Utility vehicle

A versatile mobile utility cart or vehicle using either tracks, wheels or both for suspension and steering with propulsion coming from but not limited to an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The vehicle is meant to be a utility workhorse with the ability to load and unload itself as well as drag or carry materials. The vehicle can be configured in many ways to do many tasks with the main feature being labor savings. One of the unique features of the vehicle is a loading system called a fork and foot system. For transport the forks and feet system can be raised or detached individually or as a system, this is beneficial when unloading. The foot may remain attached and used for stability. Detaching the fork and foot system as a system allows the vehicle to be used for other tasks including but not limited to: a dump vehicle; a skidder; a reel carrier; a fork lift/carrier; and a prime mover or base for brush chippers, stump cutters, tree spades and more.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a mobile utility vehicle for loading, transporting and unloading materials. In addition, the utility vehicle also includes a unique loading apparatus.

2. Description of Related Art

Utility vehicles such as handcarts, hand trucks, wheelbarrows and other devices have been used for many years as labor saving devices. These devices assist an individual or laborer in performing manual labor such as moving and transporting objects and workpieces. Further, they provide assistance when working in and around areas that cannot be easily reached by larger motor operated vehicles, particularly in areas too small or confined to allow the operation of such vehicles.

For instance, many landscape operations or landscapers cannot use large motor operated vehicles when working around homes or other structures, especially in developed areas where such vehicles will not fit or cannot be maneuvered due to the confines created by home density, fences and landscapes. Further, use of such large, motor operated vehicles may be prohibited due to the damage such vehicles would cause to the landscape. Accordingly, in these instances, much of the work requires manual labor to accomplish a variety of tasks including: landscape operations, planting trees, removing trees, laying sod, or other work that requires a significant amount of materials or objects to be moved physically or with the assistance of small non-powered or manually operated implements such as those set forth above.

Accordingly, there is a need for a powered utility vehicle of a size small enough to operate in confined spaces and in urban areas that minimizes damage to the property or landscape while providing sufficient lifting, loading, transporting and unloading properties. Specifically, it is advantageous that such a vehicle be operated by a single operator thereby reducing the amount of physical or manual labor needed to perform the job or task.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a versatile mobile utility vehicle having a power source operative to power a propulsion system and, in an additional embodiment, the utility vehicle includes a loading apparatus or system.

The loading apparatus or system may include a unique foot and fork assembly that, once attached to the utility vehicle, provides an apparatus that can lift and load items in excess of the weight of the vehicle onto the vehicle.

The present invention further provides a utility vehicle of a size and design suitable to operate in confined or small spaces with a propulsion system that reduces damage to the ground surface or area in which the vehicle is operating. The vehicle has the ability to be operated by a single operator. Further, the present invention may include a lift and load apparatus attached to the utility vehicle wherein the utility vehicle has the ability to load and unload materials or items as well as being able to drag or carry these materials or items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now toFIG. 1, a utility vehicle20is shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The utility vehicle20includes a vehicle frame, seen generally at22. A power source24, typically an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, is secured to the vehicle frame22near the rear end26of the vehicle frame22. A propulsion system, seen generally at28, is attached to the vehicle frame22and operates, upon receiving power through a drivetrain (not shown), to propel the utility vehicle20.

A platform or bed30is attached to the upper surface of the vehicle frame22. The bed or platform30forms a load-carrying surface of the utility vehicle20. A first barrier member or wall32extends upwardly from the platform or bed30and forms a load-containing surface located adjacent the power source24. As shown inFIG. 1, the platform or bed30may include a small upwardly extending raised portion or stop34located at the front end36of the utility vehicle20that helps to contain or hold a load on the utility vehicle20during operation.

A second barrier member or wall38is positioned near the rear end26of the utility vehicle20and provides both a protective barrier for the power source24and a mounting surface or frame member that supports a control mechanism, seen generally at40, needed to operate the utility vehicle20. Depending upon the various types of propulsion systems28used the control mechanism40for operating the drive or propulsion systems28may vary.

