U.S. patent application number 12/074403 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for vehicle mountable plow.
This patent application is currently assigned to AMERICAN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Ryan Jones, Craig Livingston.
Application Number | 20090223091 12/074403 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41052125 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090223091 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Livingston; Craig ; et
al. |
September 10, 2009 |
Vehicle mountable plow
Abstract
A plow apparatus is disclosed for mounting on a mobile base, and
includes a mount for mounting to a mobile base, a plow having a
moldboard having an upper boundary, a plow support assembly mounted
on the mount and configured to support the plow on the mount, and a
plow adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the
plow. The plow support assembly may be mounted to the plow toward
the upper boundary of the plow. The plow adjustment assembly may
comprise a tilt assembly that is configured to adjust a tilt
orientation of the plow about a longitudinal substantially
horizontal axis of the plow. The fluid actuation assembly may be
configured to provide fluid to the plow adjustment assembly to
orient the plow with respect to the mount, and the fluid actuation
assembly is configured to utilize a gas to adjust the orientation
of the plow.
Inventors: |
Livingston; Craig;
(Canistota, SD) ; Jones; Ryan; (Brookings,
SD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTMAN CHAMPLIN & KELLY, P.A.
SUITE 1400, 900 SECOND AVENUE SOUTH
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
AMERICAN EQUIPMENT
CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
41052125 |
Appl. No.: |
12/074403 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
37/283 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/7631 20130101;
E01H 5/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
37/283 |
International
Class: |
E01H 5/06 20060101
E01H005/06 |
Claims
1. A plow apparatus for mounting on a mobile base, comprising: a
mount for mounting to a mobile base; a plow having a moldboard
having an upper boundary, a lower boundary, and opposite ends; a
plow support assembly mounted on the mount and configured to
support the plow on the mount; and a plow adjustment assembly
configured to adjust an orientation of the plow; wherein the plow
support assembly comprises upper and lower attachment structures,
which are both mounted closer to the upper boundary than the lower
boundary, wherein the lower attachment structure is mounted to the
plow at a vertical location that is at least partially lower than
the upper attachment structure, providing a tilt mechanism with
relative movement of the upper and lower attachment structures
about respective pivots.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper an lower attachment
structures are located entirely above a midpoint between the upper
and lower boundaries of the plow.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the moldboard of the plow has a
width between the upper boundary and the lower boundary, and
distances between the upper boundary and the locations of the
mounting of the upper and lower attachment structures to the plow
are less than approximately half one-quarter of the width of the
moldboard.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plow adjustment assembly is
located at a vertical level higher than the plow.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 where the plow adjustment assembly
further comprises a tilt assembly configured to adjust a tilt
orientation of the plow about a transverse substantially horizontal
axis about which the plow tilts with respect to the plow support
assembly.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the tilt assembly of the plow
adjustment assembly is configured to utilize a gas to adjust the
tilt orientation of the plow such that the tilt assembly acts as a
spring that absorbs shocks to the plow.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the plow adjustment assembly
further includes a pivot assembly configured to adjust a yaw
orientation of the plow; and wherein the plow adjustment assembly
further includes a lift assembly configured to adjust a height
orientation of the plow above the ground surface.
8. A plow apparatus for mounting on a mobile base, comprising: a
mount for mounting to the mobile base; an elongate plow having
upper and lower boundaries and opposite longitudinal ends; a plow
support assembly mounted on the mount and configured to support the
plow on the mount, the plow support assembly comprising upper and
lower attachment structures, which are both mounted closer to the
upper boundary than the lower boundary, wherein the lower
attachment structure is mounted to the plow at a vertical location
that is at least partially lower than the upper attachment
structure, providing a tilt mechanism with relative movement of the
upper and lower attachment structures about respective pivots; a
plow adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the
plow and comprising a tilt assembly configured to adjust a tilt
orientation of the plow about a longitudinal substantially
horizontal axis of the plow through at least one of the upper or
lower attachment structures.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the tilt assembly of the plow
adjustment assembly is configured to utilize a gas to adjust the
tilt orientation of the plow such that the tilt assembly acts as a
spring that absorbs shocks to the plow.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the plow support assembly
includes a main member pivotally linking the plow to the mount, a
main member forming a tank configured to hold a quantity of
compressed gas.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the plow adjustment assembly
further includes a pivot assembly configured to adjust a yaw
orientation of the plow.
