Container transport safety systems and devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a safety system for a container transport vehicle and a vehicle-mounted device for manipulating the container. The system provides the ability to quickly and easily stop operation of the vehicle-mounted device and / or the vehicle in an emergency to maintain the safe operation of the device and vehicle.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 23749836CONTAINER TRANSPORT SAFETY SYSTEMS AND DEVICESFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and devices for improving safety in vehicle-mounted loading and unloading systems for storage containers. More particularly, the invention relates to safety systems and vehicle-mounted devices that provide improved safety features during loading and unloading of a storage container on a container transport vehicle, as well as safety improvements to the vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0002] Container transport vehicles are used to load and unload containers at a pickup or a drop-off location. Vehicles for the loading, transport, and unloading of storage containers are known, for example as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,074,004; 7,270,511;7,241,100; and 7,264,437. Safety in the operation of heavy equipment is of critical importance to the operator and for the uninterrupted operation of the equipment for any use. However, vehicles for the loading, transport, and unloading of storage containers are in need of improved safety features. The present invention provides systems and devices for improved, safer operation of vehicles, including container transport vehicles described in the above patents, which are hereby incorporated by reference.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is a safety system adapted to be operably engaged with a vehicle, wherein the safety system comprises a vehicle-Attorney Docket No. 23749836 mounted device capable of loading a container onto the vehicle, unloading the container from the vehicle, and being transported with the vehicle; wherein the vehicle-mounted device comprises a horizontal translatory system, a vertical translatory system, and a safety device, wherein the safety device is capable of ceasing an operation of the vehicle-mounted device or vehicle. The safety system operates as needed to ensure safe operation of the vehicle-mounted device.

[0004] Included as vehicles and devices of the invention are container transport vehicles comprising vehicle-mounted devices for loading and unloading containers and comprising safety systems, including emergency stop systems, for controlling various functions thereof to enhance safety. In various embodiments of the invention, an operator can control vehicle functions from a main electrical box, a wired pendant, or a wireless pendant. A vehiclemounted device can lift, lower, and traverse a container toward or away from a vehicle’s cab. During loading, the container can be lifted from ground level to clear the vehicle frame or chassis then traverse horizontally towards the cab, and then lowered to rest on the vehicle frame or chassis. During unloading, the container can be raised vertically and traversed horizontally away from the cab, past the vehicle frame or chassis, and then lowered to ground level. In various embodiments, the vehicle is a truck, or more specifically a moving truck. In other embodiments, switches, relays, sensors, and solenoids are control devices that control or coordinate functions of the vehicle or vehicle-mounted device, or both, and control the traversal of the container by operating device components including forks and a traverse carriage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0005] FIG. l is a perspective view showing a schematic layout of a safety system and components of the invention for use on container transport vehicles.Attorney Docket No. 23749836

[0006] FIG. 2 shows an emergency stop button of the present invention, along with a jacks up confirmation switch.

[0007] FIG. 3 shows perspective views of emergency stop buttons and control devices of the invention. FIG. 3A additionally shows a wireless receiver plug for use with a wireless control device. FIG. 3B additionally shows a wired plug for use with a wired control device.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a schematic layout of a wireless control device of the invention.

[0009] FIG. 5 shows a wired control device of the invention. 5A is a side view of the device, and FIG. 5B is a view of controls on the device.

[0010] FIG. 6 shows controls for aspects of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 7 shows controls for work lights and jacks indicators of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a detail view of the schematic of FIG. 1 showing the carriage lock.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a safety system and proximity switches of the present invention.

[0014] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C show excerpts of track systems of the present invention comprising links. FIG. 10B shows a track system comprising a separator, and 10C shows a track system with high walls of each link.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a schematic layout of top level electrical connections of components of a safety system of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a schematic layout of an electrical circuit for an emergency stop system of the invention.Attorney Docket No. 23749836DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] References to various elements described herein are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type, for instance, “jack” or “jacks”. Thus, reference to an element in the singular can also be construed to include plural elements and vice versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to an exact number or type of such elements.

[0018] When introducing elements of the various embodiment(s) of the present disclosure, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Any reference to an element in the singular may also relate to plural elements and vice versa without limiting the invention to an exact number of such elements.

[0019] “Carriage lock” as used herein means a vertical pin is extended through an aligning hole when the carriage is all the way forward proximal to a vehicle cab to prevent the carriage from moving. The pin can be moved by a small hydraulic cylinder as controlled by various devices of the invention.

[0020] “Jack” as used herein means vertical outriggers on the left and right side at the rear of the vehicle distal to the vehicle cab are rods of hydraulic cylinders that can extend down to ground level to stabilize a vehicle of the present invention. Left and right jacks can be controlled independently by devices of the invention.

[0021] “Lift” when referring to functions herein comprises up and down motions of forks, e.g. along a mast, which can be guided and supported by rollers, e.g., in C-shapedAttorney Docket No. 23749836 vertical rails. The lift function can be powered by a two-stage, one-way hydraulic cylinder as part of a hoist, for example.

[0022] “Swing” as used herein refers to a device that can angle in or out a horizontal member or fork on a vehicle-mounted device, wherein the member hangs from a pivot point and can be angled in to stow under a container when the container is transported on a vehicle, or angled out to fit on each side of the container when lifting or lowering it.

[0023] Tilt” as used herein means that a vertical mast can lean slightly forward or backward to adjust the angle of the forks relative to the vehicle frame or chassis.

[0024] Traverse” as used herein means a carriage that moves forwards and backwards along a vehicle bed. It can be guided and supported by rollers in C-profde horizontal rails. The traverse function can be powered by a hydraulic motor and employ a gearbox.

[0025] Other features and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail below.

[0026] An embodiment of the present disclosure is a safety system capable of controlling the operation of a vehicle-mounted device for loading or unloading a container, and ceasing operation of the vehicle-mounted device when necessary to ensure safe operation of the device. In one embodiment, the safety system ceases operation of the vehicle-mounted device when the system is engaged. In another embodiment, the safety system is an emergency stop system. In yet another embodiment, the system is capable of ceasing a function of the vehiclemounted device. In a specific embodiment, the system ceases the vertical and horizontal motion of the container and the vehicle-mounted device, or any one or more of the foregoing.

[0027] In an embodiment, a container transport vehicle is configured with a vehicle-mounted device capable of loading a container onto the vehicle, unloading the containerAttorney Docket No. 23749836 from the vehicle, and being transported with the vehicle. The safety system of the present invention is adapted to be operably engaged with the vehicle and the vehicle-mounted device.

[0028] Safety systems of the present disclosure can comprise a vehicle-mounted device comprising a horizontal translatory system and a vertical translatory system, and one or more safety devices. FIG. 1 shows components of a vehicle-mounted device as described herein. An embodiment of the present disclosure is a system comprising a vehicle-mounted device that comprises a horizontal translatory system and a vertical translatory system. The translatory system can be located behind the cab of the vehicle, wherein a track system allows the vehiclemounted device to traverse horizontally and vertically in order to manipulate a storage container for loading, unloading, or transport on a vehicle. In a further embodiment, the translatory system is a traverse.

[0029] In one embodiment, the track system comprises links. The track system can be as shown in FIG. 10. In yet another embodiment, the track system comprises a chain. In yet another embodiment, the track system comprises a loop. In one embodiment, the translatory system comprises a track for hydraulic or electrical lines, or both. In a specific embodiment, the track comprises a separator to separate electrical lines from hydraulic lines. The separator can be as depicted in FIG. 10B. The track system can be open or closed, and wires can be threaded through the interior of the track system. The track can have an anchor at the proximal or distal end of the vehicle-mounted device from the vehicle cab, e.g. a chain anchor as shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] In one embodiment, the safety system is an emergency stop system. The emergency stop system can be connected as shown in FIG. 11 and comprise components therein as described further herein. In another embodiment, the emergency stop system comprises a circuit. The emergency stop system can be as shown in FIG. 12 and comprise componentsAttorney Docket No. 23749836 therein as described further herein. In one embodiment, the circuit must be powered before the vehicle-mounted device can be operated. In another embodiment, the circuit must be powered before vehicle functions will operate. In another embodiment, the circuit is an emergency stop circuit that must be powered before functions will operate. In yet another embodiment, the emergency stop circuit comprises a power source, an emergency stop button, and controls for the vehicle-mounted device. In one embodiment, the emergency stop system comprises a fail-safe. In a specific embodiment, the emergency stop circuit comprises a fail-safe.

