Operator control system for a materials handling vehicle
AssigneeCrown Equipment Corporation
InventorsJohn Hinders, Adam M. Ruppert, Craig Rekow, Matthew Jacob Otto, Cole Thomas Steinbrunner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An operator control system is provided for a materials handling vehicle, the materials handling vehicle including an operator station having a support structure. The operator control system includes an operator control assembly having a housing mounted to or integral with the support structure, and at least one control element for controlling a function of the vehicle. One or both of the housing and/or the control element is positionable in a plurality of positions.
Claims12
An operator control system for a materials handling vehicle, the materials handling vehicle including an operator station having a support structure, the operator control system comprising:
- an operator control assembly comprising:
- a housing mounted to or integral with the support structure, the housing comprising a socket;
- and
- a steering assembly for steering the materials handling vehicle, the steering assembly comprising a steering control structure and a base structure from which the steering control structure extends, wherein the base structure comprises a base plate and a mount coupled to the base plate, the mount being pivotably mounted within the socket of the housing such that the steering assembly is movable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein:
- when in the first position, the steering control structure extends from the base structure in a first angular orientation;
- and
- when in the second position, the steering control structure extends from the base structure in a second angular orientation different from the first orientation;
- and
- a lock assembly for locking the steering assembly in at least one of the first position or the second position, wherein the lock assembly comprises a lock release structure for unlocking the lock assembly such that the steering assembly can be moved between the first position and the second position.
An operator control system for a materials handling vehicle, the materials handling vehicle including an operator station having a support structure, the operator control system comprising:
- an operator control assembly comprising:
- a housing mounted to or integral with the support structure, the housing comprising a socket;
- and
- a steering assembly for steering the materials handling vehicle, the steering assembly comprising a steering control structure and a base structure from which the steering control structure extends, wherein the base structure comprises a base plate and a mount coupled to the base plate, the mount being pivotably mounted within the socket of the housing such that the steering assembly is movable between at least a first position and a second position, wherein:
- when in the first position, the steering control structure extends from the base structure in a first orientation and is oriented at an acute angle relative to a vertical plane, wherein the vertical plane is perpendicular to a horizontal floor surface of the vehicle;
- and
- when in the second position, the steering control structure extends from the base structure in a second orientation different from the first orientation and is oriented at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane, wherein the horizontal plane is parallel to the horizontal floor surface of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.