12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the plow adjustment assembly
further includes a lift assembly configured to adjust a height
orientation of the plow above the ground surface.
13. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the plow support assembly is
mounted to the plow toward an upper boundary of the plow.
14. A plow apparatus for mounting on a mobile base, comprising: a
mount for mounting to the mobile base; a plow comprising upper and
lower boundaries; a plow support assembly configured to support the
plow on the mount and comprising upper and lower attachment
structures, which are both mounted closer to the upper boundary
than the lower boundary, wherein the lower attachment structure is
mounted to the plow at a vertical location that is at least
partially lower than the upper attachment structure, providing a
tilt mechanism with relative movement of the upper and lower
attachment structures about respective pivots; a plow adjustment
assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the plow; and a
fluid actuation assembly configured to provide fluid to the plow
adjustment assembly to orient the plow with respect to the mount;
wherein the fluid actuation assembly is configured to utilize a gas
to adjust the orientation of the plow.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the plow adjustment assembly
comprises: a lift assembly configured to adjust a height
orientation of the plow above the ground surface; a tilt assembly
configured to adjust an orientation of the plow about a
substantially horizontal longitudinal axis; and a pivot assembly
configured to adjust a yaw orientation of the plow.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the plow support assembly
includes a main member pivotally linking the plow to the mount, the
main member forming a tank configured to hold a quantity of
compressed gas.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to vehicle-mountable plows
and more particularly pertains to a new vehicle mountable plow
having enhanced weight and performance characteristics.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Plows or blades that are mountable on a vehicle have been
utilized to push materials such as snow, dirt, gravel, and similar
materials. However, the known plow systems have suffered from a
number of disadvantages or drawbacks. For example, the plow systems
have been relatively heavy, and this factor can restrict the size
of the vehicles on which the systems can be used, so only larger
vehicles can use such systems and the performance of the vehicle
may be affected.
[0005] Another drawback has been the vulnerability to damage when
immovable objects on the ground are struck by the plow, which has
led to the use of spring-release systems and bulkier structures to
resist damage, which again leads to heavier system weights.
[0006] The vehicle mountable plow according to the present
disclosure substantially departs from the conventional concepts and
the designs of the known prior art, and in so doing provides an
apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of having decreasing
weight and enhancing performance.
SUMMARY
[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of vehicle mountable plows now present in the prior art, the
present disclosure describes a new vehicle mountable plow which may
be utilized for enhanced weight and performance
characteristics.
[0008] The present disclosure relates to a plow apparatus for
mounting on a mobile base that includes a mount for mounting to a
mobile base, a plow having a moldboard having an upper boundary, a
lower boundary, and opposite ends, a plow support assembly mounted
on the mount and configured to support the plow on the mount; and a
plow adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the
plow. The plow support assembly may be mounted to the plow toward
the upper boundary of the plow.
[0009] In another aspect of the disclosure, a plow apparatus for
mounting on a mobile base includes a mount for mounting to a mobile
base, an elongate plow having opposite longitudinal ends, a plow
support assembly mounted on the mount and configured to support the
plow on the mount, and a plow adjustment assembly configured to
adjust an orientation of the plow. The plow adjustment assembly may
comprise a tilt assembly configured to adjust a tilt orientation of
the plow about a longitudinal substantially horizontal axis of the
plow.
[0010] In still another aspect, a plow apparatus for mounting on a
mobile base that includes a mount for mounting to a mobile base, a
plow, a plow support assembly configured to support the plow on the
mount, a plow adjustment assembly configured to adjust an
orientation of the plow, and a fluid actuation assembly configured
to provide fluid to the plow adjustment assembly to orient the plow
with respect to the mount. The fluid actuation assembly is
configured to utilize a gas to adjust the orientation of the
plow.
