GB2585208A

GB2585208A - Industrial truck indicator device

Info

Publication number: GB2585208A
Application number: GB1909490.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wyton Steve; Williams Malcolm; Hines Paul
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2019-07-01
Filing date: 2019-07-01
Publication date: 2021-01-06
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-01
Also published as: GB2585208B; GB201909490D0; EP3994094A1; WO2021003159A1

Abstract

An indicator device for an industrial truck having a base (560, see fig.2) and a chassis (580) supporting a fork member (570), where the chassis is movable relative to the base. The indicator device comprises an indicator member 10 mounted to one of the bases or the chassis of the industrial truck, and a gauge member (130) operably couplable to the other one of the bases or the chassis to provide a visual reference point for the indicator member during use. This visual reference point may correspond to a height of the base or chassis relative to each other. The indicator member: may comprise a pointer portion 12 configured to co-operate with said gauge member, may be removeable from the base or chassis, and may comprise a security fastener to prevent accidental loosening. The indicator me member may comprise a body portion 16 with edge portions 12a,12b, a tip 13 and a folded portion 14 which forms a protruding end for pointer 12.

Description

Industrial Truck Indicator Device [0001] The present invention relates to an indicator device for an industrial truck, in particular, but not exclusively to, a lifting height indicator device for use in a pump truck.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Industrial trucks such as forklifts, pump trucks, pallet trucks, pallet jacks and the like are often used to transport large heavy objects. They can be used in the handling, loading and transfer of goods such as products, equipment, palletised goods and other items. Once the object/s to be transported is/are loaded on a fork of the industrial truck, the forks are raised off the ground so that the object/s can be transported elsewhere. This removes the need for manual lifting of heavy objects. Also, some industrial trucks may be able to weigh the goods that they are carrying and for these, it is particularly important that they weigh the goods accurately when the forks are pumped (i.e. lifted) at any height across the lifting range. Typically, industrial trucks are limited to operate according to a safety rating of the maximum weight which they can carry. For example, when a load is relatively heavy, it may cause the fork to lower under the weight of the load. In some cases, particularly where the fork is initially in a lower position under load, the bottom of the fork may inadvertently contact the ground, otherwise known as "bottoming", potentially preventing the industrial device from being driven, or the load from being transported or transferred, and/or the industrial truck from accurately weighting the goods that they are carrying. Consequently, it is essential that the fork is positioned above a certain height in order to prevent the bottom of the fork contacting the ground during use.

[0003] However, current industrial trucks do not provide any means or arrangement to at least assist a user to determine a minimum operating height of the fork, or provide an indication that a minimum height threshold for operation has been met.

[0004] Some indicators do not provide an accurate indication of a minimum operating height of the fork. Particularly when an industrial truck is operating on an inclined or a declined surface, an incorrect or "flawed" indication of minimum operating height is given.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to alleviate or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems. Particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an indicator device for an industrial truck that is adapted to assist a user to adhere to a weighting performance compliance so as to prevent the industrial truck from "bottoming" during use. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide an indicator for a pump truck that is adapted to indicate to the user a minimum height above which the bottom of the fork is prevented from contacting the ground when under a maximum rated load. It is a further object of the invention to provide an indicator device for an industrial truck that can provide an accurate indication of a minimum operating height of the fork, or provide an indication that a minimum height threshold for operation has been met.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] In accordance with the present invention there is provided an indicator device for an industrial truck in accordance with the appended claims.

[0007] According to an aspect, there is provided an indicator device for an industrial truck having a base and a chassis supporting a fork member, where the chassis is movable relative to the base, said indicator device comprising: an indicator member mounted to one of the base or the chassis of the industrial truck; and a gauge member, operably couplable to the other one of the base or the chassis so as to provide a visual reference point for said indicator member during use.

