Articulated machine overhitch hose support
First Claim
1. A support system for controlling the position and movement of a flexible connector connected at a first end to a first member and at a second end to a second member, said first and second members moveable relative to each other, comprising:
- a flexible connector having a first end and a second end;
a first member connected to said first end of said flexible connector;
a second member connected to said second end of said flexible connector;
a spring bow supporting said flexible connector and having a first end and a second end;
said first end of said spring bow connected to said first member and said second end of said spring bow connected to said second member; and
said first and second ends of said spring bow each including a spring forming the connection to said respective first and second members.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Hydraulic hoses coupled between the tractor and trailer units of an articulated vehicle are connected to each of the units by a swivel joint to permit the hydraulic hoses to swivel at the point of connection to the respective tractor and trailer units. The hydraulic hoses are individually positioned within separators to separate the hydraulic hoses and position them in a predetermined manner relative to forming a hose bundle. Each of the hydraulic hose supporting separators is positioned on a steel spring bow to control the shape of the hose bundle, with each end of the spring bow terminating in a coil spring at the point of connection with the tractor and trailer units. A support frame, preferably joined to the trailer unit, retains the hose bundle in a predetermined position to provide vertical stability and a spiral plastic or rubber outer wrap encircles the hose bundle to protect and keep the bundle together. In this manner, the hydraulic hoses are protected, and can accommodate the relative articulation and roll between the tractor and trailer units while the positioning of the bundles is controlled to eliminate or minimize any twisting action imposed thereon.
30 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A support system for controlling the position and movement of a flexible connector connected at a first end to a first member and at a second end to a second member, said first and second members moveable relative to each other, comprising:
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a flexible connector having a first end and a second end; a first member connected to said first end of said flexible connector; a second member connected to said second end of said flexible connector; a spring bow supporting said flexible connector and having a first end and a second end; said first end of said spring bow connected to said first member and said second end of said spring bow connected to said second member; and said first and second ends of said spring bow each including a spring forming the connection to said respective first and second members. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A support system for controlling the position and movement of a plurality of flexible hydraulic hoses connected at one end to a tractor unit and connected at another end to a trailer unit, comprising:
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a plurality of hydraulic hoses, each of said hydraulic hoses connected at a first end to a tractor unit and connected at a second end to a trailer unit; at least one of said plurality of hydraulic hoses having a swivel connection at one of the ends thereof for coupling to one of said tractor or trailer units; a spring bow for supporting said plurality of hydraulic hoses, said spring bow having at least one spring at one end thereof connecting said spring bow to one of said tractor or trailer units; a plurality of hydraulic hose separators carried by said spring bow and supporting said plurality of hydraulic hoses forming a hydraulic hose bundle; and a protective covering positioned about said hydraulic hose bundle. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification