US2394458A

US2394458A - Load handling mechanism

Info

Publication number: US2394458A
Application number: US515783A
Authority: US
Inventors: Le Grand H Lull
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1943-12-27
Filing date: 1943-12-27
Publication date: 1946-02-05
Anticipated expiration: 1963-02-05

Description

Feb. 5, 1946. LE GRAND H. LULL LOAD HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Dec. 27, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 gjmm Le Gama H. Lou.

un g n Feb. 5, 1946.

LE GRAND H. LULL LOAD HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Dec. 27, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 L:- Gnmon H. Luu.

Feb. 5, 1946.

LE GRAND H. LULL 051) HANDLING MECHANISM Filed Dec. 27., 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 7 LE GRAND H. Luu.

@214 CAM fl q Feb. 5, 1946. LE GRAND H. L'ULL 2,394,458

LOAD HANDLING MECHANISM I! Filed Bed. 27, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Le 62A H. Luu.

32x4 @mYA/afL/ Patented Feb. 5, 1946 2,394,458 LOAD HANDLING MECHANISM Le Grand Lull, Minneapolis, Application December 27, 1943, Serial No. 515,783

21 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in load handling mechanism or loaders, supported and operated by an automotive vehicle such as a tractor or truck.

The primary object of my invention is to provide a load lifting or handling mechanism, of this nature, embodying an extensible tower or frame which permits of operation with low head room, and a load carrier so arranged that from a normal lowered position, a very high lift may be obtained by extending the tower upwardly and moving the load carrier upward to the uppermost end of the extended tower. Intermediate lifts are also readily obtainable and the mechanism will thus permit of work under widely varying conditions.

Another object is to provide a lifting or loading mechanism, of this nature; of extremely sturdy rigid and simple construction, with means provided to eliminate friction so far as possible at all points, and with means for absorbing the horizontal thrust when the loader, in its lowered position is moved forward against or beneath the load to pick the same up.

Another and important object is to provide in a load handling mechanism of this kind a novel, efiective and conveniently operative means for removing and replacing the particular load carrier or device used inconnection with the loader for supporting the load, thus facilitating its use in connection with various kinds of work.

A further object is to provide a mechanism of this nature, with a novel and practical mounting and supporting arrangement for the load carrier which embodies means for tilting such carrier when required to keep the load in place as it is raised, and a means for dumping the load.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a hydraulically operated load handling mechanism, embodying one or more hydraulic cylinders, having novel mounting means permitting convenient removal for inspection or repair, and cables and pulleys arranged to elevate the parts of the mechanism with the maximum of mechanical advantage and minimum of lateral or horizontal stresses which would cause binding of the various parts.

These and other more detailed and specific objects will be disclosed in the course of the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my load handling mechanism, or loader, as applied to a tractor showing the mechanism used as a loader for lifting or loading material, with the material bucket shown in its lowered position. I

Fig. 2 is a horizontal, sectional and plan view along the line 22 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal cross sectional view through the tower or frame of the loader.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but showing the parts in a partially elevated position.

Fig. 5 is an upright, longitudinal sectional view through theloader as shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a frontal elevation of the loader as seen in Fig. 4, the material bucket and associated parts being removed.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary frontal elevation of a lower part of the frame or tower, elevated somewhat beyond the position of Fig. 6, and showing the use of two hydraulic cylinder'swhere added lifting capacity is desired.

Referring now more particularly and by reference characters to the drawings, Ihave shown my load handling mechanism as arranged in connection with a conventional tractor A-which supports the mechanism,'tra'nsports it, and by means of any conventional and suitable pump and valve assembly (not shown) provides fluid under pressure for hydraulically operating the mechanism. Obviously the mechanism may be mounted as well on any other type of automotive vehicle suitable to the purpose.

The mechanism comprises a rigid, primary or inner frame or tower structure, designated generally'at l0, comprising upright side members II which are supported in transversely spaced and parallel relationship at the front of the tractor by means of mounting beams 12. Said mounting beams are secured rigidly at forward ends to the rear edges of the side members I I, where they are further braced'and made rigid by gusset plates I3 and downwardly depending bracket plates l4, and the beams extend rearwardly alongside the tractor to which they are secured in any convenient manner. The exact shape and mounting of the beams [2 will, of course, vary according to the type of tractor or automotive prime power source with which the loader is used. In any event the side members' l I making up the frame [0 are rigidly supported forward of the tractor and attention is called to the fact that the side members at lower ends terminate at, or above, the level of the' front axle B of the tractor, and of course forward of the front wheels C. The height of the frame [0 will vary according to the height to which it is desired to lift the load but is such that the loader may operate in relatively confined quarters where there is little head room, when the load is lowered, as will pres ently appear.

