Patent Abstract:
An anchorless wheel bumper block is used as a stop in a parking facility. The block includes a base with a bottom surface, a top with an upper surface, and a side extending around a perimeter of the block and between the bottom and upper surfaces. The bottom surface rests on a ground surface and the block is in contact with and unattached to the ground surface in an in-use position. The bottom surface is disposed in a first plane and has a length. The upper surface is disposed in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane. A distance between the bottom and upper surfaces defines a height of the block. The length is substantially greater than the height of the block. The block remains substantially in the in-use position when a wheeled unit contacts the block.

Full Description:
CLAIM FOR PRIORITY  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/380,827, filed on May 17, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The invention relates to a wheel bumper block, and more particularly to a pinless wheel bumper block capable of being readily relocated and rearranged.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Marine container shipping involves using standardized shipping containers to ship cargo. Shipping cargo in these standardized containers facilitates loading, unloading and storage at a port site. Once offloaded from a merchant vessel at the port site, the containers can be stored in terminals specifically laid out to temporarily house large quantities of these containers prior to distribution. The containers can be stored in the terminals in either of two ways. One way, is by stacking containers one on top of another and positioning these stacks of containers within the terminal. Such containers can be referred to as grounded containers. Alternatively, a container can be mounted onto wheeled semi-truck flatbeds or chassis and parked in individual parking stalls at the terminal. Such containers can be referred to as shipping or wheeled containers.  
           [0006]    Because wheeled containers usually are not stacked, wheeled containers occupy more storage space than grounded containers. Thus, it is desirable to optimize limited storage area for wheeled containers by parking them close together, including, back-to-back and/or against walls, fences, or perimeters. To accurately position these wheeled containers as well as to avoid collision and damage, pinned wheel bumper blocks are generally used to delineate certain parking boundaries for wheeled containers. These bumper blocks are referred to as pinned wheel bumper blocks, because they have vertical pin holes adapted to receive steel rods or dowels that are either driven or drilled through the pin holes and into the underlying pavement. Generally, there is a clearance gap between the pin and the pin hole. To adequately secure the block and pin to each other, grout is added to the clearance gap of pin hole in the block. Without securing the pin in the block, the block and pin can become disengaged from one another when a backed-in wheeled container applies sufficient force to the block. Some conventional bumper blocks are also secured to the pavement using an adhesive to form a cementitious bond between the bottom of the concrete block and the pavement asphalt. Once the pinned blocks are installed in the desired pattern, typically at one end of the parking stalls, as shown for example in FIGS. 20 and 21, the wheeled container is backed into the parking stall until the wheels contact the pinned wheel bumpers, which indicates to the driver that the wheeled container is properly aligned. Because the wheel bumper is anchored to the ground by the above-described pins, it will remain in position, and not slide when contacted, bumped, or forced by the wheeled container.  
           [0007]    These parking facilities, including terminals in marine container environments periodically require rearrangement to change the amount of space allocated between grounded container and wheeled container storage. Accommodating such changes may require rearrangement of an existing wheeled container parking configuration. Installing, removing and rearranging pinned wheel bumper blocks is labor intensive. When more grounded container space is needed, it is often necessary to remove pinned wheel bumper blocks from the pavement. When removing the blocks, the grouted pins are also removed from the underlying pavement structure. Thus, removing the blocks and pins damages the pavement structure and leaves holes in the surface, which can be hazardous and/or require repair. Furthermore, re-using the pinned wheel bumper block requires that the grouted pin be removed or extracted, which often can damage or destroy the block rendering it unusable. Additionally, although a compatible forklift can be used to transport the pinned wheel bumper blocks, because of the configuration of these blocks, as shown in FIGS.  17 - 19 , the blocks cannot be easily stacked for transport or storage during periods of non-use. This further increases the time required to rearrange wheeled parking stalls and storage of the unused blocks can take-up valuable storage space. What is needed is a wheel bumper block that can be readily installed, rearranged without damaging the underlying pavement structure or the wheel bumper itself and easily stored in a limited space during periods of non-use. As illustrated in FIGS.  17 - 19 , the pinned wheel bumper blocks typically are made of a precast, reinforced concrete block, 4 to 8 feet long, 12 inches wide, 7 inches high, and weigh approximately between 350 to 700 pounds. Because the pinned block is anchored to the ground by steel pins driven into the ground or underlying pavement and then grouted as described above, the block remains in position, particularly when the force of the wheeled container is applied against it. Where a single row of wheeled parking stalls is placed, for example, against a fence or building, these pinned wheel bumper blocks protect the adjacent structure from damage by preventing the container chassis from being backed beyond the limits of the parking stall. Where two rows of wheeled parking stalls are placed back-to-back, these pinned wheel bumper blocks separate the two rows by preventing container chassis from being backed into one another, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Thus, the pins are important to fixedly secure the blocks in position and prevent the block from moving, shifting and/or tipping.  
