Material carrier, handle for use on its side, and device for use from its lateral side adjacent and outside to material carrier

Abstract

A material handling vehicle (100), a handle (200, 300) for use on a side of a material handling vehicle (100), and means for use from a lateral side of the material handling vehicle on an adjacent and outer side of the material handling vehicle are disclosed. An order picker, such as for example a low-level order picker, includes a front side, a rear side, two lateral sides, and a handle (200, 300) on one of the two lateral sides. The handle (200, 300) is a graspable support for an operator. The handle (200, 300) includes one or more controls (240, 250, 260) including a glide control (250) to urge the vehicle (100) to move forward and / or rearward when the glide control (250) is actuated by an operator while standing or walking on said one of the two lateral sides of the vehicle (100), preferably by the thumb of the operator's hand.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 606,314, filed March 15, 2024, entitled “MULTI-FUNCTION HANDLE FOR AMATERIALS-HANDLING VEHICLE,” and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 975,612, filed November 29, 2024, entitled “HANDLE FOR A MATERIALS-HANDLING VEHICLE.” The entire disclosure of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The scope of this disclosure generally relates to material handling vehicles. More specifically, this disclosure relates to handles for vehicles such as, for example, low-level or ground-level order-picker vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] A low-level order picker is a material handling vehicle designed for use by an operator to transport items collected throughout a facility. The facility may be a warehouse, and the items may be products stored in the warehouse as inventory. The operator travels the vehicle throughout the facility to retrieve and place items onto the vehicle. The operator can do this to fill orders for various items for a specific customer or a specific shipment. The operator may have a list of items to be retrieved as a group. As each item is retrieved, it is placed on the vehicle and transported to the next item pick-up location. Once an order is completed, the operator can drive the vehicle to its destination (such as a delivery truck, van, trailer, or temporary storage area) to unload the group of items.

[0005] A typical order picker includes a plurality of lift load forks (typically two) connected at their heel ends to a chassis or vehicle body, which includes an operator platform. The forks typically extend from the rear end of the vehicle. The forks can be designed with a length for picking a single pallet at a time or a plurality of horizontally spaced pallets (e.g., two) at a time. The forks typically include one or more load wheels on their underside (typically toward their toe ends). A lifting mechanism (which can be hydraulic or electric, for example) pushes the load wheels downward to lift the forks with the load (such as one or more pallets on the forks). Typically, the forks and load thereon are lifted just enough for the load (e.g., the bottom of a pallet) to clear the floor for movement without dragging the load on the floor. Low-level order picker vehicles are intended for collecting items on the floor or ground, or from shelves or racks that are low enough in height that an operator standing on the floor can reach the items on the shelves or racks, or from a platform that is elevated a limited height (e.g., about 1500 mm or less) above the floor or ground. This is in contrast to some fork trucks or so-called "walkie" order pickers, which are designed to reach items at a height above the floor or ground.

[0006] An operator platform provides a place for an operator to sit or stand on the vehicle while driving the vehicle. The forward side of the vehicle is typically the side opposite the forks. The operator on the operator platform faces forward to drive the vehicle from place to place in a warehouse or similar scenario, picking items and placing them on pallets at the places. A steering mechanism (such as a control handle) is also generally provided to maneuver the pallet vehicle. The steering mechanism is positioned so that the operator can easily grasp it with his / her hands while standing on the operator platform and facing forward. Typically, steerable traction wheels located on the front end of the vehicle are operably connected to and controlled by the steering mechanism (e.g., control handle or steering wheel) to provide steerability. Controls for activating the lifting mechanism can be located on or near the steering mechanism. Other controls such as throttle, brake, and / or horn controls, for example, can also be provided on the steering mechanism. Alternatively, these controls and / or other controls can be provided at or near the operator's feet for foot actuation.

[0007] Climbing onto the operator platform of a vehicle to move the vehicle short distances can sometimes be inconvenient for the operator. As a result, order picker vehicles are often designed with a coast or walk mode. To support this mode, one or more coast buttons can be provided on one or both sides of the vehicle in a position that is accessible to the operator when standing or walking alongside the vehicle. Conventional coast control buttons cause the vehicle to move forward at a slow speed. For example, the coast speed can be limited to about 4 kph (kilometers per hour). With the coast mode, the operator can more conveniently move the vehicle short distances to the next pick location compared to requiring the operator to climb onto the operator platform, operate the vehicle from the operator platform, and then exit the operator platform. SUMMARY

[0008] According to one embodiment, the materials handling vehicle includes a front side, a rear side, two lateral sides, and a handlebar located on one or both of the two lateral sides. The handlebar is configured and positioned to be graspable by the hand of an operator standing on the floor or ground of the one of the two lateral sides of the vehicle. The handlebar is a graspable support for the operator. The handlebar includes one or more controls including a coast control to cause the vehicle to move forward and / or rearward when the coast control is actuated by the operator standing or walking on the one of the two lateral sides of the vehicle.

