Equipment for forklift

Abstract

Equipment (100) for forklift suitable for loading and unloading boxes (C), where said forklift comprises a post and cross-member structure to which a first and a second fork (F) can be reversibly associated, wherein said equipment comprises: - a first (1) and a second (2) tubular member suitable for being fitted onto said first and second fork (F), respectively, to act as an extension, each having a first end (la, 2a) and a second end (lb, 2b), provided with an access opening (3) for the respective fork (F), and a length greater than the length of said fork (F); - at least one transverse connecting bar (4) for said tubular members (1, 2), where each tubular member (1, 2) comprises: - gripping means, provided at said first end (la, 2a), and suitable for cooperating with a surface of a box (C) to hook and retain said box (C) - locking means, provided at said second end (lb, 2b), and suitable for retaining the respective fork (F) within the tubular member itself to prevent it from slipping out during unloading operations of said box (C).

Description

[0001] EQUIPMENT FOR FORKLIFT

[0002] Technical field of application

[0003] The invention is aimed at the industrial sector, and in detail relates to equipment for forklifts used for handling, loading, but above all unloading boxes from vans or trucks.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] Forklifts, or more generally lift trucks, are an essential part of the logistics and materials handling sector: they are used in warehouses, distribution centres, ports, and factories, and are essential tools for lifting and moving heavy goods, mostly stored on pallets or in boxes.

[0006] In the following description, reference will always be made to a forklift comprising:

[0007] - a driver's compartment;

[0008] - two forks suitable for lifting boxes;

[0009] - a rear counterweight for balancing the load;

[0010] - a structure with posts and cross-members to which the forks can be reversibly associated, which raises and lowers to move the forks themselves in height;

[0011] - motor means and movement wheels.

[0012] The forks are sturdy metal elements that are inserted underneath the load, therefore underneath the box. They are L-shaped with a horizontal loading arm and a vertical arm for fixing to the post, where the horizontal loading arm generally has a length comprised between 120 and 150 cm. One of the operations most commonly performed by forklifts is the loading and unloading of boxes onto vans or trucks: during loading, the operator manoeuvres the forklift up to the box, positions the horizontal arms of the forks underneath the box, lifts the box while keeping it balanced, drives the forklift with the raised box up to the truck, positions the box inside the truck on the loading platform, and carefully lowers and pulls the forks back in. If the box must be positioned on the floor of the truck's cargo area, the forks then work by pushing the box forward with their tips; during unloading, the same operations are repeated in reverse.

[0013] However, problems can arise during unloading when the boxes are placed on the floor of the truck and the forks are not long enough to reach the box, slide underneath it and hook thereto safely and stably, so as to drag the box to the edge of the truck and then lift it.

[0014] Presentation of the invention

[0015] The invention aims to overcome these limitations by defining equipment for forklifts that acts as an extension for the forks, which facilitates the unloading of boxes and which can be installed extremely simply and quickly on any forklift.

[0016] Such objects are achieved with equipment for forklifts suitable for loading and unloading boxes, where said forklift comprises a post and cross-member structure to which a first and a second fork can be reversibly associated, characterised in that said equipment comprises: - a first and a second tubular member suitable for being fitted onto said first and second fork, respectively, to act as an extension, each having a first end and a second end, provided with an access opening for the respective fork, and a length greater than the length of said fork;

[0017] - at least one transverse connecting bar for said tubular members, where each tubular member comprises:

[0018] - gripping means, provided at said first end, and suitable for cooperating with a surface of a box to hook and retain said box;

[0019] - locking means, provided at said second end, and suitable for retaining the respective fork within the tubular member itself to prevent it from slipping out during unloading operations of said box.

[0020] Further characteristics of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0021] Said equipment acts as an extension for the forks of the forklift.

[0022] Said tubular members, fitting onto the forks, allow the forklift to reach even boxes arranged on the bottom of the truck compartment: the gripping devices provided at the tip of the tubular members are able to hook underneath the box, while the locking devices provided with tubular members on the access opening lock the fork and prevent it from slipping out. The tubular members thereby remain firmly hooked to the forks.

[0023] Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more evident below, in which a preferred method of execution is described, by way of non-limiting example, and with the help of the figures where: Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4 represent, respectively in axonometric view, in side view, in plan view from above and in front view, equipment for forklifts according to a first variant of the invention;

[0025] Figures 5 and 6 represent, in axonometric view, equipment for forklifts according to further variants of the invention;

[0026] Figures 7 and 8 represent, in longitudinal section along a vertical plane, the equipment for forklifts of Fig. 1 in two work phases;

[0027] Figures 9 and 10 show, in a partially transparent side view and in a front view, a detail of the equipment for forklifts according to a further possible variant of the invention.

