U.S. patent application number 09/758771 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-31 for dual mode stabilizer for backhoe loaders and backhoe attachments.
Invention is credited to Webb, Sterling E..
Application Number | 20010002086 09/758771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26791810 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010002086 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Webb, Sterling E. |
May 31, 2001 |
Dual mode stabilizer for backhoe loaders and backhoe
attachments
Abstract
A dual mode stabilizer for primary use in conjunction with a
backhoe loader or in conjunction with a backhoe attachment for a
skid steer loader. The dual mode stabilizer includes a pair of base
members rigidly fixable on opposite sides of the tractor proximate
the backhoe. A stabilizer arm assembly engages the base member. The
stabilizer arm assembly is piston actuated and includes an
outrigger arm member, a sliding arm member pivotally connected to
the outrigger arm member so as to limit movement of the outrigger
arm member with respect to the sliding arm member to rotational
movement about a first pivot point, a first locking mechanism for
preventing rotational movement of the outrigger arm member.
Movement of the sliding arm member within the base member is
limited to axial movement. A second locking mechanism is provided
between the base member and the sliding arm member to prevent axial
movement of the sliding arm member within the base member.
Inventors: |
Webb, Sterling E.;
(Knoxville, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Raymond E. Stephens
Pitts & Brittian, P. C.
P O BOX 51295
Knoxville
TN
37950-1295
US
|
Family ID: |
26791810 |
Appl. No.: |
09/758771 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09758771 |
Jan 11, 2001 |
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09503690 |
Feb 14, 2000 |
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09503690 |
Feb 14, 2000 |
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09096549 |
Jun 12, 1998 |
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6076855 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/765.1 ;
280/763.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66C 23/80 20130101;
E02F 9/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/765.1 ;
280/763.1 |
International
Class: |
B60S 009/02; B60S
009/02 |
Claims
Having thus described the aforementioned invention, I claim:
1. A dual mode stabilizer for a tractor, said dual mode stabilizer
comprising: at least one base member rigidly fixable proximate a
side of the tractor, said at least one base member having an upper
end and a lower end; a clevis disposed proximate said lower end of
said at least one base member, wherein said clevis defines a stop;
a stabilizer arm assembly engaged with said base member having an
outrigger arm member and a sliding arm member, said outrigger arm
member and said sliding arm member being pivotally connected
together at a pivot point so as to allow rotational movement of
said outrigger arm member relative to said sliding arm member, said
pivot point being engageable with said stop so as to limit upward
travel of said stabilizer arm assembly relative to said base
member; a mechanism in association with said base member and said
sliding arm member for limiting movement of said sliding arm member
relative to said base member to axial movement; a first locking
mechanism interconnecting said outrigger arm member and said
sliding arm member for preventing rotational movement of said
outrigger arm member around said pivot point; a second locking
mechanism interconnecting said base member and said sliding arm
member for preventing axial movement of said sliding member
relative to said base member; and a drive mechanism connected
between said base member and said stabilizer arm assembly for
actuating said stabilizer arm assembly whereby said dual mode
stabilizer is selectively operable in a vertical stabilizer mode
and a fold down stabilizer mode.
2. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said dual mode
stabilizer is mountable on a frame of the tractor.
3. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said dual mode
stabilizer is mountable on a backhoe attachment carried by the
tractor.
4. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said first locking
mechanism is defined by a first pair of hole members disposed in
spaced relation and in register on opposite side walls of said
outrigger arm member, a second pair of hole members disposed in
spaced relation and in register on opposite side walls of said
sliding arm member, and a lynch pin adapted to be received by said
first and said second pair of hole members when said sliding member
is positioned such that said second pair of hole members is in
register with said first pair of hole members.
5. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said first locking
mechanism is defined by a pair of hole members disposed in spaced
relation and in register on first and second tabs in spaced
relation disposed proximate an upper end of said sliding arm member
and a hole member provided in a tab disposed on an upper end of
said outrigger arm member, and a lynch pin adapted to be received
by said registering hole members when said sliding arm member is
positioned such that said pair of hole members associated with said
sliding arm member is in register with said hole member associated
with said outrigger arm member.
6. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said second locking
mechanism is defined by a first pair of hole members disposed in
spaced relation and in register on opposing walls of said base
member, at least one hole member provided in a wall of said sliding
arm member, and a lynch pin adapted to be received by said first
pair of hole members and said at least one hole member when said
sliding arm member is positioned such that said at least one hole
member is in register with said first pair of hole members.
7. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said drive mechanism
is defined by a piston.
8. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 7 wherein said piston is
hydraulically driven.
9. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said dual mode
stabilizer further comprises a brace disposed proximate said clevis
for reinforcing said stop.
10. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 1 wherein said dual mode
stabilizer further comprises a mounting member carried by said base
member and at least an upper and at least a lower mounting bracket
secured to said mounting member, said mounting member and said
upper and lower mounting brackets being adapted for securing said
dual mode stabilizer to a rubber-tire backhoe loader.
11. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 10 wherein said mounting
member includes a first plurality of hole members are carried by
said mounting member proximate said upper mounting bracket and a
second plurality of hole members are carried by said mounting
member proximate said lower mounting bracket and said upper and
said lower mounting brackets are secured to said mounting member by
fasteners engaged with said first and second plurality of hole
members carried by said mounting member.
12. The dual mode stabilizer of claim 11 wherein said first
plurality of hole members carried by said mounting member are
elliptical.
Description
[0001] This continuation-in-part application discloses and claims
subject matter disclosed in my earlier filed pending application
Ser. No. 09/503,690, filed on Feb. 14, 2000, which in turn
disclosed and claimed subject matter disclosed in my earlier filed
application Ser. No. 09/096,549, filed on Jun. 12, 1998, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,076,855.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to the field of industrial equipment.
More particularly, it relates to a stabilizer for use in
conjunction with industrial equipment that requires a stabilizer
such as a rubber tired backhoe loader, a crane or a backhoe
attachment mounted on, for instance, a skid steer loader.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] It is known in the art to use stabilizers with a piece of
industrial equipment that has a narrow wheel base and a high, and
often shifting, center of gravity. For instance, rubber tired
backhoe loaders typically utilize stabilizers. Generally, there are
two main configurations for stabilizers; fold-down pivoting
stabilizers, also known as outriggers, and vertical stabilizers
which are useful for working in tight areas. In addition, skid
steer loaders are frequently used for light industrial
applications, frequently involving the use of a backhoe attachment
for trenching and for light duty excavation. It is known in the art
that a backhoe attachment includes either a vertical stabilizer or
a fold down stabilizer, but not both. Heretofore, an operator had
to choose what type of attachment was needed. If, for instance, a
tractor has a state of the art fold-down stabilizer installed, but
the work area is too narrow and demands a vertical stabilizer, or
if a tractor has a vertical stabilizer, but has to dig a trench on
a sloped area, the operator must decide whether to use a different
piece of equipment or attempt to use equipment ill-suited for the
task. This results in increased costs of operation and lost time
due to the change in equipment.
[0004] There are several known art references that teach either
vertical type supports or stabilizers for various types of
equipment or fold-down pivoting stabilizers.
1 Patent No. Inventor(s) Issue Date 5,901,980 Few et al. May 11,
1999 5,899,496 Muraro May 4, 1999 5,622,235 Merritt Apr. 22, 1997
5,575,493 Schwartz et al. Nov. 19, 1996 5,575,492 Stone Nov. 19,
1996 5,451,080 Kneile Sep. 19, 1995 5,431,443 Skoff Jul. 11, 1995
5,401,046 Schwartz et al. Mar. 28, 1995 5,387,071 Pinkston Feb. 7,
1995 5,171,124 Foster Dec. 15, 1992 4,635,412 Le Poittevin Jan. 13,
1987 4,619,369 Mertens Oct. 28, 1986 4,288,196 Sutton Sep. 8, 1981
4,118,054 Vigerie Oct. 3, 1978 3,918,741 Olson, et al. Nov. 11,
1975 3,734,531 Metaillier May 22, 1973
[0005] What has heretofore been missing from the art is a
stabilizer that uses a standard hydraulic system and that is
readily operable in either a vertical stabilizer mode or in a
fold-down stabilizer mode.
[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a dual mode stabilizer, operable in either a fold-down
stabilizer mode or a vertical stabilizer mode.
[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
dual mode stabilizer that is operable with a standard hydraulic
system without requiring an additional hydraulic ram for each
mode.
[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
dual mode stabilizer which is readily switchable from one mode to
another while the equipment is in use.
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a dual mode stabilizer having adjustable mounting brackets.
[0010] Other objects and advantages over the prior art will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed
description together with the drawings as described as follows.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with the various features of this invention, a
dual mode stabilizer for a rubber tired backhoe loader and for a
backhoe attachment for a skid steer loader, is provided. As used
herein, tractor will refer to either a backhoe loader, including
without limitation rubber tired backhoe loaders, or a skid steer
loader. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the dual mode
stabilizer of the present invention has utility with any type of
industrial equipment that requires a stabilizer. The dual mode
stabilizer can either be mounted directly on the frame of the
tractor or on the backhoe attachment. Accordingly, reference herein
to mounting or positioning relative to the backhoe attachment will
be understood to be inclusive of mounting directly to the frame.
Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that a dual-mode
stabilizer can be mounted at each corner of the tractor. The dual
mode stabilizer includes at least one base member rigidly fixed
proximate at least one corner of the tractor proximate the backhoe.
Each base member defines a channel for receiving a stabilizer arm
assembly and includes a first anchor point disposed proximate the
top of the base member and a stop disposed proximate the lower end
of the base member. A stabilizer arm assembly is nested within and
received by the base member. The stabilizer arm assembly includes a
piston for actuating the stabilizer arm assembly, an outrigger arm
member, a sliding arm member pivotally connected to the outrigger
arm member so as to limit movement of the outrigger arm member with
respect to the sliding arm member to rotational movement about a
first pivot point proximate the lower end of the outrigger arm
member and a first locking mechanism for preventing rotational
movement of the outrigger arm member. A pin provided at the first
pivot point engages the stop to limit the upward range of axial
movement of the stabilizer arm assembly within the base member. In
the preferred embodiment, the stop is defined by a clevis that
receives the pin. Preferably, a bushing, engaged with the pin,
engages the clevis so as to distribute the pressure at the point of
contact over a greater surface area. Additionally, a brace is
provided to reinforce the lower end of the base member proximate
the clevis. The piston has a first end secured to the first anchor
point and a second end secured to a second anchor point provided on
the outrigger arm member.
[0012] The sliding arm member engages the base member and an
associated mechanism is provided to limit movement of the sliding
arm member within the base member to axial movement. A second
locking mechanism is provided between the base member and the
sliding arm member to prevent axial movement of the sliding arm
member within the base member.
[0013] Actuation of the piston with the first locking mechanism
engaged, preventing rotational movement of the outrigger arm, and
the second locking mechanism released causes the stabilizer arm
assembly to travel downwardly within base member thus providing
operation in the vertical stabilizer mode. Contrariwise, actuation
of the piston with the first locking mechanism released and the
second locking mechanism engaged, preventing axial movement of the
sliding arm member, causes the outrigger arm member to rotate about
the first pivot point thereby providing operation in the fold down
stabilizer mode. In the preferred embodiment, a foot member is
provided at the distal end of each of the outrigger arm member and
the sliding arm member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the base member of
the dual mode stabilizer of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the sliding arm
member of the dual mode stabilizer of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of the outrigger
member of the dual mode stabilizer of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the base member,
sliding arm member and outrigger member of the dual mode stabilizer
of the present invention nested together.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an end elevation view of the dual mode
stabilizer mounted on a tractor and operating in the fold down
stabilizer mode.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an end elevation view of the dual mode
stabilizer mounted on a tractor and operating in the vertical
stabilizer mode.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an end elevation view of the dual mode
stabilizer mounted on a tractor showing one stabilizer operating in
the fold down stabilizer mode and the other stabilizer operating in
the vertical stabilizer mode.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate arrangement of the key and
keyway illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of the base member of
an alternate embodiment dual mode stabilizer of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of an alternate
embodiment dual mode stabilizer of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7C illustrates a perspective view of the outrigger
member of an alternate embodiment dual mode stabilizer of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate
embodiment dual mode stabilizer operating in the vertical
stabilizer mode.
