U.S. patent application number 10/857646 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-01 for variable-position stabilizer leg.
This patent application is currently assigned to CNH America LLC. Invention is credited to Bietz, Wayne E..
Application Number | 20050262741 10/857646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35423614 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050262741 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bietz, Wayne E. |
December 1, 2005 |
Variable-position stabilizer leg
Abstract
A stabilizer assembly is provided for a work vehicle that has at
least two positions: a stowed position and a working position. The
stabilizer assembly includes a telescoping stabilizer leg having a
first end and a second end, the first end of the stabilizer leg
being pivotally attached to the work vehicle, the stabilizer leg
being generally vertically disposed when in the stowed position;
and a hydraulic actuator having a first end and a second end, the
first end of the hydraulic actuator being pivotally attached to the
work vehicle, the second end of the hydraulic actuator being
pivotally attached to the telescoping stabilizer leg, wherein the
hydraulic actuator is disposed to pivot the telescoping stabilizer
leg with respect to the work vehicle.
Inventors: |
Bietz, Wayne E.;
(Burlington, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPHEN M. PATTON
7881 GROVE COURT EAST
GERMANTOWN
TN
38138
US
|
Assignee: |
CNH America LLC
|
Family ID: |
35423614 |
Appl. No.: |
10/857646 |
Filed: |
May 29, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/443 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 9/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
037/443 |
International
Class: |
E02F 003/32 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A stabilizer assembly for a work vehicle, the stabilizer
assembly having at least two positions, one of the two positions
being a stowed position, and another of the two positions being a
working position, the stabilizer assembly comprising: a telescoping
stabilizer leg having a first end and a second end, the first end
of the stabilizer leg being pivotally attached to the work vehicle,
the stabilizer leg being generally vertically disposed when in the
stowed position; and a hydraulic actuator having a first end and a
second end, the first end of the hydraulic actuator being pivotally
attached to the work vehicle, the second end of the hydraulic
actuator being pivotally attached to the telescoping stabilizer
leg, wherein the hydraulic actuator is disposed to pivot the
telescoping stabilizer leg with respect to the work vehicle.
2. The stabilizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of
the hydraulic actuator is pivotally attached to the stabilizer leg
at the second end of the stabilizer leg.
3. The stabilizer assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of
the hydraulic actuator is pivotally attached to the stabilizer leg
at a location on the stabilizer leg located between the first end
of the stabilizer leg and the second end of the stabilizer leg.
4. The stabilizer assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a
stabilizer pad attached to the second end of the stabilizer
leg.
5. A stabilizing assembly for an off-road work vehicle, the
off-road work vehicle having a first side and a second side, the
first and second sides being located on opposite sides of a
longitudinal center line of the off-road work vehicle, the
stabilizer assembly having a working position and a stowed
position, the stabilizer assembly comprising: a telescoping
stabilizer leg pivotally attached to the first side of the off-road
work vehicle at a first pivot point, the stabilizer leg having an
inner tube and an outer tube; and a first hydraulic actuator
pivotally attached to the first side of the off-road work vehicle
at a second pivot point, wherein the first hydraulic actuator is
pivotally attached to the stabilizer leg to pivot the stabilizer
leg about the first pivot point, and further wherein the first
hydraulic actuator is configured to extend generally laterally away
from the first side of the off-road work vehicle.
6. The stabilizing assembly of claim 5, wherein the first hydraulic
actuator is pivotally attached to the inner tube of the stabilizer
leg.
7. The stabilizing assembly of claim 5, wherein the first hydraulic
actuator is pivotally attached to the outer tube of the stabilizer
leg.
8. The stabilizing assembly of claim 5, further comprising: a
second hydraulic actuator disposed within the stabilizer leg to
extend and retract the stabilizer leg.
9. The stabilizing assembly of claim 8, wherein the second
hydraulic actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.
10. The stabilizing assembly of claim 5, wherein the first
hydraulic actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.
