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US 10,703,151 B2Granted
Tugger cage cart locking device
AssigneeTarget Brands, Inc.
InventorJustin Newman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for securing the connection between carts that are configured to connect to each other to form a train of carts, as well as for securing the connection between a cart and a tugger that tows the carts. The system and method involves providing a spring biased blocking plate that is positioned above the boss of the drawbar when the drawbar is engaged with a hitch plate. The blocking plate limits vertical movement of the drawbar thereby preventing inadvertent disconnection of the drawbar from the hitch plate.
Claims13
A hitch assembly comprising:
- a hitch plate that is configured to extend in a rearward direction, the hitch plate including a vertical aperture;
- a drawbar locking assembly positioned above the hitch plate, the drawbar locking assembly including:
- a guide assembly positioned above the hitch plate, wherein the guide assembly includes at least two parallel bars that extend rearwardly;
- a blocking plate configured to slide rearwardly and forwardly along the guide assembly;
- and
- at least one spring that biases the blocking plate rearwardly.
3 more elements
A cart comprising:
- a chassis having a front end and a rear end;
- a plurality of wheels connected to the chassis configured to support the chassis;
- a drawbar mount extending from the front end of the chassis, the drawbar having a downwardly extending boss at its distal end, the drawbar being pivotally connected to the front end of the chassis;
- a hitch connected to the rear end of the chassis, the hitch includes:
- a hitch plate that is configured to extend in a rearward direction, the hitch plate including a vertical aperture;
- a drawbar locking assembly positioned above the hitch plate, the drawbar locking assembly including:
- a plate guide assembly positioned above the hitch plate;
- a blocking plate configured to slide rearwardly and forwardly along the plate guide assembly;
- and
- at least one spring that biases the blocking plate rearwardly.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.