Straddle loader
First Claim
1. A straddle loader for lifting a load, the straddle loader comprising:
- an upper frame having means for lifting the load and a compartment for an operator;
at least two traveling frames for supporting the load on an underlying ground surface;
a drive connected to at least one of the at least two traveling frames and operable for propulsion of the straddle loader along the underlying ground surface;
a lifting system connected between the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames and operable for varying a distance between the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames by uniformly transferring the load to the at least two traveling frames so that the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames remain parallel and perpendicular, the lifting system comprising a plurality of telescoping beams, wherein at least two telescoping beams are associated with each of the at least two traveling frames, said lifting system including means for extending and retracting each said telescoping beam;
stationary pivot shafts mounted on the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames for connecting each of the plural telescoping beams between the upper frame and a respective one of the at least two traveling frames; and
a pressure cylinder associated with each of the plural telescoping beams, the pressure cylinder being operably mounted between one of the at least two traveling frames and a respective one of the plural telescoping beams associated with the one of the plural traveling frames, said pressure cylinder being operable for exerting a force on the respective one of the plural telescoping beams for evenly loading the at least two traveling frames and preventing twisting of the upper frame during extension and retraction of the respective telescopic beam, said force exerted by said pressure cylinder being simultaneous and separate from extension and retraction forces generated by the means for extending and retracting.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A straddle loader for lifting a load includes an upper frame having a spreader for grasping the load, a compartment for an operator, at least two traveling frames for receiving the load, and a lifting system connected to the upper frame and the plural traveling frames. The lifting system varies the distance between the upper frame and the plural traveling frames by uniformly transferring the load to the traveling frames so that the upper frame and the traveling frames remain parallel and perpendicular. The straddle loader further includes a plurality of telescoping beams associated with the lifting system so that at least two telescoping beams are connected to each of the traveling frames. Each telescoping beam is capable of extension and retraction. Stationary pivot shafts connect each end of each of the telescoping beams to the respective upper frame or traveling frame and to a pressure cylinder associated with each of the telescoping beams. The pressure cylinder is operatively mounted between one of the traveling frames and the respective one of the telescoping beams associated with the one frame and exerts a force on the respective telescoping beam simultaneous with extension of the telescoping beam.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A straddle loader for lifting a load, the straddle loader comprising:
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an upper frame having means for lifting the load and a compartment for an operator;
at least two traveling frames for supporting the load on an underlying ground surface;
a drive connected to at least one of the at least two traveling frames and operable for propulsion of the straddle loader along the underlying ground surface;
a lifting system connected between the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames and operable for varying a distance between the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames by uniformly transferring the load to the at least two traveling frames so that the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames remain parallel and perpendicular, the lifting system comprising a plurality of telescoping beams, wherein at least two telescoping beams are associated with each of the at least two traveling frames, said lifting system including means for extending and retracting each said telescoping beam;
stationary pivot shafts mounted on the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames for connecting each of the plural telescoping beams between the upper frame and a respective one of the at least two traveling frames; and
a pressure cylinder associated with each of the plural telescoping beams, the pressure cylinder being operably mounted between one of the at least two traveling frames and a respective one of the plural telescoping beams associated with the one of the plural traveling frames, said pressure cylinder being operable for exerting a force on the respective one of the plural telescoping beams for evenly loading the at least two traveling frames and preventing twisting of the upper frame during extension and retraction of the respective telescopic beam, said force exerted by said pressure cylinder being simultaneous and separate from extension and retraction forces generated by the means for extending and retracting. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification