US20020154982A1 - Towable pallet jack - Google Patents
Towable pallet jack Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020154982A1 US20020154982A1 US09/839,455 US83945501A US2002154982A1 US 20020154982 A1 US20020154982 A1 US 20020154982A1 US 83945501 A US83945501 A US 83945501A US 2002154982 A1 US2002154982 A1 US 2002154982A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hitch
- pallet jack
- towable
- pair
- forks
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
- B62B3/04—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor involving means for grappling or securing in place objects to be carried; Loading or unloading equipment
- B62B3/06—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor involving means for grappling or securing in place objects to be carried; Loading or unloading equipment for simply clearing the load from the ground
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2207/00—Joining hand-propelled vehicles or sledges together
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to pallet jacks and more specifically to a towable pallet jack which may be towed in a train with other towable pallet jacks.
- the present invention provides a towable pallet jack which enables a large quantity of material to be transferred between locations with greater efficiency and safety.
- the towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack, a hitch pump handle, a removable male hitch, and a handle portion.
- One end of the hitch pump handle extends from a pump unit at a rear of the pallet jack.
- a locking cavity is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle and is sized to receive a hitch ball.
- the hitch pump handle is used as a hitch to attach to another pallet jack and a pump handle to lift the pallet forks. Forks of the pallet jack are extended beyond the pivotal wheels to provide a mounting surface for the removable mounting of the removable male hitch.
- the removable male hitch includes the hitch ball, a hitch bar, and a pair of retention pins.
- the male hitch is disposed in a middle of the hitch bar on a top thereof.
- a retention hole is formed in the mounting surface of each fork to receive the retention pins.
- the pair of retention pins extend from a bottom of the hitch bar and are located to be received by a pair of retention holes.
- a second embodiment of the towable pallet jack utilizes a scissors pallet jack.
- a pivotal hitch is used instead of the hitch pump handle, because the forks are not lifted by manual pumping.
- a third embodiment of the towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack and hitch pump handle.
- One end of the hitch pump handle is pivotally attached to a pump unit at a rear of the pallet jack and a locking cavity is formed in the other end thereof.
- the locking cavity is sized to receive a removable hitch ball.
- a handle portion is also formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle.
- the pump unit is located in a middle at the rear of the pallet jack and the hitch pump handle is offset such that the other end is attachable to the removable hitch ball on one of the forks.
- At least one of the forks of the pallet jack is extended beyond the pivotal wheel to provide a mounting surface for the removable mounting of the removable hitch ball.
- a locking pin may be substituted for the locking cavity and preferably a swivel bushing formed in the mounting area instead of the retention hole. The pivot pin extends downward from the hitch pump handle for insertion into the swivel bushing.
- a fourth embodiment of the towable pallet jack uses a straight hitch pump handle which is pivotally attached to a rear of the pallet jack at one side thereof.
- a fifth embodiment of the towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack, hitch pump handle, expandable male hitch, and a female actuating hitch.
- One end of the hitch pump handle extends from a pump unit at a rear of the pallet jack.
- the expandable male hitch is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle and is sized to be inserted into the female actuating hitch.
- the expandable male hitch has an expansion lever which is pivoted to lock the expandable male hitch into a hitch opening in the female actuating hitch.
- the hitch pump handle is also used as a pump handle to lift the pallet forks.
- the female actuating hitch includes a swinging hitch member and an actuation lever. At least one of the forks of the pallet jack is extended beyond the pivotal wheels to provide an area for retaining the female actuating hitch.
- the swinging hitch is disposed in the extended area of one of the forks.
- the hitch opening is disposed in an end of the swinging hitch member.
- the actuation lever is pivotally attached to the hitch pump handle. The actuation lever is pivoted through a linkage system to swing the swinging hitch member outward to receive the expandable male hitch.
- a train of towable pallet trucks are connected to each other by capturing the hitch ball with a hitch handle or inserting the pivot pin into a swivel bushing.
- the plurality of towable pallet jacks may be transported under their own power or towed buy a stand alone motorized device. After the towable pallet trucks reach their destination, they are separated from each other, and the pallets removed with conventional means.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of a second embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a third embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a top view of a third embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a removable hitch ball retained in a fork of a pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a pivot pin retained in a fork of a pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a top view of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a top view of a swinging hitch of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a front cross sectional view of a expandable male hitch in an unexpanded position of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a front cross sectional view of a expandable male hitch in an expanded position of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a side cross sectional view of a expandable male hitch in an expanded position of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a side cross sectional view of a expandable male hitch in an expanded position of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- the towable pallet jack 1 includes a pallet jack 10 , a hitch pump handle 12 , a removable male hitch 14 , and a handle portion 16 .
