Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the design, manufacture, assembly, and/or use of tyne covers configured to attach to a tyne of a forklift.

Background

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] When operating a forklift the tynes of the forklift are used to support the load requiring transport. The tynes are typically made of metal. When used without a cover, the contact between the tynes and the load can cause surface damage to the object, such as scratches to paint. To avoid this, tyne covers may be used to avoid direct contact between the tynes and the load.

[0004] Additionally, direct contact between the tynes and the load can result in other forms of damage to the load due to potential pressure points. This may be avoided by using a cushioning material, potentially built into a tyne cover.

[0005] Tyne covers may not be suitable and/or necessary for all loads. Additionally, the tyne covers may need to be removed at times for repair, replacement, and/or washing. As such, tyne covers are generally removably attached to the tynes. This can be done using straps with a fastener, zip ties, or any other suitable method. These techniques are typically time consuming, especially when the tyne covers need to be attached and detached regularly.

[0006] Some existing tyne covers utilise rubber in the top surface that contacts the load and a rigid stiffening layer formed of a metal. Depending on the load being transported, this rubber surface may mark or damage the load. Furthermore, the rigid layer and rubber construction of such tyne covers makes them complex and expensive to manufacture, and heavy to manoeuvre when installing or removing. [0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention

[0008] Accordingly the invention provides a tyne cover for use with a tyne of a forklift, comprising: a first layer comprising a canvas material, a second layer comprising a canvas material, a magnetic layer configured to magnetically attach the tyne cover to the tyne; and a central cushioning layer located between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the central layer is configured to provide cushioning between the tyne and an object contacting the tyne when in use.

[0009] Preferably, the central layer comprises wool.

[0010] Preferably, the central layer is between about 2.5mm and about 30mm thick when in an uncompressed state. More preferably the central layer is around 9.5mm or around 5mm thick when in an uncompressed state.

[0011] Preferably, the lengths of the first layer and the second layer exceed the length of the magnetic layer, the widths of the first layer and the second layer exceed the width of the magnetic layer, and the peripheral edge of the first layer is attached to the peripheral edge of the second layer, such that the magnetic layer is fully encompassed by the first and second layers.

[0012] Preferably, the lengths of the first layer and the second layer exceed the length of the central layer, the widths of the first layer and the second layer exceed the width of the central layer, and the peripheral edge of the first layer being attached to the peripheral edge of the second layer results in the central layer being fully encompassed by the first and second layer.

[0013] Preferably, the tyne cover, further comprising a pocket located on the adjacent to the second layer of the tyne cover, the pocket comprising a recess configured to receive a tip of the tyne when in use. Preferably, the pocket comprises at least one selectively closable flap.

[0014] Preferably, the first layer comprises a fibrous material. [0015] Preferably, the first layer comprises a synthetic fibre.

[0016] Preferably, the first layer comprises an acrylic fibre.

[0017] Preferably, the second layer comprises an acrylic fibre.

[0018] Preferably, the second layer comprises the same material as the first layer.

[0019] Preferably, the magnetic layer is disposed between the second layer and the cushioning layer.

[0020] Preferably, the first, second and/or third layer is formed of multiple sublayers.

[0021] Preferably, the first layer is configured to face away from the tyne as a load/object contacting surface and the second layer is configured to face and abut the tyne when in use.

[0022] Preferably, the cover is configured to be magnetically attached to an upper facing surface of the tyne to provide protection to a load or object supported by the tyne when in use.

[0023] Preferably, the cover is configured to be magnetically attached to a downward facing surface of the tyne to provide protection to an object located under the tyne when in use.