11. The stabilizing assembly of claim 5, wherein the first pivot
point is located above the second pivot point.
12. The stabilizing assembly of claim 5, further comprising a
stabilzing pad coupled to the outer tube, wherein the inner tube is
pivotally coupled to the work vehicle at the first pivot point, and
further wherein the inner tube is slidably disposed inside the
outer tube.
13. The stabilizing assembly of claim 5, further comprising a
stabilizing pad coupled to the second end of the stabilizer
leg.
14. The stabilizing assembly of claim 13, wherein the stabilizing
pad is pivotally coupled to the stabilizer leg.
15. The stabilizing assembly of claim 14, wherein the stabilizing
pad is coupled to the outer tube of the stabilizer leg.
16. The stabilizing assembly of claim 9, wherein the second
hydraulic actuator is disposed parallel to the stabilizer leg.
17. The stabilizing assembly of claim 16, wherein the second
hydraulic actuator is disposed coaxially with the stabilizer
leg.
18. The stabilizing assembly of claim 15, wherein the stabilizer
pad is disposed below the first pivot point when the stabilizing
assembly is in its stowed position.
19. A loader/backhoe with a left side, a right side, and a bottom
side, the loader/backhoe comprising: a tractor; a loader coupled to
the front of the tractor; a backhoe attachment coupled to the rear
of the tractor; a left stabilizer disposed on the left side of the
tractor, comprising: a first support leg pivotally coupled to the
tractor, the first support leg having an inner tube and an outer
tube, wherein the first support leg is configured to telescopically
extend generally leftward and downward from the tractor; and a
first hydraulic cylinder coupled to the tractor, wherein the first
hydraulic cylinder is configured to telescopically extend generally
leftward from the tractor, further wherein the first hydraulic
cylinder is pivotally attached to the first support leg, yet
further wherein the first hydraulic cylinder is disposed to pivot
the first support leg laterally away from the left side of the
tractor; and a right stabilizer disposed on the right side of the
tractor, comprising: a second support leg pivotally coupled to the
tractor, the second support leg having an inner tube and an outer
tube, wherein the second support leg is configured to
telescopically extend generally rightward and downward from the
tractor; and a second hydraulic cylinder coupled to the tractor,
wherein the second hydraulic cylinder is configured to
telescopically extend generally rightward from the tractor, further
wherein the second hydraulic cylinder is pivotally attached to the
second support leg, yet further wherein the second hydraulic
cylinder is disposed to pivot the second support leg laterally away
from the right side of the tractor.
20. The loader/backhoe of claim 19, further comprising: a third
hydraulic cylinder disposed within the first support leg to
telescopically extend and retract the first support leg; and a
fourth hydraulic cylinder disposed within the second support leg to
telescopically extend and retract the second support leg.
21. The loader/backhoe of claim 20, wherein the inner tubes and the
outer tubes of the left and right stabilizers are generally
rectangular in cross section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to work vehicles, and more
particularly to rough terrain vehicles such as backhoes, and more
particularly to stabilizers for rough terrain vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Backhoes, excavators, drilling rigs and other work vehicles
such as tractors must be operated in widely varying environmental
and terrain. Typically, these vehicles are equipped with rugged
large tires that permit them to engage the ground sufficiently well
to provide traction for vehicle movement. However, when the vehicle
is operated in a stationary position, depending on the forces
acting on the vehicle it may be susceptible to toppling over. This
is particularly the case for vehicles that have high overhanging
loads such as mobile cranes or drilling rigs, or vehicles that have
appendages such as backhoes that operate in a horizontal plane of
motion while exerting significant sideward force against a work
surface such as a pile of gravel.
[0003] It has been common practice to equip these vehicles with
stabilizers attached to either the side or bottom of the chassis.
The stabilizers extend either manually or under power to engage the
ground and are locked into position. In order to perform a better
stabilization function than the wheels, the stabilizers must be
able to extend laterally away from the vehicle further than the
wheels.
[0004] The prior art teaches stabilization methods and apparati
that hang beneath the vehicle, significantly reducing the ground
clearance of the vehicle while it is moving. While this is suitable
for work vehicles that move primarily on smooth surfaces such as
paved roads, this is not preferred for rough terrain vehicles.
[0005] The prior art also teaches stabilization methods that
require the operator to exit the vehicle, perform some manual
locking, unlocking or movement function, and reenter the cab. This
reduces operator effectiveness, taking time out of the work day and
exposing the operator unnecessarily to inclement weather.
[0006] The prior art teaches stabilization methods that move the
stabilizer leg through a limited range of motion by pivoting a
fixed length stabilizer leg about a single axis of rotation with
respect to the vehicle until it engages the ground. This pivotal
motion may be about a horizontal axis or a vertical axis. There are
drawbacks to this method. Pivotal movement of a fixed length
stabilizer limits the number of positions in which the operator
places the stabilizer with respect to the vehicle. Indeed, the
operator cannot vary the stabilizer position at all except by
moving the vehicle itself. The more freedom of movement that the
stabilizer gives, the more choices the operator has regarding where
to make the stabilizer contact the ground. Without this range of
motion the stabilizer may be underutilized.
[0007] Finally, the prior art teaches stabilization methods that
employ a significant number of moving and fixed parts, increasing
the manufacturing cost of the vehicle. This also increases the
frequency of repairs and complexity thereof.
[0008] What is needed is a vehicle stabilizer that will provide
suitable stabilization and yet not restrict the use of the vehicle
over rough terrain. What is further needed is a stabilization
device that has virtually unlimited range of motion. What is
further needed is a stabilization apparatus that requires no manual
intervention outside the operating cab. What is further needed is a
stabilization device that requires minimal parts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a
stabilizer assembly for a work vehicle is provided that has at
least two positions, one of the two positions being a stowed
position, and another of the two positions being a working
position, the stabilizer assembly including a telescoping
stabilizer leg having a first end and a second end, the first end
of the stabilizer leg pivotally attached to the work vehicle, and
the stabilizer leg generally vertically disposed when in the stowed
position; and a hydraulic actuator having a first end and a second
end, the first end of the hydraulic actuator pivotally attached to
the work vehicle, the second end of the hydraulic actuator
pivotally attached to the telescoping stabilizer leg, the hydraulic
actuator disposed to pivot the telescoping stabilizer leg with
respect to the work vehicle.
[0010] The second end of the hydraulic actuator may be pivotally
attached to the stabilizer leg at the second end of the stabilizer
leg. The second end of the hydraulic actuator may be pivotally
attached to the stabilizer leg at a location on the stabilizer leg
located between the first end of the stabilizer leg and the second
end of the stabilizer leg. The stabilizer assembly may also include
a stabilizer pad attached to the second end of the stabilizer
leg.
[0011] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a
stabilizing assembly for an off-road work vehicle is provided, the
off-road work vehicle having a first side and a second side, the
first and second sides located on opposite sides of a longitudinal
center line of the off-road work vehicle, the stabilizer assembly
having a working position and a stowed position, the stabilizer
assembly including a telescoping stabilizer leg pivotally attached
to the first side of the off-road work vehicle at a first pivot
point, the stabilizer leg having an inner tube and an outer tube;
and a first hydraulic actuator pivotally attached to the first side
of the off-road work vehicle at a second pivot point, the hydraulic
actuator pivotally attached to the stabilizer leg to pivot the
stabilizer leg about the first pivot point, and the hydraulic
actuator is configured to extend generally laterally away from the
first side of the off-road work vehicle.
[0012] The first hydraulic actuator may be pivotally attached to
the inner tube of the stabilizer leg. The first hydraulic actuator
may be pivotally attached to the outer tube of the stabilizer leg.