- One end of the hitch pump handle 12 extends from a pump unit 11 at a rear of the pallet jack 10 and a locking cavity 18 is formed on the other end thereof and is sized to receive a hitch ball 20 .
- the locking cavity 18 is locked on to the hitch ball 20 by actuating a locking switch 19 .
- the details of locking cavities are well known in the art.
- the hitch pump handle 12 is used as a hitch to attach to another pallet jack and a pump handle to lift the forks 22 of the pallet jack 10 .
- the forks 22 extended beyond pivotal wheels 24 to provide a mounting surface 26 for the removable mounting of the removable male hitch 14 .
- the removable male hitch 14 includes the hitch ball 20 , a hitch bar 28 , and a pair of retention pins 30 .
- the hitch ball 20 is disposed in a middle of the hitch bar 28 on a top thereof.
- a retention hole 32 is formed in the mounting surface 26 of each fork 22 to receive the retention pins 30 .
- the pair of retention pins extend from a bottom of the hitch body and are located to be received by the pair of retention holes 32 .
- the retention pins 30 may be modified to lock into the retention holes 32 .
- a towable pallet jack 2 includes a pallet jack 34 , a pivotal hitch 13 , the removable male hitch 14 , and the handle portion 16 .
- One end of the pivotal hitch pump 13 is pivotally attached to the rear of the pallet jack 34 and a locking cavity 18 is formed on the other end thereof and is sized to receive a hitch ball 20 .
- the length of forks 36 of the pallet jack 34 are extended beyond their normal length to provide a mounting surface 38 for the removable mounting of the removable male hitch 14 .
- the removable male hitch 14 includes the hitch ball 20 , the hitch bar 28 , and the pair of retention pins 30 .
- the male hitch 14 is disposed in a middle of the hitch bar 28 on a top thereof.
- the retention hole 32 is formed in the mounting surface 38 of each fork 34 to receive the retention pins 30 .
- the pair of retention pins 30 extend from the bottom of the hitch body 28 and are located to be received by a pair of retention holes 32 .
- the retention pins 30 may be modified to lock into the retention holes 32 .
- the towable pallet jacks 1 & 2 are preferably used in the following manner.
- the forks 22 or 36 of the pallet jack 10 or 34 are slid under a load 200 .
- the removable male hitch 14 is attached to the mounting surfaces 26 or 38 .
- the hitch pump handle 12 or the pivotal hitch 13 is attached to the removable male hitch 14 .
- a plurality of pallet jacks 10 or 34 may now be towed.
- a towable pallet jack 3 includes a pallet jack 40 and a hitch pump handle 42 .
- One end of the hitch pump handle 42 extends from a pump unit 21 at a rear of the pallet jack 40 and a locking cavity 44 is formed on the other end thereof as shown in FIGS. 5 & 6.
- a pivot pin 46 may be formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle 42 as shown in FIGS. 7 & 8.
- a handle portion 48 is also formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle 42 .
- the hitch pump handle 42 is offset such that thereof may be pivotally attached to the pump unit 21 .
- At least one fork 50 of the pallet jack 40 is extended beyond its normal length to provide a mounting surface 52 for the removable mounting of the removable ball hitch 54 .
- a retention hole 56 is formed in the mounting surface 52 to receive a retention shank 58 of the ball hitch 54 .
- the retention hole 56 and/or retention shank 58 may be modified to lock into the retention shank 58 into the retention hole 56 .
- a swivel bushing 60 is formed in the mounting surface 52 .
- the pivot pin 46 is inserted into the swivel bushing 60 .
- the swivel bushing 60 instead a regular bushing, because the heights of the fork 50 and hitch pump handle 62 may not always be the same. Damage to the pivot pin 46 would occur if the heights did vary.
- the swivel bushing 60 and/or the pivot pin 46 may be modified to lock the pivot pin in the swivel bushing 60 .
- a towable pallet jack 4 includes a pallet jack 64 and a hitch pump handle 62 .
- One end of the hitch pump handle 62 is pivotally attached to the rear of the pallet jack 64 on one side thereof.
