PALLET TRANSPORTING DEVICE

In some embodiments, the device may comprise a rocker arm, fist tine, and second tine which may be coupled to a chassis. A first proximal wheel yoke having a first retractable load bearing wheel may be pivotally coupled to the first tine. A first distal wheel yoke having a first retractable counter balance wheel may also be pivotally coupled to the first tine. A first tappet may be coupled to the first proximal wheel yoke, to the first distal wheel yoke, and to the rocker arm. A second proximal wheel yoke having a second retractable load bearing wheel may be pivotally coupled to the second tine. A second distal wheel yoke having a second retractable counter balance wheel may also be pivotally coupled to the second tine. A second tappet may be coupled to the second proximal wheel yoke, to the second distal wheel yoke, and to the rocker arm.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to the field of pallet trucks. More specifically, this patent specification relates to pallet trucks configured to manipulate a plurality of pallet types including high profile pallets.

BACKGROUND

Pallets are commonly used to secure durable goods during transport between various locations. Typically, a pallet comprises a square or rectangular load bearing surface or deck configured to receive goods for storage and transport. Sidewalls with ground contacting legs extend vertically below the deck forming a space or cavity suitable to engage various types of pallet transporting equipment such as hand pallet trucks, Walkie Pallet Jacks, forklifts, and the like. Pallet transportation equipment commonly includes two elongated forks known as “tines” which are inserted under the pallet deck and into the pallet cavity to raise the pallet off of the ground for transport.

Recently, pallets with narrow elongated decks and high profile designs have become common place. These high profile pallets may have support decks which are 6 inches or higher above the ground to be transported by custom designed lifts which are costly to own and maintain.

Therefore, a need exists for an effective means to transport pallets, such as high profile design pallets, with a novel custom pallet lifting device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A narrow pallet transporting device is provided which may be used to lift, lower, move, or otherwise motivate pallets, such as high profile design pallets. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a rocker arm which may be coupled to a chassis, and the rocker arm may be movable between raised position and a lowered position. A first tine may be coupled to the chassis. A first proximal wheel yoke may be pivotally coupled to the first tine, and the first proximal wheel yoke may comprise a first retractable load bearing wheel. The first proximal wheel yoke may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A first distal wheel yoke may also be pivotally coupled to the first tine, and the first distal wheel yoke may comprise a first retractable counter balance wheel. The first distal wheel yoke may also be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A first tappet may be coupled to the first proximal wheel yoke, to the first distal wheel yoke, and to the rocker arm. The device may further comprise a second tine which may also be coupled to the chassis. A second proximal wheel yoke may be pivotally coupled to the second tine, and the second proximal wheel yoke may comprise a second retractable load bearing wheel. The second proximal wheel yoke may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A second distal wheel yoke may also be pivotally coupled to the second tine, and the second distal wheel yoke may comprise a second retractable counter balance wheel. The second distal wheel yoke may also be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A second tappet may be coupled to the second proximal wheel yoke, to the second distal wheel yoke, and to the rocker arm.

In further embodiments, the device may comprise a first horizontal retractable wheel and second horizontal retractable wheel. The first horizontal retractable wheel may be movable between a first inner position and a second lateral extended position, and the second horizontal retractable wheel may also be movable between a first inner position and a second lateral extended position.

In still further embodiments, the first proximal wheel yoke and first distal wheel yoke may be moved synchronously into the retracted position when the rocker arm is moved into the raised position.

In still further embodiments, the second proximal wheel yoke, and second distal wheel yoke may be moved synchronously into the retracted position when the rocker arm is moved into the raised position.

In yet further embodiments, the first proximal wheel yoke and first distal wheel yoke may be moved synchronously into the extended position when the rocker arm is moved into the lowered position.

In yet further embodiments, the second proximal wheel yoke and second distal wheel yoke may be moved synchronously into the extended position when the rocker arm is moved into the lowered position.

In still further embodiments, the first proximal wheel yoke, first distal wheel yoke, second proximal wheel yoke, and second distal wheel yoke may be moved synchronously into the retracted position when the rocker arm is moved into the raised position, and the first proximal wheel yoke, first distal wheel yoke, second proximal wheel yoke, and second distal wheel yoke may be moved synchronously into the extended position when the rocker arm is moved into the lowered position.

LISTING OF FEATURE ELEMENTS IN THE FIGURES

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus10% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.