The frame side members II are conveniently formed of channels as shown, with the hollows of the channels turned inwardly, and they are rigidly braced by crossed braces l5 and by an upper cross member I6 and lower cross beam 11.

I also provide a secondary or outer movable frame, designated generally at 18, and comprising upright side members l9 which are disposed parallel to and outside of the inner frame side members ll. These side members l9 may be. formed of I-beams or. as here shown, by channels placed back to back and secured together to provide inner and outer upright channels or

grooves

20 and 2|.

' The movable frame side members l9 are secured rigidly togetherby upper and lower' cross,

members 22 and 2-3, respectively, the upper cross member being secured, as by welding, to upper ends of the channels making up said side memit. might interfere bers, while the lower cross member 23, in the form of an angle as shown, is secured to and across forward sides of the side members is with one flange, designated at 24, turned forwardly.

The movable frame I8 is guided for. up and down movements with respect to the rigid frame or -side plates 45 secured together in parallel reflanges 48.

stand in slightly spaced relation to the side I!) by means of flanged rollers 25 which are journailed in vertically spaced series on theouter surfaces of each side member ll of the rigid frame l0. These rollers 25, turn on horizontal axes and are slightly tapered in an outward direction, as clearly shown, so that they will nicely fit the inner channels in the side members IS. The rollers thus serve to guide these side members l9 permitting friction free up and down movements thereof, while preventing forward-or rearward displacement. The flanges 26 of the rollers are disposed in the spaces 21 provided between the side members I i and I9 by the proper proportioning of the width of the respective frames l0 and I8. I I 3 For raising and lowering the movable frame It I provide one or more hydraulic cylinders, 28 into the lower end of which fluid under pressure, re-

ceived from a pump (not shown) driven by. the tractor engine may be admitted, as by means of a. line 29 shown in Fig. 5. A plunger 30 slidably mounted in the cylinder 28 is projected upwardly therefrom by such admission of fluid, and atop this plunger 30 I provide a peripherally. grooved sheave orpulley 3| journaled in a bracket 32. A

cable 33 is secured at one end by a suitable clamp 34 to a plate 35 aflixed to the center of the lower cross member 23 and is trained upwardly over the pulley 3| and back downwardly to the rear, where. the other end of the cable is rigidly secured, asdesignated at 36 (Fig. 5), to a cross piece 31 secured rigidly between the sides of the frame I!) at an appropriate point. Obviously the upward movement of the plunger 30 when fluid is admitted to the cylinder 28 will exert an upward pullon the cable 33 such that the frame l8 will be pulled upward with respect to the rigid frame It), while the return of the fluid from the cylinder will allow the frame 18 to descend of its own weight. A suitable valve :(also not shown) will tion the'carrierframe 44 willcome to rest at the of course be provided tocontrol the flow of fluid to and from the cylinder or cylinders to enable the frame to be raised and lowered at will.

The cylinder 28 is provided at its lower closed end 38 with a downwardly opening socket 39 and a seat member 40 is secured on the lower cross member I! of the rigid frame to engage and enter said socket. This seat member 4|lthus supports the cylinder 28 against all but upward displacement. The upper end of the cylinder isengaged by a removable clamp ring 4| the out wardly turned ends 42 of which are bolted, as at 43, to the cross member 31. It will be evident. therefore, that by merely removing the clamp ring 4| and of course the cable 33, the cylinder 28 may-be readily lifted clear from its seatfor inspection or repair.

Attention is called to the angular position, in thehorizontal plane, in which the pulley 3| is lation by upper and

lower cross members

48 and 41 in the form of angles having forwardly turned The sides 45 are so' spaced as to members I!) of themovable frame! and these sides carry tapered, flanged rollers 49 adjacent.

their upper and lower ends which enterand travel in the outer channels 2lof said side members.

