US 12,103,832 B2
Method and apparatus for connecting and moving objects
Willard Schlabach, Sullivan, IL (US)
Assigned to Norden Mfg LLC, North Bloomfield, OH (US)
Filed by NORDEN MFG LLC, North Bloomfield, OH (US)
Filed on Mar. 3, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/177,793.
Application 18/177,793 is a continuation in part of application No. 17/307,406, filed on May 4, 2021, granted, now 11,618,659.
Application 17/307,406 is a continuation of application No. 17/100,275, filed on Nov. 20, 2020, granted, now 11,623,849.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/043,987, filed on Jun. 25, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0219795 A1, Jul. 13, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B66F 9/07 (2006.01); B66F 9/075 (2006.01); B66F 9/18 (2006.01)
CPC B66F 9/07504 (2013.01) [B66F 9/18 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A moving apparatus for engagement with a lifting device to move an article from a first location to a second location, said moving apparatus comprising:
a body having a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween;
at least one channel member provided on the body, said at least one channel member extending in the longitudinal direction;
a guided channel defined by each of the at least one channel member, said guided channel defining an opening at a first end and being adapted to receive a tine of the lifting device therein through the opening;
a retaining assembly engaged with the at least one channel member and being movable between an accepting position and an engaged position;
wherein when the retaining assembly is in the accepting position, the guided channel is adapted to removably accept the tine of the lifting device therein;
wherein when the retaining assembly is in the engaged position, the tine of the lifting device is retained in the guided channel and the body is secured to the lifting device;
wherein the retaining assembly comprises at least one arm member having a base positionable a distance outwardly beyond the first end of the at least one channel member, wherein the base is located below the opening when the retaining assembly is in the accepting position and the base is located above an imaginary plan extending along a top wall of the at least one channel member when the retaining assembly is in the engaged position; and
a connector assembly provided on the body, said connector assembly comprising a platform rotatable about a pivot axis, wherein the platform is adapted to engage the article to be moved.