[0031] In one embodiment, the safety system is a fail-safe system, wherein if any part of the circuit connecting the system fails, is broken, or is switched off, the vehicle and vehicle-mounted machine will not be a dangerous state. To accomplish this, the safety system can employ a continuous signal through an emergency stop circuit to operate. If the signal is ever lost or the circuit broken, e.g., by activating an emergency stop switch, a component failure, a broken wire, or an otherwise broken connection, the vehicle or vehicle-mounted device, or both, will cease to function.

[0032] The emergency stop mechanism can also manually be used to cease operation of the vehicle-mounted device, including any or all electric and hydraulic functions of the vehicle-mounted device. Once the vehicle-mounted device ceases operation, the emergency stop mechanism must be manually toggled to resume operation of the vehicle-mounted device. In one embodiment, after the emergency stop mechanism ceases operation of the vehicle-mounted device, operation of the vehicle is not otherwise affected by the emergency stop mechanism. In another embodiment, the emergency stop mechanism ceases operation of the vehicle and the vehicle-mounted device.Attorney Docket No. 23749836

[0033] Another embodiment of the presently disclosed invention comprises multiple safety devices at various locations on or near a vehicle and connected in a circuit. When one section of the circuit fails, the vehicle-mounted device, vehicle, or both, will cease one or more operations. In another embodiment, an emergency stop system comprises a circuit. In one embodiment, the circuit must be powered before the vehicle or vehicle-mounted device, can be operated, e.g., before the vehicle’s engine will run or any vehicle or vehicle-mounted device functions will operate.

[0034] In various embodiments, proximity switches are used to create electromechanical linkages (interlocks) preventing operations of some functions if device components are not positioned correctly or safely. Proximity switches can be as depicted in FIG. 9.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a safety device comprises a control device to control the vehicle-mounted device. The control device may be wired or wireless. The control device comprises a mechanism to operate the vehicle-mounted device to manipulate a container onto and off of the vehicle. The control device also comprises a control device mechanism to cease an operation of the vehicle mounted device. In various embodiments, the mechanism comprises a switch or a button. In various embodiments the switch can be a toggle, trigger, or button, such as a mushroom button. In another embodiment, the control device mechanism to cease operation of the vehicle, including the vehicle engine, vehicle ignition, vehicle fuel supply optionally through an electric fuel valve, vehicle-mounted device motor, vehicle-mounted device ignition, vehicle-mounted device fuel supply, or hydraulic or electric functions of the vehicle-mounted device. In one embodiment, when an operation of the vehicle-mounted device ceases, the vehicle-mounted device must be restarted to perform anAttorney Docket No. 23749836 operation. A control device may be connected to an electrical system of the vehicle-mounted device via a wire or cable, or may communicate with the electrical system wirelessly.

[0036] In yet another embodiment, the safety system comprises a control device.In various embodiments, the control device can be wired or wireless.

[0037] In another embodiment, the safety system comprises a control device electrical box, which comprises an electrical interface for a control device. The control device electrical box can comprise an emergency stop mechanism. A control device is operably connected to the control device electrical box through an electrical interface. In an embodiment, the control device electrical interface comprises a control device plug.

[0038] The control device plug provides an electrical connection between the control device and a control device electrical box. In an embodiment, a wired control device is operably connected to the control device plug via a wire. Embodiments of a wired plug and emergency stop button can be as shown in FIG. 3 A and described herein. In yet another embodiment, a wireless control device is operably connected to the control device plug wirelessly. Embodiments of a wireless plug and emergency stop button can be as shown in FIG. 3B and described herein.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wired control device is connected to the control device plug via a wire or cord. The connection of the wired control device to the control device plug completes the circuit of the safety system. When the wireless control device is used, a jumper wire cap is connected to the control device plug. The connection of the jumper wire cap to the control device plug completes the circuit of the wireless safety system. In another embodiment, an antenna receiver is located in the jumper wire cap and is in electronic communication with a wireless control device. If neither a wired control device nor aAttorney Docket No. 23749836 jumper wire cap are connected to the control device plug, the circuit will be in a disconnected state and the safety system will cease or prevent operation of a vehicle-mounted device.

