Patent Publication Number: US-11390505-B2

Title: Lift device with articulated boom

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/593,271, filed Oct. 4, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/119,577, filed Aug. 31, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,457,533, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/553,630, filed Sep. 1, 2017, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Telehandlers are a type of mobile vehicle used to move a payload between the ground and an elevated position and/or between ground-level positions. Telehandlers include a telescoping boom, on the end of which is connected an implement, such as a pair of forks. Conventionally, the boom of a telehandler pivots about a horizontal axis located near the rear end of the telehandler. Such arrangements provide a limited ability to lift material over and beyond an obstacle. By way of example, a conventional telehandler has a limited ability to place material inside of an upper floor of a structure. Rather, conventional telehandlers are limited to placing the material near an external surface of the structure. Further, increasing the maximum lift height of a conventional telehandler requires increasing the overall length of the boom and/or adding additional telescoping sections to the boom. Additionally, in a conventional telehandler, the entire boom is configured to support the weight of the maximum payload despite the fact that, in many circumstances, the weight of the payload carried by the telehandler is a fraction of that of the maximum payload. 
     SUMMARY 
     One exemplary embodiment relates to a lift device including a frame, a boom assembly, and an actuator. The boom assembly includes a first boom section having a proximal end coupled to the frame and a distal end opposite the proximal end and a second boom section pivotably coupled to the distal end of the first boom section. The actuator is reconfigurable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The actuator permits the boom assembly to move freely when the actuator is in the unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the actuator is positioned to couple the second boom section to the frame such that the actuator limits movement of the first boom section relative to the frame. 
     Another exemplary embodiment relates to a lift device including a frame, a boom assembly, and a controller configured to reconfigure the boom assembly between a high lift mode and a high capacity mode. The boom assembly includes a base boom section having a proximal end coupled to the frame and a distal end opposite the proximal end and a telescoping assembly having a proximal end coupled to the base boom section. The base boom section is free to move relative to the frame when the boom assembly is in the high lift mode. The controller is configured to limit movement of the base boom section when the boom assembly is in the high capacity mode. The telescoping assembly is free to move relative to the frame when the boom assembly is in the high capacity mode. 
     Another exemplary embodiment relates to a boom assembly for a lift device. The boom assembly includes an intermediate boom section, a base boom section, and an upper boom section. The base boom section has a proximal end configured to be coupled to a frame of the lift device and a distal end opposite the proximal end of the base boom section. The distal end of the base boom section is pivotably coupled to the intermediate boom section such that the base boom section rotates about a first axis relative to the intermediate boom section. The upper boom section has a proximal end pivotably coupled to the intermediate boom section such that the upper boom section rotates about a second axis relative to the intermediate boom section. The first axis is offset from the second axis. An actuator is positioned to engage the intermediate boom section to selectively limit movement of the base boom section. 
     The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be recited herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a telehandler, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the telehandler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is another side view of the telehandler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of a locking mechanism of the telehandler of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the telehandler of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a section view of a telescoping assembly of the telehandler of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the telehandler of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of a telehandler, according to another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is another front perspective view of the telehandler of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of a telehandler, according to yet another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a telehandler, according to yet another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is another side view of the telehandler of  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of a telehandler, according to yet another exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a telehandler includes various components that improve performance relative to traditional systems. The telehandler includes a cabin, from which operation of the telehandler is controlled, and a frame assembly that is supported by a series of tractive elements. A boom assembly is pivotably coupled to the frame assembly near the front end of the frame assembly. The boom assembly includes a tower boom, an intermediate section, a telescoping assembly, and an implement. The tower boom is pivotably coupled to the frame, the intermediate section is pivotably coupled to the tower section, the telescoping assembly is pivotably coupled to the intermediate section, and the implement is coupled to a distal end of the telescoping assembly. The telescoping assembly is configured to extend and retract, moving the implement toward or away from the frame assembly. The implement is a mechanism configured to handle material, such as a pair of forks, a bucket, a grapple, etc. The telehandler includes actuators configured to move each individual section of the boom assembly relative to one another, providing an operator with control over the movement of the boom assembly. In some embodiments, the boom assembly is coupled to a turntable to facilitate further rotation of the boom assembly about a vertical axis. 