FIG. 1illustrates one type of propulsion system28for use with the utility vehicle20according to one embodiment of the present invention. The propulsion system28includes a track-type drive arrangement having at least one drive wheel or sprocket42, a tension or take up wheel or sprocket44and a plurality of either support wheels or sprockets46. An endless belt or track48is positioned over the drive wheel or sprocket42and the tension or take up wheel or sprocket44in a known manner. Such track-type drive arrangements typically include a second track assembly positioned on the opposite side of the utility vehicle20. Each track48is capable of being driven independent of the other in a known manner in order to steer the utility vehicle20. In one embodiment of such a track-type drive arrangement, independent or separate hydraulic motors (not shown) are attached to and drive each track48. The hydraulic motor receives hydraulic pressure from a pump attached to the power source24. Each hydraulic motor is used to drive or rotate the drive wheel or sprocket42of the track assembly. A set of control handles or levers50are part of the control mechanism40. Each handle or lever50connects to and provides input to the hydraulic motor to control the speed and direction of the motors and correspondingly each track48.

It is contemplated that the utility vehicle20be operated in the various modes, including: a walk behind mode in which the operator walks behind the utility vehicle20and manipulates the control handles50of the control mechanism40to drive and steer the utility vehicle20; and a remote mode where the utility vehicle20is operated remotely using a separate remote unit52directly connected to the utility vehicle20using a cable54extending from the remote unit52to the control mechanism40of the utility vehicle20(seeFIG. 5), or by using via RF or IF signals sent from a remote unit56to the control mechanism40of the utility vehicle20, (seeFIG. 4). Other remote operation methods may also be used.

As shown inFIGS. 4-5, the track-type drive system may be replaced with or by wheels58. The wheels58being of a size and design that minimizes any damage to the ground or other surface upon which the utility vehicle20is operated. Further while shown inFIG. 4with three wheels58on each side of the utility vehicle20, as shown inFIG. 5, a lesser number of wheels58can also be used. In addition, a greater number of wheels58may also be used to distribute the load or weight of the utility vehicle20over a wide footprint and thus reduce potential damage to the ground surface. Again, known drivetrains and drive systems can be used to steer and propel the utility vehicle20.

The size or overall construction of the utility vehicle20is such that it can be driven and maneuvered in areas unsuitable for larger vehicles. For instance, in and on the front and back yards of homes, around bushes, trees and other landscaping. It is of a size and width suitable to pass through a standard size fence gate, which is typically36inches wide. It should be understood that depending upon the terrain upon which it is operated, it may be desirable to use soft, balloon type lawn tires, like those commonly used on many mowing machines or lawn tractors to reduce any damage to lawns or landscaping. Accordingly, such a utility vehicle20may be driven onto a lawn, used to pick up and haul away brush, debris, tree limbs from tree trimming operations, or other landscaping uses, all of which are typically labor intensive operations.

FIGS. 1-3illustrate a loading apparatus or system, seen generally at60, for use with the utility vehicle20. The loading apparatus60includes a foot assembly62and in some instance may include a fork assembly64. The foot assembly62includes first and second foot members66,68. Each foot members66,68having a base portion or ground engaging member70and a leg portion72. Each of the first and second foot members66,68are pivotally secured, through pivot pins or stub shafts74on opposite sides of the front end36of the vehicle frame22. It should be understood that the loading apparatus or assembly60is removably attached to the utility vehicle20. Thus, depending on the particular use of the utility vehicle20, the loading apparatus or assembly60can be removed from the utility vehicle. In addition, various components of the loading apparatus60may also be removed, for instance, the fork assembly64may be removed while the foot assembly62is left on the utility vehicle20to provide support during loading, unloading or moving of the platform or bed30.