[0040] When a wired control device is used, the wired control device is plugged into a control device plug of a control device electrical box. When a wireless control device is used, a jumper wire cap is plugged into a control device plug of a control device electrical box. When a wireless control device is employed, the wireless control device enabling mechanism must be enabled. For example, the wireless control device enabling mechanism of a main electrical box is set to an “ENABLE” or “ON” position to supply power to the wireless control device but not to a wired control device. When a main electrical box is used to operate the vehicle-mounted device in place of a control device, the jumper wire cap is plugged into the control device plug of the control device electrical box and the wireless control device enabling mechanism of the main electrical box is set to a “DISABLE” or “OFF” position to supply power to the main electrical box but not to a wireless control device.

[0041] When the control device is a wireless control device, it comprises a transmitter in wireless communication with the vehicle or vehicle-mounted device, wherein the vehicle or vehicle-mounted device comprises a wireless receiver, which can be an antenna. The wireless control device can be a wireless pendant, and can be powered by one or more batteries that can be rechargeable or disposable. The wireless pendant can comprise controls as shown in FIG. 4. and as described herein. The wireless receiver can be powered by the vehicle battery, vehicle engine, vehicle-mounted device motor, or a battery. The operable distance between the transmitter and receiver can be up to about 500 feet, including up to about 400 feet, up to about 300 feet, up to about 200 feet, up to about 100 feet, or up to about 50 feet. Alternatively the operable distance can be about 0.5 foot to about 300 feet, about 1.0 foot to about 10 feet, aboutAttorney Docket No. 2374983610.0 feet to about 20 feet, about 20.0 feet to about 30 feet, about 30 to about 60 feet, from about60 feet to about 90 feet, from about 90.0 feet to about 100 feet, from about 100.0 feet to about 200 feet, from about 200.0 feet to about 300 feet, about 300.0 feet to about 400 feet, or about 400.0 feet to about 500 feet.

[0042] In one embodiment, a wireless control device and receiver are programmed to have a normally closed emergency stop switch, which can be a button. When the receiver is powered, communication to the transmitter is active, and the button is not pressed, the receiver can produce an output signal via an output connected to an emergency stop circuit, preventing the circuit from activating. The output signal can be a 12 V signal. When an emergency stop button on the receiver is pressed, the output signal on the receiver is turned off and an emergency stop of the vehicle is activated. When the emergency stop is activated, at least engine ignition and fuel supply functions are turned off, and unavailable for use until the emergency stop is reset. In an embodiment, the emergency stop switch is a mushroom button. In one embodiment, the emergency stop button is activated by pushing the button. In another embodiment, the button is a mushroom button, and the emergency stop is reset by pulling the mushroom button. If a wireless pendant will be used, it must be enabled, e.g. by setting a corresponding wireless pendant switch to “ENABLE” and the transmitter be powered on.

[0043] In an embodiment, the control device comprises a switch that closes the emergency stop circuit when the switch is held or depressed. Once the switch is released, the circuit will open. In one embodiment, the switch is a button, toggle, lever, or trigger. In another embodiment, the control device comprises a switch that opens the circuit when the switch is held or depressed. In one embodiment, the control device comprises a switch that is normally closed. In another embodiment, the wireless control device, which can be a pendant, comprises a pushAttorney Docket No. 23749836 button switch that operates on the principle that the circuit is closed only when the switch is held in the closed state. Once the switch is released, the circuit will open.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the safety system comprises a main electrical box from which a vehicle-mounted device and safety system can be operated. In one embodiment, the main electrical box is used to operate the vehicle-mounted device, which operation can be instead of using a control device.

[0045] In one embodiment, when a wired control device is used, it is plugged into a main electrical box. The wired control device can be a pendant, for example as shown in FIG. 5 and comprising controls described herein. If it the wired control device is not used, a pendant jumper must be plugged in to complete a corresponding emergency stop circuit.