The stabilizing assembly may also include a second hydraulic
actuator disposed within the stabilizer leg to extend and retract
the stabilizer leg. The second hydraulic actuator may be a
hydraulic cylinder. The first hydraulic actuator may be a hydraulic
cylinder. The first pivot point may be located above the second
pivot point. The inner tube may be pivotally coupled to the work
vehicle at the first pivot point, and the inner tube may be
slidably disposed inside the outer tube, and the stabilizing
assembly may also include a stabilizing pad coupled to the outer
tube. The stabilizing assembly may include a stabilizing pad
coupled to the second end of the stabilizer leg. The stabilizing
pad may be pivotally coupled to the stabilizer leg. The stabilizing
pad may be coupled to the outer tube of the stabilizer leg. The
second hydraulic actuator may be disposed parallel to the
stabilizer leg. The second hydraulic actuator may be disposed
coaxially with the stabilizer leg. The stabilizer pad may be
disposed below the first pivot point when the stabilizing assembly
is in its stowed position.
[0013] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, a
loader/backhoe with a left side, a right side, and a bottom side is
provided, the loader/backhoe including a left stabilizer disposed
on the left side of the loader/backhoe, including a first support
leg pivotally coupled to the loader/backhoe, the first support leg
having an inner tube and an outer tube, and the first support leg
configured to telescopically extend generally leftward and downward
from the loader/backhoe; and a first hydraulic cylinder coupled to
the loader/backhoe, the first hydraulic cylinder configured to
telescopically extend generally leftward from the loader/backhoe,
and the first hydraulic cylinder pivotally attached to the first
support leg, and the first hydraulic cylinder disposed to pivot the
first support leg laterally away from the left side of the
loader/backhoe; and a right stabilizer disposed on the right side
of the loader/backhoe, including a second support leg pivotally
coupled to the loader/backhoe, the second support leg having an
inner tube and an outer tube, and the second support leg configured
to telescopically extend generally rightward and downward from the
loader/backhoe; and a second hydraulic cylinder coupled to the
loader/backhoe, the second hydraulic cylinder configured to
telescopically extend generally rightward from the loader/backhoe,
and the second hydraulic cylinder pivotally attached to the second
support leg, and the second hydraulic cylinder disposed to pivot
the second support leg laterally away from the right side of the
loader/backhoe.
[0014] The loader/backhoe may also include a third hydraulic
cylinder disposed within the first support leg to telescopically
extend and retract the first support leg; and a fourth hydraulic
cylinder disposed within the second support leg to telescopically
extend and retract the second support leg. The inner tubes and the
outer tubes of the left and right stabilizers may be generally
rectangular in cross section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a right side view of a work vehicle having a
stabilizer assembly in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a view of the right stabilizer assembly taken
generally along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 from the rear of the work
vehicle, showing the entire stabilizer leg, hydraulic swing
cylinder, and chassis, the stabilizer assembly being in the stowed
position and the swing cylinder attached to the outer tube of the
stabilizer leg.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a partial cross section view of the right
stabilizer assembly taken at line 2-2 of FIG. 1 from the rear of
the work vehicle, showing the same elements as FIG. 2, but showing
the stabilizer leg in cross-section.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partial cross section view of an alternative
right stabilizer assembly similar to that of FIG. 3, differing in
that the swing cylinder is attached to the inner tube of the
stabilizer leg instead of the outer tube of the stabilizer leg as
shown in FIGS. 1-3, above.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a partial cross section view of the right
stabilizer assembly of FIGS. 1-3 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1
from the rear of the work vehicle, showing the same elements as
FIG. 3, the stabilizer assembly being in an laterally telescoped
working position away from the chassis with the stabilizer pad
engaging the ground, the swing cylinder shown attached to a
midpoint of the outer tube of the stabilizer leg.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a partial cross section view similar to FIG. 5,
with the stabilizer assembly in a working position close to the
chassis (simulating confined lateral space conditions).
