may be carried to each of the electric motors and each of the electric solenoid valves from the truck's electrical system, a separate electrical system, or a battery by electric lines161. These lines may be connected to a contact strip164which may be mounted on an inner wall of the toolbox96or at any other location. Corresponding electric lines may extend from the contact strip to respective control boxes167and170. These control boxes may incorporate double pole-double throw spring center toggle switches. The control boxes167and170may be separate from each other or joined together as shown inFIG. 2D. The control boxes167and170may be mounted on a dash board or other stationary location, or they may form part of a pendant173that provides a measure of mobility to the user while operating the controls. In this regard, an electrical cable176connecting the power strip164to the control boxes167and170may have a length of between 4 feet and 8 feet, for example, to permit a user to control the fork lift15from within the cab, outside the cab near the truck bed, or at a small distance from the truck. The cable176may be connected to the control boxes by a strain relief connection to reduce strain on the wires within.

As shown inFIG. 2D, the spring center toggle switch171may control the single acting mast pump motor142and valve136to cause the mast to move in an upward direction, a downward direction under the influence of gravity, or to remain in a neutral stationary position as indicated by up, down, and central positions labeled on the control box167. Alternatively, the pump motor142may be a double acting motor for activation in both directions. Similarly, the spring toggle172connected to the tilt pump motor and valve may be operated to cause the fork lift15to be tilted out, tilted in, or to remain in a stationary position. The corresponding positions for the spring biased toggle172are shown inFIG. 2D. Each of the spring toggles171and172are spring biased to a central neutral position. Therefore, the fork lift will remain in a stationary condition unless a user moves the toggle switches171or172from the neutral position into up, down, out, or in actuation positions.

It is to be understood that the present invention may thus incorporate an electric over hydraulic control system in which each position of actuation is in either an “on” or an “off” position. In order to control the speed of actuation of the rams, a restriction in the hydraulic system may be provided. Thus, relatively small movements of the fork lift may be effectuated. For fine adjustments in position, the toggles171and172can be bumped on and off for very small incremental changes in positions. Alternatively, a more complex proportional electric over hydraulic system may be implemented. Further alternatively, a purely hydraulic actuation system could be incorporated. However, doing so would require hydraulic lines to be routed into the cab of the truck, or to whatever location from which the user would actuate the system.

The electric over hydraulic system may be provided by a wireless control system with a wireless control box177wirelessly connected to the pumps by a transceiver/converter178as shown inFIG. 2E. The transceiver/converter178may receive and/or transmit radio frequency signals from and to the wireless control box177through the air. The transceiver/converter may also convert the signals from radio frequency to command signals that control the solenoids136,139and the motors142,145. The transceiver portion of the transceiver/converter may implement a simple receiver in accordance with the present invention.

The control box177ofFIG. 2Emay include elements similar to those described with regard to the control box167ofFIG. 2Dabove. For example, the control box177may include a spring center toggle switch379that controls the single acting mast pump motor142and valve136to cause the mast to move in an upward direction, a downward direction under the influence of gravity, or to remain in a neutral stationary position as indicated by up, down, and central positions labeled on the control box177. Similarly, a spring toggle382connected to the tilt pump motor and valve may be operated to cause the fork lift15to be tilted out, tilted in, or to remain in a stationary position. The corresponding positions for the spring biased toggle382are shown inFIG. 2E. Each of the spring toggles379and382are spring biased to a central neutral position. Therefore, the fork lift will remain in a stationary condition unless a user moves one or more of the toggle switches379and382from the neutral position into up, down, out, or in actuation positions. As shown, the control box177may include additional is buttons for controlling the fork lift15. For example, a bypass button385may be provided for bypassing a restriction in the lines that usually slows the rate at which the ram moves. Thus, the bypass button385may be pressed to increase a speed of descent of the forks when, for example, they have no load so that they would otherwise descend slowly. Another safety or activation button388may be provided on a different face of the control box177. In order to actuate the system in any way with the switches379,382, and possibly even bypass button385, a user may be required to also press the safety button388. It may be required to hold down the safety button388in order for power to be supplied to the other switches379,382and/or bypass button188. An additional main manual on/off switch may be provided on an outside of the tool box96, for example, to provide power to the system including the control box177. It is to be understood that the control box71shown inFIG. 1Amay include the same features described with regard to the control box177and may vary therefrom in that the control box71ofFIG. 1Ais connected to the hydraulics components by wires.

As shown inFIG. 2C, a larger hydraulic reservoir179may be implemented with the present system to accommodate the large capacity of the mast lift hydraulic ram152and the one or more tilt rams45of the fork lift15. Additionally, a diverter valve182with a manual lever185may be provided to manually swap the connection of the mast pump to one or more trailer supporting rams as will be described in greater detail below. The diverter valve182is connected to each of the fork lift hydraulic ram152and one or more trailer supporting hydraulic rams186as shown inFIG. 1B, and as shown and described below in greater detail. It is to be understood that the diverter valve182may include a solenoid and may be controlled from the control box71,173, or177similarly to the control of the pumps and valves associated with motors142,145. The toolbox96may also have a winch188supported therein, and a winch cable191may be extended through a wall of the toolbox96as shown inFIG. 2C. Among other things, the winch188can be used to pull a loaded pallet along a trailer bed by way of the cable191, as shown and described with regard toFIG. 3Bbelow.

The truck fork lift15in combination with the truck18may be used together with other devices shown inFIGS. 3A-5Bto provide a more comprehensive lifting and hauling system. As such, the hauling system may include a trailer200with a goose neck tongue203for a connection with the fifth wheel hitch127. The system may also include a pallet buggy206, which may be carried on the trailer200together with a load which may include pallets209, for example. The trailer may include stowable ramps212,215, and218, which can be slid into ramps carriers221for storage during periods of transport and non-use. It is to be understood that the ramps212,215, and218and the ramp holders221may be located at any position along the trailer. In particular, it is to be understood that the trailer will need to be loaded with a greater amount of the overall weight centered slightly forward from the center of the trailer. Thus, it is to be understood that the relative positions of the loaded pallets209and the pallet buggy206can be varied depending upon the particulars of the load to be carried. The trailer200may be any of a variety of trailers, but should have a rating greater than or equal to any maximum that will be hauled on the trailer for safety purposes.

As shown inFIG. 3A, one or more trailer supporting rams186may be provided at respective corners of the trailer. Alternatively, a trailer ram186could be provided generally centrally located along a front edge of the trailer bed as shown inFIGS. 3B and 3C.FIG. 3Cis a diagrammatic end view of the trailer200taken generally in a direction of arrow3C ofFIG. 3B. The rams186may have a stowed position in which the rams are retracted upwardly and a position of use in which the rams are slid downwardly through a sleeve227and locked in a position of use by a pin230as shown inFIG. 3A, for example. The rams186could alternatively be mounted to rotate in and out of a position of use on a pivot228as shown inFIGS. 3B and 3C. Thus, when it is desired to remove a loaded trailer200from a truck, the trailer and load may be supported by the trailer rams186and moved to an unhitched condition by the rams186. Actuation of the rams186may be provided by a hydraulic pump such as the mast pump130. As indicated above, a diverter valve182may be provided to alternatively connect the pump130and solenoid valve136of the mast hydraulic ram152to the trailer hydraulic rams186. The trailer hydraulic rams186may be simultaneously fed by a single line148that is divided severally into as many lines as there are trailer rams186. It is to be understood that additional trailer rams186could be provided at rear corners or elsewhere on the trailer for increased stability and/or versatility.