- a pump handle 66 extends from the pump unit 21 .
- a connection member 68 is attached to the pump handle 66 and the hitch pump handle 62 .
- the pump unit 21 may be activated by pumping the hitch pump handle 62 .
- a pivot pin 46 is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle 62 .
- the locking cavity 44 and the removable ball hitch 54 may be substituted for the pivot pin 46 and swivel bushing 60 .
- At least one fork 50 of the pallet jack 64 is extended beyond its normal length to provide a mounting surface 52 for the swivel bushing 60 .
- the pivot pin 46 extending from the hitch pump handle 62 is inserted into the swivel bushing 60 .
- the towable pallet jacks 3 & 4 are preferably used in the following manner.
- the forks 50 of the pallet jack 40 or 64 are slid under a load 200 .
- the hitch pump handle 42 or 62 is attached to the removable hitch ball 54 or inserted into the swivel bushing 60 , respectively.
- a plurality of pallet jacks 40 or 64 may now be towed.
- a fifth embodiment of the towable pallet jack 5 includes a pallet jack 70 , hitch pump handle 72 , expandable male hitch 74 , and a female actuating hitch 76 .
- One end of the hitch pump handle 72 extends from a pump unit 71 at a rear of the pallet jack 70 .
- the expandable male hitch 74 is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle 72 and is sized to be inserted into the female actuating hitch 76 .
- a handle portion 77 is preferably attached to the other end of the hitch pump handle 72 .
- the expandable male hitch 74 includes a hitch body 78 , a pair expansion of fingers 80 , an expanding plug 82 , an expansion lever 84 , and push plug 86 .
- the pair of expansion fingers 80 are pivotally attached to the hitch body 78 .
- the expanding plug 82 is placed between the pair of expansion fingers 80 .
- the push plug 86 is contained within a bore formed in the hitch body 78 .
- a face plate 90 is attached to a front of the hitch body 78 to retain the expansion fingers 80 and expanding plug 82 .
- the expansion lever 84 is pivotally attached to a top of the hitch body 78 .
- a cam surface 88 is formed on one end of the expansion lever 84 to force the push plug 86 downward when thereof is rotated.
- FIGS. 15 and 17 show that the expansion fingers 80 are in a locking position when the expansion lever 84 is in a vertical position. However, the cam surface 88 may be formed such that the expansion fingers are in a locking position when the expansion lever 84 is nearly horizontal.
- the expansion lever 84 is pivoted to force the push plug 86 against the expanding plug 82 which is pivoted to lock the expandable male hitch 74 into a hitch opening 92 in the female actuating hitch 76 .
- the hitch pump handle 72 is also used as a pump handle to lift forks 73 of the pallet jack 70 .
- the female actuating hitch 76 includes a swinging hitch member 94 , a linkage system 96 , and an actuation lever 98 .
- the forks 73 of the pallet jack 70 are extended beyond the pivotal wheels 75 to provide an area for retaining the female actuating hitch 76 .
- the swinging hitch member 94 is pivotally retained within the extended area of one of the forks 73 .
- the linkage system 96 preferably includes a pivot arm 100 , a pivot rod 102 , and a pull cable 104 .
- One end of the pivot arm 100 is pivotally attached to the swinging hitch member 94 and the other end is pivotally attached to one end of the pivot rod 102 .
- the pivot rod 102 is slidably attached to the fork with any suitable method.
- a compression spring 106 is placed over the pivot rod 102 .
- a spring sleeve 108 is formed on the pivot rod 102 and a spring block 110 is attached to the fork 73 .
- the swinging hitch member 94 is swung into position by pivoting the actuation lever 98 .
- the spring 106 forces pivot rod 102 to push the swinging hitch member 94 outward.
- the other end of the pivot rod 102 is attached to one end of the pull cable 104 .
- the other end of the pull cable 104 is attached to the actuation lever 98 .
- the actuation lever 98 is pivotally attached to the hitch pump handle 72 .
- the towable pallet jack 5 is preferably used in the following manner.
- the forks 73 of the pallet jack 70 are slid under a load 200 .
- the female actuating hitch 76 is swung into position by pivoting the actuation lever 98 .
- the hitch pump handle 72 is swung downward such that the expandable male hitch 74 is inserted into the opening 92 .
- the expandable male hitch 74 is locked in the opening 92 by pivoting the expansion lever 84 .
- a plurality of pallet jacks 70 may now be towed.
