Linearly adjustable container holding and lifting device

• US 6,474,928 B1
• Filed: 06/17/1996
• Issued: 11/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc. (Oshkosh Corporation)
• Original Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc. (Oshkosh Corporation)
• Inventors: Christenson, Ronald E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brahan, Thomas J.
• Application Number:
  US08/664,593
• Time in Patent Office: 2,332 Days
• Field of Search: 414/408, 414/409
• US Class Current: 414/408
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2003/023 Gripper arms for embracing the receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2003/0269 capable of moving along the side of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2003/0276 capable of moving towards or away from the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 3/001 for segregated refuse collecting, e.g. vehicles with several compartments
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 3/046 with additional means for assisting the tipping of the receptacle after or during raising

Abstract

A versatile system for seizing, tilting and dumping refuse containers is disclosed that includes a maneuverable, multi-position container grasping device attached to a refuse collection vehicle for handling curbside containers during collection efforts and emptying the containers at a plurality of positions relative to the vehicle charging hopper. A container grabbing mechanism is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A system for handling refuse containers comprising:

(a) a support member pivotally mounted on a support base;

(b) an extensible boom including a combination of connected relatively moveable telescoping arm members configured in a manner selected from the group of combinations consisting of an inner arm member moveable relative to a fixed outer arm member and an outer arm member moveable over a fixed inner arm member, said telescoping arm members defining a free end and a relatively fixed end, and a first linear actuator connected to reciprocally operate said boom, said fixed end being mounted on said support base in a manner so as to enable the boom to also pivot vertically, and a second linear actuator connected to raise and lower the free end of the boom;

(c) a generally vertically operable lift and tilt arm wherein said lift and tilt arm is an angled member having a free end that extends beyond the free end of said extensible boom and a fixed end pivotally fixed atop the free end of said extensible boom, said lift and tilt arm being pivotally operable to raise and lower the free end and a third linear actuator connected to pivot said lift and tilt arm;

(d) a generally horizontally disposed container grabber support member fixed to the free end of said lift and tilt arm and extending in cantilevered transverse relation thereto and a slidably mounted rider member carried thereon and a fourth linear actuator connected to said rider for adjusting the location of said rider member reciprocally, linearly along said grabber support member;

(e) a mechanized container grabber including opposed encircling dual grabber arms having opposed digits for seizing and holding a container of interest by converging said arms and digits about a container of interest, said container grabber being carried by said rider member, said grabber arms being disposed in a generally horizontal disposition when said extensible boom and said lift and tilt arm are fully lowered, a plurality of linear actuators for operating said grabber mechanism.