[0046] In another embodiment, the main electrical box comprises a wireless control device enabling mechanism that enables or disables use of the wireless or wired control device. The wireless control device enabling mechanism can be a wireless pendant toggle switch. FIG. 6 depicts an electrical box as described herein. The wireless control device enabling mechanism can comprise an “ENABLE” or “ON” position, which, when set, supplies power to only the wireless control device. The wireless control device enabling mechanism can also comprise a “DISABLE” or “OFF” position to supply power to only the wired control device. In yet another embodiment, the main electrical box comprises an interior area, wherein the interior area comprises mechanisms to operate the vehicle mounted device in order to manipulate a container onto and off of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the interior area of the main electrical box comprises wires that are distinguishable from each other to enable the facile discernment of a desired wire when a particular wire is sought by a technician or operator. The distinguishableAttorney Docket No. 23749836 wires can be color coded or of different gauges or diameters to make them easily distinguishable from each other.

[0047] In yet another embodiment, the safety system comprises an emergency stop electrical box. The emergency stop electrical box comprises an emergency stop mechanism that allows an individual operating the vehicle-mounted device to cease operation of the vehiclemounted device including all electrical or hydraulic functions thereof. Once the vehicle-mounted device ceases operation, the emergency stop mechanism must be manually toggled to resume operation of the device. In one embodiment, operation of the vehicle is not affected by the emergency stop mechanism. In another embodiment, the emergency stop mechanism can stop operation of the vehicle, the vehicle-mounted device, or any function thereof. In yet another embodiment, the emergency stop mechanism is manually operated.

[0048] A safety system of the invention can comprise a safety device connected in a circuit to a power source, a vehicle-mounted device, and a vehicle. In one embodiment, the power source of the vehicle-mounted device operates independently of the power source of the vehicle. In various embodiments, the power sources are engines, batteries, or generators. To begin the manipulation and transportation of a storage container, the vehicle must be stationary and the power source of the vehicle-mounted device must be turned on. The safety system is designed to cease operation of the vehicle-mounted device, vehicle, or both, when the circuit is broken. In another embodiment the broken circuit is caused by incorrect operation of the vehiclemounted device. In yet another embodiment the broken circuit is caused by an emergency situation.

[0049] During the manipulation and transportation of the storage container, the vehicle can be stabilized by at least two support members. The support members can be locatedAttorney Docket No. 23749836 at the end of the vehicle opposite the cab of the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle can comprise a vehicle frame with support members attached thereto, and in some instances at or toward the corners thereof. In another embodiment, the support members are jacks. They can be positioned on the left or right side of the vehicle, or both. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises one, two, three, or four jacks. In another embodiment, the jacks are deployed and manipulated independently of each other. For example, jacks can be deployed in situations where the plane of the vehicle and vehicle frame are not parallel to the surface the vehicle is on or when the vehicle frame is not level. In another embodiment, the surface the vehicle is on may be the ground, asphalt, grass, gravel, or dirt. The jacks also can be raised and lowered using hydraulics.

[0050] In one embodiment, when a safety system is activated, a jack switch, a jack select switch, a traverse proximity switch, and a relay mechanism lose connection to power, which ceases operation of the jacks. The safety system can comprise a jack position sensor that comprises a jack proximity switch, which detects when a jack is fully raised. In another embodiment, the jacks cannot be raised until a traverse proximity switch is triggered by the container carriage being traversed all the way forward, e.g., proximal to the vehicle cab, allowing the jacks only to be raised when the carriage is at its forward-most position. In various embodiments, the jacks are controlled by a jack select switch, which allows an operator to select which jack to manipulate; and a jack switch, which controls the raising and lowering of a jack. When an emergency stop is activated, the jacks cannot be moved. For example, when an emergency stop is activated, a jack switchjack select switch, and traverse proximity switch all go dead so no jack will function. In another embodiment, the jacks can only be operated one at a time, i.e. two or more jacks cannot be manipulated at the same time. In yet another embodiment, the systems of the invention comprise a jacks up confirmation switch to be toggledAttorney Docket No. 23749836 to confirm that the jacks are in their fully raised positions. The jacks up confirmation switch can turn off a jacks indicator, such as a buzzer, that indicates when the jacks are not in their fully raised position. A jacks up confirmation switch and emergency stop button can be configured as shown in FIG. 2. An electrical box can comprise switches controlling the jacks up and jacks down functions, for example as depicted in FIG. 6.