Abstract
A towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack, a hitch pump handle, a removable male hitch, and a handle portion. The hitch pump handle extends from a pump unit at a rear of the pallet jack. A locking cavity is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle and is sized to receive a hitch ball. The removable male hitch is inserted into the pair of forks. A second embodiment of the towable pallet jack utilizes a scissors pallet jack with a pivotal hitch attached to a rear of the pallet jack. A third embodiment of the towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack and hitch pump handle. The hitch pump handle is offset such that thereof may be attached to a fork of a succeeding pallet jack. A fourth embodiment of the towable pallet jack uses a straight hitch pump handle which is pivotally attached to a rear of the pallet jack at one side thereof. A fifth embodiment of the towable pallet jack including a female swinging hitch and a hitch pump handle with a expandable male hitch.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to pallet jacks and more specifically to a towable pallet jack which may be towed in a train with other towable pallet jacks.
- 2. Discussion of the Prior Art Currently, the movement of bulk type materials in many manufacturing and warehousing facilities is performed by forklifts. Forklifts are large, hard to maneuver, and pose considerable threat to pedestrian traffic within the facility. There are numerous accidents as a result of using forklifts.
- Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for a towable pallet jack which may be towed in a train, increases the amount of material transferred by a single individual, and reduces the amount of accidents in facilities due to forklift accidents.
- The present invention provides a towable pallet jack which enables a large quantity of material to be transferred between locations with greater efficiency and safety. The towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack, a hitch pump handle, a removable male hitch, and a handle portion. One end of the hitch pump handle extends from a pump unit at a rear of the pallet jack. A locking cavity is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle and is sized to receive a hitch ball. The hitch pump handle is used as a hitch to attach to another pallet jack and a pump handle to lift the pallet forks. Forks of the pallet jack are extended beyond the pivotal wheels to provide a mounting surface for the removable mounting of the removable male hitch. The removable male hitch includes the hitch ball, a hitch bar, and a pair of retention pins. The male hitch is disposed in a middle of the hitch bar on a top thereof. A retention hole is formed in the mounting surface of each fork to receive the retention pins. The pair of retention pins extend from a bottom of the hitch bar and are located to be received by a pair of retention holes. A second embodiment of the towable pallet jack utilizes a scissors pallet jack. A pivotal hitch is used instead of the hitch pump handle, because the forks are not lifted by manual pumping.
- A third embodiment of the towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack and hitch pump handle. One end of the hitch pump handle is pivotally attached to a pump unit at a rear of the pallet jack and a locking cavity is formed in the other end thereof. The locking cavity is sized to receive a removable hitch ball. A handle portion is also formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle. The pump unit is located in a middle at the rear of the pallet jack and the hitch pump handle is offset such that the other end is attachable to the removable hitch ball on one of the forks.
- At least one of the forks of the pallet jack is extended beyond the pivotal wheel to provide a mounting surface for the removable mounting of the removable hitch ball. A locking pin may be substituted for the locking cavity and preferably a swivel bushing formed in the mounting area instead of the retention hole. The pivot pin extends downward from the hitch pump handle for insertion into the swivel bushing. A fourth embodiment of the towable pallet jack uses a straight hitch pump handle which is pivotally attached to a rear of the pallet jack at one side thereof.
- A fifth embodiment of the towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack, hitch pump handle, expandable male hitch, and a female actuating hitch. One end of the hitch pump handle extends from a pump unit at a rear of the pallet jack. The expandable male hitch is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle and is sized to be inserted into the female actuating hitch. The expandable male hitch has an expansion lever which is pivoted to lock the expandable male hitch into a hitch opening in the female actuating hitch. The hitch pump handle is also used as a pump handle to lift the pallet forks.
- The female actuating hitch includes a swinging hitch member and an actuation lever. At least one of the forks of the pallet jack is extended beyond the pivotal wheels to provide an area for retaining the female actuating hitch. The swinging hitch is disposed in the extended area of one of the forks. The hitch opening is disposed in an end of the swinging hitch member. The actuation lever is pivotally attached to the hitch pump handle. The actuation lever is pivoted through a linkage system to swing the swinging hitch member outward to receive the expandable male hitch.