[0009] In some additional, alternative, or selectively accumulative embodiments, the handlebar is configured and positioned to be graspable by the hand of the operator in a neutral position.

[0010] In some additional, alternative, or selectively accumulative embodiments, the handlebar includes a vertically oriented grip segment, and the coast control is located on the vertically oriented grip segment.

[0011] In some additional, alternative, or selectively accumulative embodiments, the coast control is configured and positioned on the vertically oriented grip segment to be actuated by the thumb of the operator when the hand of the operator grasps the handlebar.

[0012] Optionally, the vehicle includes a set of forks, and the one or more controls further include a fork up-down control for raising and lowering the set of forks, and wherein the fork up-down control is configured and positioned on the vertically oriented grip segment to be actuated by the hand of the operator when the hand of the operator grasps the handlebar.

[0013] Optionally, the one or more controls further include an emergency stop button.

[0014] In some additional, alternative, or selectively accumulative embodiments, the materials handling vehicle as described above further includes a standing operator cabin and a backrest along the rear side of the operator cabin, wherein the handlebar is attached to the backrest.

[0015] In some additional, alternative, or selectively accumulative embodiments, the handle is part of a handle assembly that includes a horizontal support arm, wherein the horizontal support arm is attached to the backrest.

[0016] In some additional, alternative, or selectively accumulative embodiments, the materials handling vehicle is a low-level order picker.

[0017] In another embodiment, a handle is designed for use on a side of a materials handling vehicle. The handle includes a grip bar segment and one or more controls located on the grip bar segment. The grip bar segment is oriented vertically and positioned near a lateral side of the materials handling vehicle so that an operator of the materials handling vehicle can grasp the grip bar segment while standing or walking on the lateral side of the materials handling vehicle. The one or more controls include a coasting control that is actuatable by the operator standing or walking on the lateral side of the materials handling vehicle.

[0018] In some additional, alternative, or selectively accumulative embodiments, the coasting control is positioned on the grip bar segment to be actuated by the thumb of the operator while the operator is standing or walking on the lateral side of the materials handling vehicle and facing forward or rearward.

[0019] In some additional, alternative, or selectively accumulative embodiments, the coasting control is positioned on the grip bar segment to be actuated by the thumb of the operator while the operator's forearm is in a neutral position.

[0020] Optionally, the one or more controls include at least three controls, can include controls for lifting and lowering a load carried by the materials handling vehicle, and / or can include an emergency stop control.

[0021] In some additional, alternative, or selectively accumulative embodiments, the one or more controls are located on an outer side of the handle.

[0022] According to another embodiment, a method of coasting a materials handling vehicle by an operator. The method includes standing on a ground or floor on a lateral side of the materials handling vehicle facing a forward direction or a rearward direction of the materials handling vehicle. The method also includes walking forward or rearward alongside the materials handling vehicle while the materials handling vehicle is coasting. During the walking, the method further includes grasping a vertically oriented bar segment of the materials handling vehicle with a hand in a neutral position and activating a coasting control on the bar segment with a thumb of the hand.

[0023] In some additional, alternative, or selectively accumulative embodiments, the hand is the left hand of the operator and the vertically oriented bar segment is on a right side of the materials handling vehicle.

[0024] In some additional, alternative, or selective cumulative embodiments, the hand is the operator's right hand and the vertically oriented pole segment is on the left side of the materials handling vehicle.

[0025] According to still another embodiment, an apparatus is designed for use adjacent and outside of a lateral side of a materials handling vehicle. The apparatus includes a means for grasping by an operator's hand in a neutral position while the operator stands on the lateral side of the materials handling vehicle facing either forward or rearward, and a means for activating a ride function of the materials handling vehicle with the thumb of the hand while the operator walks on the lateral side of the materials handling vehicle facing either forward or rearward with the hand in the neutral position grasping the means for grasping.