As shown inFIGS. 3B-3C, manually slidable telescoping stands231may include pins230for manually adjusting an extent of the stands231in a downward direction to engage the ground in a position of rest after the trailer ram(s)186have been used to raise the trailer. Once the stands231have been extended, the trailer ram(s)186may be released. Thus, the trailer may be provided with a great degree of stability while loading and unloading. As shown inFIG. 3B, the winch cable191may be routed from the winch to a loaded pallet209and engaged around a base of the pallet209for the purpose of moving the pallet along a bed of the trailer200. Thus, the pallet209may be repositioned or oriented for engagement with the forks of the truck fork lift15. In order to protect the fork lift ram152, the winch cable191may be threaded through a guide232that holds the winch cable191out of engagement with the fork lift ram152while pulling the pallet209, for example. The winch cable guide232may be supported on a lower edge of the fork lift plate84as shown inFIG. 3D, which is a view of the fork lift mast taken generally in a direction of arrow3D ofFIG. 3B.

As shown inFIGS. 3B and 3D, the truck fork lift15may include a take up reel303that may be mounted on an underside of a rear portion of the truck frame or bed27. This take up reel may be biased to draw in a line306that has one or more video cables and power to the one or more respective cameras92,94,95,97shown inFIG. 1A. Thus, the video and power cables may be fed into an inner end of the line306on the take up reel303. As the mast is raised or lowered, an outer end of the line306may be withdrawn from the reel303to provide the needed slack as the camera is moved together with the mast21, fork24, or fork plate84. The line306may extend over a pulley309that may be rotatably mounted on a shaft312that also supports one or more chain pulley for lifting the fork plate84. Likewise, as the fork plate is moved in a direction requiring a shorter length of the line306, the take up reel303will automatically retract and wind a portion of the line306on the take up reel303. In this way, the take up reel303reduces the chances of a loose line that may become tangled or drag on the ground during use of the truck fork lift15. At the same time, continuous viewing of images may be provided as the forks are adjusted to greater or lesser heights, without the need of keeping track of the lines to the camera.

When the take up reel303is mounted under a rear portion of the truck bed27, the customary location for the truck spare tire will be occupied by the take up reel303and the housing that supports the take up reel303. As shown inFIGS. 3A,3B, and3C, one or more spare tires315,318may be supported on the trailer goose neck203. For this purpose, a post321may be supported on and extend upwardly from the goose neck203. Thus, spare trailer and/or truck tires315,318may be conveniently supported for easy retrieval, as needed.

FIG. 3Aalso shows a manual pallet dolly342that may be supported on a rear of the trailer200. The pallet dolly342has a pair of forks345,346configured to engage in a pallet. The pallet dolly also has a jacking handle349that jacks up a load placed on the forks and also steers the dolly during use. A pair of closely spaced wheels352,353are connected to the jacking handle. This pallet dolly is known, but is not typically supported on a trailer in the manner shown inFIG. 3A. There are three primary securing mechanisms that safely hold the pallet dolly on the trailer200. Firstly, a stopping cross bar355is mounted on a bumper356in a downwardly and rearwardly extending position. As shown, the closely spaced wheels352,353straddle the stopping cross bar355and engage the stopping cross bar generally at an axle between the wheels352,353under the force of gravity. This mechanism will inhibit separation of the pallet dolly from the trailer200under most circumstances during pulling of the trailer200by a truck. Secondly, the pallet dolly342is secured by a blocking cable358permanently connected to a first ring361mounted on the trailer bed frame and removably connected to a second ring364mounted to the trailer bed frame. The connections may be formed by cable clamps and openable links, for example. As shown, the cable forms a support strap that engages the pallet dolly on a rear side thereof and extends forwardly and laterally outward to the rings361,364when the blocking cable358is in a connected state. As such, even if the closely spaced wheels352,353were to clear the stopping cross bar355during a bumpy ride, for example, the blocking cable would prevent rearward movement of the pallet dolly away from a rear end of the trailer200. Thirdly, a tightenable strap367having a hook370connected thereon is looped through a closed ring373of the jacking handle349. The hook may be engaged in the first ring361, and the strap may be tightened to provide a securing tension that will hold the pallet dolly in place on the trailer. The bumper356is mounted on the trailer200by vertical spacers376that form spaces between an underside of the bed of the trailer and the bumper356. These vertical spacers376may be located close to outer sides of the pallet dolly in order to inhibit sideway movement of the pallet dolly342when the trailer200is being pulled with the pallet dolly342supported thereon.

