Patent ID: 6672196
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: F41A

Abstract:
A self-compensating spade assembly for use on a self-propelled vehicle having a mounted weapon for generating a recurring recoil force, the spade assembly comprising:an elongate spade arm; a spade mounting at one end of the spade arm for mounting the spade to the vehicle; a ground contacting portion at the other end of the spade arm, the ground contacting portion comprising a support plate and a spade portion which are mutually positioned so that when the spade assembly is in use the support plate rests against the earth to at least partly transfer recoil forces from the weapon to the earth; the spade arm having compensating means able to automatically biasing the spade assembly in an extended position to regulate the length of the spade arm and thus ensure that the ground contacting portion is generally maintained in firm and constant contact with the earth on which the vehicle is standing; the compensating means including a telescopic engagement of two relatively slidable members; and a valve for regulating fluid communication between two distinct chambers during use of the self-compensating spade assembly to adjust the relative position of the two relatively slidable members.