     The telehandler includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively fixedly couple the intermediate section to the frame assembly. With the intermediate section and tower boom in a stored position and the locking mechanism locked, the intermediate section and the tower boom are fixed relative to the frame assembly. The telescoping assembly is free to rotate, extend, and retract normally about a pin connection between the intermediate section and the telescoping assembly. Accordingly, in this configuration, the boom assembly provides similar functionality to that of a conventional telehandler. The telehandler may be configured such that, in this configuration, the telehandler has a greater weight capacity than with the tower boom out of the stored position. With the locking mechanism unlocked, each boom section is free to move in accordance with operator commands. Rotating the tower boom away from the frame assembly elevates the telescoping assembly, facilitating a higher reach with the implement without additional telescoping sections being added to the telescoping assembly. This elevated position of the telescoping assembly also facilitates increased “up and over” capability where the tower boom moves the implement primarily upward and the telescoping assembly moves the implement primarily horizontally. By way of example, the tower boom may lift the telescoping assembly upward such that it can have a near horizontal angle of attack to enter into a structure. Conventional telehandlers are limited in this respect due to the proximity of the pivot point of their telescoping assemblies to the ground. This provides a relatively steep angle of attack that may not be suitable for extending inside of a structure. In some embodiments, the tower boom includes telescoping sections to facilitate further “up and over” capability. 
     According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a lift device, shown as telehandler  10 , includes a chassis, shown as frame assembly  12 , having a front end  14  and a rear end  16 . The frame assembly  12  supports an enclosure, shown as cabin  20 , that is configured to house an operator of the telehandler  10 . The telehandler  10  is supported by a plurality of tractive elements  30  that are rotatably coupled to the frame assembly  12 . One or more of the tractive elements  30  are powered to facilitate motion of the telehandler  10 . A manipulator, shown as boom assembly  100 , is pivotably coupled to the telehandler  10  near the front end  14  of the frame assembly  12 . The telehandler  10  is configured such that the operator controls the tractive elements  30  and the boom assembly  100  from within the cabin  20  to manipulate (e.g., move, carry, lift, transfer, etc.) a payload (e.g., pallets, building materials, earth, grains, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the frame assembly  12  defines a longitudinal centerline L that extends along the length of the frame assembly  12 . The boom assembly  100  is approximately centered on the longitudinal centerline L to facilitate an even weight distribution between the left and the right sides of the telehandler  10 . In one embodiment, the longitudinal centerline and a centerline of the boom assembly  100  are disposed within a common plane (e.g., when the boom assembly  100  is stowed, during movement of the boom assembly  100 , etc.). The cabin  20  is laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline L. The cabin  20  includes a door  22  configured to facilitate selective access into the cabin  20 . The door  22  may be located on the lateral side of the cabin  20  opposite the boom assembly  100 . An enclosure, shown as housing  24 , is coupled to the frame assembly  12 . The housing  24  is laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline L in a direction opposite the cabin  20 . The housing  24  contains various components of the telehandler  10  (e.g., the primary driver  32 , the pump  34 , a fuel tank, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, etc.). The housing  24  may include one or more doors to facilitate access to components of the primary driver  32  or the pump  34 . 
     Each of the tractive elements  30  may be powered or unpowered. Referring to  FIG. 1 , telehandler  10  includes a powertrain system including a primary driver  32  (e.g., an engine). The primary driver  32  may receive fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, natural gas, etc.) from a fuel tank and combust the fuel to generate mechanical energy. According to an exemplary embodiment, the primary driver  32  is a compression-ignition internal combustion engine that utilizes diesel fuel. In alternative embodiments, the primary driver  32  is another type of device (e.g., spark-ignition engine, fuel cell, etc.) that is otherwise powered (e.g., with gasoline, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, etc.). As shown in  FIG. 1 , a hydraulic pump, shown as pump  34 , receives the mechanical energy from the primary driver  32  and provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to power the tractive elements  30  and the other hydraulic components of the telehandler  10  (e.g., the lower actuator  120 , the intermediate actuator  122 , etc.). The pump  34  may provide a pressurized flow of hydraulic fluid to individual motive drivers (e.g., hydraulic motors) configured to facilitate independently driving each of the tractive elements  30  (e.g., in a hydrostatic transmission configuration). In such embodiments, the telehandler  10  also includes other components to facilitate use of a hydraulic system (e.g., reservoirs, accumulators, hydraulic lines, valves, flow control components, etc.). In other embodiments, the primary driver  32  provides mechanical energy to the tractive elements  30  through another type of transmission. In yet other