These rollers 49 thus will guide the carrier frame,

44 for upward and downward movements along the movable frame l8 while holding the frames against relative forward and rearward displacement. 3 To thus move the carrier frame 44 upwardlyand downwardly I provide atop the movable frame I8 a pair of pulleys or sheaves 50 supported in bearing brackets 5| secured adjacent to the ends of the upper cross member 22 and provided with hoods 52. A cable, designated generally at 53, is attached near its center to and between a pair of loops 54 secured to the upper cross member 46 of the carrier frame 44 and the ends of this cable are then passedjupwardly in .parallel relation as at 55, trained over the pulleys 50, and then passed downwardly in similarparallel relation, as shown at 56, and attached to eyes 51 secured near the ends of the upper cross member l6 of rigid frame H). The ends of the cable are then lapped and secured together as shownat 58.

With this arrangement it will be evident that,

by properly proportioning the cable lengths, the

carrier frame .44 may be caused to descend to the lower end of. the movable frame 18 when the same is in its lowermost position. Then as said movable frame I8 is moved upwardly, the pulleys 50 will pull upwardly on the cable 53 drawing the carrier frame upwardly along themovable frame I8. When the latter reaches its uppermost posiextreme upper end of the frame I 8.

A load carrying device or work holder, repre- I sented generally at 59, is removably mounted onthe carrier frame 44 and comprises a'rectangular attachment frame 59 havingupper. and lower portions 60 and GI spaced to flt nicely between the upper and lower cross members46 and 41 of the carrier frame, the upper portion 60 lapping the underside of the upper flange 48 and the lower portion 61 overlapping the lower'flange'48. To

secure this attachment frame 59 in place I provide long, T-headed pins 62 which are passed downwardly through openings 63 formed'in'the flanges 48 and saidupper and lower portions-60* and 6| and which openings register when the partsare properly assembled. It will be apparent that the work holder may be readily removed when the pins 62 are grasped v and pulled upwardly. One pin is shown as partially removed in Fig. 6.

The attachment fra e 59 further. memes. sides 64 from the upper forward corners'of which 7 are extended mounting lugs 65. Side plates 66 are pivotally pinned at 6! at rear upper corners to these lugs 65 and are thus arranged to swing in upright planes at forward ends, these side plates 68 being guided in such movements by bars 68 secured to the sides 64 of the attachment frame 59 and slidably engaging the inner surfaces of the side plates. A material bucket 69 of conventional construction is supported by pivots I between the lower forward ends of the side plates 66. These side plates are cut off angularly at forward ends as shown at II and at their upper forward corners carry latches I2 which upwardly and forwardly engage latch pins 13 secured to the rear upper sides of the bucket 69. The latches I2 normally engage the pins 13 to hold the bucket in working position but when the latches are swung downwardly the pins are freed and the bucket may then, of its own weight, tilt about the pivots 10 to dump its load, as indicated in Fig. 5.

The latches 12 are secured to and radially extended from a shaft M which is journaled transversely through the side plates 66 and to operate the latches in unison I provide a trip rope I5 which at one end is connected to a trip lever I6 extending rearwardly from the shaft 14. This rope then extends upwardly through a pulley 11 carried by an arm I8 on one pulley bracket 51 and back downwardly through another pulley I9 attached to the upper cross member I6 of the rigid frame I0. The end 80 of the rope is then extended rearwardly to a point convenient to the hand of the operator of the tractor. It will be understood that a pull upon the end 80 of the trip rope I5 will thus oscillate the latches 12 to release the material bucket 69 and allow it to dump its contents, and it will further be apparent that this rope, running over pulleys positioned respectively at the same levels as the end of the cable 53 and its pulleys 50 will thus not be lengthened or shortencd by the upward and downward movement of the parts so that accidental tripping and unlatching will be prevented.

I also provide means for tilting the material bucket as it is raised and such means comprises rollers 8| carried in. transversely spaced brackets 82 affixed to a cross bar 83 which is suspended at its ends from hangers 84 pivotally attached at upper ends by bolts 85 to the inner surface of the side plates 66. The rollers 8| are so located that they fall immediately forward of the side members I9 making up the movable frame I8 (Fig. 2) and they may be swung forwardly or rearwardly, or toward and away from said side members I9 by swinging the hangers 94 on its pivots 85. Threaded studs 86 are attached to and extended forwardly from the cross bar 83 and passed loosely through apertured clips or bars 81 secured to the side plates 66. Nuts 88 are screwed on the studs 86 both forwardly and rearwardly of the clips 81 to adjustably lock the cross bar 83 against forward or"rearward movements'with respect to the side plates.