           [0008]    Finally, when product including, but not limited to bumper blocks, is transported using a forklift, the forklift should be of the type that can accommodate the lifting and transporting of a given load. If a forklift cannot accommodate the load, i.e., it is an out-of-gage load, then the forklift can be referred to as incompatible forklift and under such circumstances, a different forklift should be used, that is, one that can accommodate the load, which can be referred to as a compatible forklift.  
           [0009]    Having to use different forklifts can be problematic because a compatible forklift would have to be obtained. As a result, what also is needed is a forklift adapter, which would allow using an incompatible forklift to lift and transport an out-of-gage load, including but not limited to a wheel bumper block. Such a forklift adapter would convert an incompatible forklift to a compatible forklift.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The invention solves the problems and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. For example, the invention accomplishes this by providing an anchorless wheel bumper block for use as a stop in a parking facility, such as in industrial or commercial trucking, warehousing distribution, intermodal facilities, rail yards, and equipment yards. The anchorless wheel bumper block includes a base that has a bottom surface, a top that has an upper surface, and a side extending around a perimeter of the block and between the bottom and upper surfaces. The bottom surface is disposed in a first plane, has a first length, and rests on a ground surface. The upper surface is disposed in a second plane, which is generally parallel to the first plane. A distance between the bottom and upper surfaces defines a height of the block, and the length is substantially greater than the height of the block. The block is in contact with and unattached to the ground surface in an in-use position and remains substantially in the in-use position when a wheeled unit contacts the block.  
           [0011]    According to another aspect of the invention, a wheeled parking system including wheeled unit parking locations is provided. The wheeled parking system includes a ground surface in an original condition and an anchorless wheel bumper block for use as a stop. The block is disposed at an end of the wheeled unit parking location and prevents a wheeled unit from exiting the parking location. When the wheeled unit contacts the block, the block remains in substantially the in-use position. When the block is lifted from the ground surface and moved to a non-use position, the ground surface remains substantially in the original condition. The bumper block has a substantially flat and elongate shape and includes a base that has a bottom surface, a top extending from the base that has an upper surface, a side extending around a perimeter of the block and between the bottom and upper surfaces. The bottom surface rests unattached on the ground surface and the block is unattached to the ground surface in an in-use position. The bottom surface has a first size, and the upper surface has a second size, which is substantially equal to the first size.  
           [0012]    In yet another aspect of the invention, a parking facility anchorless wheel bumper block is provided. The anchorless bumper block includes a bottom portion, a top portion, and a side extending around a perimeter of the block between the bottom and top portions. The bottom portion is disposable on a ground surface in an in-use location adjacent a wheeled unit parking location. The bottom portion has a first surface area. The block is anchorless and unsecured to the ground surface in the in-use location. The top portion has a second surface facing away from the ground surface and has a second surface area, which is substantially equal to the first surface area. The block remains substantially in the in-use location when a wheeled unit contacts the block.  
           [0013]    Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the detailed description below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pinless wheel bumper block in accordance with the principles of the invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the pinless wheel bumper block of FIG. 1.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the pinless wheel bumper block of FIG. 1.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 shows another side elevation view of the pinless wheel bumper block of FIG. 1.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5 shows a bottom plan view of the pinless wheel bumper block of FIG. 1.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 6 shows an expanded view of an edge of the pinless wheel bumper block of FIG. 1.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 7 shows an expanded end view of one of the forklift pockets of the pinless wheel bumper block of FIG. 1.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 8 shows a stack of several of the pinless wheel bumper blocks of FIG. 1.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a forklift adapter coupled to an incompatible forklift for transporting the pinless wheel bumper blocks made in accordance with the invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 10 shows a side view of the forklift adapter of FIG. 9 coupled to an incompatible forklift and also showing a portion of the non-compatible forklift; and where four blocks of FIG. 1 are disposed on the forklift adapter.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 11 shows a front view of the forklift adapter of FIG. 9 and several stacked blocks of FIG. 1.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a wheeled chassis parking space arrangement in accordance with the principles of the invention using pinless wheel bumper blocks of FIG. 1.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a pinless wheel bumper block made in accordance with the principles of the invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a forklift adapter made in accordance with the principles of the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 15 shows another alternate embodiment of a pinless wheel bumper block made in accordance with the principles of the invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 15A shows a side elevation view of a stack of pinless wheel bumper blocks made in accordance with the principles of the invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 16 shows a side elevation view of the pinless wheel bumper block of FIG. 15 taken along a line A-A.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 17 shows a side elevation view of a related art pinned wheel bumper block.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 18 shows a top plan view of the related art pinned wheel bumper block of FIG. 17.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 19 shows another side view of the related art pinned wheel bumper block of FIG. 17.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 20 shows a plan view of a wheeled chassis parking space arrangement using related art pinned wheel bumper blocks.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 21 shows a plan view of another wheeled chassis parking space arrangement using related art pinned wheel bumper blocks. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]    Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         [0038]    Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, a preferred embodiment of a pinless wheel bumper block  100  is shown, for use in, for example, a marine container terminal or other type of space that has a need for wheel bumper blocks. In use, block  100  rests on a ground surface or underlying pavement without being secured or anchored, for example, by a pin, rod, or cementitious bond and, thus, can be referred to as a pinless wheel bumper block.  
         [0039]    As illustrated best in the perspective view of FIG. 1, the block  100  has a three-dimensional, substantially flat, elongate, rectangular-like shape. The block  100  generally includes a top side  110  and a bottom side  120  with recesses  122 , 124  adapted to receive forklift blades and four sides  130 , 140 , 150 , 160 , two of which are shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.  
         [0040]    Preferably, the pinless wheel bumper block  100  is a precast, reinforced concrete block. Alternatively, the block  100  can be formed in other ways, including from separate pieces. The block  100  can also be made of any suitable material of sufficient mass. Due to its mass and the forces of gravity and friction, the block  100  remains in place against the force that is reasonably expected to be applied to it by a wheeled container chassis without being anchored into the surface on which it rests. Alternatively, blocks  100  can be made of lighter materials with rough bottom surfaces to enhance the contact friction between the block  100  and the underlying pavement or ground surface without damaging the pavement or ground surface. For use in a wheeled marine container terminal environment, the block  100  preferably weighs approximately 5,250 pounds, and preferably is approximately fifteen feet long, four feet wide, and seven inches high. Thus, the length of the block  100  is substantially greater than the height of the block  100 . With these dimensions, the length being substantially greater than the height herein refers to a length-to-height ratio of approximately 25:1. The weight can vary depending upon the material used and the size of the block  100 . The dimensions can be modified in accordance with the invention.  
         [0041]    The top  110  of block  100  has a top surface  111  that can be substantially parallel to a lower surface  121 . As shown for example in FIG. 2, the dimensions of the top surface  111  are about equal to the dimensions of the lower surface  121 . This provides for a relatively flat profile and low center of gravity, which provides stability to the block  100  during use as well as efficiency in stacking for purposes of block storage when not in use.  
         [0042]    The four sides of the block  100  include a first end  130 , a second end  140 , a first side  150 , and a second side  160  that extend between top  110  and bottom  120  of block  100 . The first end  130  can be substantially parallel to the second end  140 . The first end  130  can be substantially perpendicular to both the first side  150  and the second side  160 . Likewise, the second end  140  can be substantially perpendicular to both the first side  150  and the second side  160 .  
         [0043]    Certain edges of the block  100  can be beveled or chamfered to prevent chipping or spalling, including, for example, during handling, transport and stacking. As shown, in FIGS. 3 and 6, for example, each of the first and second ends  130 , 140  and the first and second sides  150 , 160  adjacent to the top  110  can include upper beveled portions, which are indicated as  132 ,  142 ,  152 , and  162 , respectively. Each of the first and second ends  130 , 140  and the first and second sides  150 , 160  adjacent the bottom  120  can include a chamfered portion, as shown, for example in FIGS. 2 and 6, which are indicated as  134 ,  144 ,  154 , and  164 , respectively.  
         [0044]    The bottom  120  can include at least two recesses, shown as a first recess  122  and a second recess  124 . The recesses are positioned in the block  100  to receive a lifting device, such as a forklift adapter (as described below), the forks of a heavy-duty forklift, straps, chains, or other suitable devices to lift and transport the blocks  100 . The recesses  122 ,  124  are symmetrical about the center of gravity of the block  100 . As the first and second recesses  122 , 124  are substantially alike, a detailed description of the second recess  124  will not be included. The first recess  122  extends into the block  100  from lower surface  121  and across the entire bottom  120  from the first side  150  to the second side  160  to form an elongate channel that is longer than it is wide. Although the extent of the first recess  122  can vary, especially, depending upon the type of lifting device used and can extend, for example, along only a portion of the bottom  120 , be smaller or larger, or form any other suitable shape. Varying the location and configuration of recesses  122 , 124  may affect the structural stability and durability of the block  100 .  
         [0045]    As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first recess  122  includes a receiving face  123 , a left face  125  and a right face  127 . Preferably, left and right faces  125 , 127  are tapered with respect to the receiving face  123 . For example, the receiving face  123  forms a 45 degree angle with the left face  125  as well as the right face  127 . The receiving face  123  can form any suitable angle with the left face  125  and the right face  127 . This taper can assist in aligning the lifting device into the recesses  122 , 124  as well as prevent chipping or spalling of the block  100 .  
         [0046]    The first recess  122  can be formed in the block  100  or can be machined from the block  100 . A centerline A of the first recess  122  is at a first distance from the first end  130  and the centerline B of the second recess  124  is at a second distance from the second end  140 . The first and second centerline distances are substantially the same.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 12 shows an example of one possible arrangement  300  of the blocks  100 . As shown, a parking stall  310  is defined by at least two stall markers  320  and one pinless wheel bumper block  100 . The stall marker  320  can be a marking on the pavement to guide a driver of a chassis. In the example shown, two rows  340 ,  342  of parallel stall markers  320  are arranged with several pinless wheel bumper blocks  100  disposed between the two rows  340 ,  342  of stall markers  320 . The shown configuration allows wheeled container chassis to be parked back-to-back without risk of backing a container chassis too far into the parking stall. The configuration of the blocks  100  can be rearranged easily when parking demand changes and without damage to the underlying pavement or to the block itself. Of course, other arrangements are possible, including arrangements useable in non-marine containerized freight terminals. Depending on the width of the parking stall, the block spacing and block length may vary and vehicles can be driven forward or backward into the parking stalls.  
         [0048]    Referring now to FIG. 8, the blocks  100  can be readily stacked during periods of non-use or when rearranging an existing parking configuration. Properly stacked blocks  100  are stable and optimize space. As shown, several blocks  100  can be stacked one atop another. Preferably, a lower surface  121  of the bottom  120  of a first block  100  of a stack rests on the ground or pavement. Next, a lower surface  121  of the bottom  120  of a second block  100  is placed on the top surface  111  of the top  110  of the first block  100 . Such placement of the blocks  100  is repeated until a desired number of blocks is stacked. Other stacking configurations are possible. Alternatively, spacers (not shown) can be positioned between stacked blocks  100  as well as between the first block  100  of the stack and the ground or pavement. Spacers can allow an operator to use a forklift, which has a blade that otherwise would be too large to clear a distance between the receiving face  123  of the block  100  and the ground or the top surface  111  of a stacked block. Of course, varying the dimensions of the forklift recesses  122 , 124  determine dimensions of forklift blades that can be used.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the invention in which pinless wheel bumper blocks  400  can interlock with other blocks  400 . The block  400  is similar to the first embodiment described above except that the block  400  has an interlocking feature. Thus, similar features will not be described in detail. The block  400  has a three-dimensional, substantially rectangular-like shape. The block  400  generally includes a top side  410  and a bottom side  420  with recesses  422 , 424  adapted to receive forklift blades and four sides  430 , 440 , 450 , 460 .  
         [0050]    Preferably, the pinless wheel bumper block  400  is a precast, reinforced concrete block. Alternatively, the block  400  can be formed in other ways, including from separate pieces. The block  400  can also be made of any suitable material of sufficient mass. Due to its mass and the forces of gravity and friction, the block  400  remains in place against the force that is reasonably expected to be applied to it by a wheeled container chassis without being anchored into the surface on which it rests. For example, the block  400  can be made of wood, timber, solid plastics, or molded plastic shells filled with water, sand, stone, or the like. Alternatively, blocks  400  can be made of lighter materials with rough bottom surfaces to enhance the contact friction between the block  400  and the underlying pavement or ground surface without damaging the pavement or ground surface. Because of the interlocking structure, the block  400  can have a weight less than the weight of the block  100 . As discussed above, the weight can also vary depending upon the material used and the size of the block  400 . Other types of interlocking or interconnecting structures in accordance with the principles of the invention are possible.  
         [0051]    The block  400  as shown includes a top  410 , a bottom  420 , a first end  430 , a second end  440 , a first side  450 , and a second side  460 . The top  410  has a top surface  411  that can be substantially parallel to a lower surface  421 . The first end  430  can be substantially perpendicular to both the first side  450  and the second side  460 . Likewise, the second end  440  can be substantially perpendicular to both the first side  450  and the second side  460 . The first end  430  includes a tongue  436  disposed in a middle portion of the first end  430  and preferably forms a substantially square-like projection from the first end  430 . The second end  440  includes a groove  446  that is adapted to receive the tongue  436 . Thus, arranging a series of blocks  400  with first end  430  next to second end  440  and engaging the tongue  436  and the groove  444  can form a length of interlocking blocks  400 .  
         [0052]    Although the embodiments described above include recesses for being lifted by a forklift, the blocks in accordance with the invention do not require recesses for lifting and can be lifted using other devices where the block may not have corresponding structure. FIGS.  15 - 16  show another embodiment of the pinless wheel bumper block  600 , which is similar to the first embodiment described above, but the block  600  is not provided with recesses and is lifted using an alternate lifting device in an alternate manner (described below). Thus, like elements will not be described in detail. This alternate embodiment also has a three-dimensional, substantially rectangular-like shape.  
         [0053]    Preferably, the block  600  is a precast, reinforced concrete block. Alternatively, the block  600  can be formed in other ways, including from separate pieces. The block  600  also can be made of any suitable material of sufficient mass. Due to its mass and the forces of gravity and friction, the block  600  remains in place against the force that is expected to be applied to it by a wheeled container without being anchored into the surface on which it rests. As discussed above, the weight can vary depending upon the material used, the size of the block  600 , and the surface friction between the block  600  and the ground or underlying pavement.  