- A train of towable pallet trucks are connected to each other by capturing the hitch ball with a hitch handle or inserting the pivot pin into a swivel bushing. The plurality of towable pallet jacks may be transported under their own power or towed buy a stand alone motorized device. After the towable pallet trucks reach their destination, they are separated from each other, and the pallets removed with conventional means.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a towable pallet jack which may be towed in a train.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a towable pallet jack which increases the amount of material transferred by a single individual.
- Finally, it is another object of the present invention to provide a towable pallet jack which reduces the amount of accidents in facilities due to forklift accidents.
- These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of a second embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a third embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a top view of a third embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a removable hitch ball retained in a fork of a pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a pivot pin retained in a fork of a pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a top view of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a top view of a swinging hitch of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a front cross sectional view of a expandable male hitch in an unexpanded position of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a front cross sectional view of a expandable male hitch in an expanded position of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a side cross sectional view of a expandable male hitch in an expanded position of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a side cross sectional view of a expandable male hitch in an expanded position of a fifth embodiment of a towable pallet jack in accordance with the present invention.
- With reference now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a side view of a towable pallet jack1. With reference to FIG. 2, the towable pallet jack 1 includes a
pallet jack 10, a hitch pump handle 12, a removablemale hitch 14, and ahandle portion 16. One end of the hitch pump handle 12 extends from a pump unit 11 at a rear of thepallet jack 10 and a lockingcavity 18 is formed on the other end thereof and is sized to receive ahitch ball 20. The lockingcavity 18 is locked on to thehitch ball 20 by actuating a lockingswitch 19. The details of locking cavities are well known in the art. The hitch pump handle 12 is used as a hitch to attach to another pallet jack and a pump handle to lift theforks 22 of thepallet jack 10. Theforks 22 extended beyondpivotal wheels 24 to provide a mountingsurface 26 for the removable mounting of the removablemale hitch 14. The removablemale hitch 14 includes thehitch ball 20, ahitch bar 28, and a pair of retention pins 30. Thehitch ball 20 is disposed in a middle of thehitch bar 28 on a top thereof. Aretention hole 32 is formed in the mountingsurface 26 of eachfork 22 to receive the retention pins 30. The pair of retention pins extend from a bottom of the hitch body and are located to be received by the pair of retention holes 32. The retention pins 30 may be modified to lock into the retention holes 32. - With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a towable pallet jack2 includes a
pallet jack 34, apivotal hitch 13, the removablemale hitch 14, and thehandle portion 16. One end of thepivotal hitch pump 13 is pivotally attached to the rear of thepallet jack 34 and a lockingcavity 18 is formed on the other end thereof and is sized to receive ahitch ball 20. The length offorks 36 of thepallet jack 34 are extended beyond their normal length to provide a mountingsurface 38 for the removable mounting of the removablemale hitch 14. The removablemale hitch 14 includes thehitch ball 20, thehitch bar 28, and the pair of retention pins 30. Themale hitch 14 is disposed in a middle of thehitch bar 28 on a top thereof. Theretention hole 32 is formed in the mountingsurface 38 of eachfork 34 to receive the retention pins 30. The pair of retention pins 30 extend from the bottom of thehitch body 28 and are located to be received by a pair of retention holes 32. The retention pins 30 may be modified to lock into the retention holes 32. - In use the towable pallet jacks1 & 2 are preferably used in the following manner. The
forks pallet jack load 200. The removablemale hitch 14 is attached to the mountingsurfaces pivotal hitch 13 is attached to the removablemale hitch 14. A plurality of pallet jacks 10 or 34 may now be towed. - With reference to FIGS. 5 & 6, a
towable pallet jack 3 includes apallet jack 40 and a hitch pump handle 42. One end of the hitch pump handle 42 extends from apump unit 21 at a rear of thepallet jack 40 and a lockingcavity 44 is formed on the other end thereof as shown in FIGS. 5 & 6. Alternatively, apivot pin 46 may be formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle 42 as shown in FIGS. 7 & 8. Ahandle portion 48 is also formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle 42. The hitch pump handle 42 is offset such that thereof may be pivotally attached to thepump unit 21. - At least one
