Carton loading method and system

US4640657A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Robert Wayne Moore · Fremont, US
• Michael J. Azzopardi · Salinas, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 10, 1984
• Grant date: Feb 3, 1987
• Expiry date: Sep 10, 2004

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G67/02
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for loading a stack of filled cartons onto a transport vehicle includes lifting the cartons at the first station on a rotator lift truck and then rotating the cartons through an acute angle to cradle the cartons for carrying purposes. The cartons are then carried in their rotative position towards a second station, and again rotated to an upright position. The cartons are compressed at the second station and thereafter loaded onto the transport vehicle by a second lift truck. The rotator lift truck utilized for effecting the lifting, rotating, carrying and compressing steps includes a mast assembly mounted forwardly thereon and a rotator attachment mounted on the mast assembly for vertical movements and for rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof. The rotator attachment includes a pair of lift forks adapted to engage and lift one or more pallets having the cartons stacked thereon, a load backrest mounted adjacent to the mast assembly, and a load siderest mounted on a lateral side of the rotator attachment and disposed in perpendicular relationship relative to the load backrest and lift forks.