A new pallet manipulation and lifting device is discussed herein. Additionally, new high profile design pallets, such as that taught in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/218,161 filed on Mar. 18 2014 and titled “Improved Pallet with Tine Support Elements”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and narrow pallet transporting devices are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.FIG. 1andFIG. 2illustrate an example of an improved narrow pallet transporting device (“the improved pallet lift device” or “the device”)300according to various embodiments of the present invention. The device300may comprise two or more tines301which may be used to engage with or otherwise interact with pallets, such as high profile design pallets100(FIGS. 5 and 9), and the device300may have one or more wheels10,11,15for movement along the ground37(FIGS. 11 and 12).

In some embodiments, the device300may comprise a chassis16and a rocker arm40(FIGS. 15-17) which may be coupled to the chassis16, and the rocker arm40may be movable between raised position91(FIG. 16) and a lowered position92(FIG. 17). One or more horizontal retractable wheels15may also be coupled to the chassis16. A first tine301may be coupled to the chassis16. A first proximal wheel yoke19may be pivotally coupled to the first tine301, and the first proximal wheel yoke19may comprise a first retractable load bearing wheel11. The first proximal wheel yoke19may be movable between a retracted position95(FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 14, and 16) and an extended position96(FIGS. 2, 5, 11-13, and 17). A first distal wheel yoke20may also be pivotally coupled to the first tine301, and the first distal wheel yoke20may comprise a first retractable counter balance wheel10. The first distal wheel yoke20may also be movable between a retracted position95and an extended position96. A first tappet41(FIGS. 13-17) may be coupled to the first proximal wheel yoke19, to the first distal wheel yoke20, and to the rocker arm40. The device300may further comprise a second tine301which may also be coupled to the chassis16. A second proximal wheel yoke19may be pivotally coupled to the second tine301, and the second proximal wheel yoke19may comprise a second retractable load bearing wheel11. The second proximal wheel yoke19may be movable between a retracted position95and an extended position96. A second distal wheel yoke20may also be pivotally coupled to the second tine301, and the second distal wheel yoke20may comprise a second retractable counter balance wheel10. The second distal wheel yoke20may also be movable between a retracted position95and an extended position96. A second tappet41may be coupled to the second proximal wheel yoke19, to the second distal wheel yoke20, and to the rocker arm40.

In further embodiments, the proximal wheel yokes19and distal wheel yokes20of one or more tines301may be moved into a retracted position95(FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 14, and 16) when the rocker arm40is moved into the raised position91(FIG. 16). In still further embodiments, the proximal wheel yokes19and distal wheel yokes20of one or more tines301may be moved into the extended position96(FIGS. 2, 5, 11-13, 15, and 17) when the rocker arm40is moved into the lowered position92(FIG. 17). In this manner, by moving the wheel yokes19,20, the retractable counter balance wheels10and retractable load bearing wheels11may be moved towards and away from the tines301thereby lowering and lifting the tines301towards and away from the ground37(FIGS. 11 and 12), respectively. The raising and lowering of the tines301may enable the device300to raise and lower pallets towards and away from the ground37while the wheels10,11,15, may enable the device300to move freely over the ground37. When the tines301are placed under a pallet, such as a high profile design pallet100, and lifted away from the ground37, the pallet may be lifted away from the ground37by the tines301. Conversely, when the tines301supporting a pallet over and away from the ground37, such as a high profile design pallet100, and lowered towards the ground37, the pallet may be lowered towards the ground37by the tines301.

As perhaps best shown inFIGS. 1-5, and 15, the device300may comprise one or more, such as two, tines301which may be coupled to a chassis16having one or more, such as two, horizontal retractable wheels15. Preferably, the tines301may be movably coupled to the chassis16thereby allowing the tines301to be moved relative to the chassis16. Each tine301may comprise one or more retractable counter balance wheels10and/or retractable load bearings wheel11. In some embodiments, each tine301may comprise a distal wheel yoke20with a retractable counter balance wheel10coupled to the end of each tine301that is distal from the chassis16. In further embodiments, each tine301may comprise a proximal wheel yoke19which may be coupled to the each tine301medially between the chassis16and the distal wheel yoke20and retractable counter balance wheel10.

Each proximal wheel yoke19may be movably coupled to its respective tine301and also movably coupled to its respective tappet40. In some embodiments, a proximal wheel yoke19may be movably coupled to its respective tine301with a proximal fork frame hinge29(FIGS. 13 and 14). A proximal fork frame hinge29may comprise any type of hinge, such as a butt hinge, piano hinge, barrel hinge, butt/Mortise hinge, case hinge, flag hinge, strap hinge, H hinge, HL hinge, piano hinge, butterfly hinge, flush hinge, barrel hinge, concealed hinge, continuous hinge, T-hinge, strap hinge, double-acting hinge, Soss hinge, counterflap hinge, flush hinge, coach hinge, rising butt hinge, double action spring hinge, tee hinge, friction hinge, security hinge, cranked hinge or stormproof hinge, lift-off hinge, self closing or self positioning hinge, flexible material hinge, or any other type or style of hinge which may be enable a proximal wheel yoke19to be movably coupled to a tine301. In further embodiments, a proximal wheel yoke19may be movably coupled to its respective tine301with a proximal fork frame hinge pin35which may be inserted through portions of the proximal wheel yoke19and the tine301and which may movably couple the proximal wheel yoke19and the tine301together.

