Forklift fork adapter
AssigneeAPM Terminals North America, Inc.
InventorGuy A. Buzzoni
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An adapter for a forklift is used to transport out-of-gage loads. The adapter includes a frame, first and second arms extending from and supported by the frame, and first and second adapter forks. The frame is adapted to be coupled with a forklift having two forks, which are separated by a first distance. The first adapter fork extends from and is supported by the first arm. The second adapter fork extends from and is supported by the second arm. The first and second adapter forks are separated by a second distance, which is different than the first distance.
Claims19
An adapter for a forklift fork for use in transporting out-of-gage loads, comprising:
- a frame being adapted to be coupled with a forklift having two forks, the two forklift forks separated by a first distance;
- a first arm extending from and supported by the frame;
- a second arm extending from and supported by the frame;
- a first adapter fork extending from and supported by the first arm;
- and
- a second fork extending from and supported by the second arm, the first and second adapter forks separated by a second distance, the second distance being different than the first distance.
A method of transporting out-of-gage loads using a forklift adapter, the forklift adapter including a frame being adapted to be coupled with a forklift having two forks, the two forklift forks separated by a first distance, a first arm extending from and supported by the frame, a second arm extending from and supported by the frame, the second arm being generally parallel to the first arm, a first adapter fork extending from and supported by the first arm, and a second adapter fork extending from and supported by the second arm, the second adapter fork being generally parallel to the first adapter fork, the first and second adapter forks separated by a second distance, the second distance being different than the first distance, the method comprising:
- positioning a forklift proximate the forklift adapter, the forklift having a first forklift fork and a second forklift fork;
- inserting the first and second forklift forks into the frame;
- moving the first and second forklift forks a third distance in a first direction, the first direction being generally perpendicular to the first plane;
- positioning the forklift and the forklift adapter proximate the out-of-gage load;
- and
- moving the first and second forklift forks a fourth distance in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first plane, the fourth distance being different than the third distance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.