Power cylinders, such as hydraulic cylinders76, are pivotally attached on one end thereof, via a pivot pin78, to the leg portions72and on the opposite end thereof, via a pivot pin80, to the vehicle frame22. As used herein, power cylinders means any type of power source, including ball-screws, air cylinders or other actuation mechanisms used to generate movement between two or more components. The hydraulic cylinders76are used to lower and position the first and second foot members66,68such that the respective base portions70engage and provide a base or support on the ground surface. The first and second foot members66,68are shown herein as independently driven. This allows for the foot assembly62to compensate for uneven ground surfaces. It is, however, within the scope of the invention to provide a crossbar or other type of connecting member between the first and second foot members66,68and use a single power source such as a hydraulic cylinder to move the respective base portions70of the foot assembly62in unison. Irrespective of the drive assembly used, the foot assembly62is connected to the utility vehicle24for movement between a transport position, i.e., a raised position and a working position, i.e., a lowered position wherein the base portions70of the foot members66,68contact the ground surface.

The fork assembly64includes first and second fork members82,84. The first and second fork members82,84each include a load engaging or lifting portion86and a leg portion88. The respective leg portions88include a rearwardly extending arm portion90. The end of the arm portion90receives a pivot pin92and is correspondingly pivotally secured to the upper end of the leg portion72of the first and second foot members66,68. Accordingly, the first and second fork members82,84pivot with respect to the first and second foot members66,68. In the preferred embodiment, the arm portions90of each of the first and second fork members82,84, have a degree of curvature or an arcuate shape. The arm portions90may also be substantially straight. Cross members94extend between the respective first and second fork members66,68. The cross members94tie the respective first and second fork members82,84together such that they move in unison. It is also contemplated that the cross members94may be removed whereby first and second fork members82,84may move independently of one another.

To pivot the first and second fork members82,84about the pivot pin92suitable power sources, such as hydraulic cylinders96, are pivotally attached on one end, via a pivot pin98to first and second foot members66,68and at the opposite end, via a pivot pin100, to the first and second fork members82,84. As shown, the pivot pin100used to connect the hydraulic cylinders96to the first and second fork members82,84is located at the intersection between the leg portion88and the arm portion90. The arm portion90functions as a moment arm in relation to the distance between the pivot pin100and the pivot pin92used to secure the first and second fork members82,84to the respective first and second foot members66,68.

As indicated, the fork assembly64is independent of the foot assembly62. It should be understood, however, that securing one end of the hydraulic cylinders96used to move the fork assembly64to the foot assembly62transfers a load placed on the first and second fork members82,84to the base portions70of the first and second foot members66,68, rather than the vehicle frame22. While shown in the preferred embodiment with a set length, the base portion70of the foot members66,68can be extended in length to provide additional support. Also, the base portion70may include a wide surface or pad that engages the ground surface. In addition, rather than providing each foot member66,68with a base portion70, the base portion could be a single slab having a ground engaging surface extending between the foot members66,68. In addition, while shown as a one-piece member, the foot members66may be formed in two or more pieces wherein the base member70folds up against the leg member72when not in use, and locks in the position shown during use. In this way, the utility vehicle20can lift a load greater than the overall weight of the utility vehicle20, as the load is being lifted against or transferred to the base portions70which are placed on the ground during a lift and load operation.

As shown inFIG. 1, the base portions70of the first and second foot members66,68remain on the ground surface while the hydraulic cylinders96operate to swing or rotate the first and second fork members82,84about the pivot pins or stub shafts92in the arc shown by arcuate line102. The lifting portion86of the first and second fork members82,84may include a raised or convex surface104that functions to keep workpieces loaded on the lifting portion86. In addition, the leading edge or surface106of the leg portion88may also have a degree of curvature to facilitate transfer of a workpiece from the first and second fork members82,84to the utility vehicle20. Accordingly, the first and second fork members84,86function to correspondingly lift and deposit a workpiece on the platform or bed30of the utility vehicle20.