[0026] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the disclosures herein, certain embodiments of the vehicles and methods disclosed herein can enable certain advantages, including in certain instances one or more of the following: (1) providing a graspable support point for an operator entering or exiting an operator cabin of a materials handling vehicle; (2) providing a graspable support point for an operator standing or walking beside a materials handling vehicle; (3) providing a more easily accessible and convenient ride control for a materials handling vehicle; (4) providing a more easily accessible and convenient fork height control for an operator facing rearward on a materials handling vehicle; (5) improving the ergonomics of a materials handling vehicle, particularly a low-level order picker; and (6) improving the efficiency of operating a materials handling vehicle, particularly a low-level order picker. The above and other advantages of various embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed description of example embodiments, which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is an isometric drawing of a low-level order picker cart from a right front top perspective according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 is a right side view of the low-level order picker cart of Figure 1

[0029] Figure 3 is a left side view of the low-level order picker cart of Figure 1

[0030] Figure 4 is a top view of the low-level order picker cart of Figure 1

[0031] Figure 5 is a front side view of the low-level order picker cart of Figure 1

[0032] Figure 6 is a rear side view of the low-level order picker cart of Figure 1 ​​​​A rear side view of the low level order picker cart of

[0033] Figure 7 A left rear top view of the vehicle separated from the vehicle of Figure 1 A close-up isometric drawing of the multifunction handle assembly on the left side of the low level order picker cart of

[0034] Figure 8 A left front bottom view of the vehicle of Figure 7 An isometric drawing of the left multifunction handle assembly of the vehicle of

[0035] Figure 9 A front side view of the left multifunction handle assembly of the vehicle of Figure 7

[0036] A rear side view of the left multifunction handle assembly of the vehicle of Figure 10 Figure 7 A left side view of the left multifunction handle assembly of the vehicle of

[0037] Figure 11 Figure 7 A top view of the left multifunction handle assembly of the vehicle of

[0038] Figure 12 A bottom view of the left multifunction handle assembly of the vehicle of Figure 7

[0039] A front view of the left multifunction handle assembly of the vehicle of Figure 13 Figure 7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Pre-annotation

[0041] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the dimensions, positions and / or relative orientations of the components, features, elements, etc. and any distances therebetween are not necessarily drawn to scale and, for the sake of clarity, can be exaggerated or distorted, as appropriate.

[0042] The embodiments described herein are merely examples, which are set forth with varying levels of specificity in connection with example embodiments to provide a broad scope of the same. Those skilled in the art will recognize the equivalents in which alternative, modified, and equivalent embodiments could be made. For example, other embodiments are also contemplated, in which equivalent elements are substituted for those described, and equivalents are contemplated for the components, parts, and steps described in the embodiments. It is thus contemplated that the embodiments described herein are not limited to the particular elements and materials described herein that are in many cases listed only as examples.

[0043] For the sake of brevity and clarity, certain aspects of the components and steps of certain embodiments are presented with little more than the most basic required level of detail. Those skilled in the art will recognize the equivalents in which other implementations could be made without departing from the true scope of the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the conception, unique structures, and / or features described herein can be practiced with adaptation or modification such as are within the abilities of those skilled in the art, and without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein. ​​​​

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be recognized that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," "has," "having," "encompasses," "encompassing," and the like are open-ended, and indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. A range of values, when recited, includes the range limits and any sub-ranges therebetween unless otherwise indicated. The use of terms such as "first," "second," etc. are merely to distinguish one element from another and are not meant to imply relative importance or order. For example, a first element can be termed a "second element" and similarly, a second element can be termed a "first element" without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The same can hold true for other designations such as "a," "b," "c," etc. The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used as interpretive tools.

[0045] The terms "about," "substantially," "approximately," and the like, mean that the quantity, size, formulation, parameter, and other quantity or characteristic is not exact, but can be approximated and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factors that are within the scope of one skilled in the art.

[0046] Spatially relative terms such as "right," "left," "up," "bottom," "lower," "bottom," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can, for example, encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0047] Unless specifically stated otherwise, all functional connections or operational connections are direct or indirect. Similarly, unless specifically stated otherwise, all physical connections are rigid or non-rigid, permanent or temporary, direct or indirect (e.g., via intervening components).

[0048] Similar reference numerals always refer to similar elements. Therefore, identical or similar reference numerals may be described with reference to other figures, even if they are neither mentioned nor described in the corresponding figures. Even elements not indicated by reference numerals may be described with reference to other figures. Furthermore, figures may include non-essential elements included solely for the sake of thoroughness. If it is desired to change the figures to produce greater clarity, these non-essential elements may be removed entirely or retained only in outline form.