In some embodiments, a proximal wheel yoke19may be movably coupled to its respective tappet41with a proximal tappet hinge31(FIGS. 13 and 14). Similar to a proximal fork frame hinge29, a proximal tappet hinge31may comprise any type of hinge which may be enable a proximal wheel yoke19to be movably coupled to a tappet41. In further embodiments, a proximal wheel yoke19may be movably coupled to its respective tappet41with a hinge pin, similar to a proximal fork frame hinge pin35, which may be inserted through portions of the proximal wheel yoke19and the tappet41and which may movably couple the proximal wheel yoke19and the tappet41together.

Each distal wheel yoke20may be movably coupled to its respective tine301and also movably coupled to its respective tappet40. In some embodiments, a distal wheel yoke20may be movably coupled to its respective tine301with a distal fork frame hinge30(FIGS. 13 and 14). A distal fork frame hinge30may comprise any type of hinge which may be enable a distal wheel yoke20to be movably coupled to a tine301. In further embodiments, a distal wheel yoke20may be movably coupled to its respective tine301with a distal fork frame hinge pin36which may be inserted through portions of the distal wheel yoke20and the tine301and which may movably couple the distal wheel yoke20and the tine301together.

In some embodiments, a distal wheel yoke20, may be movably coupled to its respective tappet41with a distal tappet hinge32(FIGS. 13 and 14). Similar to a distal fork frame hinge30, a distal tappet hinge32may comprise any type of hinge which may be enable a distal wheel yoke20to be movably coupled to a tappet41. In further embodiments, a distal wheel yoke20may be movably coupled to its respective tappet41with a hinge pin, similar to a distal fork frame hinge pin36, which may be inserted through portions of the distal wheel yoke20and the tappet41and which may movably couple the distal wheel yoke20and the tappet41together.

Each proximal wheel yoke19may comprise a retractable load bearing wheel11, and each distal wheel yoke20may comprise a retractable counter balance wheel10. The retractable load bearing wheels11may be positioned anywhere on the tines301, such as approximately in the middle or medially on a tine301, to provide a tight turning radius for the device300where as the retractable counter balance wheel10provides a support mechanism if the narrow pallet transporting device300were to tip forward.

In some embodiments, a retractable load bearing wheel11may be movably coupled to a proximal wheel yoke19with a proximal wheel pin21(FIGS. 13 and 14) which may be inserted through portions of the proximal wheel yoke19and the retractable load bearing wheel11thereby movably coupling the proximal wheel yoke19and the retractable load bearing wheel11together. In other embodiments, a retractable load bearing wheel11may be movably coupled to a proximal wheel yoke19with any other suitable coupling which allows movement of the retractable load bearing wheel11while it is coupled to the proximal wheel yoke19.

In some embodiments, a retractable counter balance wheel10may be movably coupled to a distal wheel yoke20with a distal wheel pin22(FIGS. 13 and 14) which may be inserted through portions of the distal wheel yoke20and the retractable counter balance wheel10thereby movably coupling the distal wheel yoke20and the retractable counter balance wheel10together. In other embodiments, a retractable counter balance wheel10may be movably coupled to a distal wheel yoke20with any other suitable coupling which allows movement of the retractable counter balance wheel10while it is coupled to the distal wheel yoke20.

FIG. 13depicts a perspective view of an example of a tappet41with both the proximal wheel yoke19and distal wheel yoke20in an extended position96, whileFIG. 14illustrates a perspective view of an example of a tappet41with both the proximal wheel yoke19and distal wheel yoke20in a retracted position96according to various embodiments described herein. A tappet41may be unitary or may be composed of one or more sub assemblies, such as a left tappet rod33and a right tappet rod34which may be coupled together to form a single tappet41. Additionally, a tappet41may comprise one or more regions which may be positioned within, under, adjacent, or anywhere else in relation to the tine301to which the tappet41is coupled. For example, a tappet41may comprise a back tappet region23which may be coupled to a rocker arm40, such as with a tappet yoke50(FIGS. 15-17), a center tappet region24, which may be coupled to a proximal wheel yoke19, and a front tappet region27, which may be coupled to a distal wheel yoke20. Optionally, a tappet41may also comprise a left adjoined tappet25and/or a right adjoined tappet26which may be separated to allow portions of a proximal wheel yoke19to be positioned between the left adjoined tappet25and right adjoined tappet26such as when the proximal wheel yoke19is in the retracted position95.