[0024] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0025] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0026] Fig. l is a top view of a magnetic tyne cover in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [0027] Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the magnetic tyne cover shown in Figure 1;

[0028] Fig. 3 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the magnetic tyne cover shown in Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 4 shows a view of a magnetic strip of a magnetic layer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Fig. 5 shows another view of the magnetic strip of Fig. 4 and cutaway view of a magnet holding pouch of the strip;

[0031] Fig. 6 is a partial cutaway view of a magnetic tyne cover in accordance with another embodiment of the invention without edge hemming and a view of a magnetic strip;

[0032] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a magnetic tyne cover in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Fig. 8 is a partial cutaway perspective view of cross-sectional side view of the magnetic tyne cover shown in Fig. 7;

[0034] Fig. 10 is a chart showing specifications of an acrylic canvas material according to an embodiment of the invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the invention provides a magnetic tyne cover 1 configured to magnetically attach to a tyne of a forklift. The magnetic tyne cover 1 comprises a first layer 20 having a first outer facing surface 21, a second layer 30 having a second outer facing surface 31, and central layer 40. As can be seen in Figure 3, each layer may comprise more than one component layer or sublayers. A further magnetic layer 50 is provided for magnetically attaching the tyne cover to an upper or lower surface of a metal forklift tyne. The first layer 20 is configured to be positioned remote from the tyne in use so that the first layer 21 of the tyne cover presents an outward facing contact surface while the second layer 30 is configured to be positioned proximally to tyne in use where the second layer 31 of the tyne cover abuts the tyne. So attached the tyne cover 1 will be positioned between the tyne and any damageable good, product or item which may otherwise come into contact with the metallic tyne thereby protecting it from direct contact with the tyne and potential damage from the metal surface of the tyne.

[0036] In one embodiment, the tyne cover is configured to be attached to a top surface of a forklift tyne whereby in use the first outer facing surface 21 of the first layer 20 forms a top layer of the cover 1 to be remote from the tyne and the second outer facing surface 31 of the second layer 30 forms a bottom layer of the cover 1 to be proximal to the tyne in use. So attached, the tyne cover 1 will be positioned on top of the tyne between the tyne and any load carried by the tyne thereby protecting the load from direct contact with the tyne and potential damage from the metal of the tyne.

[0037] In other embodiments, such as that shown in Figs 5 & 6 the tyne cover is configured to be attached to a bottom surface of a forklift tyne whereby in use the first outer facing surface 21 of the first layer 20 forms a bottom layer of the cover 1 to be remote from the tyne and the second outer facing surface 31 of the second layer 30 forms a top layer of the cover 1 to be proximal to the tyne in use. So attached, the tyne cover 1 will be positioned under the tyne between the tyne and any load or goods positioned under a pallet to be carried by the tyne thereby protecting the load from direct contact with the tyne and potential damage from the metal of the tyne.

[0038] The magnetic layer 50 is located between the first layer 20 and the second layer 30.

[0039] In other configurations, such as shown in Fig. 4, the magnetic layer 50 may be disposed distal to the second layer on an outward facing surface to be adjacent the tyne in use. For instance, where the tyne cover 1 is attached to a top surface of the tyne, the magnetic layer 50 will be disposed below the second layer 30, however where the tyne cover 1 is attached to a bottom surface of the tyne, the magnetic layer 50 will be disposed above the first layer 30.

[0040] The central layer 40 of the magnetic tyne cover 1 is located between the first layer 20 and the second layer 30. The central layer 40 acts as a cushioning or padding layer, thereby further reducing the chance of the tyne causing damage. In this way the first and second layers form an outer envelope surrounding the central layer 40. [0041] In this embodiment the central layer 40 comprises natural fibres and more particularly wool fibres. The wool fibres may be carded and needled felted to form a batt. Other types of padding/cushioning material may be used in addition to or in place of the wool batt layer.

[0042] In this embodiment the batt has a thickness of about 9.5mm. However, in other embodiments the central layer may have a thickness of between about 2.5mm and about 30mm. In some embodiments the central layer may include multiple sublayers.

[0043] In this embodiment, the central layer 40 is disposed between the magnetic layer 50 and the first layer 20 so as to retain the magnetic layer in close proximity to the second layer 30 where they will be positioned near to the metal tyne in use.

