Material handling lift vehicle and suspension system for use therewith

Abstract

A material handling lift for moving a load horizontally over a surface and vertically with respect to that surface and a suspension system for the material handling lift. The material handling lift includes a frame with wheels for traveling over the surface. At least one of the wheels is a drive wheel mounted on a vertically-oriented steering column. The steering column is connected to the frame by a parallelogram type suspension system which includes swing arms that are pivotally connected to the frame. A stabilizer bar is connected between the free ends of the swing arms and a shock dampener is connected between the frame and a swing arm. The suspension system helps dampen the shock of traveling over uneven terrain, helps to keep the steering column vertical and the wheels of the vehicle on the ground thereby helping to maintain constant traction with the surface and control of the steering, braking and acceleration of the vehicle. Furthermore, the suspension system aids in providing constant steering effort for the vehicle, regardless of the weight of the load carried.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.