In some embodiments, one or more retractable counter balance wheels10and/or one or more retractable load bearing wheel11may be a multi-directional wheel. A multi-directional wheel, sometimes called an Omni wheel or poly wheel, similar to Mecanum wheel, is a wheel with small discs around the circumference which are perpendicular to the turning direction. The effect is that the wheel can be driven with full force, but will also slide laterally with great ease. These wheels are often employed in holonomic drive systems. In preferred embodiments, the device300may comprise two first retractable counter balance wheels10so that the first retractable counter balance wheel10may be a first retractable multi-directional counter balance wheel10A, and the second retractable counter balance wheel10may be a second retractable multi-directional counter balance wheel10A as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12.

Referring now toFIGS. 4, 5, and 15, in some embodiments, the device300may comprise one or more wheel wells43which may be positioned anywhere on a tine301. A wheel well43may comprise a recess or cavity which may be formed into a tine301and which may be shaped and sized to receive all or portions of a retractable counter balance wheel10or a retractable load bearing wheel11. In further embodiments, all or a portion of a retractable load bearing wheel11and its respective proximal wheel yoke19may be received in a wheel well43when the retractable load bearing wheel11and its respective proximal wheel yoke19are in the retracted position95(FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 14, and 16). In still further embodiments, all or a portion of a retractable counter balance wheel10,10A, and its respective distal wheel yoke20may be received in a wheel well43when the retractable counter balance wheel10,10A, and its respective distal wheel yoke20are in the retracted position95. Optionally, a wheel well43may pass completely through a tine301, such as show by the retractable load bearing wheel11occupying wheel wells43, or a wheel well43may not pass completely through a tine301so as to form a recess in the tine301, such as show by the retractable counter balance wheel10,10A, occupying wheel wells43.

In preferred embodiments,FIG. 3shows the device300with a removable fork tine handle13that may be removably coupled to one or more tines301of the narrow pallet transporting device300. A fork tine handle13may be of any shape and size that is configured to form a suitable gripping area for a user to manipulate in order to facilitate the manipulation of the distal end, the end farthest from the chassis16, of the device300. In some embodiments, a fork tine handle13may be removably coupled to one or more tines301by inserting a portion of the fork tine handle13into each tine301, such as into a fork tine handle slot12on each tine301. In other embodiments, a fork tine handle13may be removably coupled to one or more tines301by any other suitable removable or temporary coupling method.FIG. 4show the removable fork tine handle13inserted into the fork tine handle slots12located at the distal end of each tine301of the narrow pallet transporting device300. As used herein the term “slot” may include grooves or apertures of any suitable size or dimension. For example, the slot may be round, square, rectangular, triangular, or the like.

Turning now toFIGS. 6-8, in some embodiments, the device300may be configured to engage or receive a two wheel hand truck60or dolly so that the two wheel hand truck60may be manipulated as a single unit. In further embodiments, the device300may have a hand truck carrying slot14which is shaped to receive a portion of the two wheel hand truck nose plate61so that the two wheel hand truck nose plate61can be inserted into the had truck carrying slot14for easy transport of a two wheel hand truck60.FIG. 7shows the two wheel hand truck nose plate61inserted into the hand truck carrying slot14of the narrow pallet transporting device300.

In preferred embodiments,FIG. 6shows a rear elevation view of the narrow pallet transporting device300. In this example, the device300comprises two horizontal retractable wheels15, such as a first horizontal retractable wheel15and a second horizontal retractable wheel15, which provide a wider wheel base when needed. The horizontal retractable wheels15may be coupled to the chassis16and may be used in conjunction with one or more retractable counter balance wheels10,10A, and/or retractable load bearing wheels11in order to move the device300across the ground37. Optionally, a horizontal retractable wheel15may comprise a caster type wheel, a multi-directional type wheel, any other type of wheel, tread, track, or any other suitable movable conveyance.