As shown in FIGS.3A and4A-4C, the pallet buggy206is powered by a motor233that drives a wheel236. The motor also runs a hydraulic pump and reservoir system239that is connected to a buggy ram242. The buggy ram242, in turn, raises and lowers a buggy crane arm245. A proximal end of the buggy crane arm245is pivotally connected to a vertical frame member251of the pallet buggy frame254. The buggy crane arm245has a cable248connected to a distal end thereof. A lower end of the cable248is connected to a suspended fork257, which engages and supports a load such as pallet260, as shown in FIGS.3A and4A-4C. Thus, actuation of the pallet buggy ram242raises or lowers the crane arm245and the suspended pallet fork257to raise or lower the load260, as desired.

The pallet buggy206advantageously provides a device that can be maneuvered into and out of tight spaces for picking up and moving loads. For example, if a load needs to be moved into a shelter or structure that has a low clearance opening, the pallet buggy206is well adapted for delivering a load into such a structure. The pallet buggy206is also an all-terrain vehicle that can maneuver over contours and soil hardness of great variation. The pallet buggy206may also be maneuvered and steered by a steering lever261, for example, connected to the rear wheel(s)236in order to navigate turns. On the other hand, front wheels263are positioned to support the frame254of the pallet buggy. The motor233and the hydraulic system239may be mounted on a platform that is pivotally connected to the frame254by a vertically oriented pin, for example. Thus, the turning may be effected by pivoting a rear portion of the pallet buggy relative to a front end thereof.

The frame254is configured to support loads of three times or more than a weight of the pallet buggy206itself. That is, the pallet buggy may weigh a 1,000 pounds or less while being able to support and transport loads of 3,000 pounds or greater. As shown inFIGS. 4A-4C, the pallet buggy frame254may have outer lateral frame arms324,327that generally straddle a load260to be born. Then the load260may be raised, and load platform cross bars330may be placed below the load260and locked into place on the frame arms324,327by pins333, for example. Then the load260may be lowered onto the load platform cross bars330for transport. The load platform cross bars330may be formed of closed or open channel members with upside down L-sectioned end brackets stoppingly engaging an upper surface of the frame arms as shown inFIG. 3E.

As shown inFIG. 4A, steering of the pallet buggy may be achieved by a articulating the rear wheels236relative to the frame254. A steering pivot assembly391may be mounted to an underside of a channel member394. A steering shaft395may extend downwardly and be pivotable with the wheels236about a vertical axis, while a hub of the pivot assembly may protrude upwardly through the channel member394. The steering pivot shaft395of the steering pivot assembly may thus pivot on a generally vertical axis. The channel member394may be mounted to the frame254by a gusset member397and an angled member400for increased strength. Motor and hydraulic support members403,405,407, and409may be fixed to the channel member394. These members403,405,407, and409may receive and support the motor333, and the hydraulic pump and reservoir339, as shown. A hydraulic motor and valve platform412may be slidably supported on a steering bar415rigidly connected to the steering shaft395. The steering lever261may be connected to an outer end of the steering bar415.

