Abstract:
A method and apparatus for providing counterweight to a vehicle on an inclined surface. In one embodiment, a control unit may engage a motor, which rotates a weight such that it is positioned to act as a counterweight for a vehicle on an inclined surface. In another embodiment, when an inclinometer detects the vehicle is positioned on an inclined surface, logic circuitry engages motor, causing a weight to rotate to a position such that it acts as a counterweight for the vehicle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    Embodiments of the invention generally relate to the field of counterbalancing a vehicle by the use of a counterweight. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to a rotatable counterweight that can be repositioned to counterbalance and improve the traction of a vehicle on an inclined surface. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    The traction of a vehicle may be increased by adding weight to the vehicle. For some vehicles with large, heavily-treaded rear wheels, such as tractors, this weight is most efficiently added to the rear of the vehicle. For example, one method of adding weight to a tractor, and thus improving the traction, is filling the rear tires with a Calcium Chloride solution. One advantage to this technique is that by storing the solution inside the inner tube, the solution will rest on the bottom of the inner tube. Thus, the added weight is positioned as low as possible on the tractor, which is beneficial for both tractor traction and tractor safety. However, dealing with the Calcium Chloride solution can be dangerous to the average tractor operator, and the increased weight of the tires can make them incredibly difficult to remove or to lift. 
         [0005]    A second method of adding weight to a tractor or another vehicle is through the use of cast-iron wheel weights. These weights, which may be a single piece or multiple pieces, are mounted to one or both sides of the wheel rim. While these weights increase the vehicle&#39;s traction, they can often be difficult to lift and to mount and unmount from the wheel rims. 
         [0006]    Adding large amounts of weight to the rear of a vehicle is not without risk. The most serious disadvantage to this technique is increased risk that the vehicle will flip over backwards. While the vehicle may have increased traction, it will also have an increased risk of flipping backwards, a very serious risk for both the vehicle and its operator. Additionally, some parts on the vehicle may experience increased wear and tear due to the extra added weight. Thus, while there are methods of increasing a vehicle&#39;s traction, they are not without their downsides and risks. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for counterbalancing a vehicle positioned on an inclined surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a rotatable assembly mounted onto a vehicle, comprising a geared rotatable disc and an extended arm, configured in such a way that when the geared rotatable disc rotates, the extended arm rotates as well. Additionally, a weight may be attached to the extended arm. The weight acts to provide a counterweight for the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned on an inclined surface. In one embodiment, a motor may be connected to the geared rotatable disc which facilitates rotating the geared rotatable disc. This motor may be powered via a power source connected to the motor. Additionally, a control mechanism may be connected to the motor. This control mechanism, when engaged, activates the motor, causing the rotatable geared disc to rotate the extended arm and thus the weight as well, whereby the weight may be positioned in the optimal position for acting as a counterweight for the vehicle. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a geared rotatable disc and an extended arm, connected such that when the geared rotatable disc rotates, then the extended armor rotates as well. Furthermore, a weight may be attached to the extended arm, for providing counterweight for a vehicle. Additionally, a motor may be connected to the geared rotatable disc, whereby when the motor is activated, the geared rotatable disc rotates, thus rotating the extended arm and weight as well. A power source may be connected to the motor for providing power to the motor. Logic circuitry may also be connected to the motor, wherein the logic circuitry may engage the motor when certain conditions are satisfied. In one embodiment, an inclinometer may be connected to the logic circuitry. When the inclinometer detects that the vehicle is positioned on an inclined surface, the logic circuitry may activate the motor, causing the extended arm and the weight to rotate until the weight is in the optimal position to act as a counterweight for the vehicle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    So that the manner in which the above recited features, advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. 
           [0010]    It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example system for providing counterweight to a vehicle on an inclined surface, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example system for providing counterweight to a vehicle on an inclined surface, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example system for providing counterweight to a tractor on an inclined surface, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0014]    Embodiments of the invention generally comprise a system for providing counterweight to a vehicle on an inclined surface. This system may be attached to the rear of a vehicle and generally features a rotatable counterweight that may be positioned to rest on either side of the vehicle. This may be used to help prevent the vehicle from tipping over when operating on an inclined surface. For example, with the present invention mounted to a tractor operating on an inclined surface, the counterweight may be positioned to rest on the higher side of the tractor. That is, the weight may be positioned uphill, thus providing extra weight opposite the side that the tractor is likely to roll. 