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 8 operating in the fold down stabilizer
mode.
[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates an end elevational view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 operating in the fold down
stabilizer mode.
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates a partial perspective view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 mounted on a tractor.
[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates a side elevation view of a second
alternate embodiment of the dual mode stabilizer configured for
mounting on a state of the art rubber-tire backhoe loader.
[0030] FIG. 13 illustrates a side elevation view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 12 operating in the fold down stabilizer mode.
[0031] FIG. 14 illustrates a side elevation view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 12 operating in the vertical stabilizer mode.
[0032] FIG. 15 illustrates a partial perspective view showing the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 mounted on a rubber-tire backhoe
loader.
[0033] FIG. 16 illustrates a partial perspective view of the
sliding am member deployed in the vertical stabilizer mode.
[0034] FIG. 17 illustrates a side elevation view of a third
alternate embodiment of the dual mode stabilizer having adjustable
mounting brackets configured for mounting on a state of the art
rubber-tire backhoe loader, with certain mounting bolts removed for
clarity of view.
[0035] FIG. 18 illustrates a side elevation view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 17 operating in the fold down stabilizer mode.
[0036] FIG. 19 illustrates a side elevation view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 17 operating in the vertical stabilizer mode.
[0037] FIG. 20 illustrates a partial perspective view showing the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 mounted on a rubber-tire backhoe
loader.
[0038] FIG. 21 illustrates a partial perspective view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 showing the sliding am member
deployed in the vertical stabilizer mode.
[0039] FIG. 22 illustrates a partial rear elevation view of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 showing the adjustable mounting
brackets.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0040] A dual mode stabilizer, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, is illustrated generally as 10 in the figures.
Dual mode stabilizer 10 is primarily used in conjunction with a
backhoe loader, including without limitation a rubber-tired backhoe
loader, and can also be used in conjunction with a backhoe
attachment for a skid steer loader. As used herein, tractor will
refer to either a backhoe loader such as a rubber-tired backhoe
loader or a skid steer loader. A tractor is illustrated generally
as 15 in the figures. The dual mode stabilizer 10 includes a pair
of base members 20 rigidly fixed on opposite sides of the tractor
15 proximate the backhoe attachment. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that the dual mode stabilizer 10 can either be mounted
directly on the frame of the tractor 15, as illustrated in FIG. 15,
or on a backhoe attachment, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Each base
member 20 defines a channel 25 for receiving a stabilizer arm
assembly 30 and includes a first anchor point 40 disposed proximate
the top 45 of the base member 20 and a stop 50 disposed proximate
the lower end 55 of the base member 20. As will be described in
greater detail below, stop 50 is preferably defined by a clevis 51.
In one embodiment, the stabilizer arm assembly 30 is nested within
and received by the base member 20.
[0041] The stabilizer arm assembly 30 includes a piston 60 for
actuating the stabilizer arm assembly 30, an outrigger arm member
65, a sliding arm member 70 nested within the outrigger arm member
65 so as to limit movement of the outrigger arm member 65 with
respect to the sliding arm member 70 to rotational movement about a
first pivot point 75 proximate the lower end 80 of the outrigger
arm member 65 and a first locking mechanism for preventing
rotational movement of the outrigger arm member 65. The first pivot
point 75 is defined by registering hole members 76 disposed in side
walls 92 of the outrigger arm member 65 proximate lower end 80, and
registering hole members 77 disposed in the side walls 97 of the
sliding arm member 70 proximate the lower end 78 of sliding arm
member 70. Hole members 76 and hole members 77 are in register. A
pin 91 provided at the first pivot point 75 is received by the
clevis 51 and engages the stop 50 to limit the upward range of
axial movement of the stabilizer arm assembly 30 within the base
member 20. Moreover, clevis 51 serves to prevent the sliding arm
member 70 from torquing within the channel 25 when the outrigger
arm member 65 is deployed in the fold down stabilizer mode. The
piston 60 has a first end 61 secured to the first anchor point 40
and a second end 62 secured to a second anchor point 42 provided on
the outrigger arm member 65.