[0044] In this embodiment, the magnetic layer 50 comprises an array of disc magnets 51 held within a flexible casing 52 forming a magnetic strip 53 best seen in Figs. 4 & 5. The strip 53 comprises a series of longitudinally spaced pouches 54 in which the magnets 51 are located and secured. In this embodiment, the magnets are arranged in a longitudinally spaced linear array in the strip, which is disposed centrally along the longitudinal axis of the cover, however in other embodiments the magnets may also be laterally spaced either in a single strip or by means of one or more spaced strips, to form the magnetic layer.

[0045] In this embodiment, the magnets 51 are disc magnets having a thickness of around 3.5mm and a diameter of around 12mm. However, in other embodiments the magnets 51 may have a thickness between around 1mm and around 5 mm and a diameter of between around 10mm and 50mm. Alternatively, the magnets 51 may be ring, bar, square in shape. Preferably the magnets 51 are Neodymium rare earth magnets. It will be appreciated that the magnetic attraction of the tyne cover to the metallic tyne may be adjusted by section of the strength, size, number, distribution and spacing of the magnets in the magnetic layer.

The flexible casing 52 of the strip 53 may comprise silicone and allows the magnets 51 to be more easily located and secured within or to the cover 1. The strip 53 may be directly attached by an adhesive or mechanical attachments such as stitching, to one of the other layers as seen in Figure 3, or secured by a tape 55. In Fig 6 the tape 55 is stitched along a peripheral edge to an outer face of the second layer 30 to form an elongate pocket or cavity 56 for housing the strip 53. In some embodiments multiple strips may be used to form the magnetic layer. [0046] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic tyne cover 1 is flexible, such that it can be rolled up and/or folded for storage and/or transport. Alternatively, the magnetic attachments allow the cover to be attached to any metallic surface for storage, such as scaffolding or more advantageously, a side of a forklift. This enables the cover to be conveniently stowed in close proximity to the tyne when not in use.

[0047] The magnetic tyne cover 1 is sized to cover a horizontal (upper to lower facing) surface of the respective forklift tyne. In this embodiment, the tyne cover has a length (1) of around Im and a width (w) of around 17cm. However, in other embodiments the tyne cover has dimensions based on those of the tyne which it is to cover. Typically, the tyne cover will have a length of between about 0.5m, and about 2.0 m, or more preferably between 0.075m and 1.5m however the cover may have a length of above 3.0m or 4.0m in some embodiments. Typically, the tyne cover will have a width of between about 5cm and 50cm, or more preferably between around 10cm and 20cm.

[0048] The first layer 20 comprises a canvas material. The first layer 20 comprises a fibrous material. The fibrous material may comprise a synthetic fibre. The fibrous material may comprise acrylic fibres, such as polyacrylonitrile. For instance, in this embodiment the first layer 20 is a canvas formed of acrylic fibres such as the one exemplified in the specification sheet shown in Fig 10.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the first layer 20 may comprise multiple sublayers for instance in this embodiment three sublayers 22, 23, 24. In this embodiment each of the three sublayers are formed of a canvas formed of acrylic fibres. In other embodiments the sublayers may be formed of different materials. For instance, in some embodiments a layer of a waterproof or water resistant material may be provided, either incorporated into the first layer as a sublayer, or as a distinct additional layer.

[0050] In some configurations (not shown), the first layer 20 comprises one or more sub-layers of non-backed fibre bonded materials. In other configurations (not shown), the first layer 20 comprises at least two sub-layers of fibre bonded material, wherein each sublayer comprises a backing. The sub-layers of the first layer 20 are arranged with the backings of the sub-layers in contact. The sublayers may be adhered to each other using an adhesive. [0051] In this embodiment the second layer 30 comprises a canvas material. The second layer 30 may be of similar or identical construction to the first layer 20. That is to say, in this embodiment the second layer 30 is a canvas formed of acrylic fibres such as the one exemplified in the specification sheet shown in Fig 10. Additionally, the second layer 30 may comprise multiple sub-layers such as two sublayers 32, 33 as illustrated in this embodiment.