         [0015]    In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the invention. Furthermore, in various embodiments the invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. However, although embodiments of the invention may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example system  100  for providing counterweight to a vehicle on an inclined surface, according to one embodiment of the invention. In general, the system  100  includes a counterweight  120  attached to a horizontal arm  122 , with the horizontal arm  122  attached to a vertical beam  124 . The mass of counterweight  120  may vary depending on the implementation, but generally should be of sufficient mass to provide an effective counterweight for the vehicle it is attached to. In general, the mass of the counterweight  120  should be proportional to the system  100  it is being used with. For example, a large piece of machinery, such as a farm tractor, may require a heavier counterweight  120  than a small, personal tractor. 
         [0017]    The horizontal arm  122  acts to extend the counterweight  120  away from the rest of the system  100 . This allows the weight of counterweight  120  to be applied from various sides of the system  100 . For instance, as shown, the counterweight&#39;s  120  mass is applied on the right side of the system  100 . This is beneficial, as, for example, it allows the counterweight  120  to be adjusted depending on the incline of the surface the vehicle is operating on. That is, the counterweight  120  may be positioned on the upside of a hill, thus increasing the vehicle&#39;s traction and reducing its likelihood of tipping over. By applying the weight of the counterweight  120  entirely on one side of the vehicle, the system  100  operates more efficiently than other counterweights such as wheel weights or using a Calcium Chloride solution, and thus requires less weight added to the vehicle. This is advantageous, as it reduces the likelihood of the vehicle flipping backwards, as well as the wear and tear on the vehicle&#39;s parts. 
         [0018]    The material and shape of the horizontal arm  122  may vary depending on implementation, but in any case should be of sufficient strength to support the counterweight  120 . Thus, stronger materials, such as iron or steel, may be required for the horizontal arm  122  when used with a heavier counterweight  120 . 
         [0019]    The vertical beam  124  acts to elevate the horizontal arm  122  and counterweight  120  from the rest of the system  100 . The height of the vertical beam  124  may vary depending on implementation. For example, a system  100  used with a farm tractor may require a taller vertical beam in order to elevate the horizontal arm  122  over the large rear tires of the tractor. However, a system for use with a personal tractor may only require a shorter vertical beam  124  in order to elevate the horizontal arm  122  over the sides of the tractor. The size and shape of the vertical beam  124  should be of sufficient strength to support the weight of the horizontal arm  122  and the counterweight  120 . The vertical beam  124  may be constructed from any material that is sufficiently strong to support the weight of the horizontal arm  122  and the counterweight  120 , with materials such as iron and steel being preferred. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, the vertical beam  124  attaches to a geared disc  126 . In such a configuration, when the geared disc  126  rotates, the vertical beam  124 , and thus the horizontal arm  122  and counterweight  120 , rotate as well. Such an arrangement allows the counterweight  120  to be repositioned and thus act as an effective counterweight for a vehicle operation on various inclined surfaces. For example, when the vehicle is operating on an inclined surface, the counterweight  120  is rotated such that it is positioned uphill from the vehicle, thus acting as an effective counterweight and increasing the vehicle&#39;s traction and stability. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the geared disc  126  is supported by a ball bearing  128 . The ball bearing  128  allows the geared disc  126  to rotate smoothly while under the weight of the vertical shaft  124 , horizontal arm  122  and counterweight  120 . The size and strength of the ball bearing  128  should be proportional to the weight of the counterweight  120 , vertical beam  124  and horizontal arm  122 . Thus, for a larger counterweight  120 , such as would be used on a large farm tractor, a strong ball bearing is required in order to ensure smooth rotation and sufficient support for the geared disc  126 . 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, a motor  130  is placed adjacent to the geared disc  126  and ball bearing  128  arrangement. Here, the motor  130  turns the motor&#39;s geared disc  132 . The teeth of geared disc  132  mesh with the teeth of geared disc  126 , such that when the motor  130  is activated and rotates geared disc  132 , this in turn causes geared disc  126  to rotate as well. As such, while different numbers of teeth may be used per gear depending on implementation, it is important that geared disc  126  and geared disc  132  mesh together. 
