Clint Emerson Bushong, Age 51331 Lakecrest Dr, Oak Point, TX 75068

6068086, May 30, 2000

Apr 30, 1998

9/070262

Jimmy Ray Bushong - Somis CA
Clint Emerson Bushong - Somis CA

Southland Sod Farms - Port Hueneme CA

B66F 912

187237

In an automated process for folding and unfolding a lift truck fork in response to movement of a carriage relative to a supporting mast, the lift truck fork is pivotally supported on the carriage such that under normal conditions a fork tine extends outwardly generally perpendicularly from the carriage. A latch is provided which is connected to the mast and is capable of selectively engaging the lift truck fork. When the carriage is at or near the bottom of the mast, the latch may be selectively caused to engage the lift truck fork. With the latch so engaged, raising of the carriage causes the fork tine to pivot until it lies generally parallel to the carriage. Subsequent lowering of the carriage then causes the fork tine to pivot back to its unfolded position wherein it extends generally perpendicularly from the carriage. The latch is biased to normally remain out of engagement with the lift truck fork so that once the carriage is lowered, the latch disengages from the lift truck fork. The fork then remains unfolded as the carriage is subsequently raised and lowered relative to the mast.