Convertible cradle

Abstract

A convertible bracket is provided. The convertible bracket includes a bracket frame, a support structure, a shaft, and a retaining structure. The support structure includes an elongated slot and is positioned on the bracket frame. The shaft is capable of carrying teeth and is movable along the elongated slot, at least in the vertical dimension. The retaining structure selectively engages with the elongated slot. When the retaining structure engages with the elongated slot, movement of the shaft is restricted by the retaining structure within a boundary defined at least by the retaining structure. When the retaining structure is removed from the elongated slot, the shaft is allowed to float within the elongated slot.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a carriage including tines to lift an object. BACKGROUND

[0002] Work vehicles, such as loaders, wheel loaders, forklifts, can be used to lift or pry up objects at a construction site, a field, or other locations. The objects can be, for example, concrete blocks, asphalt panels, trees, etc. Accordingly, carriages are equipped with load-carrying tines (tines) on the work vehicles. In operation, the tines can be inserted into a pallet with a top of the pallet resting on the object. Alternatively, the tines can be inserted directly under the object to reposition the object. SUMMARY

[0003] A convertible carriage is provided. The convertible carriage includes a carriage frame, a support structure, a shaft, and a retaining structure. The support structure includes an elongated slot and is positioned on the carriage frame. The shaft can carry tines and is movable along the elongated slot in at least a vertical dimension. The retaining structure is selectively engageable with the elongated slot. When the retaining structure is engaged with the elongated slot, movement of the shaft is restricted by the retaining structure within boundaries defined by at least the retaining structure. When the retaining structure is removed from the elongated slot, the shaft is allowed to float in the elongated slot.

[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining structure includes a retainer that engages one of an upper portion of the elongated slot or a lower portion of the elongated slot when the retaining structure is engaged with the elongated slot, the retainer engaging the upper portion of the elongated slot for restricting upward movement of the shaft, the retainer engaging the lower portion of the elongated slot for restricting downward movement of the shaft.

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the retainer includes an edge that corresponds to a curvature of the shaft.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the retainer engages with the elongated slot and the shaft via a press fit.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining structure includes a retainer and a fixture coupled to the retainer, and the fixture and the retainer cooperate to form a retaining slot through which the shaft is positioned.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the fixture is coupled to the carriage frame via a second fastener when the retaining structure is engaged with the elongated slot, and the retainer is engaged with the elongated slot.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the convertible carriage can include a collar coupled to an end of the shaft to lock the shaft. The fixture is positioned between the collar and the carriage frame when the retaining structure is engaged with the elongated slot.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the fixture includes a locking unit configured to lock the shaft.

[0011] In one aspect of the disclosure, the fixture includes a first rib and a second rib opposite the first rib. The first rib and the second rib partially define the retention slot. The locking unit includes a first locking hole of the first rib and a second locking hole of the second rib and a first fastener positioned through the first locking hole, the shaft, and the second locking hole.

[0012] In one aspect of the disclosure, the retention slot and the elongated slot define a boundary.

[0013] In one aspect of the disclosure, the retention structure includes a retainer and a collar coupled to the retainer. The collar is coupled to an end of the shaft to lock the shaft, and the retainer is configured to engage with the elongated slot to define the boundary.

[0014] In one aspect of the disclosure, the support structure includes a reinforcement plate mounted on the cradle frame, and the reinforcement plate includes the elongated slot.

[0015] In one aspect of the disclosure, the cradle frame includes a set including a first member and a second member. The support structure includes a first elongated slot positioned on the first member and a second elongated slot positioned on the second member. The shaft is positioned through the first elongated slot and the second elongated slot and is movable along the first elongated slot and the second elongated slot in at least a vertical dimension.

[0016] In one aspect of the disclosure, the cradle frame includes another set including a first member and a second member, and another shaft is positioned through the other set.

[0017] A retention structure is provided. The retention structure is selectively coupled to a convertible configuration cradle having a cradle frame, an elongated slot positioned on the cradle frame, and a shaft configured to carry a tine and movable along the elongated slot in at least a vertical dimension. The retention structure can include a retainer configured to engage with one of an upper portion of the elongated slot or a lower portion of the elongated slot, the retainer configured to engage with the upper portion of the elongated slot for limiting upward movement of the shaft, or the retainer configured to engage with the lower portion of the elongated slot for limiting downward movement of the shaft.