[0028] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0029] With particular reference to Figures 1 -4 and 7-8, a piece of equipment 100 is illustrated, to be used on a forklift of the type suitable for loading and unloading boxes C into and from the loading compartments of trucks, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0030] In the following description, reference will be made to a forklift comprising a vertically movable post and cross-member structure and a first and second L-shaped fork F, equipped with a horizontal loading arm F' and a vertical arm F" for application to the post and crossmember structure of the forklift. In particular, the vertical arm F" of each fork F comprises a first hook, suitable for hooking said post and cross-member structure from above, and a second hook, suitable for inserting into a groove present on a lower cross-member of said post and cross-member structure. Said equipment 100 comprises:

[0031] - a first 1 and a second 2 tubular member suitable for being fitted respectively onto said first and second fork F to act as their extension,

[0032] - two transverse connecting bars 4 for said tubular members 1 , 2.

[0033] Said tubular members 1 , 2, made of metallic material, have a first closed end 1 a, 2a, a second end 1 b, 2b provided with an access opening 3 for the respective fork F, and have a length greater than the length of said fork F, preferably by an amount comprised between 40 and 70%.

[0034] Said access opening 3 arranged in said second end 1 b, 2b of each tubular member 1 , 2 comprises a stop shoulder 3' for said fork F, suitable for cooperating with its vertical arm F": the equipment 100 is correctly positioned on the forks F when the vertical arms F" of the forks F are arranged against the stop shoulder 3' of the tubular members 1 , 2 (Fig. 7).

[0035] Each tubular member 1 , 2 comprises gripping means, provided at said first end 1 a, 2a, and suitable for cooperating with a surface of a box C to hook and retain it.

[0036] Said gripping means comprise a pin 5 protruding from one face of said tubular member 1 , 2 suitable in use to be positioned underneath said box C.

[0037] Advantageously, said pin 5 can be reversibly connected to said tubular member 1 , 2, by screw connection means, so that it can be replaced in the event of wear, or selected based on the type of box or pallet to be moved. Each tubular member 1 , 2 comprises locking means suitable for retaining the corresponding fork F therein and preventing it from slipping out during the unloading operations of said box C.

[0038] Said locking means are provided at the access opening 3 of said second end 1 b, 2b.

[0039] In particular, said locking means comprise a raised part 6 arranged within said access opening 3 of said tubular member 1 , 2, suitable for acting as a step capable of cooperating with a connecting portion between the horizontal loading arm F' and the vertical arm F" of the respective fork F (Fig. 8).

[0040] According to a possible variant of the invention illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, said raised part 6 comprises a plane 16 which is inclined with respect to a median plane containing said tubular members 1 , 2. Said inclined plane 16 promotes better contact between the raised part 6 and the curved connecting portion of the fork F, thus making the anti-slippage of said tubular members 1 , 2 even more secure.

[0041] Said inclined plane 16 can alternatively be made with a raised part 6 of rectangular parallelepiped shape arranged rotated with respect to the median plane containing said tubular members 1 , 2 (Figs. 9-10), or with a raised part 6 of parallelepiped shape with a trapezoidal base arranged parallel to said median plane.

[0042] Said raised part 6 can also be reversibly associated with said tubular member 1 , 2, by means of screws 9, so as to allow the replacement thereof when necessary. In a more simplified version, said raised part 6 could be welded to a lower portion of said access opening 3.

[0043] A first transverse connecting bar 4 is placed at the second ends 1 b, 2b of the tubular members, while a second transverse connecting bar 4 affects a median portion thereof.

[0044] Said equipment 100 further comprises a connecting arch 7 between said tubular members 1 , 2 arranged orthogonally to a median plane containing said tubular members 1 , 2.

[0045] Said arch 7 acts as an abutment for the insertion of the tubular members 1 , 2 underneath the box C and determines the length of the tubular members 1 , 2 that can be inserted underneath it.

[0046] In a possible simplified embodiment variant, said arch 7 is replaced by two vertical spikes, each protruding from one of said tubular members 1 , 2, suitable for acting as abutment means for inserting the tubular members themselves underneath the box C.

[0047] Said tubular members 1 , 2 are sized to be able to fit onto the forks F without friction or interference: the width of the internal section of said tubular members 1 , 2 is approximately 20 / 30 mm greater than the width of the forks F; the height of the internal section of said tubular members 1 , 2 is at least approximately 30 / 50 mm greater than the thickness of the forks F so as to allow the forks to rotate inside the tubular members when hooking the box C.

[0048] Said first end 1 a, 2a of said tubular members 1 , 2 is closed and tapered and narrows in the lower part towards the tip, or towards the pin 5 of the gripping means. The tapered end facilitates the insertion of the tubular members 1 , 2 underneath the boxes C. Said access opening 3 arranged in said second end 1 b, 2b has a larger section with respect to the median section of said tubular members 1 , 2, so as to facilitate their insertion.

[0049] The plane containing said access opening 3 is inclined by 45° with respect to a median plane containing said tubular members 1 , 2, so as not to interfere with the radius of the connecting portion of the fork F”.

[0050] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the operation of the invention.

[0051] Figure 7 represents the insertion phase of the equipment 100 onto the forks F of a forklift: the vertical arm F" of the forks F is pushing on the stop shoulder 3' of the access opening 3; the tubular members 1 , 2 are hanging from the upper face of the horizontal loading arm F' of the forks F.

[0052] Figure 8 shows how the equipment 100 is arranged during the operation of the forklift: to hook the box C, the forklift commands the rotation of the forks F; these rotate and tilt inside the tubular members 1 , 2, also imposing a rotation thereon such as to cause the first ends 1 a, 2a of the tubular members 1 , 2, with the gripping means (i.e., the pin 5), to hook the box C; during the withdrawal of the forklift with the box C hooked, the raised parts 6 of the locking means block the forks F inside the tubular members 1 , 2 so as not to allow them to slip out.

[0053] The box C remains hooked to the tubular members 1 , 2 and is dragged along the floor of the truck compartment until it is positioned at a distance such that it can be hooked and lifted using only the forks of the forklift, without the extension equipment 100.

[0054] Figure 5 illustrates a variant of the invention, in which the transverse connecting bars 4 of the tubular members 1 , 2 comprise means for adjusting their length, so as to be able to adapt the same equipment 100 also to forklifts with movable forks F and provided with means for varying their mutual distance.

[0055] Said transverse connecting bars 4 can be telescopic and comprise two partially superimposable sections 4', 4", where fixing screws 8, engaging two corresponding superimposed holes 10 of said sections 4', 4", block the position thereof.

[0056] Figure 6 instead illustrates a variant of the equipment 100 in which said connecting arch 7 between the tubular members 1 , 2 can vary its position: said equipment 100 comprises means for regulating the position of said arch 7 along said tubular members 1 , 2.

[0057] In particular, said arch 7 can rotate, in a discrete manner, i.e., in a selective discontinuous manner, around two end hinges 11 , varying its inclination with respect to a median plane containing said tubular members 1 , 2, so as to decrease or increase the portion of said tubular members 1 , 2 which can be inserted underneath the boxes C.

[0058] With particular reference to Figures 9 and 10, each tubular member 1 , 2 comprises, at its second end 1 b, 2b and at the sides of said access opening 3, a first 12' and a second 12" index.

[0059] Said indexes 12', 12" are suitable for cooperating by interference with the groove present in the lower cross-member in said post and cross-member structure in which the second hooks of the forks F are also inserted, so as to further secure the equipment 100 to the forklift.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Equipment (100) for forklift suitable for loading and unloading boxes (C), where said forklift comprises a post and cross-member structure to which a first and a second fork (F) can be reversibly associated, characterised in that said equipment comprises:- a first (1 ) and a second (2) tubular member suitable for being fitted onto said first and second fork (F), respectively, to act as an extension, each having a first end (1 a, 2a) and a second end (1 b, 2b), provided with an access opening (3) for the respective fork (F), and a length greater than the length of said fork (F);- at least one transverse connecting bar (4) for said tubular members (1 , 2), where each tubular member (1 , 2) comprises:- gripping means, provided at said first end (1 a, 2a), and suitable for cooperating with a surface of a box (C) to hook and retain said box (C);- locking means, provided at said second end (1 b, 2b), and suitable for retaining the respective fork (F) within the tubular member itself to prevent it from slipping out during unloading operations of said box (C).

2. Equipment (100) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said gripping means comprise a pin (5) protruding from one face of said tubular member (1 , 2) suitable in use to be positioned underneath said box (C).

3. Equipment (100) according to claim 2, characterised in that said pin (5) can be reversibly associated with said tubular member (1 , 2).

4. Equipment (100) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said locking means comprise a raised part (6) arranged within said access opening (3) of said tubular member (1 , 2) to retain said fork (F).

5. Equipment (100) according to claim 4, characterised in that said raised part (6) comprises a plane (16) which is inclined with respect to a median plane containing said tubular members (1 , 2).

6. Equipment (100) according to claim 4, characterised in that said raised part (6) can be reversibly associated with said tubular member (1 , 2).

7. Equipment (100) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said at least one transverse connecting bar (4) comprises means for adjusting its length.

8. Equipment (100) according to claim 7, characterised in that said at least one transverse connecting bar (4) is telescopic.

9. Equipment (100) according to claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises a connecting arch (7) between said tubular members (1 , 2) arranged orthogonally to a median plane containing said tubular members (1 , 2).

10. Equipment (100) according to claim 9, characterised in that it comprises means for adjusting the position of said arch (7) along said tubular members (1 , 2), where said adjustment meanscomprise two end hinges (11 ) for said arch (7).

11. Equipment (100) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said first end (1 a, 2a) of said tubular members (1 , 2) is closed and tapered and narrows towards the tip.

12. Equipment (100) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said access opening (3) arranged in said second end (1 b, 2b) comprises a stop shoulder (3') for said fork (F).

13. Equipment (100) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said access opening (3) arranged in said second end (1 b, 2b) has a larger section than a median section of said tubular members (1 , 2).

14. Equipment (100) according to claim 1 , characterised in that the plane containing said access opening (3) is inclined by 45° with respect to a median plane containing said tubular members (1 , 2).

15. Equipment (100) according to claim 1 , characterised in that each tubular member (1 , 2) comprises, at its second end (1 b, 2b) and at the sides of said access opening (3), a first (12') and a second (12") index suitable for cooperating by interference with a groove present on a lower cross-member of the post and cross-member structure of said forklift.

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