[0049] Not every feature shown in every drawing is labeled with a reference numeral, even if the same feature may be labeled with a reference numeral in other drawings. Reference numerals have been omitted where they would be deemed unnecessarily confusing. However, all rights are reserved to add reference numerals to the drawings to clarify aspects of the embodiments. Furthermore, some views omit features shown in other views. Finally, the drawings sometimes illustrate variations from one drawing to another, even when these drawings are intended to depict the same embodiment.

[0050] Example Implementation

[0051] Figures 1-6 An example of a low-level order picker vehicle 100 according to one embodiment is illustrated. The vehicle 100 includes two forks 110 and a body 120. The body 120 includes an operator cabin 130 above an operator platform 140. An operator console 160 is provided on the front end 150 of the body 120, the operator console having operator controls facing the operator cabin 130. One of the operator controls is a control handle 170, which can be used to steer the vehicle 100 by controlling the direction of one or more steerable front wheels (not shown). Alternatively, a steering wheel or other directional controls may be used instead of the control handle 170. The steerable front wheels may be located below the console 160. Alternatively or additionally, the rear wheels may also be steerable.

[0052] Other operator controls may be located on the operator console 160 and / or control handle 170. Examples of operator controls include manual throttles, brakes, fork raise / lower controls, horns, emergency stop buttons, etc. Alternatively, accelerator pedals and / or brake pedals may be located on or near the bottom of the operator console 160 or operator platform 140. The operator controls are designed to face the operator standing on the operator platform 140, i.e., the operator in the operator cabin 130 facing forward or at the front 150 of the vehicle 100, in which case the forks 110 are behind the operator. That is, when the operator is positioned on the operator platform to operate the operator controls (such as control handle 170), the operator's back is facing the forks 110.

[0053] The operator platform 140 can have a deadman sensor that detects whether an operator is on the platform 140. If no operator is detected on the platform 140, operation of the driving functions of the vehicle 100 can be disabled. However, as explained below, the glide controls on the side handles can override the deadman lock.

[0054] Between the operator cabin 130 and the forks 110, under one or more enclosures, can be a power source and components for providing power to the vehicle 100 to drive the vehicle forward (and possibly backward) via wheels (not shown) and to raise and lower the forks 110. The vehicle 100 can be, for example, electric, with electric motors, or gas-powered, with an engine, or a hybrid electric fuel vehicle. The vehicle 100 can be powered by, for example, one or more batteries, fuel, or hydrogen fuel cells. Alternatively, some or all of the power source and / or related components can also be located between the operator cabin 130 and the front end 150 - in the general area labeled as the operator console 160 in Figures 1-6 . That is, the power source and / or related components can be located forward or rearward of the operator cabin, or both. As shown in Figures 1-6 , the portion of the main body 120 behind the operator cabin 130 is larger than the console 160, but the reverse is also possible, and more of the internal components of the delivery vehicle 100 can be forward of the operator cabin 130.

[0055] A backrest 180 is provided on the rear side of the operator cabin. The backrest 180 is positioned vertically to allow an operator to lean his or her back against the backrest 180 while standing on the operator platform 140 and operating the vehicle 100. The backrest 180 is laterally centered on the vehicle 100. The backrest enhances the comfort of the operator while using the vehicle 100.

[0056] The vertical lift range of the forks 110 can be just enough to lift a conventional pallet sufficiently off the floor to move the pallet without contacting the floor, e.g., about 120 mm (about 4.7 inches). Alternatively, the vertical lift range of the forks 110 can be greater to lift the forks to a more comfortable height to set items, especially heavy items, on the forks 110 or on a pallet or other holding platform on the forks 110. For example, the vertical lift range of the forks 110 can be about waist height for an average person or average male, e.g., from about 700 (about 27.6 inches) mm to about 800 mm (31.5 inches). The forks 110 can be lifted and lowered by any mechanism including, for example, hydraulic devices. For example, each fork 110 can have a lift rod extending longitudinally from the body 120 within or underneath the fork 110 to a set of one or more load rollers 190, and a hydraulic piston pushing against the rod to press the load rollers 190 down into the ground / floor and correspondingly press the fork 110 up.

[0057] The vehicle 100 also includes two handles 200 and 300 on the left and right sides of the vehicle 100, respectively. The handles 200 and 300 are accessible and graspable from both sides of the vehicle 100 when the operator is not in the operator cabin 130. For example, the handle 300 is easily and conveniently graspable by an operator standing on the right side of the vehicle 100. Similarly, the handle 200 is easily and conveniently graspable by an operator standing on the left side of the vehicle 100. As shown, each handle 200 and 300 is attached to the back side of the backrest 180, but the handles 200 and 300 can also be attached to any part of the vehicle 100, such as the body 120 or one of the body's covers, or the operator console 150. When the handles 200 and 300 are positioned proximate to the forks 110, they are more convenient for the operator to access and use between the act of setting an item on the forks 110 or removing an item from the forks. According to one embodiment, the handles 200 and 300 are positioned slightly forward of the heels of the forks 110.