         [0054]    The block  600  includes a top  610 , a bottom  620 , a first end  630 , a second end  640 , a first side  650 , and a second side  660 . The first end  630  can be substantially perpendicular to both the first side  650  and the second side  660 . Likewise, the second end  640  can be substantially perpendicular to both the first side  650  and the second side  660 . The top  610  has a top surface  611  that can be substantially parallel to a lower surface  621  of the bottom  620 . The top  610  is not uniform, but includes at least one depression  612  formed therein. As shown in FIG. 15, block  600  includes two depressions  612 . Preferably, the depression  612  resembles a hemisphere, and in cross-section the cavity resembles a concave portion of a semicircle. Other configurations are possible. As best shown in FIG. 16, which is a cross-section taken along the line A-A in FIG. 15, embedded in the block  600  is a lifting device insert  613 . Lifting device insert  613  generally includes a top portion  616  and a bottom portion  615  interconnected by a post  617 . Preferably, a top surface  614  of the lifting device  613  is flush with the top surface  611  of the block  600 , which allows blocks  600  to be stacked atop each other. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15 a , a top surface  614   a  of the lifting device  613   a  extends beyond the top surface  611  of the block  600 . To stack blocks  600  atop each other, a pocket  622 , corresponding to the placement and size of the lifting device  613 , can be formed in the lower surface  621  of the bottom  620  of the block  600 .  
         [0055]    As illustrated in FIG. 16, the bottom portion  615  of the lifting device  613  is preferably larger than the top portion  616  of the lifting device  613  to provide the lifting device  613  with sufficient engagement with the block  600  to prevent the lifting device  613  from being pulled-out of the block  600  when lifted. Bottom portion  615  can be in the shape of a post, disc, plate, eye, bend, bent rod, or any other configuration desired. The bottom portion  615  and a part of post  617  of the lifting device  613  are embedded in the block  600  beneath a cavity surface  612   a . The bottom portion  615  and part of post  617  of the lifting device  613  are set in the block  600  during casting of the block  600 . Alternatively, the lifting device  613  can be drilled or inserted into the block  600  after the block  600  has been cast. Preferably, the lifting device  613  is a lifting eye, i.e., an eyebolt or any hook-like or ring-like structure. The lifting device  613  can have alternate configurations in accordance with the invention, including, for example, a hook-like structure, a nail-head-like cross-section, or an I-beam-like cross-section. This block  600  is transported by coupling a strap, chain, harness, or the like to the top portion  616  of the lifting device  613 . The use of depressions  612  and lifting device insert  613  in block  600  may have greater overall structural strength and durability than blocks having forklift recesses as described above.  
         [0056]    The blocks as described with reference to FIGS.  1 - 8  and  13  can be transported in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to the use of a compatible forklift or by using an incompatible forklift equipped with a forklift adapter  200  in accordance with the principles of the invention. As used herein, the term “compatible forklift” is used to denote a forklift that has properly sized blades to engage a particular load, for example the bumper block  100 . Blade sizing can refer to any or all of fork blade width, thickness, and length, as well as fork blade spread. Blade spread refers to the distance between the two forks. Generally, as used herein, the term “compatible forklift” refers to a forklift with a blade spread range that is capable of lifting and transporting a given load. The blade spread range can vary from the blades being adjacent one another to the blades extending a maximum distance opposite one another. As used herein, an “incompatible forklift” is one in which the blade spread is inadequate for safely lifting and transporting a given load, i.e., an out-of-gage load. In other words, lifting and transporting an out-of-gage load would require a greater or lesser blade spread range than the existing blade spread range of an incompatible forklift.  
         [0057]    Referring now to FIGS.  9 - 11 , a forklift adapter  200  is shown coupled with blades F 1 ,F 2  (shown in phantom lines) of an incompatible forklift F (shown in phantom lines). Although shown with reference to wheel bumper blocks, the forklift adapter  200  is not limited to lifting and transporting wheel bumper blocks. The forklift adapter  200  can lift and transport a variety of other loads, such as lumber and pallets. Thus, the forklift adapter  200  has its own set of adapter blades  246 , 256 , adapted to lift and transport the blocks  100  using an incompatible forklift F that would not otherwise be capable of lifting the blocks  100 . The adapter  200  is preferably made of steel or can be made of any suitable material. The adapter  200  is preferably formed of separate parts, which are coupled by welding or other appropriate coupling means, but can be formed in other ways. As shown in FIG. 11, a forklift with a maximum blade spread D 1  is an incompatible forklift and is incapable of lifting and transporting the illustrated stack of blocks. The forklift adapter  200  has a maximum blade spread of D 2 , which is greater than D 1 . The blade spread D 2  is sufficient to lift and export the load depicted in FIG. 11, whereas the blade spread D 1  is not. Thus, the forklift adapter  200  can convert an incompatible forklift to a compatible forklift. Alternatively, the forklift adapter  200  can have a blade spread that is smaller than the blade spread of an incompatible forklift adapter.  