embodiments, the telehandler  10  includes an energy storage device (e.g., a battery, capacitors, ultra-capacitors, etc.) and/or is electrically coupled to an outside source of electrical energy (e.g., a standard power outlet coupled to the power grid). In some such embodiments, one or more of the tractive elements  30  include an individual motive driver (e.g., a motor that is electrically coupled to the energy storage device, etc.) configured to facilitate independently driving each of tractive elements  30 . The outside source of electrical energy may charge the energy storage device or power the motive drivers directly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the telehandler  10  includes a pair of supports, shown as outriggers  40 . The outriggers  40  are selectively repositionable between a stored position and a deployed position, shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the outriggers  40  are slidably coupled to the frame assembly  12 . In other embodiments, the outriggers  40  are pivotably coupled to the frame assembly  12 . In the stored position, the outriggers  40  are raised above the ground to facilitate free motion of the telehandler  10 . In the deployed position, the outriggers  40  contact the ground, supporting a portion of the weight of the telehandler  10 . The outriggers  40  increase the overall size of the footprint of the telehandler  10  that contacts the ground, further increasing the tip resistance of the telehandler  10 . The outriggers  40  may each include an actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a motor, etc.) configured to move the outriggers  40  between the stored position and the deployed position. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the outriggers  40  are configured to raise the front end  14  off the ground. In other embodiments, another set of outriggers  40  lift the rear end  16  alternately or in addition to the front end  14 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the boom assembly  100  includes a lower boom section, shown as tower boom  110 , an upper boom section, shown as telescoping assembly  112 , an intermediate boom section, shown as intermediate section  114 , coupling the tower boom  110  to the telescoping assembly  112 , and an implement  116  coupled to the telescoping assembly  112 . The boom assemblies may be made from any material (e.g., steel, aluminum, composite, etc.) with any cross section (e.g., square tube, I-beam, C-channel, round tube, etc.) that provides sufficient structural integrity to support the desired payload. Each boom section may include additional components (e.g., side plates, bosses, bearings, sliders, etc.) that facilitate connection to one another and to other components as described herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the various boom sections are configured to be articulated by a series of actuators, including a first actuator, shown as lower actuator  120 , a second actuator, shown as intermediate actuator  122 , a third actuator, shown as upper actuator  124 , and a fourth actuator, shown as telescoping actuator  126 . The actuators are configured to control the boom assembly  100  to lift or otherwise manipulate various loads. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the actuators are hydraulic cylinders powered by pressurized fluid from the pump  34  that extend and retract linearly. In such embodiments, the hydraulic cylinders each include a body that defines an interior volume and receives a shaft. A piston is connected to the shaft and engages an interior surface of the body, dividing the interior volume of the body into a pair of chambers. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is selectively pumped (e.g., by pump  34 ) into each of the chambers to selectively expand or contract the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinders may include bosses, devises, or other features to facilitate interfacing with other components (e.g., the frame assembly  12 , the boom sections, etc.). In other embodiments, the actuators are another type of linear actuator (e.g., electrical, pneumatic, etc.) or are rotary actuators. According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the boom sections and actuators rotate and translate within the plane of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIGS. 1-5  show the tower boom  110 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The tower boom  110  extends along a longitudinal axis from a first or proximal end  130  to a second or distal end  132 . Near the proximal end  130 , the tower boom  110  defines one or more interfaces, shown as apertures  140 . Near the front end  14  of the frame assembly  12 , the frame assembly  12  includes a pair of plates  142  spaced equally apart from the longitudinal centerline L. The plates  142  each define one or more interfaces, shown as apertures  144 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the apertures  144  are concentric with one another. The proximal end  130  of the tower boom  110  is received between the plates  142  such that the apertures  140  and the apertures  144  are aligned. In other embodiments, the tower boom  110  defines a pair of plates that receive a portion of the frame assembly  12  therebetween. A pin member (e.g., a pin, a dowel, a bolt, a shaft, an axle, etc.) extends through the apertures  140  and the apertures  144 , pivotably coupling the frame assembly  12  and the tower boom  110 . In some embodiments, the pin member is captured (e.g., using a cotter pin that extends through the pin member, using a feature on the pin itself, etc.) relative to the frame assembly  12 . Accordingly, the tower boom  110  is configured to rotate relative to the frame assembly  12  about a laterally-extending axis extending through the centers of the apertures  140  and the apertures  144 . 