[0058] The handles 200 and 300 are positioned on the lateral sides of the vehicle. The more laterally outward they are positioned, the more convenient it is for the operator to grasp them. However, it is not desirable to position the handles 200 and 300 too far laterally outward so that they increase the overall lateral dimension of the vehicle 100, which is often constrained by other factors. It can be preferable to position the handles 200 and 300 so that they extend laterally slightly less than the maximum laterally positioned part of the vehicle 100. In this way, some other part of the vehicle will first come into contact with an object on that side before the handle 200 or 300 does. In this way, the handles 200 and 300, which can not be as durable as other parts of the vehicle 100, are protected in the event of a side impact.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the vehicle 100 has a maximum lateral dimension of about 750 mm, the backrest 180 is about 418 mm wide, and the handles 200 and 300 extend no more than about 135 mm from the side edges of the backrest 180. According to one embodiment, the handles 200 and 300 extend no more than about 345 mm from the longitudinal center of the vehicle 100.

[0060] The handles 200 and 300 are preferably located at a vertical height such that they are comfortably grasped by one hand of an operator standing on the floor / ground next to the side of the vehicle 100 and facing forward or rearward, with his / her elbow bent at a comfortable angle (e.g., about 90 degrees ± 5, 10, or 15 degrees), and with his / her forearm and hand in a neutral position (i.e., thumb up and pinky down). The handles 200 and 300 are also preferably located at a vertical height such that each handle can be comfortably grasped by one hand of an operator standing on the operator platform and turned to the side of the vehicle 100. According to one embodiment, the handles 200 and 300 are located at a height of from about 900 mm to about 1400 mm above the floor / ground.

[0061] The handles 200 and 300 are supportable grasping points that an operator can use to assist in climbing onto and off of the vehicle 100, particularly the operator platform 140. For example, when entering the operator cabin 130 from the right side of the vehicle 100, an operator can grasp the handle 300 with his / her left hand. As another example, when entering the operator cabin 130 from the left side of the vehicle 100, an operator can grasp the handle 200 with his / her right hand. The handles 200 and 300 are supportable grasping points that an operator can hold onto while walking alongside the vehicle 100 when the vehicle 100 is moving in a coasting mode. For example, an operator can hold onto the handle 300 with his / her left hand while walking forward on the right side of the vehicle 100. As another example, an operator can hold onto the handle 200 with his / her right hand while walking forward on the left side of the vehicle 100. The handles 200 and 300 can include coasting controls (as explained in greater detail below) to facilitate this grasping walk-along coasting operation. In fact, as explained below, the handles 200 and 300 can be multifunctional handles.

[0062] The multi-function handle 300 on the right side of the vehicle 100 is a mirror image of the multi-function handle 200 described below with the same buttons and functionality. In fact, the handle assembly on the left side of the vehicle 100 is a mirror image of the handle assembly on the right side of the vehicle 100. By providing two multi-function handles, one on each side of the vehicle 100, the operator is able to have the same benefits of the multi-function handle when working on either side of the vehicle 100. This can be useful when working in an aisle between two rows of shelving, for example, where items must be picked from shelves on both sides of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the vehicle 100 can have a single multi-function handle on only the right side of the vehicle 100 or only the left side of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the left handle 200 and the right handle 300 can differ from each other in their location (vertically and / or laterally), shape, size, and / or functionality (e.g., controls provided thereon). That is, the handles 200 and 300 need not be symmetrical.

[0063] Figures 7-13 The handle assembly 210 is shown detached from the left side of the low-level order picker vehicle 100. The handle 200 is part of the handle assembly 210. The handle assembly 210 is generally L-shaped and includes a horizontal support arm 220 and the handle 200. The handle 200, or at least a portion thereof, is a vertically graspable section, a vertically oriented grip bar segment, etc. The handle 200, or a portion thereof, is a cylindrical, a cylindrical-like, a shaft-like, or a shaft-like hand graspable handle. The operator can grasp, grip, or hold the handles 200 and 300, or a portion of the handle, with his / her fingers and / or thumb completely or partially wrapped around the handles 200 and 300. The handles 200 and 300, or the handle assembly 210, can have any shape, form, design, and / or appearance, in addition to having a vertically graspable section, a vertically oriented grip bar segment, etc. that can be suitably attached to the vehicle 100 at an appropriate location.