[0018] In one aspect of the disclosure, the retention structure includes a fixture coupled to the retainer. The fixture and the retainer cooperate to form a retention slot through which the shaft is positioned.

[0019] In one aspect of the disclosure, the fixture is coupled to the cradle frame via a second fastener when the retainer is engaged with the elongated slot.

[0020] In one aspect of the disclosure, the fixture includes a locking unit configured to lock the shaft.

[0021] In one aspect of the disclosure, the retainer includes a first rib and a second rib opposite the first rib, the first and second ribs partially defining the retention slot. The locking unit includes a first locking hole of the first rib and a second locking hole of the second rib and a first fastener positioned through the first locking hole, the shaft, and the second locking hole.

[0022] In one aspect of the disclosure, the retention structure includes a retainer and a collar coupled to the retainer. The collar is coupled to an end of the shaft to lock the shaft. The retainer is configured to engage with the elongated slot to define a boundary.

[0023] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a work vehicle having a carriage;

[0026] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a carriage;

[0027] Figure 2B is a partial perspective view of the first embodiment of the carriage;

[0028] Figure 2C is an exploded perspective view showing a retention structure according to the first embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2D is another exploded perspective view showing the retention structure having the retainer and the fixture coupled together according to the first embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2E-2E of Figure 2B the carriage of the first embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a carriage;

[0032] Figure 3B is an exploded perspective view showing a retention structure having the retainer and the fixture coupled together according to the second embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3C is another exploded perspective view showing the retention structure according to the second embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3D-3D of Figure 3A the carriage of the second embodiment;

[0035] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a carriage;

[0036] Figure 4B is an exploded perspective view showing a holding structure according to the third embodiment;

[0037] Figure 4C is another exploded perspective view showing a holding structure according to the third embodiment;

[0038] Figure 4D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4D-4D of Figure 4A the carriage of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] There are two types of carriage frames, which can have different structures in terms of how the shaft(s) are coupled to the carriage frame. Regarding the first type of carriage frame (fixed tine frame), the tines coupled to the shafts cannot move vertically while the carriage frame is operating. The tines can provide better downward pressure. Regarding the second type of carriage frame (floating tine frame), the tines coupled to the shafts can move in the vertical dimension while the carriage frame is operating. The floating tine frame can be suitable for work vehicles that operate in uneven terrain. For example, when the tines pick up or remove a pallet on uneven terrain, the tines can move upward by different degrees due to reaction to the ground. The present disclosure includes holding structure(s) that selectively couple to the floating tine frame to make it a convertible carriage. Here, the convertible carriage can operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the holding structure(s) are not engaged with the carriage frame, enabling the shafts to float. In the second mode, the holding structure(s) are engaged with the carriage frame; the movement of the shafts is limited to some extent. An example of the second mode is when the shafts are fixed when the holding structure(s) are engaged. Details are described below.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1 , a work vehicle 10 connects a convertible carriage 20. The work vehicle 10 can be used in different types of settings, such as construction sites, farms, and warehouses. The work vehicle 10 can be a loader, a wheel loader, a backhoe, a forklift (fork truck), a tractor, or other vehicles that have an arm 12 and / or an actuator 14 to lift the convertible carriage 20.