During transport, the loading apparatus60is raised, i.e., the foot assembly62and correspondingly the fork assembly64is lifted by the hydraulic cylinders76such that the respective base portions70of the first and second foot members66,68are lifted up off of the ground surface whereby the utility vehicle20may be driven to a particular location. When the utility vehicle20reaches its intended location, the loading apparatus60is lowered until the base portions70of the first and second foot members66,68contact the ground surface. The first and second fork members82,84are then loaded with workpieces, after which they are raised to deposit the workpieces on the bed30of the utility vehicle20. As used herein, workpiece is broadly considered to encompass any article that can be lifted, carried or transported by the utility vehicle20.

It should be understood that the loading apparatus60of may be operated by suitable controls situated on the control mechanism40located on the utility vehicle20or remotely by a hand-held unit52,56using suitable transmission technology for relaying an operation signal from the hand-held unit52,56to the control mechanism40located on the utility vehicle20. In addition, the utility vehicle20may be driven much like a forklift truck, specifically, it may be driven or operated in any manner that places the loading apparatus60underneath a workpiece which is then lifted by the first and second fork members82,84onto the platform or bed30of the utility vehicle20.

Turning now toFIG. 4, a utility vehicle20is shown according to the present invention, including a liftable platform or bed110and a loading apparatus60. As shown, a plurality of parallel link bars112are pivotally attached on one end thereof, via pivot pins114, to the vehicle frame22. The parallel link bars112are pivotally attached on the opposite end thereof, and via pivot pins116, to the platform or bed110is attached to the vehicle frame22of parallel link bars112. A plurality of power sources, such as hydraulic cylinders118, are attached to and operative to drive the platform or bed110upward while it is supported on the link bars118. Other types of power sources, including ball-screws, air cylinders or other actuation mechanisms may be used to raise the platform or bed110upwardly from the vehicle frame22.

The parallel link bars112, in addition to raising the platform or bed110, also cause the platform or bed110to move in a rearward direction with respect to the vehicle frame22, whereby the front end128of the platform or bed110extends outward past the front end36of the vehicle frame22in the direction shown by the arrow126. This provides an added advantage when removing workpieces from the utility vehicle20in that there is a greater amount of room at the forward end36of the utility vehicle20to dump or deposit workpieces carried by the utility vehicle20. In addition, such an arrangement allows the utility vehicle20to be positioned adjacent a cart, wagon or dumpster or some other container, whereby workpieces located on the bed or platform110may be raised to a height above and then transferred to the container.

In addition, such an arrangement enables the utility vehicle20to be placed adjacent a truck or other type of vehicle having a dump box or platform at a position or level higher than the initial or load carrying position of the platform or bed110of the utility vehicle20whereby the workpieces may be loaded onto the truck for removal and/or disposal. As shown, the loading apparatus60engages the ground surface to provide additional support at the front end36of the utility vehicle20during the dumping operation.

In addition, the platform or bed110may include a dump portion120which is pivotally attached, via a pivot pin122at one end thereof to the platform or bed110. A second power source, typically a hydraulic cylinder124, is operative to lift or raise the dump portion120of the platform or bed110to dump or empty workpieces from the platform or bed110.

In a further embodiment, the dump portion120of the platform or bed110is pivotally attached to the front end36of the utility vehicle20without the need for the plurality of parallel link bars112. In such an instance, the hydraulic cylinder124operates to pivot the platform or bed110. While shown inFIG. 4including an entire loading apparatus60, the utility vehicle may simply include only the foot assembly62of the loading apparatus60, which as set forth above, provides support at the front end36of the utility vehicle20during the lifting and dumping operation of the utility vehicle20.

As discussed earlier,FIG. 4shows the utility vehicle20with wheels58rather than the track type drive system as shown inFIG. 1. This type of drive arrangement may use lawn or turf type tires that typically cause less damage to the ground surface. Additionally, the number or sets of wheels58may vary depending upon the type of surface upon which the utility vehicle20is to be operated.FIG. 5illustrates the utility vehicle20with two wheels58on each side of the utility vehicle20for a total of four wheels, two on each side. The wheels58may be independently mounted to the vehicle frame22or may be mounted in pairs on respective axles. The propulsion system28associated with the wheels58may drive all or one of the wheels58depending upon the particular needs of the utility vehicle20. In some cases, it may be advantageous to make the utility vehicle20an all-wheel drive vehicle. Power transmission systems capable of such a drivetrain are known in the art.