[0064] The outer face 230 of the handle 200 has three controls 240, 250, and 260, as shown, and described in more detail below. The outer face 230 also has a preferably removable faceplate 270. The faceplate 270 can be secured by two screws, as shown, or other means (e.g., one or more pins, one or more bolts, one or more rivets, a friction fit, a snap fit, an adhesive fit, etc.). Removal of the faceplate 270 can facilitate installation, removal, and / or servicing of the controls 240, 250, and 260.

[0065] A number of mounting holes 280 on the horizontal support arm 220 (especially near its distal end) can be used to attach the handle assembly 210 to the backrest 180 (or other portion of the vehicle 100) using bolts or similar mechanical fasteners through the mounting holes 290 and corresponding mounting holes on the backrest 180. More or fewer mounting holes can also be provided. Other attachment means (e.g., nails, bolts, rivets, friction fit, snap fit, adhesive fit, etc.) are also possible for attaching the handle assembly 210 to the vehicle 100.

[0066] As shown, the handle assembly 210 includes a mounting plate 290 that can help secure the handle assembly 210 to the backrest 180. The mounting plate 290 can be, for example, metal or hard plastic, while other portions of the handle assembly 210 can be softer plastic or rubber or similar materials to provide a more comfortable feel to the operator's hand. The mounting plate 290 can have holes to receive screws or other fasteners to attach the mounting plate 290 to the rest of the handle assembly 210. The components of the handle assembly 210 other than the faceplate 270, controls 240-260, mounting plate 290 can be one integral piece formed by, for example, molding or three-dimensional printing.

[0067] The handle 200 is preferably sized to be comfortably grasped and gripped by a normal human hand. According to one embodiment, the handle 200 can be approximately 250 mm tall, approximately 265 mm wide (laterally), approximately 83 mm thick (front to back), and approximately 80 mm in approximate diameter.

[0068] While certain aspects of the position, orientation, and size of the handle 200 relative to the vehicle, as well as the controls provided on the handle 200, can be functional, the shape and / or appearance of the handle 200 can be decorative, as can the arrangement of the controls.

[0069] According to the illustrated embodiment, the handle 200 includes three operator-actuatable controls 240-260 on the outer side (left side when installed on the vehicle 100). First, a fork up-down control 240 is provided on the upper portion of the handle 200. The fork up-down control 240 can be a binary up-neutral-down switch (such as a bi-directional rocker switch) that simply turns on the lift mode if the top portion is depressed or the lower mode if the bottom portion is depressed. Alternatively, the fork up-down control 240 can be a continuous or graduated control that not only activates the lift / lower mechanism in the desired direction, but also controls the speed and / or extent of the motion based on how far the top or bottom portion of the control 240 is depressed.

[0070] The provision of the fork up / down control 240 on the handle 200 has the advantage of simplifying vertical control of the forks 110 when the operator is facing rearward on the vehicle 100. This scenario often occurs when the vehicle 100 is entering or exiting a delivery truck or van to lower or pick up a load. If the only vertical fork controls are on the control handle 170 or otherwise on the front side of the operator's cabin 130, the operator must turn around to look behind him / her to see the forks 110 while facing forward to activate the vertical fork controls. Conversely, the operator can try to face rearward to see the forks 110 while reaching behind him / herself to touch the vertical fork controls on the control handle 170. Either way, this can be uncomfortable for the operator and cause lost time, especially when done for extended periods or repeatedly during long shifts and / or multiple shifts. Having the fork up / down control 240 on the handle 200 is more comfortable for the operator and thus more sustainable for the operator to do during long or repetitive shifts. As a result, the operator's efficiency can be improved. Similarly, throttle, brake, and / or other controls can also be incorporated onto the handle 200 to improve ergonomics when the delivery truck 100 is being driven in reverse.

[0071] If the forks 110 have sufficient range of motion to lift the forks to a higher, more comfortable loading / unloading position, the operator can use this capability to raise the forks via the fork up / down control 240 before setting an item on the forks (or a pallet thereon). This is particularly useful for heavy items. After picking and placing the item, the operator can then use the fork up / down control 240 to lower the forks 110 before driving or coasting the vehicle 100.