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partial cross section view similar to FIG. 6,
showing an alternative embodiment of the right stabilizer assembly
of the above FIGURES in which the swing cylinder is attached to the
bottom end of the stabilizer leg and not to either of the inner or
outer tubes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a loader/backhoe 98 that includes a tractor 100
having a chassis 102, a loader attachment 104, and a backhoe
attachment 106. The loader 104 includes a bucket 108 and loader
arms 110. The backhoe includes a swing tower 112, a boom 114, a
dipper 116 and a bucket 118. Each side of the vehicle has a
stabilizer assembly 120, including a stabilizer leg 122, a
stabilizer cylinder (FIGS. 2-7) that swings the stabilizer leg away
from and toward the vehicle, and a stabilizer pad 124. In the
figure, the stabilizer pad 124 is shown pivoted outward away from
the vehicle chassis 102. The figure shows a right side view, and
the left side is identically disposed, including an identical left
side stabilizer that extends from the chassis in the same
manner.
[0023] On the loader attachment 104, the loader arms 110 are
pivotally coupled to the front of the chassis 102 to pivot about
the chassis in a substantially horizontal axis. The bucket 108 is
pivotally coupled to the loader arms 110 to pivot about the loader
arms in a substantially horizontal axis.
[0024] On the backhoe attachment 106, the swing tower 112 is
pivotally coupled to the rear of the chassis 102 to pivot with
respect to the chassis about a substantially vertical axis. The
boom 114 is pivotally coupled at its lower end to the swing tower
112 to pivot with respect to the swing tower about a substantially
horizontal axis. The dipper 116 is pivotally coupled at its upper
end to the upper end of the boom 114 to pivot with respect to the
boom about a substantially horizontal axis. The bucket 118 is
pivotally coupled to the lower end of the dipper 116 to pivot with
respect to the dipper about a substantially horizontal axis.
[0025] During normal operation, the stabilizers 120 (which include
the left stabilizer not shown in FIG. 1) are only needed in the
rear. This is because the bucket in the front of the vehicle uses a
mainly forward-backward or up-and-down motion pivoting about a
horizontal axis, therefore there is no force being exerted by the
material being engaged by the bucket that would tend to offset the
vehicle out of its vertical plane. However, the backhoe in the rear
of the vehicle moves in both the vertical and horizontal axes,
resulting in significant forces being exerted by the engagement of
materials being moved and the backhoe bucket. These forces will
tend to offset the vehicle out of its vertical plane, unless
sufficient stabilization is provided (in the rear of the vehicle).
On other types of work vehicles that have centrally located
multi-axis manipulating arms, such as cranes, will require
stabilizers both in the front and the rear of the vehicle.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the right stabilizer
assembly 120 is shown in the stowed position. The stowed position
allows the vehicle to be moved without the stabilizer interfering
with movement. The stabilizer is retracted such that the stabilizer
pad 124 is as close to the chassis 102 as possible. In these
FIGURES the stabilizer pad is pivoted toward the chassis. Other
elements such as the wheels have been removed for clarity. The left
stabilizer assembly (not shown) is a left side mirror image of the
right side stabilizer assembly and is coupled to the left side of
loader/backhoe 98 in an identical position and manner. For that
reason it has not been separately illustrated here.
[0027] The right stabilizer assembly 120 includes a stabilizer leg
122, a swing cylinder 200, and a stabilizer pad 124. The stabilizer
leg 122 is composed of an outer tube 202, an inner tube 204 and a
stabilizer cylinder 206. The stabilizer leg 122 is attached to the
chassis 102 by means of a first bracket 208. The swing cylinder 200
is attached to the chassis 102 by means of a second bracket 210. In
FIGS. 2 and 3 the swing cylinder 200 is attached to the stabilizer
leg 122 by means of a third bracket 212. Brackets 208, 210 and 212
are not required, but serve as a simple means to attach/detach the
stabilizer in the field and reduce manufacturing costs associated
with chassis mounting point modifications. In further discussion,
brackets 208,210 can be considered part of the chassis 102.