[0052] The length of the first layer 20 and the second layer 30 exceeds the length of the magnetic layer 50. The width of the first layer 20 and the second layer 30 exceeds the width of the magnetic layer 50. In such a configuration, the peripheries of the first layer 20 and second layer 30 may be stitched or glued together such that both the central cushioning layer 40, and the magnetic layer 50 are fully encompassed.

[0053] Additionally, or alternatively, the magnetic tyne cover 1 may comprise peripheral edging or hem 60 that fastens the layers together and forms the side edge of the magnetic tyne cover 1.

[0054] In some configurations, the magnetic layer 50 is fastened to the second layer 30 to prevent magnetic layer 40 from moving relative to the rest of the magnetic tyne cover 1. In some configurations, the magnetic layer 40 is fastened to the second layer 30 using a layer of tape 56 either on an inside or outside surface of the bottom layer. The tape 56 may be waterproof. For instance, as illustrated in Fig 6, the magnetic layer 50 is stitched to an outside surface of the second layer 30.

[0055] In some configurations, as seen in Fig. 2, the magnetic tyne cover 1 further comprises a pocket 70 disposed at a tip end 2 and extending from the outer surface of the second layer of the magnetic tyne cover 1. The pocket includes an opening 71 and a closed sides 72 and closed base 73. The pocket 70 is disposed at the tip end of the tyne cover such that the opening 71 faces inwardly toward the center of the cover, so as to receive and locate a tip of the tyne when in use. By receiving the tip of the tyne in the pocket 70, the chance of the magnetic tyne cover 1 shifting relative to the tyne is reduced. The closed sides 72 of the pocket prevent relative lateral movement and the closed base 73 prevents longitudinal movement of the cover toward the base of the tyne. In some embodiments the pocket may be replaced by a strap or band extending between opposite lateral sides. In other embodiments the pocket, strap or band may include or be an elastic member to hold the pocket, strap or band tight against the tyne in use. [0056] In other embodiments, to prevent longitudinal movement of the cover away from the base of the tyne, the magnetic tyne cover 1 further includes an attachment means for securing the cover 1 to the base of the tyne. The attachment means is disposed at a base end 3 of the tyne cover, the base end opposite the tip end and may include a strap, belt, webbing or tie which loops around the base of the tyne, a tyne support to which the tyne is attached or some other part of the forklift structure thereby anchoring the tyne cover and preventing it moving longitudinal away from the base of the tyne. The attachment means may include a fastener such as a buckle, clasp, hook, ring, or stud or hook and loop connector for selectively securing the strap, belt or tie.

[0057] Another embodiment in accordance with the invention is shown in Figs 7, 8 & 9. In this embodiment, the tyne cover 1 is configured for attachment to the underside of a forklift tyne. This cover may be used for protecting goods forming a surface positioned under the forklift tynes in use. In some cases, goods loaded on pallets are stacked on top of one another. Where the pallet in use includes tyne notches or channels having an open bottom, such as a single face or block pallet, the forklift tynes are not physically separated from the top of the goods loaded onto a lower pallet by a bottom deckboard and may come into contact with and cause damage to the goods. This is a particular risk when the forklift operator positions the forklift to engage a pallet resting on those goods by inserting the tynes of the forklift into the channels of the pallet to be moved.

[0058] Referring to Fig 8, the magnetic tyne cover 1 comprises a first layer 20, a second layer 30, and central layer 40. As can be seen in Fig. 8, each layer may comprise more than one component layers or sublayers. A magnetic layer 50 is provided for magnetically attaching the tyne cover to an underside surface of a metal forklift tyne. So attached, the tyne cover 1 will be positioned under the tyne between the tyne and any load or goods positioned under a pallet to be carried by the tyne thereby protecting the load from direct contact with the tyne and potential damage from the metal of the tyne.