[0072] Second, a coasting control 250 is provided in or near the middle section of the handle 200. The coasting control 250 is located in a position to be activated by the operator's thumb when the operator is naturally grasping the handle 200. For example, the operator can grasp the handle 200 with his / her left hand, press the thumb-activated coasting control 250 with his / her left thumb, and walk alongside the vehicle 100 as it moves rearward in coasting mode. The operator can do this with his / her left arm and hand in a natural, neutral position, as one would do when holding a ski pole or trekking pole. The act of activating the coasting of the vehicle 100 from this position does not interfere with the operator's natural walking motion. In fact, the handle 200 acts as a graspable support that can stabilize the operator as he / she walks.

[0073] Third, an emergency stop button 260 is provided on the lower portion of the handle 200. Pressing the emergency stop button 260 can shut down some or all of the functions of the vehicle 100, such as forward / backward movement and / or fork up / down movement. Pressing the emergency stop button 260 can also activate brakes and / or alarms, such as a horn or other audible alarm, lights or other visual alarms, and / or cause a distress signal to be wirelessly transmitted to a dispatch station, office, or other suitable location.

[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 11 , the controls 240-260 can have indicia to visually indicate their functions. The indicia can include graphics or text or both. Such indicia can also be provided on the panel 270 or elsewhere near the controls 240-260. The indicia are optional and can be omitted.

[0075] More or fewer controls can be provided on the multifunctional handle 200, and their locations can vary from those illustrated in the drawings, which merely illustrate one example of a multifunctional handle 100. For example, the same or different controls can be provided on the inner side, front, or rear of the multifunctional handle 200. In addition, controls such as buttons can also be provided on the top side of the multifunctional handle 200 or other portions of the handle assembly 210 that can be easily reached by the fingers or other parts of the operator's hand.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the multifunctional handles 200 and 300 are examples of an implement for gripping a materials handling vehicle with a hand of the operator in a neutral position when the operator stands on a lateral side of the materials handling vehicle facing forward or rearward. In addition, the glide control 250 and similar glide controls on the handle 300 are examples of an implement for activating a glide function of a materials handling vehicle with the thumb of a hand while the handle 200 or 300 is gripped with a neutral hand position while the operator walks on a lateral side of the materials handling vehicle facing forward or rearward.

[0077] According to one example use case, the operator starts with a vehicle 100 that has no load and a pick list. The operator drives the vehicle 100 up to an empty pallet with the forks 110 facing the pallet. The operator turns around and stands on the operator platform 140 facing backwards while positioning the forks to enter the pallet slot. While standing on the operator platform 140 facing backwards, the user drives the vehicle in reverse to fully seat the forks in the pallet. The operator can do so while continuing to face backwards, using the coast control 250 on one or more of the handles 200 or 300. The operator then again uses the forks up / down control 240 on one of the handles 200 or 300 while facing backwards, further lifting the forks to lift the pallet off the ground / floor. The operator can then turn around, face forward, and drive the vehicle to the first pick location. After parking and getting out of the vehicle while holding onto one of the handles 200 or 300 for stability, the operator takes the first item and places it on the pallet on the forks 110. If the second item is far away, the operator will likely choose to enter the operator cabin 130 (holding onto one of the handles 200 or 300 for upper body assistance and / or stability during entry), and drive the vehicle 100 to the second pick location in the normal driving mode of the vehicle. If the second pick location is relatively close to the first pick location, it will be more convenient for the operator to move the vehicle 100 in the coast mode using the coast control 250, without having to re-enter the vehicle operator cabin 130. The operator can do so, walking alongside the coasting vehicle 100 while holding the handles 200 or 300 and pressing the coast control 250. The operator continues this mode, item by item, deciding for each item whether to coast or drive, whether to enter and exit the operator cabin 130, and whether to lift the forks to a more comfortable height for placing the item. In each case, the operator uses one or more of the functions of the multifunctional handles 200 and / or 300, including coasting, forks lifting / lowering, and / or holding or grasping the handles 200 or 300. After getting all of the items on the pick list, the operator drives the vehicle 100 near the delivery truck bed, and can turn around on the operator platform 140 to use the coast control 250 on the handles 200 or 300 to move the delivery truck backwards to the location where the pallet is to be delivered; use the forks up / down control 240 on the handles 200 or 300 to lower the pallet; and use the control handle 170 to move the delivery truck away from the pallet and exit the delivery truck.

[0078] In another use case, the operator takes a loaded pallet from a delivery truck or trailer (or other area), and places the items from the pallet on shelves or elsewhere throughout the facility. In this alternative use case, the features of the multifunctional handles 200 and 300 are equally useful.