[0051] In another embodiment, the invention comprises sensors for detecting the positions of the jacks, and whether the jacks are fully raised. In another embodiment, the safety system comprises a jacks indicator that indicates when the jacks are not fully raised. The indicator can be a jacks down indicator light that illuminates as the jacks begin to lower and remains illuminated until the jacks are fully raised. In one embodiment, the indicator is audible, e.g., a tone or buzzer. The jacks indicator can be as depicted in FIG. 7.

[0052] The vehicle-mounted device comprises a pair of horizontal lifting members each having a forward end proximal to the cab of the vehicle and a rearward end distal to the opposite end of the vehicle from the cab when the horizontal lifting members are parallel to the vehicle frame. The vehicle-mounted device also can comprise a vertically moveable device that is operably engaged with a vertically moveable member. The vertically moveable device is configured to move a storage container perpendicular to the plane of the vehicle frame. The horizontal lifting members are operably engaged with the vertically movable member at the proximal end of the horizontal lifting members. The horizontal lifting members also are pivotally engaged with the vertically movable member and capable of rotation. The vehicle-mounted device also comprises a spacing actuator for controlling the pivoting of the horizontal lifting members with respect to the vertically moveable member. In one embodiment the horizontal lifting members are forks.Attorney Docket No. 23749836

[0053] The vehicle-mounted device also comprises a translatory device between the vehicle frame and the vertical movement device. The translatory device can comprises a horizonal translatory system configured to move a storage container along an axis parallel with the plane of the vehicle frame. The translatory device can comprise a vertical translatory system configured to move a storage container vertically along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the vehicle frame. A vertical translatory system can be a vertically moveable device that comprises a base which is pivotably engaged to the translatory device. The vehicle-mounted device also comprises a pivot actuator for controlling the pivoting of the vertical movable device with respect to the translatory device, and a carriage lock which when engaged prevents movement of the carriage. In an embodiment, the vertically moveable device comprises a mast. In another embodiment, the translatory device comprises a carriage. In one embodiment the carriage is a traverse carriage. In yet another embodiment, the pivot actuator comprises a tilting mechanism or tilt.

[0054] In an embodiment, the vehicle-mounted device comprises a spacing actuator capable of a swing function. The swing function can pivot the horizontal lifting members up and away from or down towards a storage container to allow adequate clearance from the storage container or storage of the horizontal lifting members, respectively. In one embodiment, the spacing actuator is a swing and the horizontal lifting members are forks. In another embodiment, the swing comprises a swing hydraulic cylinder on each fork to control the angle of the fork. More than one swing hydraulic cylinder can work together on the same hydraulic circuit. The swing can be controlled by a momentary swing switch. The momentary swing switch can operate a hydraulic coil. In one embodiment, the swing moves the horizontal lifting members to swing in towards the storage container, for example to store the members forAttorney Docket No. 23749836 travel . This swing in function can allow the storage container to be secured to a vehicle-mounted device and vehicle. The momentary swing switch can be only operable to swing in the forks when the carriage is traversed such that the mast is positioned at the rearward end of the vehicle. An electrical box can comprise switches controlling the swing in and swing out functions, for example as depicted in FIG. 6. A traverse proximity switch can be triggered when the carriage is traversed such that the mast is positioned at the rearward end of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the traverse proximity switch is triggered when the carriage or mast is positioned at the end of the vehicle that is proximal or distal to the cab. In yet another embodiment, the swing moves the horizontal lifting members to swing out away from the storage container. This can allow the horizontal lifting members to move alongside a storage container, for example in preparation for loading the container onto a vehicle; or to move the storage container onto a vehicle-mounted device. When the safety system or emergency stop system is activated, the swing, momentary swing switch, or both, is disabled. In one embodiment, the swing function is disabled unless a hoist cylinder is positioned at its lowest stage, or stage one.

[0055] In another embodiment, tilt mechanisms are configured to adjust the tilt or angle of the mast with respect to the vehicle. The tilt mechanism can be a tilt. The tilt mechanism allows the adjustment of the forks to secure the storage container more easily. The tilt mechanism comprises a tilt in function that allows the mast to tilt up and away from the vehicle, and a tilt out function that allows the mast to tilt down and towards the vehicle. When the safety system, for example an emergency stop system, is activated, the tilt mechanism will not operate.