     The tower boom  110  is rotatable relative to the frame assembly  12  between a stored position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3 ), where the tower boom  110  extends approximately horizontally proximate the frame assembly  12 , and a fully extended position, where the tower boom  110  is rotated away from the frame assembly  12 . In use, the operator controls the tower boom  110  to rotate to a use position, which may be any position between and including the stored and fully extended positions. The exact location of the use position may vary throughout operation of the telehandler  10 . The lower actuator  120  is configured to rotate the tower boom  110  between the stored position, the use position, and the fully extended position. Upon extension of the lower actuator, the tower boom  110  is moved away from the stored position and toward the fully extended position. The fully extended position is defined where the lower actuator  120  can no longer extend (e.g., due to a finite stroke length, due to controls-induced limits, due to a physical stop, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the lower actuator  120  is pivotably coupled to the frame assembly  12  at one end and to the tower boom  110  at a second end opposite the first end. The frame assembly  12  defines one or more apertures that correspond with an aperture (e.g., defined in a boss) in the first end of the lower actuator  120 . A pin member extends through these corresponding apertures, pivotably coupling the lower actuator  120  and the frame assembly  12 . The tower boom  110  defines one or more interfaces, shown as apertures  146 , that correspond with an aperture (e.g., defined in a clevis) in the second end of the lower actuator  120 . A pin member extends through the apertures  146  and through the corresponding aperture in the lower actuator  120 , pivotably coupling the tower boom  110  and the lower actuator  120 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the lower actuator  120  extends through a first side of the tower boom  110  and connects to the apertures  146  proximate an opposing side of the tower boom  110 . Accordingly, a portion of the tower boom  110  may be shaped to facilitate free movement of the lower actuator  120  relative to the tower boom  110 . In other embodiments, the telehandler  10  includes two or more lower actuators  120 , each located on either side of the tower boom  110 . Placing a lower actuator  120  on both sides of the tower boom  110  prevents introducing a twisting moment load upon the tower boom  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tower boom  110  includes a pair of panels  160  near the distal end  132  that are spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, the panels  160  are spaced apart an equal distance from the longitudinal centerline L. In some embodiments, the panels  160  are configured to rest upon the frame assembly  12  when the tower boom  110  is in the stored position. Near the distal end  132 , the tower boom  110  defines one or more interfaces, shown as apertures  162 . In some embodiments, the apertures  162  are defined in the panels  160 . The intermediate section  114  includes a pair of panels  164  spaced apart from one another. The panels  164  may be separate, or the intermediate section  114  may include one or more supporting members extending between the panels  164 , coupling the panels  164  together and strengthening the intermediate section  114 . In some embodiments, the panels  164  are spaced apart an equal distance from the longitudinal centerline L. The panels  164  each define one or more interfaces, shown as apertures  166 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the panels  164  are received between the panels  160  such that the apertures  162  are aligned with the apertures  166 . In other embodiments, the panels  160  are received between the panels  164 . The apertures  162  and  166  receive one or more pin members, pivotably coupling the intermediate section  114  to the distal end  132  of the tower boom  110 . Accordingly, the intermediate section  114  is configured to rotate relative to the tower boom  110  about a laterally-extending axis extending through the centers of the apertures  162  and the apertures  166 . 
     The intermediate section  114  is rotatable relative to the tower boom  110  between a stored position, shown in  FIG. 3 , and a fully extended position. In use, the operator controls the intermediate section  114  to rotate to a use position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 ), which may be any position between and including the stored and fully extended positions. The exact location of the use position may vary throughout operation of the telehandler  10 . In the stored position, the intermediate section  114  is rotated toward the tower boom  110 . In the use position, the intermediate section  114  is rotated away from the tower boom  110 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the telehandler  10  includes two intermediate actuators  122 , each disposed on an opposite side of the longitudinal centerline L. The intermediate actuators  122  are configured to rotate the intermediate section  114  between the stored position and the fully extended position. Upon extension of the intermediate actuators  122 , the intermediate section  114  is moved away from the stored position and toward the fully extended position. The fully extended position is defined where the intermediate actuators  122  can no longer extend (e.g., due to a finite stroke length, due to controls-induced limits, due to a physical stop, etc.). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , each intermediate actuator  122  is pivotably coupled to the tower boom  110  at a first end and to a panel  164  of the intermediate section  114  at a second end opposite the first end. The tower boom  110  defines one or more interfaces, shown as apertures  170 , that correspond with an aperture (e.g., defined in a boss) in the first end of each of the intermediate actuators to receive a pin member, pivotably coupling the intermediate actuators  122  and the tower boom  110 . Each panel  164  of the intermediate section  114  defines one or more interfaces, shown as apertures  172 , that correspond with an aperture (e.g., defined in a clevis) in the second end of each of the intermediate actuators  122 . One or more pin members extend through the aperture  172  and through the corresponding apertures in the intermediate actuators  122 , pivotably coupling the intermediate section  114  and the intermediate actuator  122 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the intermediate actuators  122  each extend proximate an outside surface of the intermediate section  114 . This facilitates clearance between the intermediate actuators  122  and the upper actuator  124 . In other embodiments, the telehandler  10  includes one or more intermediate actuators  122  that extend between the panels  164 . 