fork 50 of thepallet jack 40 is extended beyond its normal length to provide a mountingsurface 52 for the removable mounting of theremovable ball hitch 54. With reference to FIG. 9, aretention hole 56 is formed in the mountingsurface 52 to receive a retention shank 58 of theball hitch 54. Theretention hole 56 and/or retention shank 58 may be modified to lock into the retention shank 58 into theretention hole 56. With reference to FIG. 10, preferably aswivel bushing 60 is formed in the mountingsurface 52. Thepivot pin 46 is inserted into theswivel bushing 60. It is preferably to use theswivel bushing 60 instead a regular bushing, because the heights of thefork 50 and hitch pump handle 62 may not always be the same. Damage to thepivot pin 46 would occur if the heights did vary. Theswivel bushing 60 and/or thepivot pin 46 may be modified to lock the pivot pin in theswivel bushing 60. - A
towable pallet jack 4 includes apallet jack 64 and a hitch pump handle 62. One end of the hitch pump handle 62 is pivotally attached to the rear of thepallet jack 64 on one side thereof. A pump handle 66 extends from thepump unit 21. Preferably, aconnection member 68 is attached to the pump handle 66 and the hitch pump handle 62. Thepump unit 21 may be activated by pumping the hitch pump handle 62. Apivot pin 46 is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle 62. Alternatively, the lockingcavity 44 and theremovable ball hitch 54 may be substituted for thepivot pin 46 andswivel bushing 60. At least onefork 50 of thepallet jack 64 is extended beyond its normal length to provide a mountingsurface 52 for theswivel bushing 60. Thepivot pin 46 extending from the hitch pump handle 62 is inserted into theswivel bushing 60. - In use the
towable pallet jacks 3 & 4 are preferably used in the following manner. Theforks 50 of thepallet jack load 200. The hitch pump handle 42 or 62 is attached to theremovable hitch ball 54 or inserted into theswivel bushing 60, respectively. A plurality of pallet jacks 40 or 64 may now be towed. - With reference to FIGS.11-13, a fifth embodiment of the
towable pallet jack 5 includes apallet jack 70, hitch pump handle 72, expandablemale hitch 74, and afemale actuating hitch 76. One end of the hitch pump handle 72 extends from apump unit 71 at a rear of thepallet jack 70. The expandablemale hitch 74 is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle 72 and is sized to be inserted into thefemale actuating hitch 76. Ahandle portion 77 is preferably attached to the other end of the hitch pump handle 72. With reference to FIGS. 14-17, the expandablemale hitch 74 includes ahitch body 78, a pair expansion offingers 80, an expandingplug 82, anexpansion lever 84, and pushplug 86. The pair ofexpansion fingers 80 are pivotally attached to thehitch body 78. The expandingplug 82 is placed between the pair ofexpansion fingers 80. The push plug 86 is contained within a bore formed in thehitch body 78. Preferably, aface plate 90 is attached to a front of thehitch body 78 to retain theexpansion fingers 80 and expandingplug 82. - The
expansion lever 84 is pivotally attached to a top of thehitch body 78. Acam surface 88 is formed on one end of theexpansion lever 84 to force the push plug 86 downward when thereof is rotated. FIGS. 15 and 17 show that theexpansion fingers 80 are in a locking position when theexpansion lever 84 is in a vertical position. However, thecam surface 88 may be formed such that the expansion fingers are in a locking position when theexpansion lever 84 is nearly horizontal. Theexpansion lever 84 is pivoted to force the push plug 86 against the expandingplug 82 which is pivoted to lock the expandablemale hitch 74 into ahitch opening 92 in thefemale actuating hitch 76. The hitch pump handle 72 is also used as a pump handle to liftforks 73 of thepallet jack 70. - The
female actuating hitch 76 includes a swinginghitch member 94, a linkage system 96, and anactuation lever 98. Theforks 73 of thepallet jack 70 are extended beyond thepivotal wheels 75 to provide an area for retaining thefemale actuating hitch 76. The swinginghitch member 94 is pivotally retained within the extended area of one of theforks 73. The linkage system 96 preferably includes apivot arm 100, apivot rod 102, and apull cable 104. One end of thepivot arm 100 is pivotally attached to the swinginghitch member 94 and the other end is pivotally attached to one end of thepivot rod 102. Thepivot rod 102 is slidably attached to the fork with any suitable method. A compression spring 106 is placed over thepivot rod 102. Aspring sleeve 108 is formed on thepivot rod 102 and aspring block 110 is attached to thefork 73. The swinginghitch member 94 is swung into position by pivoting theactuation lever 98. The spring 106forces pivot rod 102 to push the swinginghitch member 94 outward. The other end of thepivot rod 102 is attached to one end of thepull cable 104. The other end of thepull cable 104 is attached to theactuation lever 98. Theactuation lever 98 is pivotally attached to the hitch pump handle 72. - In use the
towable pallet jack 5 is preferably used in the following manner. Theforks 73 of thepallet jack 70 are slid under aload 200. Thefemale actuating hitch 76 is swung into position by pivoting theactuation lever 98. The hitch pump handle 72 is swung downward such that the expandablemale hitch 74 is inserted into theopening 92. The expandablemale hitch 74 is locked in theopening 92 by pivoting theexpansion lever 84. A plurality of pallet jacks 70 may now be towed. - While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (18)
1. A towable pallet jack comprising:
a pallet jack having a pair of forks at a front thereof;
a removable male hitch being removably attachable to an end of said pair of forks; and
a hitch pump handle extending from a pump unit at a rear of said the pallet jack and the other end thereof being pivotally attachable to said removable male hitch, said hitch pump handle allowing said pallet jack to be pumped to a desired height.