In preferred embodiments,FIG. 10shows a rear elevation view of the narrow pallet transporting device300. In this example close-up partial cross sectional view of the horizontal retractable wheels15shows how the horizontal retractable caster mounting plate18engages the horizontal retractable caster spring17to position the horizontal retractable wheels15between a first inner position98, in which the horizontal retractable wheels15are relatively closer to each other, and a second lateral extended position99, in which the horizontal retractable wheels15are relatively farther apart from each other. In further preferred embodiments, the device300may comprise a horizontal retractable caster spring17and the horizontal retractable caster spring17may be operable to position the first horizontal retractable wheel15and/or second horizontal retractable wheel15between a first inner position98and a second lateral extended position99. In still further embodiments, the device300may comprise one or more horizontal retractable caster springs17and the horizontal retractable caster spring17may be operable to position both the first horizontal retractable wheel15and the second horizontal retractable wheel15between a first inner position98and a second lateral extended position99.

In some embodiments, horizontal retractable caster mounting plate18may be configured to slidably engage inside a track or slot within the bottom ground facing side of the lift chassis16. As used herein the term “horizontal caster spring”17may include hydraulics, compression cylinders, air bladders, actuators, etc. of any suitable size or dimension which may be used to motivate a wheel or other conveyance, such as a horizontal retractable wheel15, into and between a first inner position98and a second lateral extended position99.

In preferred embodiments, the device300may comprise a first horizontal retractable wheel15which may be movable between a first inner position98and a second lateral extended position99, and a second horizontal retractable wheel15which may be movable between a first inner position98and a second lateral extended position99. In other embodiments, the device300may comprise one, three, four, or more horizontal retractable wheels15and one or more of the horizontal retractable wheels15may be movable between a first inner position98and a second lateral extended position99.

Referring toFIGS. 15-17, in some embodiments, the device300may comprise a pump such as a hydraulic pump44which may be operably coupled to the rocker arm40. In some embodiments, a hydraulic pump44may be a manually operated hydraulic jack or a manually operated pneumatic jack such as which may be operated by pumping a handle49. In other embodiments, a hydraulic pump44may be a manually operated hydraulic jack or a manually operated pneumatic jack such as which may be operated by an electric motor or other type of motor. In further embodiments, the hydraulic pump44may be disposed within the chassis16, such as within an access housing45and an access panel46, and operably coupled to the rocker arm40via a distribution plate47. For example, the hydraulic pump44may be operably coupled to the distribution plate47and the distribution plate47may also be operably coupled to the rocker arm40so that movement of one of these elements may result in movement of the other elements.

Movement of the rocker arm40may result in movement of one or more tappets41which may be coupled to the rocker arm40. In some embodiments, each tappet41may be coupled to the rocker arm40with a tappet yoke50(FIG. 15) and pivot pin which may provide a movable coupling. In other embodiments, each tappet41may be coupled to the rocker arm40with any other suitable movable or non-movable coupling method. The movement of the tappets41may cause one or more of the wheel yokes19,20, to pivot, rotate, or otherwise move towards and away from the tine301to which they are coupled. For example, the first proximal wheel yoke19and second proximal wheel yoke19may be moved into the extended position96when the rocker arm40is moved into the lowered position92. In another example, the first distal wheel yoke20and second distal wheel yoke20may be moved into the extended position96when the rocker arm40is moved into the lowered position92. In some embodiments, the hydraulic pump44may motivate the distribution plate47down, which in turn motivates the rocker arm40into a lowered position92, which in turn motivates the one or more tappets41which are coupled to the rocker arm40, which in turn motivates a distal wheel yoke20, and its respective retractable counter balance wheel10,10A, and a proximal wheel yoke19, and its respective retractable load bearing wheel11, into the extended position96. In further embodiments, the hydraulic pump44may motivate the distribution plate47up, which in turn motivates the rocker arm40into a raised position91, which in turn motivates the one or more tappets41which are coupled to the rocker arm40, which in turn motivates a distal wheel yoke20, and its respective retractable counter balance wheel10,10A, and a proximal wheel yoke19, and its respective retractable load bearing wheel11, into the retracted position95.

In further preferred embodiments, the hydraulic pump44may comprise or be an electrically operated hydraulic pump44(i.e. an electric hydraulic pump) which may be configured to motivate the rocker arm40when electric power is supplied to the hydraulic pump44such as which may be controlled by one or more user control inputs48which may be coupled to the chassis16, such as by way of one or more handles49, which may be manipulated by a user to move and control the device300. Optionally, the device300may comprise a battery, fuel cell, engine, or the like which may be configured to provide electric power to an electrically operated hydraulic pump44and/or to one or more user control inputs48.

While some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device300such as the tines301, chassis16, wheels10,10A,11,15, tappet41, optional rocker arm40, optional access housing45, optional access panel46, and/or any other element discussed herein may be made from durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiber glass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device300may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device300may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device300may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device300.