# US 11,440,572 B2 · Modular pallet jack

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- Number: US 11,440,572 B2
- Document ID: US11440572B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/126,162
- Filed: 2020-12-18
- Published: 2021-06-10
- Granted: 2022-09-13
- Earliest claimed: 2016-02-22
- Assignees: Rehrig Pacific Company
- Applicants: Rehrig Pacific Company
- Inventors: Dane Gin Mun Kalinowski; Philip A. King
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11440572B2

## CPC

- B62B 3/06: for simply clearing the load from the ground (masted lift trucks B66F)
- B62B 3/02: involving parts being adjustable, collapsible, attachable, detachable or convertible
- B62B 2203/20: using forks or tines
- B62B 2205/006: dismountable
- B62B: HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES (characterised by animal propulsion B62C; propulsion of sledges by driver or engine B62M)

## Abstract

A lift for a fork tine assembly includes a generally upright frame having at least one handle grip portion at a rearward portion thereof. The handle grip portion is fixed relative to the frame. A lift mechanism is secured to the frame. The lift mechanism is capable of attaching to and raising and lowering at least one fork tine. A plurality of wheels support the frame. The at least one fork tine may be part of a first fork tine assembly that can be selectively removed from the lift and replaced with a different configuration fork tine assembly. An optional shelf is provided on the frame for convenience but may be pivoted out of the way when not in use.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for operating lift assembly including the steps of:
a) selectively connecting a first fork tine assembly to a lift, wherein the first fork tine assembly includes a pair of first fork tines connected to one another by a first cross-beam, the first fork tine assembly further including a first push rod within each first fork tine connected to a first wheel pivotably connected to the first fork tine;
b) lifting and moving at least one pallet with the first fork tine assembly;
c) after said steps a) and b), removing the first fork tine assembly from the lift;
d) after said step c), selectively connecting a second fork tine assembly to the lift, wherein the second fork tine assembly includes a pair of second fork tines connected to one another by a second cross-beam, the second fork tine assembly further including a second push rod within each second fork tine connected to a second wheel pivotably connected to the second fork tine; and
e) lifting and moving at least one pallet with the second fork tine assembly.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the first fork tine assembly has a fork tine configuration that is different from the second fork tine assembly.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2 wherein the second fork tines are spaced further from one another than are the first fork tines.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2 wherein said step c) further includes disconnecting the first push rods from the lift.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The method of claim 4 wherein said step d) further includes connecting the second push rods to the lift.

### Claim 6

A method for operating lift assembly including the steps of:
a) selectively connecting a first fork tine assembly to a lift, wherein the first fork tine assembly includes a pair of first fork tines connected to one another as a single unit, the first fork tine assembly further including a first push rod within each first fork tine connected to a first wheel pivotably connected to the first fork tine;
b) lifting and moving at least one pallet with the first fork tine assembly;
c) after said steps a) and b), removing the first fork tine assembly from the lift;
d) after said step c), selectively connecting a second fork tine assembly to the lift, wherein the second fork tine assembly includes a pair of second fork tines connected to one another as a single unit, the second fork tine assembly further including a second push rod within each second fork tine connected to a second wheel pivotably connected to the second fork tine, wherein the first fork tine assembly has a fork tine configuration that is different from the second fork tine assembly; and
e) lifting and moving at least one pallet with the second fork tine assembly.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6 wherein the second fork tines are spaced further from one another than are the first fork tines.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6 wherein said step c) further includes disconnecting the first push rods from the lift.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The method of claim 8 wherein said step d) further includes connecting the second push rods to the lift.