[0042] A mechanism is provided to limit movement of the sliding arm
member 70 relative to the base member 20 to axial movement. In one
embodiment, the mechanism is defined by a guide slot or keyway 35
provided in the base member 20 and a key 85 disposed on the sliding
arm member 70 that is received by the keyway 35. The particular
configuration of the mechanism is adaptable so long as it limits
the relative motion of the sliding arm 70 with respect to the base
member 20 to axial motion. While a particular embodiment of the key
85 and keyway 35 has been illustrated, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that other configurations of keys and keyways could
be utilized in order to limit movement of the sliding arm member 70
within the base member 20 to axial movement. For instance, as seen
in FIG. 6, the key 85' could be disposed on the base member 20'
with the keyway 35' disposed on the sliding arm member 70'. A
second locking mechanism is provided between the base member 20 and
the sliding arm member 70 to prevent axial movement of the sliding
arm member 70 within the base member 20.
[0043] Actuation of the piston 60 with the first locking mechanism
engaged, preventing rotational movement of the outrigger arm member
65, and the second locking mechanism released causes the stabilizer
arm assembly 30 to travel downwardly within base member 20 thus
providing operation in the vertical stabilizer mode. Contrariwise,
actuation of the piston 60 with the first locking mechanism
released and the second locking mechanism engaged, preventing axial
movement of the sliding arm member 70, causes the outrigger arm
member 65 to rotate about the first pivot point75 thereby resulting
in operation in the fold down stabilizer mode. Those skilled in the
art will recognize that piston 60 is preferably a hydraulic ram.
However, it is recognized that other actuators could be utilized
such as, a pneumatic ram or a mechanically driven actuator.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1a-1c, the first and second locking
mechanisms will be described. The first locking mechanism is
defined by a first pair of registering hole members 90 provided in
side walls 92 of the outrigger arm member 65 and a second pair of
registering hole members 95 provided in the side walls 97 of the
sliding arm member 70, the second pair of hole members 95 being in
register with the first pair of hole members 90. In order to engage
the first locking mechanism and lock the outrigger arm member 65
and the sliding arm member 70 together so as to prevent rotational
movement of the outrigger arm member 65, a lynch pin 100 is
inserted through the first and second pairs of registering hole
members 90 and 95 respectively. FIG. 2 illustrates engagement of
the first locking mechanism.
[0045] The second locking mechanism works in similar fashion and
prevents axial movement of the sliding arm member 70 within the
base member 20. The second locking mechanism is defined by a first
pair of registering hole members 105 provided in side walls 107 of
the base member 20 and a second pair of registering hole members
110 provided in the side walls 97 of the sliding arm member 70, the
second pair of hole members 110 being in register with the first
pair of hole members 105 disposed on the side walls 107 of the base
member 20. In order to engage the second locking mechanism and lock
the base member 20 and the sliding arm member 70 together so as to
prevent axial movement of the sliding arm member 70 within the base
member 20, the lynch pin 100 is inserted into the first and second
pairs of registering hole members 105 and 110. It is anticipated
that a single lynch pin 100 could be utilized in order to
selectively switch between the fold-down stabilizer mode and the
vertical stabilizer mode. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that the first and second locking mechanisms could be engaged with
a fastening mechanism other than a lynch pin. Further, in one
embodiment, foot pads, such as foot pads 115 are pivotally and
removably mounted on the lower end 80 and upper end 82 of outrigger
arm member 65. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, as
seen in FIG. 5, each side of the dual mode stabilizer 10 could be
independently operated such that one side of dual mode stabilizer
10 could be operated in the vertical stabilizer mode and the other
side of the dual mode stabilizer 10 could be operated in the
fold-down stabilizer mode.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 7A-11, an alternate embodiment is
illustrated with common components bearing the same reference
numerals. Comparable but distinctive parts bear the same reference
numeral with the prime notation added, and parts not previously
described bear their own reference numerals. In this regard, in the
alternate embodiment of the dual mode stabilizer 10', each base
member 20' defines a channel 25' for receiving a stabilizer arm
assembly 30' and includes tabs 135, a first anchor point 40'
disposed proximate the top 45' of the base member 20' and a stop 50
disposed proximate the lower end 55' of the base member 20'. A
portion of the top 45' of the base member 20' is enclosed by a wall
member 145, which is illustrated as being integral with base member
20'. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that wall
member 145 can be fixed to the upper end the top 45' of the base
member 20' by means of fasteners (not shown).