2. The towable pallet jack of claim 1 , further comprising:
a handle portion being attached to a rear of said pallet jack.
3. The towable pallet jack of claim 1 , further comprising:
said removable male hitch including a hitch ball, a hitch bar, and a pair of locking pins, a retention hole being formed at an end of each said fork, said retention hole being sized to receive a single said locking pin.
4. The towable pallet jack of claim 3 , further comprising:
said hitch pump handle having a locking cavity formed on the other end thereof, said locking cavity being sized to receive said hitch ball.
5. A towable pallet jack comprising:
a pallet jack having a pair of forks at a front thereof;
a removable male hitch being removably attachable to an end of said pair of forks; and
a pivotal hitch having one end pivotally attached to a rear of said pallet jack and the other end thereof being pivotally attachable to said removable male hitch.
6. The towable pallet jack of claim 5 , further comprising:
a handle portion being attached to a rear of said pallet jack.
7. The towable pallet jack of claim 5 , further comprising:
said removable male hitch including a hitch ball, a hitch bar, and a pair of locking pins, a retention hole being formed at an end of each said fork, said retention hole being sized to receive a single said locking pin.
8. The towable pallet jack of claim 5 , further comprising:
said pivotal hitch having a locking cavity formed on the other end, said locking cavity being sized to receive said hitch ball.
9. A towable pallet jack comprising:
a pallet jack having a pair of forks at a front thereof;
a hitch being pivotally attached to a rear of said pallet jack at one end and a first attachment device being formed on the other end thereof; and
a second attachment device being formed on at least one of said forks, said first attachment device cooperating with said second attachment device such that a first pallet jack may be attached to a second pallet jack.
10. The towable pallet jack of claim 9 , further comprising:
a handle portion being attached to the other end of said hitch to form a hitch pump handle.
11. The towable pallet jack of claim 9 , wherein:
said first attachment device being a locking cavity which is formed in the other end of said hitch, said second attachment device being a hitch ball, said hitch ball being insertable into one of said forks, said locking cavity being sized to receive said hitch ball.
12. The towable pallet jack of claim 9 , wherein:
said first attachment device being a pivot pin extending downward form the other end of said hitch, said second attachment device being a swivel bushing, said swivel bushing being formed in one of said forks, said swivel bushing being sized to receive said pivot pin.
13. The towable pallet jack of claim 9 , further comprising:
a pump handle extending from a pump unit, a connection member being attached to said pump handle and said hitch, said pump unit being activated by pumping the hitch pump handle.
14. A towable pallet jack comprising:
a pallet jack having a pair of forks at a front thereof;
a hitch pump handle extending from a pump unit at a rear of said pallet jack, said hitch pump handle allowing said pallet jack to be pumped to a desired height;
an expandable male hitch being formed on an end of said hitch pump handle, said expandable male hitch handle capable of being locked into a hitch opening; and
a female actuating hitch being disposed in one of said pair of forks, said female actuating hitch capable of swinging into an attachment position, said hitch opening being formed in said female actuating hitch.
15. The towable pallet jack of claim 14 , further comprising:
said female actuating hitch including a swinging hitch member, a linkage system, and an actuation lever, said swinging hitch member being pivotally attached to one of said pair of forks, said linkage system enabling said swinging hitch member to be swung into position by pivoting said actuation lever.