The rollers 8| cooperate with upright guide bars 89 which are secured to forward sides of the side members I9 of the movable frame I8 and which extend from near the lower ends of said side members to points near their upper ends. The lower ends of the guide bars are bevelled off as shown at 90. These lower ends of the guide bars 89 terminate at such levels that, when the carrier frame 44, and connected parts including the material bucket, are lowered (Fig. 1) the rollers 8| will fall below the bars but as the carrier frame ascends, in lifting the bucket, the rollers will ride up on the guide bars as will be evident. By properly positioning the rollers it will be equally evident that their engagement with the guide bars 89 will urge the side plates 66 forwardly, swinging them about their pivots 61 and tilting the forward end of the material bucket upwardly, as clearly shown in Fig. 5. The degree to which this tilting is carried out may be varied by' adjusting the nuts 88 to move the rollers 8| forwardly to reduce the tilt, and vice versa.

Such tilting of the bucket of course is an aid in holding its load in place as it is raised and lowered, or transported in a raised position.

I When the parts are in their lowermost positions (Fig. 1) the movable frame I8, in order to lower the material bucket 69 to the ground, or to or below the level on which the tractor operates, will hang below the lower ends of the side members II making up the rigidframe I0. To support the load then, and particularly to counteract the rearward thrust when the bucket 69 is forced into the material to pick up a load, I provide a pair of thrust rollers 9| which are journaled upon a heavy shaft 92 supported transversely in and through the bracket plates I4.

.These rollers are so located that (Fig. 1) they will rearwardly'engage the-side members I9 as they are lowered.

Where load conditionsrequire it, two lifting cylinders may be employed as shown in Fig. '7. In this view all frame parts are identical with those previously described and are accordingly given the same reference numerals. Two parallel cylinders 93and 94' are disposed on the cross member I! and'similarly mounted'by seat members 40 thereon, the fluid being led to the lower ends of these cylinders through any suitable connections such as indicated at 95. The cylinders 93 and 94 thus will operate their plunger-s 96 and 91 in unison and the upper ends of these plungers carry brackets 98 and 99 in which are journaled pulleys I00 and II. A cable, designated generally at I02, is secured by a middle point to a plate I03 on the lower cross member 23 and has its ends extended upwardly as at I04, trained over'the pulleys I00 and IIJI and then passed downwardly at I05 and secured at their extremities to the rigid frame II), as indicated at I06. The upward movements of the plung-ers 96 and 91 in unison will thus pull upon both ends of the cable applying the full lifting power of both cylinders to the movable frame. Here again the pulleys I00 and IOI are angled in the horizontal plane to keep them clear of the movable frame and to best distribute the lifting force to the center of the movable frame and prevent lateral binding effects.

It is believed that the operation of the mechanism as a whole will be understood from the f oregoing without further description. It will be understood that a high lift of the load may be secured or an intermediate lift and that the collapsible nature of the frames makes it possible to operate with low head room where required. High clearance is also provided when the load is lifted, by, the termination of the lower ends of the rigid parts at or near the level of the axle of the tractor itself as has been described;

The use of the removable pins 62 for connecting the load handling parts to the moving frames enables the convenient removal and replacement of the material bucket, as here shown, with other parts suitable for other work.

It is understood that suitable modifications ,may be made inthe structure as disclosed, pro- }vided such modifications come within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. ,therefore fully illustrated'and described my, invention, what I claim to be new and desire to Having now protect by Letters Patent is: Y

1. A load handling mechanism comprising, in

combination, a frame structure having side members, means for moving said side members up and down, a carrier frame mounted for up and down movements along said side members, a load carry- I endsas the carrying device moves upwardly.

2-. A load handling mechanism comprising, in combination, a frame structure having side members, means for movingsaid side members up and down, a carrier frame mounted for up and down movements alongsaid side members, a load carrying device having side plates, the said side plates being pivotally attached to said carrier frame at upper corner portions at pointsforwardly of the said side members for upand down movements at their forward ends, upright guide bars on thesaid side members, and means associated with said load carrying device and located below said pivotal attachments of the side plates to the carrier member for engagement with said guide bars to thereby swing the side plates upwardly at forward ends as the load carrying device moves upwardly.