[0047] The stabilizer arm assembly 30' includes an actuator, such
as piston 60, for actuating the stabilizer arm assembly 30', an
outrigger arm member 65', and a cooperating sliding arm member 70'
pivotally connected to the outrigger arm member 65' so as to limit
movement of the outrigger arm member 65' with respect to the
sliding arm member 70' to rotational movement about a first pivot
point 75' proximate the lower end 80' of the outrigger arm member
65' and a first locking mechanism for preventing rotational
movement of the outrigger arm member 65'. The first pivot point 75'
is defined by a pin receptor 140 disposed on the lower end 80' of
the outrigger arm member 65', and registering hole members 77'
disposed in the side walls 97' of the sliding arm member 70'
proximate the lower end 180 of sliding arm member 70'. Pin receptor
140 registers with hole members 77'. A pin 91 provided at the first
pivot point 75' engages the stop 50 to limit the upward range of
axial movement of the stabilizer arm assembly 30' within the base
member 20'. The piston 60 has a first end 61 secured to the first
anchor point 40' and a second end 62 secured to a second anchor
point 42' provided on the outrigger arm member 65'.
[0048] The sliding arm member 70' engages tabs 135 so as to limit
movement of the sliding arm member 70' within the base member 20'
to axial movement. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
while tabs 135 are described in conjunction with this embodiment,
an arrangement as described above using cooperating keys and
keyways could also be utilized. As stated above, the particular
configuration is adaptable so long as movement of sliding arm 70'
relative to base member 20' is limited to axial movement. A second
locking mechanism is provided between the base member 20' and the
sliding arm member 70' to prevent axial movement of the sliding arm
member 70' within the base member 20'. Further, the side walls 97'
of the sliding arm member 70' are provided with cutouts 172 to
provide clearance for the first anchor point 40' of piston 60 when
sliding arm 70' is at the upward limit of its range of axial
motion.
[0049] As discussed above, actuation of the piston 60 with the
first locking mechanism engaged and the second locking mechanism
released causes the stabilizer arm assembly 30' to travel
downwardly within base member 30' thus providing operation in the
vertical stabilizer mode. Contrariwise, actuation of the piston 60
with the first locking mechanism released and the second locking
mechanism engaged, causes the outrigger arm member 65' to rotate
about the first pivot point75' thereby resulting in operation in
the fold down stabilizer mode.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, the preferred embodiments of the
first and second locking mechanisms will be described. The first
locking mechanism is defined by a first pair of registering hole
members 95' provided in tabs 150 disposed proximate the upper end
of the sliding arm member 70' and a registering hole member 155
provided on a tab 160 disposed at the upper end 82' the outrigger
arm member 65'. In order to engage the first locking mechanism and
lock the outrigger arm member 65' and the sliding arm member 70'
together so as to prevent rotational movement of the outrigger arm
member 65', a lynch pin 100 is inserted through registering hole
members 95' and 155, respectively. FIG. 8 illustrates engagement of
the first locking mechanism.