         [0023]    The motor  130  may be bidirectional, such that is it capable of rotating the geared disc  132  in both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations. Such an arrangement allows the counterweight  120  to be rotated to opposite sides of the vehicle depending on the incline of the surface. For example, for a system  100  mounted on the rear of a tractor, a bidirectional motor  130  allows the counterweight  120  to be shifted both from left-to-right and from right-to-left of the tractor without having to pass over the front-side of the tractor. This is beneficial, as it allows the counterweight to be rotated both directions while avoiding the front-side of the tractor and the operator. 
         [0024]    Additionally, stops may be placed on the geared disc  132  that prevent it from rotating more than 180 degrees. For instance, the stops may consist of a metal plate on each side of the geared disc  132  that prevent the disc from rotating any further. By limiting the rotation to 180 degrees, this ensures that the counterweight  120  does not pass over the front-side of the vehicle when rotating. This is advantageous when the vehicle&#39;s operator or tall parts of the vehicle are positioned on the front-side of the vehicle. 
         [0025]    The size and strength of the motor  130  may vary depending on implementation, but should be sufficient to effectively rotate the geared disc  126  under the weight of the horizontal arm  122 , vertical shaft  124  and counterweight  120 . Thus, a stronger motor  130  may be required for a larger vehicle making use of a heavier counterweight  120 . 
         [0026]    In one embodiment, a controller  134  is connected to the motor  130  via connector  136 . This controller  134  may be used by the vehicle&#39;s operator to engage the motor  130  and to shift the counterweight  120  from side to side. For example, when operating the vehicle on an inclined surface where the right side of the vehicle is on the upside of the hill, the vehicle operator may utilize the controller  134  to shift the counterweight  120  to the right side of the vehicle. By doing so, the weight of the counterweight  120  is applied on the side opposite the downside of the hill and acts as an effective counterweight for the vehicle, thus making the vehicle less likely to roll down the hill. The connector  136  may consist of one or more wires or other mechanism that effectively connects the controller  134  to the motor  130 . 
         [0027]    A battery  140  may be connected to and power the motor  130  via a connector  138 . For a system  100  attached to a vehicle, the battery  140  may be that vehicle&#39;s battery. The system  100  may also operate from a battery  140  separate from the vehicle&#39;s battery. The battery  140  should be of sufficient power to support the motor  130 . For example, a heavier vehicle may require a heavier counterweight  120  in order for the system  100  to be effective, and thus a stronger motor  130  and stronger battery  140  may also be required. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example system  200  for providing counterweight to a vehicle on an inclined surface, according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a counterweight  220  is attached to an extendable horizontal arm  222 . The size and mass of the counterweight  220  may vary depending on the embodiment and the vehicle the system  200  is mounted to. The extendable horizontal arm  222  in this embodiment may be locked in place by a locking mechanism  224 . This may be beneficial in situations where the counterweight  220  must remain close to the vehicle, such as when the vehicle needs to maneuver through a narrow path. Alternatively, the extendable horizontal arm  222  may be lengthened, which may be beneficial in situations such as use on a farm tractor, where the arm may need to extend out past the large rear tires. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, the extendable horizontal arm  222  is attached to a vertical beam  228 . The vertical beam  228  may be cylindrical or rectangular in shape. Additionally, the vertical beam  228  may be constructed of a material capable of supporting the weight of the counterweight  220 . For example, materials such as steel, iron or similar materials may be used for the construction of the vertical beam  228 . The extendable horizontal arm  222  may also be supported by a support brace  226 . The support brace  226  works to improve the structural integrity of the horizontal arm  222  and assists in supporting the weight of the counterweight  220 . 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, a rotatable geared disc  230  may be attached to the locating collar  232 . The locating collar  232  may be used to attach the rotatable geared disc  230  to a midsection of the vertical beam  228 . The locating collar  232  may rest atop of a thrust ball bearing  234 . The thrust ball bearing  234  helps to support the vertical shaft  228  and the rotatable geared disc  230  and allows them to rotate freely under the weight of the counterweight  220 . 
         [0031]    In this embodiment, a second thrust ball bearing  242  is used to provide additional support to the vertical beam  228 . The thrust ball bearing  234  and thrust ball bearing  242  relieve the weight from the rotatable geared disc  230 , while still allowing the rotatable geared disc  230  to rotate smoothly. The thrust bearing  242  is attached to the vertical shaft by use of a locating collar  238  and a locking collar  240 , which work to secure the thrust bearing  242  to the vertical shaft  228 . 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , thrust bearing  234  and thrust bearing  242  may be attached to a frame  236 . The frame  236  provides a container for various parts of the system  200 . Additionally, the frame  236  provides an anchoring point for attaching the system  200  to a vehicle. For example, the system  200  may be affixed to a vehicle, such as a tractor, by attaching the frame  236  to the structure of the tractor. For vehicles that place an emphasis on the rear wheels for traction and stability, such as farm tractors with their large rear wheels, the frame  236  should be mounted to the rear of the vehicle to ensure optimal performance. The frame  236  may be attached via welding, bolting, or other suitable means. Additionally, since the frame  236  is the only piece that attaches to the vehicle, it is easier to mount and unmount to a vehicle than, for instance, multi-part wheel weights. 