[0059] Magnetic layer 50 is located between the first layer 20 which forms a bottom layer of the cover 101 to be remote from the tyne in use and the second layer 30 which forms a top layer of the cover 1 to be proximal to the tyne in use. In other configurations, the magnetic layer 50 may be disposed on an outside surface of the first layer. [0060] The central layer 40 of magnetic tyne cover 1 is located between the first layer 20 and the second layer 30. The central layer 40 acts as a cushioning or padding layer, thereby further reducing the chance of the tyne damaging any load or object underneath.

[0061] In this embodiment the central layer 40 comprises natural fibres and more particularly wool fibres. The wool fibres may be carded and needled felted to form a batt. Other types of padding/cushioning material may be used in addition to or in place of the wool batt layer.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in Fig 8, the batt has a thickness of about 5mm or more preferably 4.8 mm thick. However, in other embodiments the central layer may have a thickness of between about 2.5mm and about 30mm although generally less than about 10mm. It may be advantageous to provide a tyne cover of reduced thickness to ensure clearance of the tyne cover from the underlying surface. In some embodiments the central layer may include multiple sublayers.

[0063] In this embodiment, the central layer 40 is disposed between the magnetic layer 50 and the first layer 20 so as to retain the magnetic layer in close proximity to the second layer 30 where they will be positioned near to the metal tyne in use.

[0064] In this second embodiment, the magnetic layer 50 comprises an array of disc magnets 51 held within a flexible casing 52 forming a magnetic strip 53 as described with reference to the original embodiment shown in Figs. 4 & 5. Strip 53 comprises a series of spaced pouches 54 in which the magnets 51 are located and secured. In this embodiment, the magnets 51 are disc magnets having a thickness of around 3.5mm and a diameter of around 12mm. However, in other embodiments the magnets 51 may have a thickness between around 1mm and around 5 mm and a diameter of between around 10mm and 50mm. Alternatively, the magnets 51 may be ring, bar, square in shape. Preferably the magnets 51 are Neodymium rare earth magnets.

[0065] The flexible casing 52 of strip 53 may comprise silicone and allows the magnets 51 to be more easily located and secured within or to the cover 1. The strip 53 may be directly attached by an adhesive or mechanical attachments such as stitching, to one of the other layers as seen in Fig. 8, or secured by a tape 55 or attached by tape as previously described and shown in Fig 6.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic tyne cover 1 is flexible, such that it can be rolled up and/or folded for storage and/or transport. Alternatively, the magnetic attachments allow the cover to be attached to any metallic surface for storage, such as scaffolding or more advantageously, a side of a forklift. This enables the cover to be conveniently stowed in close proximity to the tyne when not in use.

[0067] The magnetic tyne cover 1 is sized to cover a horizontal (upper to lower facing) surface of the respective forklift tyne. In this embodiment, the tyne cover has a length (1) of around Im and a width (w) of around 17cm. However, in other embodiments the tyne cover has dimensions based on those of the tyne which it is to cover. Typically, the tyne cover will have a length of between about 0.5m, and about 2.0 m, or more preferably between 0.075m and 1.5m and a width of between about 5cm and 50cm, or more preferably between 10cm and 20cm.

[0068] The first layer 20 comprises a canvas material. The first layer 20 comprises a fibrous material. The fibrous material may comprise a synthetic fibre. The fibrous material may comprise acrylic fibres, such as polyacrylonitrile. For instance, in this embodiment the first layer 20 is a canvas formed of acrylic fibres such as the one exemplified in the specification sheet shown in Fig 10.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 8, the first layer 20 may comprise multiple sublayers for instance in this embodiment two sublayers 21 and 22. In this embodiment each of the two sublayers are formed of a canvas formed of acrylic fibres. In other embodiments the sublayers may be formed of different materials. For instance, in some embodiments a layer of a waterproof or water- resistant material may be provided, either incorporated into the first layer as a sublayer, or as a distinct additional layer.

[0070] In some configurations (not shown), the first layer 20 comprises one or more sub-layers of non-backed fibre bonded materials. In other configurations (not shown), the first layer 20 comprises at least two sub-layers of fibre bonded material, wherein each sublayer comprises a backing. The sub-layers of the first layer 20 are arranged with the backings of the sub-layers in contact. The sublayers may be adhered to each other using an adhesive.