[0028] Right stabilizer assembly 120 is shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 6-7
in a stowed position. In the preferred embodiment, when in the
stowed position the stabilizer leg 122 is in a generally upright
and vertical position. Thus the longitudinal axis of the stabilizer
leg, seen as dashed line 300 in FIG. 3 is adjacent to the chassis
102 and vertically oriented.
[0029] The swing cylinder 200 serves the purpose of laterally
positioning the stabilizer leg 122 toward or away from the side of
the chassis 102. The stabilizer cylinder 206 serves to
telescopically extend and retract the stabilizer leg 122, allowing
the stabilizer pad 124 to engage the ground. The stabilizer pad
will typically have an appropriate surface to provide the best
static friction with the ground, i.e. if the ground is asphalt, the
stabilizer pad surface may be rubber, and if the ground is rough
(gravel, dirt) the stabilizer pad surface may be convoluted.
[0030] The stabilizer leg 122 is pivotally attached to the chassis
102 at a first pivot point 214. More specifically, the inner tube
204 is pivotally coupled to first bracket 208 by pin 216, and the
first bracket is fixed to the chassis 102, such that the stabilizer
leg 122 pivots about the first pivot point 214 about a generally
horizontal and longitudinally extending axis. The bottom
(stabilizer pad) end of the stabilizer leg can swing upward and
away from the chassis.
[0031] The swing cylinder 200 is pivotally attached to the chassis
102 at a second pivot point 218. More specifically, one end of the
swing cylinder is pivotally coupled to second bracket 210 by pin
220, and the second bracket is fixed to the chassis 102, such that
the swing cylinder 200 pivots about the second pivot point 218
about a generally horizontal and longitudinally extending axis. The
other end of the swing cylinder 200 is pivotally attached to the
stabilizer leg 122.
[0032] A preferred point of attachment of the swing cylinder to the
stabilizer leg is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In these figures, the
swing cylinder 200 is pivotally attached to the stabilizer leg 122
at a third pivot point 222. Specifically, the swing cylinder is
pivotally coupled to a third bracket 212 by pin 224, and the third
bracket is fixed to the outer tube 202, allowing the swing cylinder
200 and the stabilizer leg 122 to pivot with respect to each other
at pivot point 222, the pin 224 defining a generally horizontal and
longitudinally extending pivotal axis.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of right stabilizer
assembly 120 which is alike in all respects to the stabilizer
assembly of FIGS. 2 and 3, but with one difference: bracket 212 is
fixed not to the outer tube 202, but to the inner tube 204.
[0034] In this embodiment, the outer tube 202 has a channel 400 cut
through it that is aligned with the third bracket 212, allowing the
bracket 212 to penetrate the outer tube and further allowing the
inner tube to move slidably within the outer tube. Similarly to
embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the swing cylinder 200 and the
stabilizer leg 122 will pivot with respect to each other about
pivot point 222 in a generally horizontal axis. This arrangement
permits the operator (1) to pivot the stabilizer leg to a desired
angle in one operation by using the swing cylinder 200, then (2) to
extend the stabilizer leg in a second operation using stabilizer
cylinder 206 while keeping the stabilizer leg at the preferred
pivot angle.
[0035] In the preferred embodiment the inner tube 204 and the outer
tube 202 are of a rectangular cross section. This will help to
prevent twisting of the inner tube inside the outer tube. However,
the tubes may be of various cross sections, including circular or
hexagonal, as two examples, as long as the inner tube slides freely
inside the outer tube.
[0036] FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show the stabilizer cylinder 206 located
coaxially within the stabilizer leg 122. Specifically, the
stabilizer cylinder is nested within the inner tube 204, and both
the stabilizer cylinder and the inner tube are nested within the
outer tube 202 of the stabilizer leg 122. The top end of the
stabilizer cylinder 206 is coupled at the first pivot point 214 to
the first pin 214, which is also attached to the inner tube 204.