       FIGS. 1-6  show the telescoping assembly  112 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The telescoping assembly  112  extends along a longitudinal axis from a first or proximal end  180  to a second or distal end  182 . The telescoping assembly  112  includes one or more telescoping boom sections that telescope relative to one another to vary an overall length of the telescoping assembly  112 . According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the telescoping assembly  112  includes a base boom section or base section  190 , a first mid boom section or first mid section  192 , a second mid boom section or second mid section  194 , and a fly boom section or fly section  196 . The base section  190  receives the first mid section  192 , the first mid section  192  receives the second mid section  194 , and the second mid section  194  receives the fly section  196 . Accordingly, each successive section may be smaller than the previous one to facilitate nesting. The telescoping assembly  112  may include sliders, bearings, spacers, or other components to facilitate sliding motion between each of the sections. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the telescoping actuator  126  is coupled to the base section  190  at a first end and coupled to the first mid section  192  at a second end opposite the first end. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the telescoping actuator  126  is positioned outside of the base section  190 . In other embodiments, the telescoping actuator  126  is positioned within the base section  190 . The telescoping actuator  126  facilitates extension and retraction of the telescoping assembly  112 . The telescoping actuator  126  extends the first mid section  192  when extending and retracts the first mid section  192  when retracting. A cable  200  couples the base section  190  to the proximal end of the second mid section  194 , running over a pulley  202  coupled to the first mid section  192 . A cable  204  couples the first mid section  192  to the proximal end of the fly section  196 , running over a pulley  206  coupled to the second mid section  194 . Accordingly, extending the telescoping actuator  126  produces tension on the cable  200  and the cable  204 , extending the second mid section  194  and the fly section  196  simultaneously with the first mid section  192 . In some embodiments, the telescoping assembly  112  includes a different number of (e.g., greater or fewer) telescoping boom sections. In other embodiments, the telescoping assembly  112  uses a different telescoping arrangement. By way of example, the telescoping assembly  112  may include additional cables to facilitate powered retraction of the telescoping boom sections. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , near the proximal end  180 , the base section  190  defines one or more interfaces, shown as apertures  210 . Each panel  164  of the intermediate section  114  defines an interface, shown as aperture  212  that corresponds with the apertures  210 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the proximal end  180  of the telescoping assembly  112  is received between the panels  164  such that the apertures  210  are aligned with the apertures  212 . In other embodiments, the base section  190  includes a pair of plates that receive the intermediate section  114  therebetween having a similar alignment of the apertures  210  and the apertures  212 . The apertures  210  and the apertures  212  receive one or more pin members, pivotably coupling the telescoping assembly  112  to the intermediate section  114 . Accordingly, the telescoping assembly  112  is configured to rotate relative to the intermediate section  114  about a laterally-extending axis extending through the centers of the apertures  210  and the apertures  212 . 
     The telescoping assembly  112  is rotatable relative to the intermediate section  114  between a stored position, shown in  FIG. 3 , and a fully extended position. A use position is located at or between the stored position and the fully extended position. The exact location of the use position may vary throughout operation of the telehandler  10 . In the stored position, the telescoping assembly  112  is rotated toward the tower boom  110  and toward the frame assembly  12 . In the fully extended position, the telescoping assembly  112  is rotated away from the tower boom  110  and the frame assembly  12 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , with the tower boom  110 , the intermediate section  114 , and the telescoping assembly  112  all in the stored position, the telescoping assembly  112  extends approximately parallel to or angled slightly downward in relation to the frame assembly  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the telehandler  10  includes one upper actuator  124 , disposed in approximately the same vertical plane as the longitudinal centerline L. In other embodiments, the upper actuator  124  is located elsewhere and/or the telehandler  10  includes multiple upper actuators  124 . The upper actuator  124  is configured to rotate the telescoping assembly  112  between the stored position, the fully extended position, and the use position. Upon extension of the upper actuator, the telescoping assembly  112  is moved away from the stored position and toward the fully extended position. The fully extended position is defined where the upper actuator  124  can no longer extend (e.g., due to a finite stroke length, due to controls-induced