Vehicle loading and unloading system
US6368042B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB66F9/063
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A conveyor conveys palletized articles to a loading dock. A bogie movable along rails between different loading docks, supports an independently movable carriage, which may roll out of the bogie once the latter reaches a desired loading dock. The carriage then loads with a forklift provided on the carriage, the articles from the conveyor into a semi-trailer located at the loading dock. The carriage is provided with a linkage pivotally installed on its main frame, the linkage carrying four lateral guide wheels which protrude laterally beyond all other structural elements of the carriage. The linkage integrally links the guide wheels into a common pivotal displacement, with the guide wheels remaining symmetrically disposed relative to the carriage frame. A hydraulic piston biases the guide wheels towards an outer limit position at all times, and the guide wheels are forcibly pivotable, against the bias of the piston, towards an inner limit position. The bogie carrying the carriage is provided with fixed lateral railings, and with pivotable gates which may be pivoted into an opened condition when the bogie is in facing register with the loading dock, until the gates outer free end por…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.