The bottom end of the stabilizer cylinder 206 is coupled at the
fourth pivot point 226 to the fourth pin 228, which is also
attached to the outer tube 202. By extending and retracting the
stabilizer cylinder 206, the outer tube 202 will telescopically
slide downward and upward, respectively, with respect to the inner
tube 204, while the inner tube is held in position by the first pin
216 pivotally attached to the first bracket 208. To facilitate this
telescopic sliding movement, a heavy grease may be applied between
the inner tube 204 and the outer tube 202. Alternatively, a low
friction coating such as Teflon might be applied to the outside of
the inner tube 204 and/or the inside of the outer tube 202. As yet
another alternative, a low friction material such as polyethylene
or polypropylene may be disposed between the inner tube and the
outer tube to reduce wear.
[0037] In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 the stabilizer pad 124 is pivotally
attached to the stabilizer leg 122 at the fourth pivot point 226.
More specifically, the stabilizer pad is pivotally attached to a
fourth pin 228, the fourth pin is coupled to the outer tube 202,
and the fourth pin is coupled to the lower end of the stabilizer
cylinder 206. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show the
fourth pin disposed in an axis parallel to the longitudinal
fore-and-aft axis of the vehicle. These are the preferred
embodiments; however the fourth pin may be disposed in another axis
in the same general horizontal plane, such as perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows the stabilizer 120 in a fully extended working
position, a position that is preferred when there are no
obstructions near the vehicle that would prevent full lateral
extension of the stabilizer. Full extension of the stabilizers
increases the stance of the vehicle significantly, thus resisting
any forces that might try to overturn the vehicle, i.e. topple it
out of its stationary vertical plane. In the fully extended working
position, the stabilizer leg 122 has telescopically extended, the
stabilizer cylinder 206 is extended, the swing cylinder 200 is
extended, the stabilizer leg 122 has swung outward and downward
from the chassis 102 and the swing cylinder has extended laterally
to the right and away from the chassis. The outer tube 202 has also
extended so that the stabilizer pad 124 is engaging the ground 500.
Since the stabilizer leg is oriented in a substantially vertical
position, a significant portion of the weight of the vehicle is now
supported through the stabilizer leg 122 by the combination of the
stabilizer pad 124, the fourth pin 228, the stabilizer cylinder
206, the first pin 216, and into the first bracket 208.
[0039] In the preferred working position shown in FIG. 5, the swing
cylinder 200 is pivoted downward and outward. Alternatively, if the
point of attachment of the second bracket 210 to the chassis 102 is
moved upward and is fixed at a higher location with respect to
chassis 102, therefore moving the second pivot point 218 upward,
the swing cylinder 200 would pivot upward and outward to move from
the stowed position to the working position. The second pivot point
218 may even be above the first pivot point if so desired, and will
yield the same swing-out positioning function of the swing
cylinder. Changing the first 214 and second 218 pivot point
locations and the lengths of the swing 200 and stabilizer 206
cylinders can greatly vary the range of motion of the stabilizer
leg 122, including allowing the stabilizer leg to pivot outward
laterally with no downward movement of the stabilizer leg. This
might be advisable for a vehicle that operates in close proximity
to foundation walls, cliffs or other immobile vertical
obstructions.
[0040] FIG. 6 shows the stabilizer assembly 120 in an alternative
working position that is different from the working position shown
in FIG. 5. In the arrangement of FIG. 6 the stabilizer assembly
120, and the stabilizer leg 122, in particular, are vertically
oriented. This position is particularly useful when there are
obstructions near the vehicle that prevent full lateral extension
of the stabilizer. Only the stabilizers that are obstructed need to
use this position, while the other stabilizers can use the fully
extended working position. The swing cylinder 200 has retracted
from its stowed position orientation and the stabilizer cylinder
has extended from its stowed position, thereby lowering the outer
tube 202 until the stabilizer pad 124 contacts the ground and
supports the vehicle. The stabilizer leg 122 is not swung outward
from the chassis 102, and remains in the same longitudinal vertical
axis 300 as it was in the stowed position (the longitudinal axis
300 initially shown in FIG. 3). However the stabilizer cylinder 206
is extended, causing the outer tube 202 to lower such that the
stabilizer pad 124 engages the ground 500. Similarly to the fully
extended working position, in the vertical working position of FIG.