limits, due to a physical stop, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the upper actuator  124  is pivotably coupled to a portion or member  220  of the intermediate section  114  at a first end and to the telescoping assembly  112  at a second end opposite the first end. The member  220  extends between the panels  164  and is coupled to the panels  164 . The member  220  defines one or more interfaces, shown as apertures  222 , that correspond with an aperture (e.g., defined in a boss) in the first end of the upper actuator  124  to receive a pin member, pivotably coupling the upper actuator  124  and the intermediate section  114 . The base section  190  of the telescoping assembly  112  defines one or more interfaces, shown as apertures  224 , that correspond with an aperture (e.g., defined in a clevis) in the second end of the upper actuator  124 . A pin member extends through the apertures  224  and through the corresponding aperture in the upper actuator  124 , pivotably coupling the telescoping assembly  112  and the upper actuator  124 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the implement  116  is coupled to the distal end of the fly section  196  of the telescoping assembly  112  with an interface  230 . The implement  116  may be any type of mechanism used to support, grab, or otherwise interact with the payload. The implement  116  may include one or more of a carriage and/or set of forks (e.g., pallet forks, bale forks, etc.), a bucket, a grapple or grab (e.g., a bale grab, a log grab, a shear grab, a grab for use in combination with a bucket, etc.), a boom (e.g., a boom supporting a cable used to manipulate roof trusses), an auger, a concrete bucket, and another type of implement. The interface  230  extends between the fly section  196  and the implement  116 , coupling the implement  116  to the telescoping assembly  112 . In some embodiments, the interface  230  is a quick disconnect mechanism that facilitates attaching and detaching various implements  116  to and from the fly section  196 , facilitating using the telehandler  10  in multiple types of situations. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the fly section  196  may extend downward, bringing the implement  116  closer to the ground to facilitate interaction with a payload on the ground. In some embodiments, the telehandler  10  includes actuators to facilitate articulating (e.g., pivoting, rotating, translating, etc.) the implement  116  relative to the fly section  196 . In some embodiments, the telehandler  10  includes components to facilitate powering the implement  116 . By way of example, hydraulic lines may run through or along the boom assembly  100  to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump  34  to the implement  116 . By way of another example, wires may run through or along the boom assembly  100  to provide electrical power to the implement  116 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the telescoping assembly  112  is defined as having an angle of attack θ. The angle of attack θ is defined as the angle between a plane G that extends parallel to the ground or other support surface of the telehandler  10  and an axis T along which the telescoping assembly  112  extends and retracts. The angle of attack θ provides an indication of the absolute orientation of the telescoping assembly  112 . A negative angle of attack θ indicates that the telescoping assembly  112  is pointing toward the ground, and a positive angle of attack θ indicates that the telescoping assembly  112  is pointing away from the ground. An angle of attack θ of zero indicates that the telescoping assembly  112  is parallel to the ground. 
     The telehandler  10  is configured to be operated in at least two modes of operation including a high capacity mode and a high lift mode. In the high capacity mode, the tower boom  110  and the intermediate section  114  remain in their respective stored positions. In some embodiments, the lower actuator  120  and the intermediate actuator  122  are used to hold the tower boom  110  and the intermediate section  114  stationary. As shown in  FIG. 3 , in the high capacity mode, the telescoping assembly  112  pivots near the rear end  16  of the frame assembly  12  and pivots at approximately the height of the frame assembly  12 . Accordingly, the angle of attack θ may be limited in the negative direction due to interference between the telescoping assembly  112  and the frame assembly  12  or the tower boom  110 . In the high capacity mode, the upper actuator  124  and the telescoping actuator  126  are used to rotate and telescope the telescoping assembly  112 , respectively, to manipulate the implement  116  and any payload supported by the implement  116 . When lifting, the outriggers  40  may be moved to the deployed position to further stabilize the telehandler  10 . According to one example of how the high capacity mode may be used, an operator may use the telehandler  10  to move a hay bale into storage. An operator may drive the telehandler  10  up to a hay bale with the telescoping assembly  112  in the stored position and fully collapsed. With the implement  116  near the ground, the operator may control the boom assembly  100  and/or the tractive elements  30  to engage the implement  116  with the hay bale. The operator may then rotate the telescoping assembly  112  upward, away from the frame assembly  12  and extend the telescoping assembly  112  to move the hay bale upward into a structure for storage. 