[0011] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the
more important elements of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional elements of the invention that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0012] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
or implementation in greater detail, it is to be understood that
the scope of the invention is not limited in its application to the
details of construction and to the arrangements of the components
set forth in the following description or illustrated in the
drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and
implementations and is thus capable of being practiced and carried
out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0013] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
disclosure. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0014] The advantages of the various embodiments of the present
invention, along with the various features of novelty that
characterize the invention, are disclosed in the following
descriptive matter and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The disclosure will be better understood and when
consideration is given to the drawings and the detailed description
which follows. Such description makes reference to the annexed
drawings wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a new vehicle
mountable plow apparatus according to the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic right side view of the plow apparatus,
according to an illustrative embodiment, with the plow in a forward
position.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic right side view of the plow apparatus
with the plow tilted partially rearward.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic right side view of the plow apparatus
with the plow tilted rearward.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic left side view of the plow apparatus,
according to an illustrative embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic rear side view of the plow apparatus,
according to an illustrative embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagrammatic view of the plow
adjustment assembly and fluid actuation assembly, according to an
illustrative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIGS. 1 through 7 thereof, a new vehicle mountable plow embodying
the principles and concepts of the disclosed subject matter will be
described.
[0024] A plow apparatus 10 of the disclosure is suitable for
mounting on a mobile base, which may be a vehicle motorize or
non-motorized, such as an automobile, truck, all terrain vehicle,
utility vehicle, tractor and other vehicles and even mobile bases
that are not motorized.
[0025] In general, the plow apparatus 10 may include a mount 12 for
mounting to a mobile base, a plow 14, a plow support assembly 16
configured to support the plow on the mount, a plow adjustment
assembly 18 configured to adjust an orientation of the plow, and a
fluid actuation assembly 20 configured to provide fluid to the plow
adjustment assembly to orient the plow with respect to the
mount.
[0026] In greater detail, the mount 12 may comprise a mounting
assembly configured to removably mount on a receiver on a vehicle
or other mobile base, although it will be realized that other types
of mounting structures may also be employed. The mounting assembly
12 may comprise a base portion 22 for mounting on the mobile base
and an upper portion 24 mounted on the base portion 22.
[0027] The base portion 22 of the mounting assembly 12 may in turn
include a receiver mount 26 for removably coupling to a hitch
receiver on the mobile base, and a base member 28. The receiver
mount 26 may extend rearwardly from the base member 28 and may
terminate in a free end that is suitable for insertion in the
receiver of a hitch. This feature of the apparatus 10 permits a
highly versatile style of mounting, as many vehicles are adaptable
to include a receiver hitch mount of the type compatible with the
receiver mount 26. This style of mounting also typically permits
mount and dismount to be accomplished with the insertion and
withdrawal of a pin extending through the receiver mount 26 and the
receiver hitch. The receiver mount 26 may include a tube member 30
and a flange member 32 that is mounted on the tube member. The
flange member 32 may be located toward a forward end of the tube
member, and may include a pair of laterally-spaced ears 34.
[0028] In various embodiments of the apparatus 10, the position of
the base member 28 with respect to the receiver mount 26 is
adjustable, and may be vertically adjustable with respect to the
receiver mount when the receiver mount is oriented for normal
mounting on a hitch receiver. The base member 28 may include a
plurality of mounting holes that provide different mounting
locations for the base member on the receiver mount. The upper
portion 24 may be mounted on the base portion 22 and may extend
upwardly from the base portion. The upper portion 24 may provide a
mounting point for various elements of the plow apparatus described
elsewhere in this disclosure.