[0051] The second locking mechanism works in similar fashion and
prevents axial movement of the sliding arm member 70' within the
base member 20'. The second locking mechanism is defined by a first
pair of registering hole members 105' provided in wall member 145
and rear wall 165 of the base member 20' and a hole member 110'
provided in the rear wall 170 of the sliding arm member 70', hole
members 110' being in register with the first pair of hole members
105' disposed on the base member 20'. In order to engage the second
locking mechanism and lock the base member 20' and the sliding arm
member 70' together so as to prevent axial movement of the sliding
arm member 70' within the base member 20', the lynch pin 100 is
inserted through registering hole members 105' and 110'. FIGS. 9
and 10 illustrate engagement of the second locking mechanism.
[0052] It is anticipated that a single lynch pin 100 could be
utilized in order to selectively switch between the fold-down
stabilizer mode and the vertical stabilizer mode. Further, a first
foot pad 115' is pivotally and, preferably, removably mounted on
the lower end 180 of sliding arm member 70'. Those skilled in the
art will recognize that the footpad mounted to the lower end 180 of
sliding arm 70' could be fixed, i.e. welded or fastened with other
fasteners. A second foot pad 115' is pivotally and, preferably,
removably mounted on the upper end 82' of outrigger arm member 65'.
In order to prevent tab 160 from impeding the pivotal movement of
foot pad 115' when the dual mode stabilizer 10' is used in the
fold-down stabilizer mode, a slot 185 is provided in foot pad 115'.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that, as seen in FIG. 5,
each side of the dual mode stabilizer 10 could be independently
operated such that one side of dual mode stabilizer 10 could be
operated in the vertical stabilizer mode and the other side of the
dual mode stabilizer 10 could be operated in the fold-down
stabilizer mode.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 12-16, an embodiment configured for
mounting on a state of the art rubber-tire backhoe loader is
illustrated with common components bearing the same reference
numerals. Comparable but distinctive parts bear the same reference
numeral with the double prime notation added, and parts not
previously described bear their own reference numerals. In this
regard, as described above, the rubber-tire backhoe loader
embodiment of the dual mode stabilizer 10", includes a base member
20", a stabilizer arm assembly 30", a first anchor point 40'
disposed proximate the top 45" of the base member 20" and a stop 50
disposed proximate the lower end 55" of the base member 20". A
portion of the top 45' of the base member 20' is enclosed by a wall
member 145', which is illustrated as being integral with base
member 20". However, as discussed above, those skilled in the art
will recognize that wall member 145' can be fixed to the upper end
the top 45" of the base member 20" by means of fasteners (not
shown), or by any other standard means.
[0054] The stabilizer arm assembly 30" includes an actuator, such
as piston 60, for actuating the stabilizer arm assembly 30", an
outrigger arm member 65", and a cooperating sliding arm member 70"
pivotally connected to the outrigger arm member 65" so as to limit
movement of the outrigger arm member 65" with respect to the
sliding arm member 70" to rotational movement about a first pivot
point 75' proximate the lower end 80" of the outrigger arm member
65" and a first locking mechanism for preventing rotational
movement of the outrigger arm member 65". As described more fully
above, a pin 91', provided at the first pivot point 75', engages
the stop 50 to limit the upward range of axial movement of the
stabilizer arm assembly 30" within the base member 20". The piston
60, as described above, is secured to the first anchor point 40'
and to a second anchor point 42' provided on the outrigger arm
member 65".
[0055] The stop 50 is defined by a clevis 51 that receives the pin
91. In the most preferred embodiment, a bushing 250, engaged with
the pin 91, engages the clevis 51 so as to distribute the pressure
at the point of contact over a greater surface area. Additionally,
a brace 240 is provided to reinforce clevis 51 and the lower end of
the base member proximate the clevis 51.
[0056] Additionally, a mounting member 235 is carried by the base
member 20" and is adapted for mounting the dual mode stabilizer 10"
to a rubber-tire backhoe loader. Further, at least one grease
fitting 230 is provided in order to supply a lubricant, such as
grease, to the channel thereby preventing excess friction between
sliding arm member 70" and base member 20".
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 17 through 22, an alternate mounting
member 235', having adjustable mounting brackets, is illustrated.