FIG. 5illustrates a further embodiment of the utility vehicle20including a pivotable platform or bed130having a dump box132secured thereto. The dump box132includes a pivotable gate134, which opens when the dump box132is raised to allow workpieces or other material to exit the dump box132. As shown inFIG. 5, the dump box132can be raised about its pivot axis by a suitable power source such as a hydraulic cylinder136. The utility vehicle20may include the entire loading apparatus60or may simply include only the foot assembly62of the loading apparatus60, which as set forth above, provides support at the front end36of the utility vehicle20during the lifting and dumping operation of the utility vehicle20. As shown inFIG. 5, the hydraulic cylinder76that drives the foot member66is attached at one end, via a pivot point138, to the first end36of the utility vehicle20. The hydraulic cylinder76is attached at the other end to the base portion70of the foot member66. This is an alternative arrangement for mounting the foot member66.

Turning toFIG. 6, a utility vehicle20according to a further embodiment is illustrated having a track-type drive or propulsion system similar to that shown inFIG. 1. The utility vehicle20, having a grapple or claw-type loading apparatus140for grasping, lifting, moving and loading a workpiece from one position to another. The grapple assembly140includes a rotatable base portion142secured to the platform or bed30of the utility vehicle20. An arm member144is pivotally connected to the base portion142by a pivot pin146. A hydraulic cylinder148is connected between the base portion142and the arm member144and is operative to pivot the arm member144about the pivot pin146. The arm member144may include a telescopic portion whereby it extends in length. Claw-type fingers of150are pivotally attached to a support member152. Hydraulic cylinders156are attached on one end to the support member152and on their respective opposite ends to the claw-type fingers150. Actuation of the cylinders156causes the claw-type fingers150to open and close to grasp a workpiece. The support member152is pivotally attached to the end154of the arm144via a pivot pin158.

As with the previous embodiments, The utility vehicle20may include the entire loading apparatus60or may simply include only the foot assembly62of the loading apparatus60, which as set forth above, provides support at the front end36of the utility vehicle20during operation of the grapple or claw-type loading apparatus140.

FIG. 7illustrates a utility vehicle20having a track-type drive system similar to that shown inFIG. 1including a reel loader assembly160of the type used to lift and transport reels162, typically containing a recoilable product such as cable, hose, or wire. The reel loader assembly160includes at least one arm member164pivotally attached to the vehicle frame22, and may include a pair of arm members. The arm164pivots or moves about the pivot point166due to operation of a hydraulic cylinder168. A reel support member170is slidably mounted within a groove or slot172located in the arm member164. A power source, such as a hydraulic cylinder174, is connected to the reel support member170and is operative to move the reel support member170longitudinally in the direction shown by the arrow176to accommodate different size reels162. It should be understood that smaller reels162may then be lifted and supported on the utility vehicle20while keeping their center axis as close as possible to the pivot point166of the arm member164to reduce the necessary lifting force and moment.

With the present embodiment, the utility vehicle20typically includes only the foot assembly62of the loading apparatus60, which provides support at the front end36of the utility vehicle20during loading of the reel162. Thus, the cylinder76is used to raise and lower the foot assembly62.FIG. 8illustrates the same mounting arrangement of the hydraulic cylinder76that repositions the foot member66, as shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 8illustrates a utility vehicle20having a track-type drive or propulsion system similar to that shown inFIG. 1, having a fork lift/carrier180secured to the frame22of the utility vehicle20. The utility vehicle20further includes a foot assembly62that engages the ground surface to support the load during operation of the fork lift/carrier assembly180. As with the foot assemblies62shown inFIG. 5-6, the foot assembly62differs slightly from the previous embodiments in that the hydraulic cylinder76is mounted to the front end36of the frame22in front of the pivot pin74about which the foot member66pivots.