[0029] The plow 14 of the plow apparatus 10 provides the primary
surfaces for engaging materials that are to be moved by the
apparatus. The plow 14 may comprise a plow assembly. The plow
assembly 14 may comprise a moldboard 36 that has an upper boundary
38, a lower boundary 40, and opposite ends 42, 43. The moldboard 36
has a front 44 and a rear 48. The front 44 may have a concave front
surface for receiving and guiding the material to be moved by the
plow apparatus 10. In greater detail, the moldboard 36 may comprise
a plow frame 48, a skin 50 mounted on the plow frame, and a cutting
edge 52 positioned adjacent to the lower boundary 40 of the
moldboard. The cutting edge 52 may be mounted on the plow frame
48.
[0030] The plow 14 may further comprise an upper attachment
structure 54 that is mounted on the moldboard 36, and the structure
54 may be mounted on the plow frame 48 toward the upper boundary 38
of the moldboard. The plow 14 may also include a lower attachment
structure 56 mounted on the moldboard 36. The lower attachment
structure 56 may be mounted on the plow frame 48, and may be
located closer to the lower boundary 40 of the moldboard 36 than
the upper attachment structure 54. In some embodiments, the upper
54 and lower 56 attachment structures are located on an upper half
of the moldboard 36 adjacent to the upper boundary 38, and in other
embodiments the upper 54 and lower 56 attachment structures are
located on an upper quarter of the moldboard 36.
[0031] The plow support assembly 16, which may be utilized to
support the plow 14 on the mount 12 and thus may be mounted on the
mount, may also be pivotable with respect to the mount, and may be
pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis with respect to the
mount. Additionally, the plow 14 may be mounted on the plow support
assembly 16, and also may be pivotable with respect to the plow
support assembly, and may pivot about a horizontal axis.
[0032] The plow support assembly 16 may be mounted to the plow 14
toward the upper boundary 38 of the plow, and the plow support
assembly is preferably mounted to the plow at a location that is
closer to the upper boundary than the lower boundary 40 of the
plow, and is most preferably (although not critically) mounted on
the plow adjacent to the upper boundary. The mounting of the plow
support assembly 16 toward the upper boundary 38 of the plow 14 can
provide significant benefits. This character of mounting permits
the plow 14 to be tilted about an axis that is relatively high with
respect to the ground surface when the cutting edge 52 is rested on
the ground surface.
[0033] In conventional plows, common practice is to employ a tilt
axis that is relatively close to the ground, and when the moldboard
hits an unmovable object on the ground the plow tips forward to
allow the snowplow to pass over the object. However, if the object
is taller than the height of the tilt axis, it is possible that
damage will occur to the plow unit or vehicle at the weakest point.
In contrast, in the plow apparatus 10 utilizing the relatively high
position of the connection between the plow 14 and the plow support
assembly 16, the plow 14 has an increased ability to allow the
moldboard to trip over a relatively taller object without causing
damage to the plow. Further, a larger area is created behind the
moldboard 36 to accumulate material being plowed when back dragging
the plow without crowding the support assembly 16. Also, the lower
boundary 40 of the moldboard 36 may be angled rearwardly to reduce
drag when the vehicle on which the plow apparatus 10 is mounted is
driven down the road. Still further, the ground clearance of the
support assembly 16 is enhanced when the plow 14 is moved over
curbs and other obstacles.
[0034] The plow support assembly 16 may comprise a main member 58
that extends forwardly from the mount 12. The main member 58 has a
forward end 60 and a rearward end 62, and the rearward end 62 may
be mounted on the mount 12 and the forward end 60 may be mounted on
the plow 14. The rearward end 62 is preferably pivotally mounted on
the mount, and may be pivotable about a substantially horizontal
axis. The plow 14 may be pivotable with respect to the forward end
60 of the main member 58, and the plow may be pivotable about a
substantially horizontal axis with respect to the main member
58.
[0035] A secondary member 64 may be included in the plow support
assembly 16, and may be mounted on the main member 58. The
secondary member 64 may be pivotable with respect to the main
member, and may pivot about a substantially vertical axis. The
secondary member 64 may be mounted to the plow 14, and may be
mounted thereto in a pivotable manner so that the secondary member
is pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis. The secondary
member 64 may extend generally transverse to the main member 58.