3. In a load handling mechanism ofthe character described, a frame including Side members having upright channels at outer sides, a carrier frame arranged outside of said side members for up and down movements with respect thereto, the said carrier frame having upright sides disposed along outersides of the channels in the said side members, rollers journaled adjacent upper and lower ends of each side of the carrier frame in position for rolling engagement with the saidchannels, and load carrying means attached to said sides ofthe carrier frame.

4. A load handling mechanism comprising, in combination, a rigidly supported frame including upright sides, a vertically movable frame including side members disposed outwardly of the said rigid frame, the said side members of the movable frame having upright channels on both their inher and their outer lateral surfaces, rollers carried by the sides of the rigid frame and operating in the inner channels of the side members to support said movable frame for up and down movements with respect to the rigid frame, a carrier frame having sides disposed outwardly and laterally of the movable frame, and'rollers on said carrier frame sides operating in the outer channels of said side members and supporting the carrier frame for up and down movements with respect to said movable frame.

,5. In a load carrying device, a rigid frame, a movable frame operatively arranged for up and down movements with respect to said rigid frame, aiload carrying means supported forwardly from said movable framasaid movable frame having I upright side members, and rollers depended from and supported by the rigid frame for engaging the lower rear portions of said side members when the movable frame is lowered.

,6. A load carrying mechanism for awheeled vehicle having a wheel supported front axle,comprisingin combination, a rigid upright frame supportedat the forward end of the vehicle and terminating at its lower end above the levelof said frontpaxle, a movable frame operatively I up aload when the, movable frame is lowered,

and means rigidly supported to engage the rear of the lower ends of the side members of said movable frame when it is lowered to thereby'absorb'the rearward thrust when the load is picked up. V, v

7. In a load handling mechanism of the-character described, a main frame having a cross member, a movable frame arranged for up and down movements with respect to said mainframe, and means for raising and lowering said movable frame, said means including at least one hydrausaid main frame, the lower .end of the cylinder lic cylinder supported in an upright position in having a socket, and a seat member onsaid cross member of the main frame and adapted to enter said socket and support and center the cylinder.

8. In a load handling mechanism of the character described, a main frame having a cross member, a movableframe arranged for-up and down movements with respect. to said main frame, and means for raising and lowering said, movable frame, said means including at least one hydraulic cylindersupported in an upright position in said main frame, the lower end ofv the cylinder having a socket, a seat member on said cross member of the main frame and adapted to enter said socket and support 'andcenter thecylinder, the saidmain frame having upright side portions, and a clamp member supported be,-

tween said .side portions and releasably engaging an upper end portion of said cylinder.

9. In a load handling mechanism of the character described, the combination comprising, an upright rigid frame, a movable frame operatively s pported for up and down movements alongside said rigid frame, a carrier means operatively supportedfor up and down movements along with and with respect to said movable frame, means for raising and lowering the movable frame and carrier means, avmaterial bucket tiltably supportedfrom said carrier means, latch mechanism for releasably holding said bucket against tilting,

and a trip rope for operating said latch mechanism, the said trip rope being connected at one end to said latch mechanism, passed upwardly with running engagement at the upper end of "the movable frame and then back downwardly with'running engagement at the upper end of the rigid frame in such manner as to overcome the tendency of theraising and lowering of the movable frame and carrier means toward lengthening and shortening the rope.

I 10. In a load handling mechanism of the character described, a work carrier having upper and lower parallel supporting members, a work holder having upper and lower members disposable respectively below and above thecorresponding upper and lower supporting members, the said upper and lower members of both the carrier and holder having vertically aligned openings, and

pins removably disposed downwardly through the said openings to secure said work holder to the carrier.

11. A load handling mechanism, comprising in combination, an upright frame, a load carrier member mounted for up and down movements along the frame and pivotally supported for swinging movements with respect to the frame, said frame having an upright guide surface terminating at a lower end above the position assumed by said carrier member in its lowermost position, and means carried by said carrier member for engagement with said guide surface as the member rises to swing said member about its pivotal support.