[0041] The convertible carriage 20 can include a carriage frame 22, a support structure 30, shaft(s) 40, and a holding structure 50. As Figure 1As shown, the carriage frame 22 includes, shown in two sets, each set including a first member 222 and a second member 224. In another embodiment, the number of sets can be one or more than two. The support structure 30 includes an elongated slot 34 and the support structure 30 is positioned on the carriage frame 22. For example, the lower edge of the elongated slot 34 can be used to support the shaft 40. As shown, Figure 1 and Figure 2A As shown, the support structure 30 includes a first elongated slot 342 positioned on the first member 222 and a second elongated slot 346 positioned on the second member 224. With respect to each set including the first member 222 and the second member 224, one shaft 40 is positioned through the first elongated slot 342 and the second elongated slot 346 and is movable along the first elongated slot 342 and the second elongated slot 346, at least in the vertical dimension. The shaft 40 in the following embodiments carries a tine 42, but in another embodiment, the shaft 40 can carry more than one tine 42. The tine 42 is configured in an L-shape and the horizontal lower portion of the tine 42 is used to insert into a tray (not shown) or under an object. Note that both second members 224 of the two sets are coupled to the cross member 226 connecting the two first members 222; however, in another implementation, the second members 224 can be coupled to another portion of the carriage frame 222, respectively. The retaining structure 50 is configured to selectively engage with the elongated slot 34. Here, for each set including the first member 222 and the second member 224, the number of retaining structures 50 is two and the two retaining structures 50 selectively engage with the first elongated slot 342 and the second elongated slot 346, respectively, to enable the convertible carriage 20 to be converted between the first mode and the second mode. The retaining structure 50 is engaged with the elongated slot 34 in the use position (second mode) and disengaged from the elongated slot 34 in the non-use position (first mode). Figures 2A to 4D Different embodiments are shown in

[0042] Referring to Figures 2A to 2E , a first embodiment of the convertible carriage 20 is shown.

[0043] Optionally, each support structure 30 can additionally include at least one reinforcement plate 32 coupled to the first member 222 and / or the second member 224 to increase the thickness of the edge of the first elongated slot 342 and / or the second elongated slot 346. The number of reinforcement plates 32 can vary in the configuration. As shown, Figure 2A there are two reinforcement plates 32 coupled to both sides of the first member 222 and one reinforcement plate 32 coupled to one side of the second member 224. The reinforcement plates 32 are coupled to the first member 222 and / or the second member 224 by welding, fasteners, or other means. When as the first mode, the retaining structure 50 is removed from the first elongated slot 342 (not engaged with the first elongated slot 342), the shaft 40 is allowed to float in the first elongated slot 342 and the second elongated slot 346.

[0044] As Figures 2B to 2E shown, for simplicity, only the first member 222 is shown without the second member 224. The retaining structure 50 can include a retainer 52 and a fixture 54 coupled to the retainer 52. In this embodiment, the retainer 52 and the fixture 54 are coupled together by welding, but they can be coupled by other means. As Figure 2D and Figure 2E shown, the retainer 52 can engage with the upper portion 343 of the first elongated slot 342 to limit upward movement of the shaft 40. However, in another embodiment, the retainer 52 can engage with the lower portion 344 of the first elongated slot 342 to limit downward movement of the shaft. Optionally, the retainer 52 includes an edge 522 that corresponds to the curvature of the shaft 40.

[0045] The fixture 54 and the retainer 52 cooperate to form a retaining slot 542 through which the shaft 40 is positioned. The fixture 54 includes a first rib 543 and a second rib 544 opposite the first rib 543, the first rib 543, the second rib 544, and the retainer 52 define the retaining slot 542. The retaining slot 542 (or the retainer 52) and the first elongated slot 342 define a boundary. When the retaining structure 50 engages with the first elongated slot 342, movement of the shaft 40 is limited by the retaining structure 50 within the boundary.

[0046] The fixture 54 can also include a locking unit 545 configured to lock the shaft 40. The locking unit 545 can include a first locking hole 546 of the first rib 543 and a second locking hole 547 of the second rib 544 and a first fastener 548 positioned through the first locking hole 546, the hole 44 of the shaft 40, and the second locking hole 547 to lock the fixture 54 on the shaft 40. In this configuration, axial movement of the shaft 40 relative to the fixture 54 is prevented. In this embodiment, as Figure 2A shown, the fixture 54 is arranged at both ends of the shaft 40 and prevents axial movement of the shaft 40.

[0047] As described earlier, when the retaining structure 50 engages with the elongated slot 34, as a second mode, movement of the shaft 40 is limited by the retaining structure 50 within a boundary defined by at least the retaining structure 50 and the elongated slot 34. This limitation is caused by deducting the movable area of the shaft from the entire elongated slot 34 (minus the area occupied by the retainer 52) to the boundary. If the boundary is equal to the cross-sectional area of the shaft 40, i.e., the retainer 52 engages with the elongated slot 34 (the first elongated slot 342) via a press fit, thus the shaft 40 is fixed in the vertical direction. In another implementation, if the boundary is still greater than the cross-sectional area of the shaft 40, the shaft 40 can still move, but the movement is limited.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the retaining structure 50 not only prevents axial movement of the shaft 40, but also limits vertical movement of the shaft 40 to some extent.

