Scanning apparatus for a forklift and method for identifying a pallet load

• US 20070138287A1
• Filed: 12/05/2006
• Published: 06/21/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael A. Lombardi
• Original Assignee: Michael A. Lombardi
• Inventors: Lombardi, Michael A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,472,832 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/462.130
• CPC Class Codes: B66F 9/0755 Position control; Position detectors

Abstract

A scanning device and an identification system that enable the operator of a materials-handling vehicle to identify and track goods by scanning labels or other identifying information from a remote location without having to leave the forklift. The device may optionally be used in conjunction with a motion sensor and a monitor.

Claims

1. A scanner module mounted to a materials-handling vehicle having a vertically displaceable load receiving portion, such as a forklift, comprising:

an attachment assembly mounted to the vertically displaceable load receiving portion of said materials-handling vehicle;

a scanner unit having a scan mode mounted to said attachment assembly and oriented to generate a scan path forwardly from said materials-handling vehicle; and

an activator which selectively activates the scan mode of said scanner unit.

2. The scanner module of claim 1 further comprising a motion sensor device.

3. The scanner module of claim 2, wherein said scanner module is independently activated by said motion sensor device.

4. The scanner module of claim 3, wherein said scanner module remains activated for a period of about 1 minute.

5. The scanner module of claim 3, wherein said motion sensor device is activated and deactivated by said activator.

6. The scanner module of claim 1, wherein said attachment assembly further comprises:

a protective plate having a first end;

at least one mounting bracket; and

a pivoting pin, wherein said mounting bracket and said pivoting pin define a mounting angle for said scanner unit.

7. The scanner module of claim 6, wherein said protective plate is configured as having an angle at said first end.

8. The scanner module of claim 7, wherein said angle is about 45 degrees.

9. The scanner module of claim 1, wherein said scanner unit is hard-wired to a monitor inside said material-handling vehicle.

10. A scanner module for a materials-handling vehicle having a load rest comprising:

an attachment assembly mounted to said load rest of said materials-handling vehicle;

a retaining assembly mounted to the attachment assembly and oriented to generate a scan path forwardly from said materials-handling vehicle;

a scanner unit having a scan mode removably attached to said retaining assembly; and

an activator which selectively activates the scan mode of said scanner unit.

11. The scanner module of claim 10, wherein said scanner module is battery operated and transmits data using wireless technology.

12. The scanner module of claim 11, wherein said data is transmitted to a computer.

13. A method for identifying the load on a pallet in a pallet rack system wherein said load has an electronic readable identifier comprising:

providing a material-handling vehicle having a telescoping mast and load rest assembly with a vertically positionable scanner unit, where the vertical position of said scanner unit is a function of the position of said telescoping mast and load assembly;

positioning the material handling vehicle in the vicinity of the pallet;

activating said scanner unit to generate a scan path which intersects the load and passes vertically up and down over said identifier as said material handling vehicle approaches and withdraws from the vicinity; and

identifying the load by means of the scanner unit.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said scanner unit is a handheld device.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of identifying said load further comprises the steps of:

scanning load identification and location data; and

transmitting said data to a monitor.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of storing said load identification data electronically.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of transmitting is accomplished using wireless technology.

20. The method of claim 13 wherein said identifier is a bar code.

18. A material-handling vehicle such as forklift or single pallet jack comprising:

a vertically displaceable material-handling unit comprising

a carriage; and

at least two load carrying forks;

an attachment assembly mounted to said carriage;

a scanner unit having a scan mode mounted to said attachment assembly; and

a monitor.

19. The material-handling vehicle of claim 18 wherein said scanner unit is releasably attached to said attachment assembly.