12. A load handling mechanism, comprising in combination, an upright frame, a load carrier member mounted for up and down movements along the frame and pivotally supported for swinging movements with respect to the frame. said frame having an upright guide surface, a member carried by said carrier member for engaging said guide surface as the carrier member is raised and operative to tilt the carrier member about its pivotal support, and said engaging member being adjustably supported for adjustment toward and away from the guide surface.

13. A load handling mechanism for a wheeled frame, comprising an inner upright frame rigidly supported on the frame, an outer frame having upright sides disposed outwardly of the inner frame and movable up and down with respect thereto, a load carrier having portions overlapping outer sides of the outer frame and movable up and down with respect thereto, and means for raising and lowering the outer frame and carrier.

14. A load handling mechanism for a wheeled frame, comprising an inner upright frame rigidly supported on the frame, an outer frame having upright sides disposed outwardly of the inner frame and movable up and down with respect thereto, a load carrier having portions overlapping outer sides of the outer frame and movable up and down with respect thereto, cross braces between the sides of the inner frame, a top cross member connecting the upper ends of the outer frame sides above the inner frame, a lower cross member connecting lower ends of the outer frame sides and disposed forwardly of the inner frame sides to clear the same as the outer frame moves up and down, and means for raising and lowering the outer frame and carrier.

15. A load handling mechanism, comprising in combination, a rigid upright frame, a movable frame supported for up and down movements with respect to the rigid frame, a load carrier supported on the movable frame for up and down movements with respect thereto, an operating member arranged on the rigid frame and carrying a pulley adapted to be raised and lowered. a cable connected at opposite ends to the rigid and movable frames and trained intermediate its ends over said pulley, another pulley carried at the upper portion of the movable frame, and another cable secured at its ends respectively to the load carrier and rigid frame and trained between its ends over the last mentioned pulley.

16. A load carrying mechanism for a vehicle having a wheel supported axle, comprising in combination, a rigid upright frame supported on the vehicle adjacent the axle and terminating at its lower end above said axle, a movable frame supported on the rigid frame and having side members adapted to hang below the rigid frame in a lowered position of the movable frame, load carrying means supported on said movable frame and adapted to be forced into a load by movement of the vehicle while said movable frame is lowered. and rollers rigidly supported to engage rear surfaces of the side members of the movable frame below said rigid frame to resist the thrust as the load carrying means is forced into the load.

17. In a load handling mechanism of the character described, a work carrier having upper and lower parallel supporting members, a work holder having upper and lower members disposable in overlapping engagement with the said upper and lower supporting members, said members having openings which register when they are overlapped, and pins removably disposed in said openings to detachably secure the carrier and holder in assembled relation.

18. A load handling mechanism comprising, in combination, a frame structure having side members, means for moving said side members up and down, a carrier frame mounted for up and down movements along said side members, a load carrying device having side plates, the said side plates being pivotally attached to said carrier frame and forwardly of said side members, guide bars supported on the frame structure, and rollers operatively connected to said side plates and cooperating with said guide bars to tilt the side plates and load carrying device upwardly at forward ends as they move upwardly.

19. In a load handling mechanism, a rigidly supported frame having rollers at its sides. a movable frame having means forming upright channels to receive said rollers and support the movable frame for up and down movements with respect to and alongside the rigid frame, said movable frame also having'other means forming channels substantially parallel with the first men tioned channels, and a load carrier having rollers positioned in the second mentioned channels and supporting the carrier for up and down movements with respect to the movable frame.

2,0. In a load carrying device, a rigid frame, a movable frame operatively arranged for up and down movements with respect to said rigid frame, a load carrying means supported forwardly from said movable frame, said movable frame having side portions, and at least one roller supported below the rigid frame and adapted to forwardly engage the side portions of the movable frame when it is lowered.

21. A load carrying mechanism for a wheeled vehicle having a wheel supported front axle. comprising in combination, a rigid upright frame supported at the forward end of the vehicle and terminating at its lower end above the level of said front axle, a movable frame operatively arranged for up and down movements with respect to said rigid frame and having a portion adapted to hang below the rigid frame when the movable frame is lowered, load carrying means supported from said movable frame and adapted when that frame is lowered to be moved forward to pick up a load, and means rigidly supported to engage said hanging portion of the movable frame when it is lowered to absorb the rearward thrust when the load is picked up.

LE GRAND H. LUL L.