SELF-LEVELLING MECHANICAL SYSTEM FOR A MATERIAL HANDLING DEVICE

• US 20090185886A1
• Filed: 04/30/2008
• Published: 07/23/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Toro Company (Toro)
• Original Assignee: Toro Company (Toro)
• Inventors: Janzen, RusselL, Poole, Don, McGhee, Scott, Scodellaro, Dean
• Application Number:
  US12/112,305
• Publication Number:
  US 20090185886A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 414/585
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 1/28 Tipping body constructions
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/064 Especially adapted for carrying non tracked public work, tractor or combat vehicles

Abstract

The present invention provides a material handling device comprising: a support trailer configured for movement thereof; a material holding device pivotally connected to the support trailer, the material holding device configured for reversible rotational movement between a first lowered orientation and a second elevated orientation; an accessory support pivotally connected to the material holding device, wherein the accessory support is coupled to the material holding device at a location wherein the accessory support translates when the material holding device is reversably moved between the first lowered orientation and the second elevated orientation; and a linkage system operatively interconnecting the support trailer, the material holding device and the accessory support, wherein the linkage system is configured to substantially maintain a desired orientation of the accessory support during reversible rotational movement of the material holding device.

Claims

1. A material handling device comprising:

(a) a support trailer configured for movement thereof;

(b) a material holding device pivotally connected to the support trailer, the material holding device configured for reversible rotational movement between a first lowered orientation and a second elevated orientation;

(c) an accessory support pivotally connected to the material holding device, wherein the accessory support is coupled to the material holding device at a location wherein the accessory support translates when the material holding device is reversably moved between the first lowered orientation and the second elevated orientation; and

(d) a linkage system operatively interconnecting the support trailer, the material holding device and the accessory support, wherein the linkage system is configured to substantially maintain a desired orientation of the accessory support during reversible rotational movement of the material holding device.

2. The material handling device according to claim 1, wherein the desired orientation of the accessory is substantially maintained within a predetermined angle range.

3. The material handling device according to claim 1, wherein the linkage system comprises a four bar linkage.

4. The material handling device according to claim 1, wherein the linkage system comprises two four bar linkages.

5. The material handling device according to claim 4, wherein the each of the four bar linkages are disposed on either side of a longitudinal median plane of the material handling device.

6. The material handling device according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to interlock the accessory support with the material holding device, thereby limiting relative movement between the accessory support and the material holding device.

7. The material handling device according to claim 1, wherein the linkage system abuts a guiding element which is coupled to the support trailer, said guiding element defining a shape which at least in part substantially maintains a desired orientation of the accessory support during reversible rotational movement of the material holding device.

8. The material handling device according to claim 7, wherein the linkage system abuts the guiding element with a contact bearing.

9. The material handling device according to claim 8, wherein the guiding element has a curved shape.

10. The material handling device according to claim 8, wherein the guiding element has a partial circular shape.

11. The material handling device according to claim 1, wherein an accessory is operatively coupled to the accessory support.

12. The material handling device according to claim 11, wherein the accessory is pivotally connected to the accessory support.

13. The material handling device according to claim 11, wherein the accessory is a conveyor or an auger.

14. The material handling device according to claim 13, wherein the conveyor is configured to be pivotally movable about a substantially vertical axis.