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

• US 7,472,832 B2
• Filed: 12/05/2006
• Issued: 01/06/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael A. Lombardi II
• Original Assignee: Michael A. Lombardi II
• Inventors: Lombardi, Michael A. II
• Primary Examiner(s): Le; Uyen-Chau N
• Assistant Examiner(s): VO, TUYEN KIM
• Application Number:
  US11/634,722
• Publication Number:
  US 20070138287A1
• Time in Patent Office: 763 Days
• Field of Search: 235/383, 235/384, 235/385, 235/440, 235/462, 235/462.14, 235/462.43, 235/462.44, 235/462.4
• US Class Current: 235/462.13
• 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, comprising:

an attachment assembly mounted to the vertically displaceable load receiving portion of said materials-handling vehicle, said attachment assembly including a protective plate having upper and lower ends and rear and forward faces, said rear face facing away from the load and the forward face facing the load;

a scanner unit having a scan mode mounted to said rear face of said protective plate attachment assembly and oriented to generate a scan path forwardly from said attachment assembly below said lower end of said protective plate and whereby said protective plate protects said scanner unit from damage from the load; 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:

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 lower 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. The scanner module of claim 6 wherein said bracket provides an adjustable connection between said scanning unit and said mounting plate and said pivot pin pivotally connects said scanner unit to said mounting plate at a point spaced from said bracket so that said scanner unit can be angularly adjusted relative to said mounting plate about said pivot pin.