The secondary member has opposite ends 66, 67, and each of the
opposite ends may be pivotally mounted on the plow.
[0036] The plow adjustment assembly 18 may provide a degree of
adjustment to the orientation of the plow 14. The plow adjustment
assembly 18 may be configured to utilize a fluid to adjust the
orientation of the plow, and most preferably the fluid has a degree
of compressibility, and comprises a gas. In many suitable
embodiments, the gas is environmental air that has been suitably
filtered (e.g., dried) prior to introduction into the system.
[0037] The plow adjustment assembly 18 may include one or more
assemblies that adjust various aspects of the orientation of the
plow 14. In various embodiments of the plow apparatus 10, the plow
adjustment assembly includes a lift assembly 70 that is configured
to adjust a height orientation of the plow 14 above, for example,
the ground surface on which the mobile base rests. The lift
assembly 70 may act between the mount 12 and the plow support
assembly 16, and accordingly the lift assembly 70 may be mounted on
the mount and on the plow support assembly. The lift assembly 70
may comprise a mounting 72 mounted on the mount 12 and a mounting
73 mounted on the plow support assembly. The lift assembly 70 may
also include an extendible and contractible apparatus 74 that is
mounted on the mounting 72 on the mount and the mounting 73 on the
plow support apparatus. The extendible and contractible apparatus
74 may be extendable to move the mounting 72 and the mounting 73
away from each other, to thereby cause the plow to lower or move
closer to the ground surface. The extendible and contractible
apparatus 74 may be contractible to move the mounting 72 and the
mounting 73 toward each other, to thereby cause the plow to raise
or move away from the ground surface.
[0038] The plow adjustment assembly 18 may also include a tilt
assembly 76 that is configured to adjust an orientation of the plow
about a transverse axis which may be a substantially horizontal
axis. The tilt assembly 76 may act between the plow support
assembly 16 and the plow 14, and thus may be mounted on the plow
support assembly and the plow. The tilt assembly 76 may include a
mounting 78 mounted on the plow support assembly and a mounting 79
mounted on the plow. The mounting 79 on the plow 14 may be mounted
on the upper attachment structure 54 of the plow. The tilt assembly
may further include an extendible and contractible apparatus 80
mounted on the mounting 78 on the plow support assembly and the
mounting 79 on the plow. The extendible and contractible apparatus
80 may be extendable to move the mounting 78 on the plow support
assembly and the mounting 79 on the plow away from each other to,
for example, tilt the plow 14 forward so that the cutting edge 52
moves in a rearward direction. The extendible and contractible
apparatus 80 may be contractible to move the mounting 78 and the
mounting 79 toward each other to, for example, tilt the plow 14
backward so that the cutting edge 52 moves in a forward
direction.
[0039] Significantly, the ability to adjust the tilt of the plow 14
permits the user to adjust the angle of attack of the plow with
respect to the ground surface, and the angle of the cutting edge 52
contacting the surface. The user may adjust the tilt, and thus the
angle of attack for different conditions, such as the condition of
the material to be moved by the plow 14. For example, the plow 14
may be rolled back with the upper boundary 38 brought back toward
the operator in the vehicle (bringing the cutting edge 52 forward)
cut hard packed snow or ice off of a surface. This positioning may
also be useful in backdragging the plow 14, which involves pushing
the material with the rear 46 of the plow as the supporting vehicle
is moved in a rearward direction. Also, the lower boundary 40 may
be moved backwardly toward the vehicle to roll soft snow in a
forward direction. This capability is in contrast to plows with a
fixed angle of attack, which does not permit such adaptation to
conditions.