[0071] In this embodiment the second layer 30 comprises a canvas material. The second layer 30 may be of similar or identical construction to the first layer 20. That is to say, in this embodiment the second layer 30 is a canvas formed of acrylic fibres such as the one exemplified in the specification sheet shown in Fig 10. Additionally, the second layer 30 may comprise a single layer as shown in Fig. 8 or multiple sub-layers. [0072] The length of the first layer 20 and the second layer 30 exceeds the length of the magnetic layer 50. The width of the first layer 20 and the second layer 30 exceeds the width of the magnetic layer 50. In such a configuration, the peripheries of the first layer 20 and second layer 30 may be stitched or glued together such that both the central cushioning layer 40, and the magnetic layer 50 are fully encompassed.

[0073] Additionally, or alternatively, the magnetic tyne cover 1 may comprise peripheral edging or hem 60 that fastens the layers together and forms the side edge of the magnetic tyne cover 1.

[0074] In this embodiment, as depicted in Fig. 7 & 9, the magnetic tyne cover 1 comprises a pocket 70 disposed at a tip end 2 and extending from the outer surface of the second layer of the magnetic tyne cover 1 as previously described and as illustrated in Fig 2. The pocket includes an opening 71 however in contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, includes a pair of closeable flaps 75 which include complementary, interfacing hook and loop material surfaces 76 allowing the pocket to be made to fit tightly around the tip of the tyne in use. Advantageously, this allows the pocket to be pulled tightly around the tip of the tyne, so that the end of the cover is tightly held against the tip of the tyne to prevent the cover slumping down from the lower surface of the tyne due to its weight. By receiving the tip of the tyne in the pocket 70, the chance of the magnetic tyne cover 1 shifting relative to the tyne is reduced. The closeable flaps 75 are each secured by stitching to a respective opposite periphery 72 of the cover such that when closed by means of the hook and loop material, they form the pocket to prevent relative lateral movement of the tyne. The lower flap is attached to the cover periphery at the longitudinal end and a lateral edge 72 by stitching to form a closed pocket base 73 and lateral side preventing longitudinal movement of the cover toward the base of the tyne and lateral movement in one direction. To prevent movement in the opposite lateral direction, the upper flap is attached to the cover periphery along the opposite lateral edge by stitching. In some embodiments the pocket may be replaced by a strap or band extending between opposite lateral sides. In other embodiments the pocket, strap or band may include or be an elastic member to hold the pocket, strap or band tight against the tyne in use.

[0075] In this embodiment, to prevent longitudinal movement of the cover away from the base of the tyne, the magnetic tyne cover 1 further includes an attachment means 80 for securing the cover 1 to the base of the tyne. The attachment means 80 is disposed at a base end 3 of the tyne cover, the base end opposite the tip end and may include a strap, belt, webbing or tie which loops around the base of the tyne, a tyne support to which the tyne is attached or some other part of the forklift structure thereby anchoring the tyne cover and preventing it moving longitudinal away from the base of the tyne. The attachment means may include a fastener such as a buckle, clasp, hook, ring, or stud or hook and loop connector for selectively securing the strap, belt or tie.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in Fig 7 the magnetic tyne cover 1 is provided with a pair of straps 81, each strap attached to or adjacent a respective side of the tyne cover, at or adjacent the base end 3 to be disposed adjacent the base of the tyne when in use. A pair of buckles 82 are disposed at or adjacent to the base end for securing said straps. In this embodiment, each buckle comprises a pair of D-Shaped rings 83.

[0077] It will be appreciated that the tyne cover provides a protective layer to prevent damage than may be caused by a hard metallic forklift tyne to objects loaded onto the tyne or objects positioned underneath the tyne during operation of the forklift and particularly load or unloading operations. The cover is low cost, lightweight and quick and easy to install. It also provides for convenient stowage on the forklift.