16. The towable pallet jack of claim 14 , further comprising:
said expandable male hitch including a hitch body, a pair of expansion fingers, an expanding plug, an expansion lever, and a push plug, said pair of expansion fingers being pivotally attached to said hitch body, said expanding plug being disposed between said pair of expansion fingers, said expansion lever being pivotally attached to said hitch body, pivoting of said expansion lever pushing said push plug causing said expansion plug to expand outward and spread said pair of fingers.
17. The towable pallet jack of claim 14 , further comprising:
a handle portion being attached to said hitch pump handle.
18. The towable pallet jack of claim 14 , further comprising:
said linkage system including a pivot arm, a pivot rod, and a pull cable, said pivot arm being pivotally attached to said female swinging hitch, one end of said pivot rod being pivotally attached to said pivot arm and the other end attached to said pull cable, wherein pulling on said pull cable causing said female pivoting hitch to swing outward from one of said pair of forks.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/839,455 US6467789B1 (en) | 2001-04-20 | 2001-04-20 | Towable pallet jack |
US14/667,367 US9306696B2 (en) | 2001-01-19 | 2015-03-24 | Time division duplex wireless network and associated method using connection modulation groups |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/839,455 US6467789B1 (en) | 2001-04-20 | 2001-04-20 | Towable pallet jack |
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US6467789B1 US6467789B1 (en) | 2002-10-22 |
US20020154982A1 true US20020154982A1 (en) | 2002-10-24 |
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US09/839,455 Expired - Fee Related US6467789B1 (en) | 2001-01-19 | 2001-04-20 | Towable pallet jack |
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US (1) | US6467789B1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1961693A2 (en) * | 2007-02-20 | 2008-08-27 | Behr, Uwe | System for transporting objects |
US20090115163A1 (en) * | 2007-11-02 | 2009-05-07 | Winter David C | Trailer |
EP2649003A2 (en) * | 2010-12-06 | 2013-10-16 | Seegrid Corporation | Tugger attachment |
WO2019191385A1 (en) * | 2018-03-28 | 2019-10-03 | Dusa James Ii | Pallet jack assembly |
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CA2756394C (en) * | 2009-03-23 | 2015-10-20 | Lantech.Com, Llc | Methods and apparatuses for loading and unloading by pallet truck |
US8596664B2 (en) * | 2009-05-11 | 2013-12-03 | Kevan Lahn | Anti-rattle hitch assembly |
AU2011253974B2 (en) * | 2011-12-12 | 2015-04-09 | Brionmadel Pty Ltd | Towing attachment |
USD750536S1 (en) * | 2014-12-10 | 2016-03-01 | Bac Industries, Inc. | Forklift trailer tow attachment |
CN109204405B (en) * | 2018-09-18 | 2021-04-09 | 贵州大学 | Mining transport vechicle convenient to unload |
CN109334748B (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2020-01-21 | 安徽鑫泰钻石有限公司 | Transfer device of diamond containing box |
CN112549271A (en) * | 2020-12-08 | 2021-03-26 | 芜湖司毛特机械制造有限公司 | Evaporate foster car structure |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3207085A (en) * | 1964-02-20 | 1965-09-21 | Burr John Walter | Rail car switching |
US4287966A (en) * | 1978-11-06 | 1981-09-08 | Missouri Research Laboratories Inc. | Industrial truck |
US6135701A (en) * | 1999-02-16 | 2000-10-24 | Galloway, Sr.; Robert E. | Fork lift towing bar for trailers |
-
2001
- 2001-04-20 US US09/839,455 patent/US6467789B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1961693A2 (en) * | 2007-02-20 | 2008-08-27 | Behr, Uwe | System for transporting objects |
EP1961693A3 (en) * | 2007-02-20 | 2009-08-26 | Behr, Uwe | System for transporting objects |
US20090115163A1 (en) * | 2007-11-02 | 2009-05-07 | Winter David C | Trailer |
EP2649003A2 (en) * | 2010-12-06 | 2013-10-16 | Seegrid Corporation | Tugger attachment |
EP2649003A4 (en) * | 2010-12-06 | 2014-08-06 | Seegrid Corp | Tugger attachment |
US8864164B2 (en) | 2010-12-06 | 2014-10-21 | Seegrid Corporation | Tugger attachment |
WO2019191385A1 (en) * | 2018-03-28 | 2019-10-03 | Dusa James Ii | Pallet jack assembly |
US11142232B2 (en) | 2018-03-28 | 2021-10-12 | II James Dusa | Pallet jack assembly |
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US6467789B1 (en) | 2002-10-22 |
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