[0040] In various embodiments, the plow adjustment assembly 18 may
also include a pivot assembly 82 that is configured to adjust a yaw
orientation of the plow 12 about, for example, a substantially
vertical axis. The pivot assembly 82 may act between the main
member 58 of the plow support assembly 16 and the secondary member
64 of the plow support assembly, and thus the pivot assembly 82 may
be mounted on the main member 58 and the secondary member 64. The
pivot assembly 82 may comprise a mounting 84 mounted on the main
member 58 of the plow support assembly and a mounting 85 on the
secondary member 64 of the plow support assembly. The pivot
assembly 82 may also include an extendible and contractible
apparatus 86 that mounted on the mounting 84 on the main member of
the plow support assembly and the mounting 85 on the secondary
member of the plow support assembly. The extendible and
contractible apparatus 86 may be extendable to move the mounting 84
on the main member and the mounting 85 on the secondary member away
from each other to, for example, pivot or rotate the plow 14 to the
left. The extendible and contractible apparatus 86 may also be
contractible to move the mounting 84 on the main member and the
mounting 85 on the secondary member toward each other to, for
example, pivot the plow 14 to the right.
[0041] The respective extendible and contractible apparatus 74, 80,
and 86 may be gas actuated, and may be double acting. In various
embodiments of the plow apparatus 10, the extendible and
contractible apparatus 74, 80, 86 may each comprise a piston and
cylinder device.
[0042] The plow apparatus 10 may also include a fluid actuation
assembly 88 that is configured to provide fluid to the plow
adjustment assembly 18 to orient the plow 14 with respect to the
mount 12. Although any suitable fluid may be employed to actuate
the extendible and contractible apparatus of the plow adjustment
assembly 18, it is preferable that a gas, and in most cases
environmental air, is employed as the working fluid. This approach
has the benefit of reducing the weight of the apparatus 10, as the
weight of the fluid is basically eliminated.
[0043] Also, the compressibility of a gas provides a degree of
spring that is not present with relatively incompressible fluids
such as liquids, and this spring character provides some
forgiveness in the plow adjustment assembly 18 when, for example,
an immovable object is struck by the plow. Also, the ability of the
extensible and contractible apparatus to absorb a degree of shock
or impact may allow for the use of lighter weight materials than
would otherwise be possible, since the materials are protected in
some measure from impacts and shocks than would require heavier
materials to resist.
[0044] The compressibility of the air also allows the extensible
and contractible apparatus to be biased so that when reduced
resistance is encountered, the apparatus is able to move further in
the biased direction without further fluid needed to be added to
the apparatus. For example, the extensible and contractible
apparatus 74 of the lift assembly may be provided with a sufficient
amount of compressed air so that the apparatus 74 pushes the plow
14 against the ground surface, and is able to press the plow 14
further downwardly if the ground surface should drop relative to
the position of the plow apparatus 10. The use of air as a working
fluid also makes the use of double acting piston and cylinders more
practical, and the need for return springs is eliminated.
[0045] In some embodiments, the fluid actuation assembly 88 is
mounted on the mount 12, and may be located on the upper portion 24
of the mounting assembly. The fluid actuation assembly 88 may
include a fluid tank 90 for holding the fluid, such as a gas, for
use by the elements of the plow adjustment assembly 18, and may be
configured to hold the gas in a compressed condition.
Significantly, in various embodiments of the apparatus 10, the
fluid tank 90 may be formed by the main member 58 of the plow
support assembly 16.
[0046] The fluid actuation assembly 88 may further include a fluid
pump 92 for pumping fluid into the fluid tank 90. In some
embodiments, the working fluid of the apparatus 10 comprises a gas,
and the fluid pump 92 comprises a compressor that pumps compressed
gas into the fluid tank. The fluid pump 92 may be mounted on the
upper portion 24 of the mount 12. The fluid actuation assembly 88
may also include a valve apparatus 94 configured to direct fluid or
gas from the fluid tank 90 to selected ones of the extensible and
contractible apparatus 74, 80, 86. The valve apparatus 94 may be
mounted on the upper portion 24 of the mount 12.
[0047] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art in
light of the foregoing disclosure, and all equivalent relationships
to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the
specification are intended to be encompassed by the present
invention.
[0048] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosed subject matter to
the exact construction and operation shown and described, and
accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be
resorted to that fall within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *