IP Library Granted Patent US 8,684,373
Granted Patent B2
US 8,684,373 · App. 12/564,240 · Granted Apr 1, 2014

Cart moving machine

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,684,373
App. No.
12/564,240
Granted
Apr 1, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

A cart moving machine including a body portion, a movement assembly positioned on the body and including a power source coupled to a drive mechanism, the movement assembly being adapted to translate the machine relative to a surface, a hitch positioned on the body and adapted to engage a cart, a mast extending from the body and including a beacon positioned thereon, and a mast positioning mechanism, the mechanism adapted to allow the mast to be selectively positionable relative to the body between a protected position and an exposed position.

Claims (41)

1. A cart moving machine comprising:

a. a substantially rectangular body, defined by a front portion, two generally parallel side portions, and a rear portion;

b. a movement assembly positioned on the body and including a power source coupled to a drive mechanism, the movement assembly being adapted to translate the machine relative to a surface;

c. a hitch positioned on the front portion of the body and adapted to engage a cart;

d. a mast extending from the rear portion of the body, opposite the hitch and including a beacon positioned thereon; and

e. a mast positioning mechanism, the mechanism adapted to allow the mast to be selectively positionable relative to the body between an enclosed position toward the hitch and an exposed upright position.

2. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the mast positioning mechanism is a pivotal connector and the mast is selectively pivotal between the enclosed position and the exposed position.

3. The machine of claim 2 , wherein the pivoting connector is a frictional pivotal connector.

4. The machine of claim 2 , wherein the pivotal connector includes:

a. a bracket connected to the body; and

b. a first pivot pin extending through the bracket and the mast.

5. The machine of claim 4 , wherein the bracket includes a radial slot with a center point located at the longitudinal axis of the first pivot pin, the pivotal connector further comprising a second pivot pin extending through the radial slot and the mast.

6. The machine of claim 5 , wherein the first pivot pin is a removable pin.

7. The machine of claim 2 , wherein:

a. the enclosed position includes a position within a housing of the body; and

b. the exposed position includes a position outside the housing, the exposed position adapted to suitably present the beacon.

8. The machine of claim 7 , wherein the exposed position is a generally upright position.

9. The machine of claim 8 , wherein the exposed position includes a slightly tipped position.

10. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the machine further includes a breakaway mechanism adapted to allow the beacon to move relative to the machine from a use position to a released position when a force is applied.

11. The machine of claim 10 , wherein the breakaway mechanism is incorporated into the mast positioning mechanism.

12. The machine of claim 11 , wherein the breakaway mechanism is a friction based mechanism.

13. The machine of claim 11 , wherein the breakaway mechanism includes a biasing mechanism adapted to return the beacon from the released position to the use position when the force is no longer applied.

14. The machine of claim 10 , wherein the breakaway mechanism is adapted to allow relative motion of the beacon relative to the mast.

15. The machine of claim 1 , further comprising a remote control in communication with the movement mechanism.

16. The machine of claim 1 , further comprising a directional switch in communication with the movement mechanism.

17. The machine of claim 16 , wherein the directional switch includes a forward position, a stop position, and a reverse position.

18. The machine of claim 17 , wherein the movement mechanism is adapted to gradually transition between forward translation and stop and between reverse translation and stop.

19. The machine of claim 1 further comprising a handle positioned on the mast.

20. The machine of claim 19 , wherein the handle is a cylindrical grip.

21. A cart moving machine comprising:

a. a substantially rectangular body, defined by a front portion, two generally parallel side portions, a rear portion and a top portion;

b. a movement assembly positioned on the body and including a power source coupled to a drive mechanism, the movement assembly being adapted to translate the machine relative to a surface;

c. a hitch positioned on the front portion of the body and adapted to engage a cart;

d. a mast extending from the rear portion of the body, opposite the hitch and including a beacon positioned thereon;

e. a mast positioning mechanism, the mechanism adapted to allow the mast to be selectively positionable relative to the body between an enclosed position inside the substantially rectangular body toward the hitch and an exposed upright position outside the substantially rectangular body;

f. a remote control in communication with the movement mechanism; and

g. a remote control holder secured to the machine.

22. The machine of claim 21 , wherein the holder is secured to the mast.

23. The machine of claim 21 , wherein the holder is secured to the body.

24. The machine of claim 21 , wherein the substantially rectangular body further comprises an opening of sufficient size to accommodate the mast in the enclosed position.

25. The machine of claim 24 , wherein the substantially rectangular body further comprises a hinge.

Assignments (5)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 10, 2014
From: DANE TECHNOLOGIES, INC
To: ANCHOR BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 033122/0507 →
RELEASE Recorded Apr 12, 2012
From: SILICON VALLEY BANK
To: DANE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 028047/0091 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 16, 2010
From: DANE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: SILICON VALLEY BANK
Reel/Frame 025366/0205 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 27, 2010
From: DANE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: PARTNERS FOR GROWTH III, L.P.
Reel/Frame 024900/0589 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 11, 2009
From: HOLTAN, PAUL D.
To: DANE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 023640/0911 →