         [0058]    The forklift adapter  200  as shown, generally resides below the blades F 1 ,F 2  of the incompatible forklift F (see, for example, FIG. 10). The forklift adapter  200  includes first and second mounting tubes  210 , 220 , a mounting bar  230 , and first and second block supports  240 , 250 . The first and second mounting tubes  210 , 220  are each adapted to accommodate blades F 1 ,F 2  of an incompatible forklift F. Thus, the first and second mounting tubes  210 , 220  are hollow in cross-section and tapered along their length. Alternatively, the mounting tubes  210 , 220  are not tapered. Whether or not the mounting tubes  210 , 220  are tapered depends on whether the forklift and blades are tapered.  
         [0059]    The first and second mounting tubes  210 , 220  are connected by the mounting bar  230  that extends substantially perpendicular to the length of tubes  210 , 220 . A first end  232  of the mounting bar  230  is coupled to the first mounting tube  210  and a second end  234  of the mounting bar  230  is coupled to the second mounting tube  210 . The first and second ends  232 , 234  of the mounting bar  230  are disposed on opposite ends of the mounting bar  230 . The mounting bar  230  can be solid or hollow in cross-section.  
         [0060]    As the first and second block supports  240 , 250  are virtually the same, only the first block support  240  will be described in detail. The first block support  240  includes a mounting bar attachment  242 , a vertical member  244 , and the adapter blade  246 . The first block support  240  can be a unitary whole or can be manufactured of separate components. The mounting bar attachment  242  can be substantially similar in cross-section and material as the mounting bar  230 . Additionally, the mounting bar attachment  242  can be substantially axially aligned with the mounting bar  230 . The vertical member  244  is coupled to and extends away from the mounting bar attachment  242  and is substantially perpendicular to the first mounting tube  210 . The vertical member  244  can preferably include a rubber pad on a face that contacts the blocks  100  to prevent damage to the blocks  100  during transport. To provide additional structural support to first block support  240 , stiffening members can be used as shown. Other arrangements of structural supports can be used as well. A first stiffening member  247  connects the vertical member  244  to the mounting bar  230 , and a first support  248  connects the vertical member to the first mounting tube  210 . The adapter blade  246  extends perpendicularly from the vertical member  244 . The vertical member  244  and the adapter blade  246  generally form an L-shape. The adapter blade  246  is substantially parallel to the first mounting tube  210 . The adapter blade  246  is adapted to engage the first and second recesses  122 , 124  of the block  100 . Likewise, first and second block supports  240 , 250  are spaced apart from each other by a distance so as to correspond to the distance between recesses  122 , 124  in block  100 . The adapter  200  is preferably free-standing when not in use, which facilitates the mounting and dismounting of the adapter  200  with non-compatible forklifts. Alternatively, where the adapter  200  is not free-standing, supports (not shown) may be added to the adapter  200  or may be external to the adapter  200  to facilitate the mounting/dismounting of the adapter  200  with non-compatible forklifts.  
         [0061]    In operation, a forklift operator guides the forklift blades F 1 ,F 2  through the first and second mounting tubes  210 , 220  of the adapter  200 . Once the adapter  200  is securely in position on the forklift, the operator can direct the adapter  200  to a block  100  or a stack of blocks  100  as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Although not shown, devices such as bolts, pins, stay-chains, brackets, straps, braces, friction fits, wedges, or other securing means can be used to secure the adapter  200  to the non-compatible forklift F. To place the blocks  100  on the adapter  200 , the forklift operator engages the first and second recesses  122 , 124  with the adapter blades  246 , 256  of the first and second block supports  240 , 250  of the forklift adapter  200 . Once the blocks  100  are firmly on the adapter  200 , as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the forklift operator can lift and transport the blocks  100  to a desired location for placement.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of a forklift adapter  500  according to the principles of the invention. The forklift adapter  500  generally resides below the blades F 1 ,F 2  of the non-compatible forklift. The forklift adapter  500  includes first and second side sections  510 , 520 , front and rear lateral supports  530 , 540 , and first and second fork assemblies  550 , 560 .  
