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.
Claims20
A load moving apparatus, comprising:
- a steerable chassis;
- two forks extending from the chassis;
- and
- a mover platform comprising:
- a mounting plate extending from the chassis, wherein the mounting plate is arranged between and rigidly attached to the two forks;
- a receiver channel mounted to the mounting plate;
- and
- 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.
A method of moving a load, comprising:
- positioning, using a steerable chassis, a mover platform to align a first end effector with a target load, wherein the first end effector is included in a first load support tool of a plurality of load support tools, wherein each of the plurality of load support tools includes a different end effector for engaging different loads and further includes an adaptor for inserting into a receiver channel of the mover platform, wherein a first adaptor of the first load support tool is inserted into the receiver channel;
- raising the mover platform to engage the first end effector with the target load;
- and
- moving, when the first end effector is engaged with the target load, the mover platform to move the target load.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.