[0008] The indicator member is mounted to one of the base or the chassis of the industrial truck. The gauge member is operably couplable to the other one of the base or the chassis. Since the chassis of the industrial truck is movable relative to the base, the gauge member can move relative to the indicator member. In this way, as the chassis of the industrial truck moves relative to the base, one of the indicator member and the gauge member is static while the other of the indicator member and the gauge member moves relative to static member. The gauge member provides a visual reference for the indicator member as the chassis moves relative to the base. This visual reference can indicate to a minimum height to raise the fork member of the industrial truck in order to prevent the bottom of the fork member from contacting the ground or "bottoming" when the full load capacity of the industrial truck is utilised. Also, by placing one of the indicator member and the gauge member on one of the base and chassis of the industrial truck, and the other of the indicator member and the gauge member on the other one of the base and chassis of the industrial truck, the industrial truck can be used on an incline while still suitable to visually gauge the relative height between the indicator member and the gauge member.

[0009] In certain embodiments, when the indicator member is mounted to the base of the industrial truck, the indicator member is configured to mountingly engage with a steering member of the base, the steering member having a rotational axis. This may be beneficial because the indicator member can move with the steering member of the base.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the indicator member is fixedly mounted to the steering member so as to allow rotational movement about the rotational axis of the steering member. By having a mounting portion that is fixedly mounted to the steering member, the indicator member can be positioned on the rotational steering member and fixed in relation to the steering member. In this way, regardless of the turned position of the steering member, the gauge member provides a clear visual reference for the indicator member.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the indicator member comprises a pointer portion configured to cooperate with the gauge member to provide the visual reference point.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the indicator member comprises a mounting portion configured to be removably mounted to said other one of the base and/or the chassis.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the indicator device comprises a security fastener adapted to prevent accidental loosening and/or removal of the indicator member from said one of the base or the chassis of the industrial truck.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the indicator member further comprises a body portion disposed between the pointer portion and the mounting portion, the body portion having a longitudinal axis. By providing a body portion in this way, a predetermined offset can be provided between the pointer portion and the mounting portion. The predetermined offset can be provided by, for example, changing the size and/or length of the body portion. The body portion can be selected based on the predetermined height required to be set in order to prevent the bottom of the fork member of the industrial truck contacting the ground when carrying a load.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the pointer portion is arranged so as to project from the body portion towards the gauge member during use. By arranging the pointer portion to project from the body portion towards the gauge member during use, the distance between the pointer portion and gauge member is decreased. This decreased distance provides a clearer reference point for the indicator member.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the pointer portion is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. In this way, the pointer portion projects a larger distance away from the body portion and decreases the distance between the pointer portion and the gauge member. This arrangement is also advantageous because the body portion is selected based on the predetermined height required to be set in order to prevent the bottom of the fork member of the industrial truck contacting the ground when carrying a load, and having a pointer portion perpendicular to the body portion can allow the pointer portion to more clearly indicate a height.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the mounting portion is configured to project away from the body portion at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. By providing a mounting portion configured to project away from the body portion at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body portion, the indicator member can be mounted to the base at a predetermined location. For example, the predetermined angle that the mounting portion projects from the body portion can be selected to align the plane of the mounting portion to the plane of the surface of the base on which the mounting portion is operably mounting upon.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the body portion is a planar surface along its longitudinal axis. By providing an indicator device with a body portion that is a planar surface along its longitudinal axis, the body portion utilises less space on the industrial truck and maximises weight saving. This may also provide an advantage as it provides an indicator device that is cheap and easy to manufacture.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the pointer portion is formed by two distal edge portions converging so as to form a tip. The tip can therefore provide a more precise way of indication in relation to the visual reference point provided by the gauge member. Specifically, the tip formed by the convergence of two distal edge portions provides a directional element, which would provide an improved indication of a height.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the pointer portion projects in a direction substantially parallel to the ground. By having a pointer portion projecting in a direction substantially parallel to the ground, the gauge member can provide a more accurate visual reference point corresponding to a height, which is measured relative to the ground.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the indicator member is releasably couplable to the base of the industrial truck. This is advantageous because the indicator member can be removed from the base of the industrial truck when it is not required.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a pump truck for comprising the indicator device according to the aspects and embodiments of the invention as claimed with in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A illustrates a front view of an indicator member of the indicator device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration; Figure 1B illustrates a perspective view of an indicator member of the indicator device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1C illustrates a side view of an indicator member of the indicator device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 illustrates a front view of an indicator member of the indicator device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a further configuration; Figure 2 shows an indicator device according to an embodiment of the present invention in use within a pump truck; Figure 3 shows an indicator device according to an embodiment of the present invention in use within a pump truck, and Figure 4 shows an indicator device according to an embodiment of the present invention in use within a pump truck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Like reference numerals are used to depict like features throughout.

