The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 03, 1988
Filed:
Dec. 19, 1986
Frank R Sable, Wickliffe, OH (US);
Caterpillar Industrial Inc., Mentor, OH (US);
Abstract
Devices for elevationally moving a platform are complex in construction, bulky, tend to wear prematurely, are unable to maintain the platform at a preselected attitude, and tend to move jerky. A lifting mechanism having an elevationally movable shaft driven by a motor is provided for elevationally moving a platform. A bearing member supports the platform for universal pivotal movement on the shaft, and first and second guide assemblies maintain the platform at a preselected attitude relative to the vehicle frame, guide the platform for substantially straight elevational movement, and prevent undesirable forces from being applied to the shaft. Thus, the problems related to premature wear and failure, jerky operation, platform attitude maintenance, size and complexity are reduced. The elevating device is particularly suited for use on an automatic guided vehicle.