     In the high lift mode, an operator controls the rotational movement of the tower boom  110 , the intermediate section  114 , and the telescoping assembly  112  and the extension and retraction of the telescoping assembly  112 . The lower actuator  120  is used to rotate the tower boom  110  relative to the frame assembly  12 . The intermediate actuator  122  is used to rotate the intermediate section  114  relative to the tower boom  110 . The upper actuator  124  is used to rotate the telescoping assembly  112  relative to the intermediate section  114 . The telescoping actuator  126  is used to extend and retract the telescoping assembly  112 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , rotating the tower boom  110  away from the stored position elevates the telescoping assembly  112  and moves the point of rotation of the telescoping assembly  112  forward. One or both of the intermediate actuator  122  and the upper actuator  124  are used to rotate the telescoping assembly  112  upward or downward. In the high lift mode, the angle of attack θ may reach much larger negative values than in the high capacity mode due to the elevated position of the telescoping assembly  112 . Multiple actuators may be activated simultaneously to maintain a desired angle of attack θ. 
     In the high lift mode, the boom assembly  100  can reach a greater maximum load placing height (e.g.,  70 ′) than in the high capacity mode due to the added elevation of the telescoping assembly  112  provided by the tower boom  110 . Conventionally, to reach such a distance, additional telescoping sections would be added to a boom assembly, increasing the complexity of the boom assembly, or the boom assembly would be lengthened, increasing the overall length of the telehandler. Additionally, in the high lift mode, the telehandler  10  has “up and over” capability that is not available in conventional telehandlers. By way of example, in some instances, it is desirable to move a payload onto an upper floor of a structure from the exterior of the structure. Conventional telehandlers require a very steep angle of attack to reach an upper floor of a structure with a telescoping boom coupled directly to a frame. Such a steep angle of attack is not suitable for moving a payload into an upper floor of a structure, as further extension of the boom into the building results in the implement being raised a significant amount, potentially colliding with part of the structure above the desired floor. Because the tower boom  110  of the telehandler  10  elevates the telescoping assembly  112 , the angle of attack θ required to reach a given floor is closer to zero than that of a conventional telehandler. This shallow angle of attack θ facilitates extending the implement  116  further into a structure than a conventional telehandler for a given increase in elevation of the implement  116 . 
     In some embodiments, the telehandler  10  is configured to support a greater load (i.e., more weight) when in the high capacity mode than when in the high lift mode. In many applications, the extended reach and “up and over” capability of the high lift mode are not necessary. In some such applications, the telehandler  10  is required to support a relatively large load. Accordingly, to suit such applications, it is desirable to increase the capacity of the components used in the high capacity mode compared to the components used only in the high lift mode. This reduces the weight and cost of the telehandler  10  without significantly affecting the performance of the telehandler  10 . In such embodiments, the tower boom  110 , lower actuator  120 , and intermediate actuators  122  may be configured to support a lesser load (e.g., may be made with less material, may be configured to output a lesser force, etc.) than the telescoping assembly  112  and the upper actuator  124 . Placement of the tower boom  110  and the intermediate section  114  near the frame assembly  12  also lowers the center of gravity of the telehandler  10 , further increasing the tip resistance of the telehandler  10 . Accordingly, a capacity of the boom assembly  100  (e.g., the maximum weight of the payload that the implement  116  can support) is greater in the high capacity mode than in the high lift mode. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the telehandler  10  includes a locking mechanism  240 . The locking mechanism  240  is coupled to the frame assembly  12  and is actuatable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism  240  includes a hydraulic actuator. Each of the panels  164  of the intermediate section  114  defines an aperture, shown as aperture  242 . With the tower boom  110  and the intermediate section  114  in their respective stored positions, the apertures  242  are configured to align with the locking mechanism  240 . In the locked configuration, a pair of pins extend laterally outward from a body of the locking mechanism  240  to extend into and/or through the apertures  242 , engaging the intermediate section  114  and locking the boom assembly  100  in the high capacity configuration. When in the locked configuration, the locking mechanism  240  fixedly couples the tower boom  110  and the intermediate section  114  to the frame assembly  12 , causing the tower boom  110  and the intermediate section  114  to act as members of the frame assembly  12 . This significantly increases the strength of the frame assembly  12 , further increasing the capacity of the telehandler  10  in the high capacity mode. In the unlocked configuration, the pins retract into the body, and the boom assembly  100  is free to move. In some embodiments, the frame assembly  12  includes a pair of plates  244  that extend between the panels  164  of the intermediate section  114  and the locking mechanism  240 . The pins of the locking mechanism  240  extend through an aperture  246  defined by each plate  244  and into and/or through the apertures  242  such that force applied to the pins by the intermediate section  114  is applied directly to the plates  244  instead of passing through the body of the hydraulic actuator