6, the majority of the weight of the vehicle is supported through
the stabilizer leg 122 by the combination of the stabilizer pad
124, the fourth pin 228, the stabilizer cylinder 206, the first pin
216, and the first bracket 208. Since the point of contact of the
stabilizer pad 124 with the ground 500 is not significantly
extended laterally away from the chassis 102, the stabilizer of
FIG. 6 provides a narrower base of support than if the stabilizer
were in the fully extended working position of FIG. 5.
[0041] It should be clear from the arrangements of FIGS. 5 and 6
that once the vehicle is stopped in any position, the operator can
choose any of several positions adjacent to the vehicle on which he
can lower and position the stabilizer pad. The two cylinders,
stabilizer and swing, together provide this capability. Typically,
the operator pivots the stabilizers away from the vehicle using
controls in the operator's compartment that extend cylinders 200.
It should be noted that extending cylinder 200 causes the lower,
free end of the stabilizer to move laterally outward away from the
vehicle and slightly upward as it pivots about its upper pivot
point.
[0042] Once the stabilizers have been pivoted to their appropriate
lateral position (i.e. their proper position away from the side of
the vehicle), the stabilizer pads are then lowered into position to
engage the ground by extending (telescoping) the stabilizer leg
downward to increase its length until its free end (with attached
stabilizer pad), contacts the ground. As the stabilizer leg extends
and the stabilizer pad engages the ground, the weight of the
vehicle is transferred from the wheels to the stabilizer pad.
[0043] The substantial portion of the weight on the stabilizer
assembly is transmitted upward to pivot point at the top of the
stabilizer leg. The more the stabilizer leg is extended, the
greater the force on the stabilizer pad, and the stabilizer leg
pushes upward (applies a vertically upward component of force) with
greater force on the chassis of the vehicle at the point it is
pivotally attached to the chassis.
[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the left hand stabilizer leg
(not shown) is disposed in the identical position as the right hand
stabilizer leg shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, but in mirror relation on
the left hand side of backhoe 98. Thus the stabilizers on both
sides have a stowed position as well as several working
positions.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the right
stabilizer assembly 120 in a vertical working position. The only
difference between this embodiment and that of the foregoing
FIGURES is that swing cylinder 200 is pivotally attached to the
stabilizer leg 122 at the fourth pivot point 226. More
specifically, the swing cylinder is pivotally attached to fourth
pin 228, the fourth pin is attached to the outer tube 202, is
pivotally attached to the stabilizer pad 124 and is coupled to the
lower end of the stabilizer cylinder 206.
[0046] There are alternative approaches to the preferred
embodiments such as not having a stabilizer cylinder located inside
the stabilizer leg. Instead, in another embodiment the inner and
outer tube might slide freely, and be lockable by means of a pin
inserted through holes drilled in the outer and inner tubes with
the stabilizer cylinder removed. In another embodiment, the
stabilizer cylinder may be located outside of and parallel to the
inner and outer tubes. Further, the inner and outer tubes may be
eliminated and the stabilizer cylinder itself used as a stabilizer
leg, with no extra inner and outer tube surrounding the cylinder.
The preferred embodiments illustrated herein show the inner tube
attached to the first bracket, and the outer tube sliding
telescopically and moving the stabilizer pad up and down. However
this tube arrangement may be reversed such that the outer tube is
attached to the first bracket and the inner tube is attached to the
stabilizer pad, with the inner tube sliding telescopically up and
down to position the stabilizer pad.
[0047] It will be understood that changes in the details,
materials, steps, and arrangements of parts which have been
described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention
will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a
reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the
invention. The foregoing description illustrates the preferred
embodiment of the invention; however, concepts, as based upon the
description, may be employed in other embodiments without departing
from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims
are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the
specific form shown.
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