[0079] Summary

[0080] The terms and descriptions used above are set forth by way of illustration and example only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes, enhancements, and modifications to the concepts described herein are possible without departing from the essential principles of the present invention. For example, the skilled artisan will understand that the subject matter of any sentence, paragraph, or figure can be combined with the subject matter of some or all of the sentences, paragraphs, or figures in other sentences, paragraphs, or figures, unless such a combination is mutually exclusive. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined only by the appended claims, claims presented in a continuation patent application or after issuance, and equivalents of such claims.

Claims

1. A materials handling vehicle (100), characterized by comprise: a front side, a rear side, and two lateral sides; and a handle (200, 300) on one of the two lateral sides, wherein the handle (200, 300) is configured and positioned to be graspable by a hand of an operator standing on a floor or ground on the one of the two lateral sides of the materials handling vehicle (100), wherein the handle (200, 300) is a support graspable by the operator, and wherein the handle (200, 300) comprises one or more controls (240, 250, 260) including a glide control (250) to cause the materials handling vehicle (100) to move forward and / or rearward when the glide control (250) is actuated by the operator standing or walking on the one of the two lateral sides of the materials handling vehicle (100).

2. The materials handling vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein, The handle (200, 300) is configured and positioned to be graspable by a hand of the operator in a neutral position.

3. The materials handling vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein, The handle (200, 300) comprises a vertically oriented grip segment, and the glide control (250) is located on the vertically oriented grip segment.

4. The materials handling vehicle (100) of claim 3, wherein, The glide control (250) is configured and positioned on the vertically oriented grip segment to be actuated by a thumb of the operator when a hand of the operator grasps the handle (200, 300).

5. The materials handling vehicle (100) of claim 3, wherein, The materials handling vehicle (100) comprises a set of forks (110), wherein the one or more controls (240, 250, 260) further comprise a fork up-down control (240) to raise and lower the set of forks, and wherein the fork up-down control (240) is configured and positioned on the vertically oriented grip segment to be actuated by a hand of the operator when the hand grasps the handle.

6. The materials handling vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein, The materials handling vehicle (100) comprises a set of forks (110), and wherein the one or more controls (240, 250, 260) further comprise a fork up-down control (240) to raise and lower the set of forks (110).

7. The materials handling vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein, The one or more controls (240, 250, 260) further comprise an emergency stop button.

8. The materials handling vehicle (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a standing operator cabin (130); and a backrest (180) along a rear side of the operator cabin (130), wherein the handle (200, 300) is attached to the backrest (180).

9. The materials handling vehicle (100) of claim 8, wherein, The handle (200, 300) is part of a handle (200, 300) assembly comprising a horizontal support arm, wherein the horizontal support arm is attached to the backrest (180).

10. The materials handling vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein, The materials handling vehicle is a low-level order picker.

11. A handle (200, 300) for use on a side of a materials handling vehicle (100), characterized in that, The handle (200, 300) comprises: a grip segment, wherein the grip segment is vertically oriented and positioned near a lateral side of the materials handling vehicle (100) such that an operator of the materials handling vehicle (100) can grasp the grip segment while standing or walking on the lateral side of the materials handling vehicle (100); and one or more controls (240, 250, 260) located on the reach segment, wherein the one or more controls (240, 250, 260) include a coast control (250) that is actuatable by an operator standing or walking on the lateral side of the materials handling truck (100).

12. The handle (200, 300) according to claim 11, wherein The coast control (250) is positioned on the reach segment to be actuated by an operator's thumb when the operator is standing or walking on the lateral side of the materials handling truck (100) and facing forward or rearward.

13. The handle (200, 300) according to claim 11, wherein The coast control (250) is positioned on the reach segment to be actuated by an operator's thumb when the operator's forearm is in a neutral position.

14. The handle (200, 300) according to claim 11, wherein The one or more controls (240, 250, 260) include at least three controls (240, 250, 260).

15. The handle (200, 300) according to claim 14, wherein The at least three controls (240, 250, 260) include a control (240) for lifting and lowering a load carried by the materials handling truck (100).

16. The handle (200, 300) according to claim 14, wherein The at least three controls (240, 250, 260) include an emergency stop control (260).

17. The handle (200, 300) according to claim 11, wherein The one or more controls (240, 250, 260) are located on an outer side of the handle.

18. A device for use adjacent to and outside the lateral side of a material handling vehicle (100), characterized in that, The apparatus includes: means for gripping the materials handling truck (100) with a hand of an operator in a neutral position when the operator is standing on a lateral side of the materials handling truck (100) facing forward or rearward; and means for activating a coast function of the materials handling truck (100) with a thumb of the hand while gripping the means for gripping with a neutral hand position when the operator is walking on the lateral side of the materials handling truck (100) facing forward or rearward.

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