FIG. 4Bshows a top plan view of the pallet buggy206with the motor333and the hydraulic pump and reservoir supported on the support members403,405,407, and409. The motor333drives a hydraulic pump418, which draws hydraulic fluid from a reservoir421and moves it through a closed loop. A lever control valve424controls whether the hydraulic fluid is routed directly back through the reservoir421, when in a neutral position, or in one of first and second directions through a diverter valve427. When the lever control valve424is pulled all the way back, the fluid may be forced in a direction to raise a load or drive the wheels236in a rearward direction. When the lever control valve424is pushed all the way forward, the fluid may be forced in a direction to lower the load or drive the wheels in a forward direction. The diverter valve427determines whether the fluid is routed to the pallet buggy ram242or to the a hydraulic motor430. Thus, the diverter valve also provides a safety mechanism. That is, the pallet buggy206in this configuration cannot lift by the pallet buggy ram242and drive the pallet buggy wheels236at the same time. When the diverter valve routes the fluid toward the hydraulic motor430, the hydraulic motor430may drive the wheels236by a chain433, for example. The direction of the driving force is adjusted by the user as he engages the lever control valve424. Similarly, the user may selectively raise or lower the crane arm245with the same lever control valve when the diverter valve has been adjusted to route the fluid through the ram242.

FIG. 4Cis a front plan view taken along a direction of arrow4C ofFIG. 4B. As shown, the frame254may be a laterally expandible frame in which a spacing of the lateral frame arms324,327may be adjusted to match a load width as needed. Upper cross bar sleeves436,437may slidably engage an upper cross bar440. Similarly, lower cross bar sleeves443,444, may slidably engage a lower cross bar447. To adjust the width of the pallet buggy, forces may be removed from the frame by hoisting the buggy206nearly or completely out of engagement with a ground surface. Then the user may engage heads450and453with a power wrench or other turning device, and turn threaded shafts456and459in or out of threaded sleeves462and465, respectively. At a most retracted position, the threaded shafts may engage a stop, which may be provided by an outer wall of the vertical frame member251. In this position, the pallet buggy may be narrow enough to fit in a standard width bed of a pick up truck for easy hauling the pallet buggy.

FIG. 5Ais a side plan view and5B is a top plan view of a stanchion266for supporting and storing the truck fork lift15when it is not mounted to the truck18. The stanchion266may include two elongate skids269,270in the form of channel members. A plurality of vertically extending frame members272and275may be fixed to the skids269,270and extend upwardly therefrom. Diagonal strengthening members278may also extend in a vertical direction as well as a horizontal direction diagonally up from the skids269to a horizontal frame member281. The skids269,270, and the combination of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal frame members272,275,278, and281may support fork receivers284. The fork receivers284may be rectangular tubular channels with open ends to receive the forks24of the truck fork lift15.

Thus, a truck18may be backed up so that the forks24are stabbed into the receivers284. Then the truck fork lift may be operated to transfer the load of the fork lift15to the stanchion. Before the load is transferred in this manner, the bolts69that secure the beams30,33, and/or flat stock material may be removed from the truck frame336by disengaging a nut339that may be welded or otherwise secured to the truck frame336, as shown inFIG. 5A. Any hydraulic lines may be disconnected from the hydraulic pumps, and any electrical and video cables may be disconnected. The hydraulic lines to the truck fork lift15may be disconnected by a quick disconnect, for example. All loosening of the bolts and disconnections of the lines may be easily made within approximately three minutes. And it may take only ten minutes to completely remove the fork lift including the mast and mounting beams together with the hydraulic rams and the components mounted to these members. The hydraulic pumps, controls, and monitor may remain connected to the truck. In separating the truck fork lift from the truck, the beams30and33may be slid out of the channels124in the toolbox96, when the channels124form part of the mounting of the truck fork lift15. As shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the skids269,270may be set at a width narrower than the rear wheels287of the truck18so that the truck may generally straddle the skids269,270during transfer of the truck fork lift15from the truck bed onto the stanchion266. As shown by dashed lines inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the fork receivers284may be positioned fore or aft on the frame members of the stanchion266, depending upon the desired load distribution.