[0025] Figure 1A illustrates a front view of an indicator member 10 of an indicator device. The indicator member 10 has a pointer portion 12 at a first end of the indicator member 10 and a mounting portion 20 at a second end of the indicator member 10. The mounting portion 20 is configured to operably mount the indicator member 10 to an industrial truck, as best illustrated in Figure 3. Specifically, the mounting portion 20 is configured to operably mount the indicator member 10 to a base (560 in Figure 2) of the industrial truck. As shown in Figure 1A, the indicator member 10 has a body portion 16 positioned between the pointer portion 12 and the mounting portion 20. The body portion 16 has a longitudinal axis extending towards the pointer portion 12 and the mounting portion 20. The mounting portion 20 has two apertures 22 positioned proximal the outer edges of the mounting portion 20. The apertures 22 are present to mount the indicator member 10 to an industrial truck. Specifically, the apertures 22 receive a fastener 122 (see Figure 3) and attach the indicator member 10 to the base 560 of the industrial truck. The pointer portion 12 has two edge portions 12a,12b distal to the longitudinal axis of the pointer portion 12 that converge inwards towards the longitudinal axis and form a tip 13. A first folding line 14 located between the pointer portion 12 and the body portion 16. A second folding line 18 is located between the body portion 16 and the mounting portion 20. The function of the first folding line 14 and the second folding line 18 will be made apparent by referring now to Figure 1B.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1B, the pointer portion 12 of the indicator member 10 is folded about the first folding line 14 such that the pointer portion 12 projects away from the plane of the body portion 16 at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 16. The mounting portion 20 is folded about the second folding line 18 such that the mounting portion 20 projects away from the plane of the body portion 16 at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 16.

[0027] Figure 1C shows the side profile of the indicator member 10. In this example, the pointer portion 12 (tip portion) of the indicator member 10 is folded about the first folding line 14 such that the pointer portion 12 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 16. However, it is to be appreciated that the pointer portion 12 could also be arranged to project at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 16 that is non-perpendicular. The example shown in Figure 1C also illustrates the mounting portion 20 arranged to project at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 16. In further examples such as that illustrated in Figure 113, the mounting portion 20 is arranged parallel to the body portion 16 while the pointer portion 12 of the indicator member 10 is folded about the first folding line 14. In yet further examples, the mounting portion 20 projects in the other direction such that the pointer portion 12 and the mounting portion 20 project from opposite ends of the body portion 16.

[0028] Referring back to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, the indicator member 10 of the indicator device is a plate 10 having a section 20 for mounting to a static portion of a pump truck. The section 20 for mounting to the pump truck has mounting holes 22 that are configured to receive a fastener (not shown) to fix the plate 10 to the pump truck. On an end of the plate 10 opposite the mounting portion 20, the sides of the plate 10 converge to form a tip 13. The tip 13 forms part of the pointer portion 12 of the plate 10. The plate 10 has a main body 16 that is disposed between aforementioned pointer portion 12 and the mounting portion 20. A first folding line 14 separates the pointer portion 12 from the main body 16, and a second folding line 18 separates the mounting portion 20 from the body portion 16. The main body 16 has a length that is substantially greater than the pointer portion 12 having the tip 13, and a length that is substantially greater than the mounting portion 20. The pointer portion 12 folds about the first folding line 14 so as to form a lip protruding at a first end from the surface of the body portion 16. The mounting portion 20 folds about the second folding line 18 so as to form a lip protruding at a second end from the surface of the body portion 16. In this example, the indicator member 10 is a metal plate. Specifically, the indicator member 10 is made from aluminium, but it should be appreciated that the indicator member 10 could be a non-metal such as acrylic. It should also be appreciated that other materials can be selected for the indicator member 10 such as steel, copper or nickel, for example. The material may have a surface finish created by for example, polishing, grinding, powder coating or other finishing techniques. It should further be appreciated that the indicator member 10 could take the form of a shape that is not a plate. For example, the indicator member 10 could have a body portion 16 being a cylindrical rod that separates the pointer portion 12 from mounting portion 20. This allows the indicator member 10 to have an increased rigidity in comparison with that corresponding to a plate.

