Load trays for personnel carrying vehicles

US6174124A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Crown Equipment Corporation · US

Inventors

• Forrest A. Haverfield · Maplewood, US
• Timothy S. Quellhorst · New Bremen, US
• Donald E. Luebrecht · Kent, US
• Kevin A. Gilliland · Celina, US
• Michael P. Gallagher · Greenville, US
• Thomas Bidwell · Van Wert, US
• Harold A. Stammen · New Bremen, US
• William J. Heidemann · Sidney, US
• Paul J. Leasor · Norwalk, US
• Leif A. Norland · Norwalk, US
• Thomas W. Linn · St. Henry, US
• Joe H. Knapschaefer · Celina, US
• Rob J. Stauffer · New Bremen, US
• David B. Smith · Worthington, US
• John F. McClusky · Pittsburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 1, 1998
• Grant date: Jan 16, 2001
• Expiry date: Sep 1, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66F9/06
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-task capable work assist vehicle is designed for transporting an operator and items to be handled by the operator and for elevating the operator with such items supported upon a load tray elevated with the operator. Preferably the load tray is mounted for positioning along a telescoping mast which supports and elevates the operator. A load deck or load platform is provided on a body of the vehicle in addition to the load tray so that items such as packages, tools, parts, merchandise and the like can be carried by the vehicle. Load shelves may also be provided adjacent the load deck to add flexibility and capacity to the load carrying capability of the vehicle. Uses of the vehicle include order picking, in-house service maintenance, stock management, cargo delivery and the like. It is designed to be compact in size and highly maneuverable for use in narrow storage aisles and tight quarters.