         [0033]    The system  200  may also contain a battery  244 , which may be attached via a connector  250  to a motor  246 . The battery  244  works to provide power to the motor  246 , and may be the vehicle&#39;s battery or an independent battery. As an example, the battery of a tractor may be wired to the motor  246  in order to provide power. 
         [0034]    The motor  246 , when activated, rotates a geared disc  248 , which is meshed together with the rotatable geared disc  230 . Thus, when the motor  246  is engaged, it rotates the geared disc  248 , which rotates the geared disc  230 , which in turn rotates the extendable horizontal arm  222  and the affixed counterweight  220 . The motor  246  may be bidirectional, so that it can rotate both counterclockwise and clockwise, which provides additional flexibility in utilizing the system  200 . 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the motor  246  may be controlled via a controller  254 , which is connected to the motor  246  via a connector  252 . The connector  252  may consist of one or more wires which relay the signal from the controller  254  to the motor  246 . If a bidirectional motor is used, the controller  254  should be capable of signaling the motor  246  to turn in either direction. 
         [0036]    The controller  254  may be attached in a different location on the vehicle than the rest of the system  200 . For example, when the system is mounted onto a tractor, the frame  236  and the rest of the components may be affixed to the rear of the tractor to provide increased traction for the tractor&#39;s rear wheels. However, since the controller  254  requires a user interaction, it may be mounted near the operator&#39;s seat on the tractor. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example system for providing counterweight to a tractor on an inclined surface, according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a counterweight  320  is extended from a horizontal arm  321 , which is in turn attached to a vertical beam  322 . As in  FIG. 1 , the vertical beam  322  here is attached to a rotatable geared disc  324 , which is supported by a ball bearing  326 . In this embodiment, the rotatable disc  324  is rotated by a bidirectional motor  328 . The tractor&#39;s battery  330  provides power to the motor  328 . A controller  332 , positioned near the tractor operator&#39;s seat, allows the operator to engage the bidirectional motor  328  and rotate the counterweight  320 . 
         [0038]    In this embodiment, when operating the tractor on a hill where, when viewed from the rear of the tractor, the upside of the hill is on the right side of the tractor and the downside of the hill is on the left side of the tractor, the optimal position for the counterweight  320  is on the right side of the tractor as shown in  FIG. 3 . However, if operating on an inclined surface where the upside of the hill is on the left side of the tractor, the tractor operator may use the controller  332  to engage the motor  328  and rotate the horizontal beam  321  and counterweight  320  to the alternate horizontal beam  336  and alternate counterweight position  334 . Thus, depending on the incline of the surface, the operator may shift the position of the counterweight  320  to provide the optimal traction for the tractor and reduced risk of the tractor tipping over. 
         [0039]    By rotating the counterweight  320  in this way, the operator may position the counterweight  320  in the optimal position. This allows the system to maintain optimal traction for the vehicle, and because the counterweight  320  can always be positioned in the optimal position, less weight is required to maintain the tractor&#39;s traction under other systems, such as wheel weights. This is advantageous, as it reduces the downsides of known tractor counterweights such as wheel weights or use of a Calcium Chloride solution. That is, by requiring less weight added to the vehicle, it reduces the risk of the vehicle flipping backwards, as well as reducing the strain on the vehicle&#39;s parts from the added weight. 
         [0040]    In an alternate embodiment, the controller  332  may consist of a computer or logic circuitry that operates automatically, as opposed to being manually controlled by the vehicle operator. In such an embodiment, the controller  332  may include an inclinometer that allows it to detect when the vehicle is operating on an inclined surface. In such a scenario, the controller  332  may automatically engage the motor when the inclinometer detects that the vehicle is positioned on an inclined surface, thus rotating the counterweight  320  to the optimal position for the inclined surface, as noted above. 
         [0041]    While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.