[0029] Figure 2 shows an indicator device 101 in use with an industrial truck 500 having a base 560 and a fork member 570 (see Figure 3) supported by the chassis 580 of the industrial truck 500. In this example, the indicator device 101 is shown in use with pump truck 500, but it should be appreciated that the indicator device 101 can be used with other industrial trucks, such as forklifts, pallet trucks, pallet jacks and the like. The indicator device 101 comprises the indicator member 110 substantially as described hereinbefore. The indicator member 110 has a pointer portion 112 at a first end of the indicator member 110 and a mounting portion 120 at a second end of the indicator member 110. The indicator member 110 also has a body portion 116 positioned between the pointer portion 112 and the mounting portion 120.The mounting portion 120 operably mounts the indicator member 110 to a base 560 of the pump truck 500.

[0030] As better seen in Figure 3, each aperture 122 of the mounting portion 120 receives a fastener. The fastener in this example is a screw with security removal profile. The fastener having a security removal profile requires a special tool for removal. This prevents accidental removal or fraudulent removal of the fastener. The fastener attaches the indicator member 110 to the base 560 of the pump truck 500. The fastener can similarly be removed to detach the indicator member 110 from the base 560 when the indicator member 110 is not in use. Still referring to Figure 3, the mounting portion 120 is folded about the second folding line 118 such that the mounting portion 120 projects away from the plane of the body portion 116 at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 116. The mounting portion 120 lies flush with the surface of the base 560 and the plane of the body portion 116 forms an angle with the mounting portion 120 such that the plane of the body portion 116 is substantially perpendicular to the ground (not shown). The body portion 116 has a predetermined height in order to provide a predetermined offset between the pointer portion 112 and the mounting portion 120. In this particular example, the mounting portion 120 receives a fastener (not shown) to attach the indicator member 110 to the base 560. However it should be appreciated that the indicator member 110 could also be attached to the base 560 in other ways. For example, the base 560 may comprise a receiving portion (not shown) that is configured to receive the indicator member 110 therein. In other examples, the base 560 may comprise a bracket (not shown) for mounting the indicator member 110 thereon to couple the indicator member 110 with the base 560.

[0031] The indicator device also comprises a gauge member 130 that is operably couplable to a chassis 580 of the pump truck 500. In this example, the gauge member 130 is adhered to a bulk head 580 of the pump truck 500 but it should be appreciated that the gauge member 130 can be adhered to another portion of the chassis 580. The fork member 570 is supported by the chassis 580 of the pump truck 500. The chassis 580 is movable relative to the base 560 of the pump truck 500. The bulk head 580 in this example is fixed in relation to the fork member 570 such that the bulk head 580 is also movable relative to the base 560 of the pump truck 500. The gauge member 130 is a tape adhered to the bulk head 580 of the pump truck 500. The gauge member 130 is adhered to the bulk head 580, following the curvature of the bulk head 580. Although in this example, the gauge member 130 is a tape that is adhered to the bulk head 580 of the pump truck 500, it should be appreciated that the gauge member 130 could also be adhered to any other member that moves synchronously with the chassis 580 relative to the base 560, such as, for example, directly to the fork member 570. It should further be appreciated that the gauge member 130 could be attached by other means. The gauge member 130 could, for example, be: magnetically attached; or drawn on; or painted on; or otherwise provide a visual reference point relative to the pointer portion 112 of the indicator member 110 during use. It should be appreciated that while in this example, the gauge member 130 is coupled to the chassis 580 and the indicator member 110 is coupled to the base 560, an alternative arrangement is possible where the gauge member 130 is instead coupled to the base 560 and is therefore static, and where the indicator member 110 is coupled to the chassis 580. In other terms, in this alternative arrangement it is the indicator member 110 which moves relative to the base 560, while the gauge member 130 is stationary.

[0032] The operation of the indicator device will now be described with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4. The gauge member 130 is adhered to a bulk head 580 of the pump truck 500. The fork member 570 of the pump truck 500 moves relative to the base 560 of the pump truck 500. The bulk head 580 supports the fork member 570 and is fixed in relation to the fork member 570 such that the bulk head 580 also moves relative to the base 560 of the pump truck 500. The base 560 of the pump truck 500 does not change height relative to the ground, i.e. the base 560 of the pump truck 500 is "fixed" relative to its height about the ground. After the goods to be transferred or transported is loaded on the fork member 570, the fork member 570 can be raised or lowered relative to the base 560. That is, the fork member 570 can be moved in a direction that is in a direction normal to the ground, while the base 560 is stationary. In other terms, the base 560 is static in relation to the ground. The bulk head 580 of the pump truck 500 raises and lowers with the fork member 570. In this example, the bulk head 580 moves up and down with respect to the base 560. Thus, the fork member 570 also moves up and down with respect to the base 560. In this example, the bulk head 580 and the fork member 570 move up and down with respect to the base via hydraulic action. Also in this example, side arms (not shown) are attached to the edge of the base 560 by steel bolts. It should be appreciated that the side arms (not shown) could also be attached to the edge of the base 560 by other means such as, for example, screw fixings, rivets, threaded attachments, snap-fits, retaining pins, retaining bolts, or other types of fasteners. The side arms form a linkage between the base 560 and the chassis 580 so as to stabilise the pump truck 500. Additionally, the side arms determine the maximum displacement between the base 560 and the chassis 580 when the side arms are in the full extended position. It should be understood that in order to transport the goods, the bottom surface of the fork member 570 should be raised from the ground. It should further be understood when the fork members 570 are fully lowered, and a heavy load (not shown) is applied, the bottom surface of the fork member 570 will be in contact with the ground. Therefore, the fork member 570 needs to be raised by a certain distance from the ground. Since the indicator member 110 and the gauge member 130 are on different portions of the pump truck 500, an accurate load position is indicated whether or not a pump truck 500 is on an inclined or de [0033] Figure 3 shows an indicator member 110 as hereinbefore described, having a pointer portion 112 and a mounting portion 120. The indicator member 110 is mounted to the base 560 of the pump truck 500. The indicator member 110 has a body portion 116 located between the pointer portion 112 and the mounting portion 120. The length and/or size of the body portion 116 predetermines the separation distance between the pointer portion 112 and the mounting portion 120. As such, the height of pointer portion 112 is predetermined by the length and/or size of the body portion 116. In this example, the height of the body portion 116 is such that the pointer portion 112 indicates the minimum threshold height that prevents the pump truck 500 from bottoming. That is, the pointer portion 112 indicates the minimum height required to prevent the bottom of the fork member 570 contacting the ground when a maximum rated load is carried by the pump truck 570. In other terms, once the gauge member 130 is raised via raising the fork member 570 to a height where the gauge member 130 is level with the pointer portion 112 of the indicator member 110, placing the maximum rated load on the fork member 570 will not cause the bottom of the fork member 570 to contact the ground. Thus, the height of the indicator member 110 is above the fully lowered chassis 580 position relative to the base 560. The minimum height required for the prevention of bottoming can be determined, for example, by calibration exercises. In alternative embodiments, the body portion 116 has an adjustable length. This allows the distance between the pointer portion 112 and the mounting portion 120 to be adjustable such that the minimum threshold height can be adjusted. For example, the body portion 112 can be telescopically adjustable so as to increase and decrease the distance between the pointer portion 112 and the mounting portion 120. Alternatively, the body portion 112 can comprise a plurality of members (not shown) that are slidable relative to one another, and can be fixed in place such that the distance between the pointer portion 112 and the mounting portion 120 can be adjusted and then fixed in place. The plurality of members could be, for example, a plurality of sheets that are slidable relative to one another to alter the distance between the pointer portion 112 and mounting portion 120.

[0034] As the fork member 570 is raised, the height of the gauge member 130 can be visually inspected relative to the height of the pointer portion 112 of the indicator member 110. Once the height of the gauge member 130 is level with the height of the pointer portion 112, the fork member 570 is at a height where the bottom of the fork member 570 will not contact the ground. The goods transported on the fork member 570 can thus be transported and transferred to their target destination. The pointer portion 112 is folded about the first folding line 114 such that the pointer portion 112 projects towards the gauge member 130. This reduces the distance between the pointer portion 112 and the gauge member 130 and thus it is easier for the user to spot the relative height difference between the pointer portion 112 and the gauge member 130, thus, improving accuracy and clarity. In this example, the pointer portion 112 has two edge portions 112a,112b distal to the longitudinal axis of the pointer portion 112 that converge inwards towards the longitudinal axis and form a tip 113. The tip allows the user to pinpoint the height of the indicator relative to the gauge, therefore, further improving the ease of use for the user.

[0035] Referring now back to Figure 2, the indicator member 110 is mounted to the base 560 of the pump truck 500. The indicator member 110 is configured to mountingly engage with the steering member 590 of the pump truck 500. The steering member is rotatably mounted to the base 560. The steering member 590 has a rotational axis about which the steering member 590 can pivot around to steer the pump truck 500 in a desired direction. Steering the pump truck 500 pivots the wheels 582 of the pump truck 500. The mounting portion 120 mounts the indicator member 110 to the steering member 590 such that the indicator member 110 can move with the steering member 590. In this example, the mounting portion 120 is fixedly mounted to the steering member 590 which allows the mounting portion 120 of the indicator member 110 to rotate about the rotational axis of the steering member 590. The indicator member 110 can thus be fixed in relation to the steering member 590 such that when the steering column 590 moves, the indicator member 110 also moves. The indicator member 110 is not fixed in relation to the bulk head 580. This allows the relative height between the pointer portion 112 of the indicator member 110 and the gauge member 130 to be determined regardless of the pivot position of the steering member 590 of the pump truck 500. That is, the steering member 590 can rotate relative to the base 560 and the chassis 580 can move up and down relative to the base 560. The base 560 is static relative to the ground. In other words, the distance between the base 560 and the ground is fixed and does not change.

[0036] Various modifications to the detailed designs are described above are envisaged. In this example, the indicator member 110 is mounted to the base 560 of the pump truck 500 and the gauge member 130 is coupled to the fork member 570. However, it should be appreciated that the indicator member 110 can be coupled to the fork member 570 and the gauge member 130 can be mounted to the base 560. It should further be appreciated that one of the indicator member 110 and the gauge member 130 is coupled to a static (i.e. non-moving) member of the pump truck 500 while the other of the indicator member 110 and the gauge member 130 is coupled to a dynamic (i.e. moving) member of the pump truck, namely the chassis 580.

[0037] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features described in relation to any of the embodiments described above can be application interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments described above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention.

[0038] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Through the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0039] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect embodiment, or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMSAn indicator device for an industrial truck having a base and a chassis supporting a fork member, where the chassis is movable relative to the base, said indicator device comprising: an indicator member mounted to one of the base or the chassis of the industrial truck; and a gauge member, operably couplable to the other one of the base or the chassis, so as to provide a visual reference point for said indicator member during use.
2. An indicator device according to claim 1, wherein when said indicator member is mounted to the base of the industrial truck, said indicator member is configured to mountingly engage with a steering member of the base, the steering member having a rotational axis.
An indicator device according to claim 2, wherein said indicator member is fixedly mounted to the steering member so as to allow rotational movement about the rotational axis of the steering member.
4. An indicator device according to any preceding claim, wherein said indicator member comprises a pointer portion configured to cooperate with said gauge member to provide said visual reference point.
An indicator device according to any preceding claim, wherein said indicator member comprises a mounting portion configured to be removably mounted to said other one of the base and/or the chassis.
An indicator device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a security fastener adapted to prevent accidental loosening and/or removal of said indicator member from one of the base or the chassis o the industrial truck.
7. An indicator device according to one of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said indicator member further comprises a body portion disposed between said pointer portion and said mounting portion, said body portion having a longitudinal axis.
An indicator device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said pointer portion is arranged so as to project from said body portion towards said gauge member during use.
An indicator device according to claim 8, wherein said pointer portion is arranged perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said body portion.
10. An indicator device according any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein said mounting portion is configured to project away from said body portion at a predetermined angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said body portion.
11. An indicator device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein said body portion is a planar surface along its longitudinal axis.
12. An indicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pointer portion is formed by two distal edge portions converging so as to form a tip.
13. An indicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pointer portion projects in a direction substantially parallel to the ground.
14. An indicator device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said indicator member is releasably couplable to the base of the industrial truck.
15. A pump truck comprising an indicator device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.