[0056] In one embodiment, a traverse mechanism is configured to move a carriage longitudinally along the axis of the vehicle frame between the forward end and rearwardAttorney Docket No. 23749836 end of the vehicle, in various embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the traverse mechanism is a traverse. In another embodiment, the carriage comprises a mast and forks. The traverse mechanism allows the carriage to retract proximal to the cab and extend distal from the cab. The carriage can be locked from movement when a carriage lock is engaged. The carriage lock can be as shown in FIG. 8. When a safety system of the invention is activated, for example an emergency stop, the traverse mechanism will not operate. In one embodiment, the traverse mechanism can operate only when the hoist cylinder is raised to the second or higher stage to prevent damage to the vehicle-mounted device or container, or both.

[0057] Hoist operations are configured to operably engage with the mast to raise and lower the forks with respect to the vehicle. The hoist operations can comprise lift. The hoist operations comprise a “hoist up” function that allows the mast and forks to move up vertically with respect to the vehicle, and a “hoist down” function that allows the mast and forks to move down vertically with respect to the vehicle. In an embodiment, the forks must be fully pivoted up and away from the storage-container to operate the “hoist up” function. In another embodiment, the “hoist down” function is not dependent on the position of any other component of the vehicle-mounted device or sensors for operation. An electrical box can comprise switches controlling the hoist up and hoist down functions, for example as depicted in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the hoist comprises a telescoping hydraulic cylinder, which can be a hoist or lift cylinder. The hoist or lift cylinder can comprise two stages, a lower stage and a higher stage. The lower stage can operate at a lower hydraulic pressure than the higher stage. For example, the lower stage can operate at 1,000-2,000 psi, while the higher stage can operate from 2,200- 3,000 psi. When a safety system, for example an emergency stop system, is activated, the hoist or lift operations are disabled.Attorney Docket No. 23749836

[0058] In one embodiment, the invention comprises an override function. An override function is configured to control all operations of the vehicle-mounted device. The override function comprises an override mechanism, which can be located within the main electrical box. The override mechanism comprises an override button or override switches, or both. The override function allows for emergency operation of the vehicle-mounted device to position the vehicle-mounted device and vehicle into a safe configuration, for example a configuration suitable for transport, should any aspect of the vehicle-mounted device malfunction. When a malfunction occurs, an operator can manipulate the override button to provide power to the override switches. The override switches can comprise jack switches, swing switches, tilt switches, traverse switches, and hoist switches to control their corresponding functions. When activated, the override switches provide power directly to hydraulic controls corresponding to each respective function and bypassing all sensor inputs including proximity sensors and switches. In one embodiment, the hydraulic controls are hydraulic coils. When a safety system of the invention, such as an emergency stop system, is activated, all override functions will be deactivated.

[0059] In an embodiment, the safety system also comprises an alarm. In another embodiment, the alarm is triggered when the jacks are moving. In yet another embodiment, the alarm is triggered when the container transport vehicle is placed in reverse. For example, when the shifter is placed in reverse, a signal is sent from the vehicle to the reverse alarm, sounding the alarm. In yet another embodiment, the vehicle comprises a reverse camera proximal to the rearward end of the vehicle that allows visualization of the area behind the vehicle on a screen.

[0060] In another embodiment, the safety system comprises work lights. In one embodiment, the work lights are controlled by a work lights electrical box. This control box canAttorney Docket No. 23749836 be as depicted in FIG. 7. The work lights can comprise lights at one or more steps of the vehicle and rear work lights on the vehicle. In another embodiment, lights around the vehicle turn on when a safety system is activated.

[0061] In one embodiment, the safety system is capable of disabling all functions of the vehicle and vehicle-mounted device described herein. In another embodiment, the emergency stop system disables one or more functions of the vehicle-mounted device described herein.

[0062] In certain embodiments of the invention, safety systems of the invention allow the jacks to only be raised when the carriage is at its forward-most position. In other embodiments, safety systems of the invention enable swing in and swing out functions only when the carriage is traversed all the way forward and the hoist cylinder positioned in the first stage, wherein the hoist cylinder is capable of raising in two stages, wherein stage one requires lower hydraulic pressure than stage two. Stage two can comprise a lower bore hydraulic cylinder than stage one. In yet other embodiments, safety systems of the invention require the hoist to always be raised to the second stage of the hoist cylinder for a traverse to operate in either direction. In other embodiments, safety systems of the invention require the forks to be fully swung out to operate the hoist up function, but the hoist down function is independent of other component locations or sensors for operation, and may rely on gravity.