In this regard, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that different makes and models of rubber-tired backhoe loaders
have differently configured mounting areas for mounting a state of
the art outrigger and hydraulic piston. Further, it will be
appreciated that there are wide tolerances within the spacing of
mounting holes (not shown) within a given make and model of
tractors. Accordingly, in order to compensate for this, mounting
member 235' includes adjustable mounting brackets defined by upper
mounting brackets 260 and lower mounting brackets 270. Mounting
member 235' includes a plurality of hole members 275 for engaging
registering hole members disposed in lower mounting brackets 270.
Fasteners 280, such as bolts and associated nuts, are used to
secure lower mounting bracket 270 to mounting member 235'.
Similarly, upper mounting bracket 260 is secured to mounting member
235' by fasteners 285 which pass through hole members 290 provided
in mounting member 235'. In order to accommodate for variances in
dimensional tolerances within a given make and model of tractor,
hole members 290 are preferably elliptical. It will be appreciated,
as shown in FIG. 22, that a pair of upper mounting brackets 260 and
lower mounting brackets 270 are used for mounting a dual-mode
stabilizer 10" to each side of a tractor. In order to provide
additional strength, a spacer 300 is inserted between each pair of
upper and lower mounting brackets 260 and 270.
[0058] The first locking mechanism is defined by a first pair of
registering hole members 95" provided in tabs 150' disposed
proximate the upper end of the sliding arm member 70" and a
registering hole member 155' provided at the upper end 82" the
outrigger arm member 65". In order to engage the first locking
mechanism and lock the outrigger arm member 65" and the sliding arm
member 70" together so as to prevent rotational movement of the
outrigger arm member 65", a lynch pin 100 is inserted through
registering hole members 95" and 155', respectively. FIG. 14
illustrates engagement of the first locking mechanism.
[0059] As can be seen in FIGS. 17 through 22, the dual mode
stabilizer 10" can be configured with only one tab 150' per
stabilizer. In this regard, it has been determined that one tab
150' is sufficient to secure the first locking mechanism. Moreover,
by placing tab 150' on the forwardmost side, i.e. the side towards
the front of the tractor 15, the backhoe boom arm, (not shown) has
a greater range of side-to-side motion, i.e. its range of motion is
not restricted by the presence of tab 150'.
[0060] The second locking mechanism works in similar fashion and
prevents axial movement of the sliding arm member 70" within the
base member 20". As described above, the second locking mechanism
is defined by a hole member provided in wall member 145' and a
registering hole member provided in the rear wall of the base
member 20". A further hole member provided in the rear wall of the
sliding arm member 70" is adapted to register with the hole members
disposed on the base member 20". In order to engage the second
locking mechanism and lock the base member 20" and the sliding arm
member 70" together so as to prevent axial movement of the sliding
arm member 70" within the base member 20", the lynch pin 100 is
inserted through registering hole members disposed in the wall
members of the base member 20". FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate
engagement of the second locking mechanism.
[0061] A first foot pad 115" is, preferably, removably mounted on
the lower end 180' of sliding arm member 70". Those skilled in the
art will recognize that the footpad 115" mounted to the lower end
180' of sliding arm 70" could be fixed, i.e. welded or fastened
with other fasteners. A second foot pad 215 is pivotally and,
preferably, removably mounted on the upper end 82" of outrigger arm
member 65".
[0062] From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by
those skilled in the art that a dual mode stabilizer, operable in
either a fold-down stabilizer mode or a vertical stabilizer mode,
for a backhoe such as a backhoe attachment for a tractor offering
advantages over the prior art has been provided. Specifically, the
dual mode stabilizer provides operation in both a fold-down
stabilizer mode or a vertical stabilizer mode utilizing a standard
hydraulic system without requiring an additional hydraulic ram for
each mode, and that is readily switchable from one mode to another
simply by repositioning a lynch pin on each boom.
[0063] While a preferred embodiment has been shown and described,
it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the
disclosure, but rather it is intended to cover all modifications
and alternate methods falling within the spirit and the scope of
the invention as defined in the appended claims.
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