Modular powered mover attachment
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsChristian A. Brunckhorst, Nicholas J. Brimlow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus for moving different movable loads. The apparatus includes channels that can be engaged by a fork lift, pallet jack, or other powered mover. The apparatus also includes a mounting plate disposed between the channels. The mounting plate includes a receiver channel. The apparatus includes a plurality of load support tools that can selectively engage the receiver channel. The load support tools include different respective end effectors. A load can be engaged with the end effector of a selected load support tool such that the apparatus can move the load.
Claims17
An apparatus for moving a load, comprising:
- a pair of channels arranged in a spaced apart manner and arranged to receive forks of a powered mover;
- a mounting plate disposed between the channels;
- a receiver channel mounted to the mounting plate and oriented in a first direction;
- a plurality of load support tools, wherein each load support tool includes an adaptor configured to be interchangably inserted in the receiver channel, wherein each of the plurality of load support tools includes a different end effector for engaging a different load;
- and
- a plurality of storage receiver channels oriented in one or more second directions that are substantially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the storage receiver channels are arranged on at least one of the pair of channels and the mounting plate, wherein the storage receiver channels are configured to store the plurality of load support tools when the load support tools are located outside of the receiver channel.
A mover, comprising:
- a chassis;
- two load lifting forks extending in a substantially horizontal direction from the chassis, wherein each of the two load lifting forks include a wheel toward a distal end of the fork, wherein the forks can be selectively raised and lowered relative to the chassis and the wheels;
- and
- a mover platform, including:
- a pair of channels arranged over the load lifting forks;
- a mounting plate disposed between the channels;
- a receiver channel mounted to the mounting plate and extending in the substantially horizontal direction;
- a plurality of load support tools, wherein each load support tool includes an adaptor configured to be interchangably inserted in the receiver channel, wherein each of the plurality of load support tools includes a different end effector for engaging a different load;
- and
- a plurality of storage receiver channels oriented in one or more directions that are substantially perpendicular to the horizontal direction, wherein the storage receiver channels are arranged on at least one of the pair of channels and the mounting plate, wherein the storage receiver channels are configured to store the plurality of load support tools when the load support tools are located outside of the receiver channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.