[0049] Referring to Figures 3A to 3D , a second embodiment of the convertible cradle 20 is shown. The cradle frame 22 (including the first member 222, the second member 224, the cross members 226), the support structure 30 (including the reinforcement plates 32 and the elongated slots 34), and the shaft 40 are similar to the first embodiment. With respect to the retaining structure 50, the fastener 54’ in the second embodiment is a collar 56. The collar 56 is coupled to the retainer 52 by welding or other means. As shown in Figure 3D , the retainer 52 is configured to engage with the first elongated slot 342 to define a boundary. If the boundary is equal to the cross-sectional area of the shaft 40, i.e., the retainer 52 is engaged with the elongated slot 34 (the first elongated slot 342) via a press fit, thus the shaft 40 is fixed in the vertical direction. In another implementation, if the boundary is still greater than the cross-sectional area of the shaft 40, the shaft 40 can still move, but the movement is limited.

[0050] The collar 56 (the fastener 54’) can also include a locking unit 545’ configured to lock the shaft 40. The locking unit 545’ can include a first locking hole 546’, a second locking hole 547’, and a first fastener 548 positioned through the first locking hole 546’, the hole 44 of the shaft 40, and the second locking hole 547’ to lock the collar 56 (the fastener 54’) on the shaft 40. In this configuration, the shaft 40 is prevented from moving axially relative to the collar 56 (the fastener 54’).

[0051] Referring to Figures 4A to 4D , a third embodiment of the convertible cradle 20 is shown. The cradle frame 22 (including the first member 222, the second member 224, the cross members 226), the support structure 30 (including the reinforcement plates 32 and the elongated slots 34), and the shaft 40 are similar to the first embodiment. With respect to the retaining structure 50, it includes the retainer 52 and the fastener 54”. The convertible cradle also includes two collars 56, each coupled to an end of the shaft 40 to prevent the shaft 40 from moving axially. Unlike the second embodiment in which the retainer 52 is coupled to the collar 56 by welding, the retainer 52 in the third embodiment is coupled to the fastener 54” by welding. When the retaining structure 50 is engaged with the first elongated slot 342, the retainer 52 is inserted into the first elongated slot 342, and the fastener 54” is mounted on one of the reinforcement plates 32 by a second fastener 549. The second fastener 549 can be a screw threaded into a corresponding threaded hole on the fastener 54”.

[0052] In all embodiments, the reinforcement plate 32 and the retaining member 52 can be configured in a variety of ways. As described earlier, the elongated slot 34 is provided by the cradle frame 22, or the cradle frame 22 and one or both of the same or different reinforcement plates 32. The retaining member 52 can be inserted into only one reinforcement plate 32, or it can access the first member 222 or can access another reinforcement plate 32 on the opposite side of the first member 222.

[0053] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more example embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a convertible cradle whose shaft can float in the elongated slot(s) or can be limited or prohibited from moving in a vertical direction when the retaining structure is engaged. Another technical effect of one or more example embodiments disclosed herein is to lock the shaft of the convertible cradle in an axial direction and can limit the shaft from moving vertically at the same time as desired.

[0054] While example embodiments of the disclosure are described above, these descriptions should not be construed in a limiting sense. Rather, other variations and modifications exist that do not depart from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A convertible cradle (20), comprising: a cradle frame (22); a support structure (30) comprising an elongated slot (34), the support structure (30) being positioned on the cradle frame (22); a shaft (40) configured to carry a tine (42) and being movable along the elongated slot (34) in at least a vertical dimension; and a retaining structure (50) configured to selectively engage with the elongated slot (34), wherein, when the retaining structure (50) is engaged with the elongated slot (34), movement of the shaft (40) is restricted by the retaining structure (50) within a boundary defined at least by the retaining structure (50), and when the retaining structure (50) is removed from the elongated slot (34), the shaft (40) is allowed to float in the elongated slot (34), wherein the retaining structure (50) comprises a retainer (52) that engages with one of an upper portion (343) of the elongated slot (34) or a lower portion (344) of the elongated slot (34) when the retaining structure (50) is engaged with the elongated slot (34), the retainer (52) engaging with the upper portion (343) of the elongated slot (34) for restricting upward movement of the shaft (40), the retainer (52) engaging with the lower portion (344) of the elongated slot (34) for restricting downward movement of the shaft (40).

2. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 1, wherein, the retainer (52) comprises an edge (522) corresponding to a curvature of the shaft (40).

3. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 1, wherein, the retainer (52) engages with the elongated slot (34) and the shaft (40) via a press fit.

4. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 1, wherein, the retaining structure (50) comprises the retainer (52) and a fixture (54, 54', 54") coupled to the retainer (52), and the fixture (54, 54', 54") and the retainer (52) cooperate to form a retaining slot (542) through which the shaft (40) is positioned.

5. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 4, wherein, when the retaining structure (50) is engaged with the elongated slot (34), the fixture (54") is coupled to the cradle frame (22) via a second fastener (549), and the retainer (52) is engaged with the elongated slot (34).

6. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 5, comprising a collar (56) coupled to an end of the shaft (40) to lock the shaft (40), wherein, when the retaining structure (50) is engaged with the elongated slot (34), the fixture (54") is positioned between a collar (56) and the cradle frame (22).

7. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 4, wherein, the fixture (54, 54', 545") comprises a locking unit (545, 545') configured to lock the shaft (40).

8. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 7, wherein, The fixture (54, 54', 545") includes a first rib (543, 543") and a second rib (544, 544") opposite the first rib (543, 543"), and the first rib (543, 543") and the second rib (544, 544") partially define a retention slot (542), the locking unit (545) includes a first locking hole (546, 546') of the first rib (543, 543") and a second locking hole (547, 547') of the second rib (544, 544") and a first fastener (548) positioned through the first locking hole (546, 546'), the shaft (40) and the second locking hole (547, 547').

9. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 4, wherein, The retention slot (542) and the elongated slot (34) define a boundary.

10. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 1, wherein, The retention structure (50) includes a retainer (52) and a collar (56) coupled to the retainer (52), the collar (56) is coupled to an end of the shaft (40) to lock the shaft (40), and the retainer (52) is configured to engage with the elongated slot (34) to define the boundary.

11. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 1, wherein, The support structure (30) includes a reinforcement plate (32) mounted on the carriage frame (22), wherein the reinforcement plate (32) includes the elongated slot (34).

12. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 1, wherein, The carriage frame (22) includes a set comprising a first member (222) and a second member (224), the support structure (30) includes a first elongated slot (342) positioned on the first member (222) and a second elongated slot (346) positioned on the second member (224), the shaft (40) is positioned through the first elongated slot (342) and the second elongated slot (346) and is movable along the first elongated slot (342) and the second elongated slot (346) in at least a vertical dimension.

13. The convertible cradle (20) of claim 12, wherein, The carriage frame (22) includes another set comprising a first member (222) and a second member (224), another shaft (40) is positioned through the other set.

14. A retaining structure (50) selectively coupled to a convertible carrier (20), wherein, The convertible carriage (20) has a carriage frame (22), an elongated slot (34) positioned on the carriage frame (22), and a shaft (40) configured to carry a tine (42) and movable along the elongated slot (34) in at least a vertical dimension, when a retention structure (50) engages with the elongated slot (34), the movement of the shaft (40) is restricted by the retention structure (50) within a boundary defined by at least the retention structure (50), and when the retention structure (50) is removed from the elongated slot (34), the shaft (40) is allowed to float in the elongated slot (34), the retention structure (50) includes: a retainer (52) configured to engage with one of an upper portion (343) of the elongated slot (34) or a lower portion (344) of the elongated slot (34), the retainer (52) engages with the upper portion (343) of the elongated slot (34) for restricting upward movement of the shaft (40), the retainer (52) engages with the lower portion (344) of the elongated slot (34) for restricting downward movement of the shaft (40).

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