[0063] The description of the invention includes exemplary apparatus, methods, techniques, and / or steps that are provided for illustrative purposes. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced with additional embodiments and modifications as understood by one in the pertinent field.

[0064] Example 1Attorney Docket No. 23749836

[0065] A vehicle-mounted device is powered from a small gas engine so that it can operate while an attached truck’s engine is not running. The gas engine powers a hydraulic pump which provides power to all functions. A hydraulic motor is used for the traverse function of the carriage and drives a reduction gearbox. The gearbox output turns a sprocket that engages with a track or roller chain along the length of the chassis. A small hydraulic cylinder engages a pin that locks a traverse carriage in its position as shown in FIG. 8. Hydraulic cylinders are used to move the jacks, swing the forks, and lift the forks. The cylinder for lifting the forks on the mast is a one-way (single-acting) two-stage cylinder; it lowers by gravity, allowing oil in the bore end of the cylinder to flow back into a hydraulic tank.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] The emergency stop signal originates at an “I” terminal of the panel engine start switch as a wire (1) and then enters a switch and exits through another wire (2). The signal through the exiting wire (2) provides power to a wired pendant, entering at the pendant’s emergency stop switch and exiting as yet another wire (3). The signal proceeds through this other wire (3), then enters a left emergency stop switch and exits through another new wire (4). The signal from this new wire (4) enters a common terminal of a wired relay. The coil for the wired relay is energized by another wire (5) which has two wired sources. When the wireless pendant was not used, the wireless pendant enable switch is set to off, preventing power to the wireless receiver and switching the power to the wire (5) that energizes the coil for the first relay. To use the wireless control pendant, the wireless pendant enable switch is set to on. Power is then supplied to the wireless antenna that produces an output to a pin where a wire is connected that energizes the coil for the relay. When the wireless pendant is turned off, goes out of range, or the emergency stop button is pressed, the antenna output operating between the wireless points is deAttorney Docket No. 23749836 energized and the coil for the relay is not powered, and an emergency stop is activated by breaking the emergency stop signal. As long as none of the emergency stop buttons or conditions are triggered, power passes through the circuit and energizes a coil for the first relay, a relay providing ignition to the gas engine when energized, a relay providing power to the switches, and relays that control a hydraulic valve solenoid, an engine fuel cutoff solenoid, and a carriage lock or its cylinder valve. When an emergency stop is triggered, all of these relays deactivate, causing deactivation of the gas engine ignition, fuel cutoff solenoid, and all hydraulic functions. When the carriage lock cylinder valve is de-energized, the carriage lock cylinder loses oil pressure, and the cylinder spring causes the carriage lock to engage.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 23749836CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A safety system comprising a vehicle-mounted device capable of loading a container onto the vehicle, unloading the container from the vehicle, and being transported with the vehicle; wherein the vehicle-mounted device comprises a horizontal and vertical translatory system for loading and unloading the container; and a safety device, wherein the safety device is capable of ceasing an operation of the vehicle-mounted device or vehicle.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the safety device comprises an emergency stop mechanism, wherein the emergency stop mechanism ceases operation of the vehiclemounted device when the emergency stop mechanism is engaged.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the emergency stop mechanism comprises an emergency stop circuit that comprises a power source, an emergency stop button, and controls for the vehicle-mounted device.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the emergency stop circuit engages the emergency stop mechanism to cease operation of the vehicle-mounted device when the circuit is broken.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein emergency stop button is a mushroom button, wherein the mushroom button when pressed engages the emergency stop mechanism to cease all functions of the vehicle-mounted device, and when pulled resets the emergency stop mechanism which re-enables all ceased functions of the vehiclemounted device.Attorney Docket No. 237498366. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle-mounted device comprises a horizontal translatory system, a vertical translatory system, a horizontal lifting member, a vertically moveable member, a hoist, a swing, a tilt mechanism, and a support member.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the emergency stop mechanism ceases operation of the horizontal translatory system, vertical translatory system, horizontal lifting member, vertically moveable member, hoist, swing, tilt mechanism, and support member.

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