         [0063]    Preferably, the first and second side sections  510 , 520  are substantially parallel. Each of the first and second side sections  510 , 520  have two hollow, square cross-sections coupled together. The first side section  510  includes an outer side  510   a  and an inner side section  510   b . The outer and inner side sections  510   a ,  510   b  are adjacent and coplanar. The inner side section  510   b  is hollow and adapted to receive a blade F 1  of an incompatible forklift (not shown). The front and rear lateral supports  530 , 540  are each formed of two adjoining hollow, square cross-sections coupled together and are substantially parallel to one another. Alternatively, each of the front and rear lateral supports  530 , 540  can be formed of a unitary whole, of a different cross-section, or solid. The front and rear lateral supports  530 , 540  are substantially perpendicular to the first and second side sections  510 , 520 . The front and rear lateral supports  530 , 540  extend between and are coupled to portions of the first and second side sections  510 , 520 . The first and second side sections  510 , 520  and the front and rear lateral supports  530 , 540  form a generally rectangular shape. Coupled to an underside  512  of the outer side section  510   a  of the first side section  510  is the first fork assembly  550 . The outer and inner side sections  520   a , 520   b  of the second side section  520  are adjacent and coplanar. The inner side section  520   b  of the second side section  520  is hollow and adapted to receive another blade F 2  of the incompatible forklift (not shown). Coupled to an underside  522  of the outer side section  520   a  of the second side section  520  is the second fork assembly  560 . A stiffening bar  553  couples the first and second forklift assemblies  550 , 560 . The stiffening bar  553  can be coupled to the first and second forklift assemblies  550 , 560  by welding or other suitable means. The stiffening bar  553  is preferably made of steel, has a square cross-section and is hollow. The stiffening bar can be made of any other suitable material and cross-section and can be solid. As the first and second forklift assemblies  550 , 560  are virtually the same, only the first forklift assembly  550  will be described in detail herein.  
         [0064]    The first forklift assembly  550  includes a first vertical member  552 , a first horizontal member  554 , a first strut  556 , and a first support  558 . The first forklift assembly  550  can be formed of separate components and coupled together by, for example, welding. Alternatively, the forklift assembly  550  can be formed as a unitary whole.  
         [0065]    The first vertical member  552  is coupled to and depends from the underside  512  of the outer side section  510   a  of the first side section  510 . Coupled to the first vertical member  552  is the first horizontal member  554 . The first horizontal member  554  is adapted to engage the first and second recesses  122 , 124  of the block  100 . The first horizontal member  554  is substantially perpendicular to the first vertical member  552 . The first vertical and horizontal members  552 , 554  generally form an L-shape. The first strut  556  couples the first vertical member  552  to the underside  512 . The underside  512 , the first vertical member  552 , and the first strut  556  form a generally triangular shape. Also coupled to the first vertical member is the stiffening bar  553 . The first support  558  is coupled to and substantially perpendicular to the first strut  556 . When not in use, the forklift adapter  500  rests on the ground or pavement with the first support  558  and the first horizontal member  554  in contact with the ground or pavement.  
         [0066]    The use and operation of the forklift adapter  500  is substantially similar to that described above for the forklift adapter  200 . Thus, similarities will not be repeated herein. To secure the forklift adapter  500  to the non-compatible forklift F, the forklift operator positions the forklift F near the forklift adapter  500 . To engage the forklift F with the forklift adapter  500 , the forklift operator extends the forklift blades F 1 ,F 2  and penetrates the inner side  510   b  of the first side section  510  and the inner side  520   b  of the second side section  520  so as to secure the forklift (not shown) to the forklift adapter  500 . Although not shown, the forklift adapter  500  can be further secured to the forklift F by bolts, pins, stay-chains, brackets, straps, braces, friction fits, wedges or other securing means. Thus, the forklift adapter  500  can convert an incompatible forklift to a compatible forklift.  
         [0067]    Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1