An arm member182of the fork lift/carrier assembly180is pivotally attached to the frame22by a pivot pin186. A hydraulic cylinder184operates to move or pivot the arm member182toward the front end36of the utility vehicle22. A plurality of link members188and hydraulic cylinders190operate to position the fork member192and enable it to be lowered to the ground surface and to lift and carry a workpiece, typically a pallet having a load attached thereto. Thus, the fork lift/carrier180lifts a pallet from the ground surface onto the utility vehicle20where it can be transported to a new location. Further, such assembly can be used to lift and carry pallets from a truck or trailer to a remote or difficult to access location.

FIG. 9illustrates an alternate embodiment of a utility vehicle20according to the present invention. The utility vehicle20utilizes a track-type drive unit or propulsion system28similar to that shown inFIG. 1. It may also utilize a plurality of tires or wheels as shown inFIG. 4-5, depending upon the drive arrangement desired. As shown inFIG. 9, the utility vehicle20includes a further embodiment of a foot assembly200including a foot member or pad202pivotally attached, via a pivot pin204, to a link member206. The link member206is pivotally connected, via a pivot pin208, to the frame22of the utility vehicle20. A hydraulic cylinder210is connected both to the foot member202at pivot pin204and the frame member22via a pivot pin212. The hydraulic cylinder210or other power source is operative to lower the foot member202until it contacts the ground surface whereby it provides support for the vehicle frame22. In the disclosed embodiment, the foot member202, corresponding hydraulic cylinder210and link member206are mounted to the vehicle frame22between the tracks34of the track-type drive or propulsion system28. Accordingly, the foot assembly200provides support for the utility vehicle20during use of the vehicle, particularly when the utility vehicle20includes many of the implements set forth previously. Thus, at least a portion of the utility vehicle20is supported by the foot member202rather than the components of the drive system or propulsion unit28. It should be understood that the length of the link member206can be extended such that the foot member202is disposed adjacent or past the front end36of the vehicle20.

FIG. 9also discloses a further embodiment of a utility vehicle20according to the present invention including a loading apparatus or system, seen generally at214. The loading apparatus or system214includes a fork assembly216. The loading apparatus214can be used in connection with the foot assembly200. The fork assembly216includes at least one fork member218pivotally attached, via a pivot pin220, to the vehicle frame22and a hydraulic cylinder222. The hydraulic cylinder222is pivotally attached on one end thereof, via a pivot pin224, to the leg portion226of the fork member218. The other end thereof connected to the vehicle frame22whereby actuation of the hydraulic cylinder222raises and lowers the fork assembly216.

Accordingly, at least some of the weight or loading force; i.e., the force generated when a load placed on the fork member218is lifted from the ground surface onto the utility vehicle20, is borne by transferred to the foot member202. As set forth previously, this arrangement enables a workpiece to be lifted by the fork assembly216onto the utility vehicle20, whereby at least a portion of the weight thereof is borne by the foot member202and correspondingly the ground surface.

It should be understood that part of the invention is the use of a loading apparatus60having a foot assembly62and a fork assembly64wherein at least a portion of the weight or load distribution is borne by the foot assembly62rather than the utility vehicle20when the fork assembly64is used to lift and deposit a load on the utility vehicle20. Further, at least a portion of the weight or load is also borne by the foot assembly and correspondingly the ground surface when using other implements, including a dump box or raisable bed as disclosed in the previous embodiments. Such an arrangement enables the utility vehicle20to be of a light weight and easily maneuverable construction and versatile in that it is suitable to support a variety of implements.

The present invention discloses the use of hydraulics, including hydraulic motors as a power source. Other power sources such as ball screws, screw jacks and similar power sources may be used to move and reposition the various components, including the loading apparatus60of the utility vehicle20.