Personnel carrying vehicle

US6241047A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Crown Equipment Corporation · US

Inventors

• Kevin A. Gilliland · Celina, US
• Bradley A. Burns · Wapakoneta, US
• Joseph H. Knapschaefer · Celina, US
• John F. McClusky · Pittsburgh, US
• Leif A. Norland · Norwalk, US
• Daniel L. Sherman · Minster, US
• David B. Smith · Worthington, US
• Harold A. Stammen · New Bremen, US
• Robert J. Stauffer · Cranford, US
• Ronald A. Grisez · Indianapolis, US
• William J. Heidemann · Sidney, US
• Matthew P. Ranly · Minster, US
• Thomas W. Linn · St. Henry, US
• Ned E. Dammeyer · New Bremen, US
• Pieter C. Kruithof, Jr. · Ypsilanti, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 14, 2000
• Grant date: Jun 5, 2001
• Expiry date: Feb 14, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66F11/04
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A personnel carrying vehicle comprises a self propelled, steerable body, a telescoping mast attached to and extending upwardly from the body, and a personnel compartment attached to the mast. Two control handles are mounted within the personnel compartment, with one handle including a rocker mechanism mounted therein for pivotal movement within a generally horizontal plane to control steering and the other handle being rotated to controlling traction. Sensors ensure that the operator's hands are on both control handles and both feet are properly positioned on a floor of the operator's compartment before the vehicle can be moved or the platform raised; this ensures a four point stance, providing for operator stability and that the operator's hands and feet are within the operator's compartment anytime the vehicle is being moved or during lifting or lowering operations.