Exemplary Methods for Delivery Service

The electric over hydraulic solenoid valves create a flexibility to remotely operate the forks from the cab or from outside the truck. Sometimes this option is needed because of a particular terrain in which stabbing a pallet is facilitated by viewing the action from a particular vantage point. Thus, loading or unloading pallets on uneven terrain can be facilitated by utilizing a cable remote control or wireless remote control system.

Truck Forklift, Pallet Buggy, and Trailer Operation

Four pallets may be loaded on the trailer at a warehouse and transported to a delivery site. The driver/user of a truck may pull in front of a driveway. The pallet buggy may be unloaded and placed in a garage in which the pallets are to be placed. (An ideal parked unload position in a residential subdivision is in a cul-de-sac with trailer centered for easy access to both sides of the trailer. Otherwise, the pallets may need to be pulled to an accessible side of the trailer by a winch and winch cable similar to that described above.) The driver/user may leave the truck running and turn a power switch of the system “on” to enable operation. Then the user may disconnect safety chains and any electrical connection between the truck and trailer. The user may deploy a drop jack “hydraulic cylinder” or ram on the trailer and make a hitch of the truck and trailer ready for release so that the trailer tongue may be raised. It is important to remember that the trailer may be loaded with up to 12,000 pounds of product.

The driver may use a quick disconnect hydraulic hose extending from the trailer hydraulic cylinder or ram to an auxiliary hydraulic output to raise and lower the trailer. The driver may raise the trailer and then disconnect the auxiliary hydraulic hose. Then the user may move the truck forward and unfold each fork from a transport position to a working position and remove securing straps from a palletized product on the trailer. The user may back the truck up to either side of the trailer, centering on the rear pallet first. By viewing a camera monitor within the cab, the user may position the forks to stab the pallet. The user may slowly back up to the pallet while viewing a screen of the monitor. Once, a pallet has been stabbed and raised at least slightly with the forks, the user may drive slowly to a position about five feet away from trailer. Then he/she may lower the pallet to a height of approximately two feet from the ground. With the load in this position, the driver may then drive approximately five miles per hour or slower into the garage and place the pallet inside.

By always viewing the monitor as he/she is placing the loaded pallet on the garage floor, a user may avoid striking the house or garage. Likewise, the hydraulic pressure enables the user to selectively control a height of the truck fork lift including the mast. The mast may be configured to not exceed approximately seventy-nine inches in height when the truck is unloaded so as not to hit the garage door when the truck is pulled in and out of the garage. Other mast heights may be smaller or larger than seventy-nine inches.

Depending on a terrain of the ground over which the load is to be transported by the truck fork lift, a strap may be used to wrap around the palletized load and the forklift mast to stabilized the load. In this case, the strap would need to be removed before leaving the garage. Then the user may return to the trailer in the truck and repeat the above described procedure. This method of operation may reduce the unloading time approximately fifteen to twenty minutes per delivery as compared to a method that uses a crane. More importantly, the user or operator may remain in the cab when moving and unloading the pallet from the forks.

In some cases, the palletized loads may need to be placed in a garage having a vertical clearance lower than the minimum height of the truck fork lift mast, or the loads may need to be maneuvered in a manner that is difficult to achieve with the truck fork lift. In these cases, the palletized load may be set on the ground at any convenient location, and the pallet buggy may be used to engage, lift, place the load on a support frame of the pallet buggy, and transport the load to a location for final placement of the delivery. As such, the pallet buggy may be used to move the pallet into the garage when a passage is too narrow for the truck fork lift, for example. In a case where there is no paved driveway, the truck may be backed up to a sheet of plywood that has been previously placed on a pair of flat pallets, for example. The palletized load may be placed on the sheet of plywood by the truck fork lift. Then the palletized load may be moved with the pallet buggy into the location of final placement of the delivery within the garage.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims. For example, other types of actuators may be implemented in place of the hydraulic actuators described above. These actuators may include electric actuators, pneumatic actuators, magnetic actuators, and/or mechanical actuators without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The electric actuators may include a lead screw and nut combination driven by a motor, for example.