and into the frame assembly  12 . In some embodiments, the pins of the locking mechanism  240  engage the tower boom  110  directly instead of or in addition to the intermediate section  114 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the telehandler  10  includes a control system  300  configured to control the operation of the telehandler  10 . The control system  300  includes a controller  302  including a processor  304  and a memory  306 . The processor  304  is configured to issue commands to and process information from other components. The processor  304  may be implemented as a specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory  306  is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and computer code for completing and facilitating the various user or client processes, layers, and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory  306  may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The memory  306  is communicably connected to the processor  304  and includes computer code or instruction modules for executing one or more processes described herein. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7 , the controller  302  controls the operation of the lower actuator  120 , the intermediate actuator  122 , the upper actuator  124 , the telescoping actuator  126 , the primary driver  32 , and the locking mechanism  240 . Although some connections are not shown in  FIG. 7 , it should be understood that the pump  34  and/or the primary driver  32  may be configured to provide power to the actuators, the outriggers  40 , the tractive elements  30 , and the locking mechanism  240 . In some embodiments, the controller  302  interfaces with valves that control the flow of hydraulic fluid to the various hydraulically-powered components of the telehandler  10 . The controller  302  is configured to receive information from length sensors  320  and pressure sensors  322  in each actuator, a lock sensor  324  coupled to the locking mechanism  240 , one or more outrigger sensors  326  coupled to the outriggers  40 , a gyroscopic sensor  328 , and a user interface  330 . The user interface  330  may be configured to provide information to and receive information from an operator. Accordingly, the user interface  330 , may include screens, buttons, switches, joysticks, or other conventional types of interface devices. The user interface  330  may be disposed within the cabin  20 . 
     The controller  302  is configured to use the length sensors  320  to determine a current length of each of the actuators. The length sensors  320  may be sensors configured to sense a length of each actuator directly (e.g., a linear variable differential transformer) or sensors configured to sense other information usable to determine a length of each actuator indirectly (e.g., a rotary potentiometer measuring an angular position of a boom section). In some embodiments, the geometry of the boom assembly  100  is used to generate a mathematical model relating the current length of each of the actuators to an orientation and position of each part of the boom assembly  100 . The controller  302  may use this information in a closed-loop control system controlling the actuation of the boom assembly  100 . By way of example, the controller  302  may be configured to maintain a desired angle of attack θ of the telescoping assembly  112  while raising or lowering the telescoping assembly  112 . 
     In some embodiments, the control system  300  includes pressure sensors  322  configured to measure a current pressure of the hydraulic fluid within each of the actuators. In some embodiments, the geometry of the boom assembly  100  is used to generate a mathematical model relating the current pressure in each of the actuators to the weight of the payload supported by the implement  116 . In other embodiments, the controller  302  uses a different type of sensor to determine the weight of the payload. By way of example, the control system  300  may include one or more load cells on the pins of the locking mechanism  240  that sense the weight applied to the pins by the tower boom  110  or intermediate section  114 . The controller  302  may use the current orientation and position of each part of the boom assembly  100  in addition to the information from these various types of sensors when determining the weight of the payload. 
     The controller  302  may be configured to include an interlock system that selectively prevents switching from the high capacity mode to the high lift mode. Before changing to the high lift mode, the controller  302  may check a series of conditions. If any of these conditions are not met, the controller  302  may prevent entering the high lift mode (e.g., by preventing reconfiguring of the locking mechanism  240  to the unlocked configuration, by preventing movement of the lower actuator  120  and the intermediate actuators  122 , etc.). The lock sensor  324  is configured to determine if the locking mechanism  240  is in the unlocked configuration or the locked configuration. The controller  302  may check if the weight of the payload is above a predetermined threshold weight. If the weight is above this value, the controller  302  may prevent the telehandler  10  from changing to the high lift mode. The controller  302  may use the outrigger sensors  326  to determine if the outriggers  40  are in the deployed position and supporting the telehandler  10 . Accordingly, the outrigger sensors  326  may measure the position of the outriggers  40  and/or the weight supported by the outriggers. If the outriggers  40  are not in the correct position or are not supporting enough weight (e.g., experiencing less than a threshold force), the controller  302  may prevent the telehandler  10  from changing to the high lift mode. The gyroscopic sensor  328  may be configured to determine an absolute angular orientation of the telehandler  10  (i.e., an orientation of the telehandler  10  relative to the direction of gravity). Accordingly, the gyroscopic sensor  328  may be fixedly coupled to the frame assembly  12 . If the telehandler  10  is outside a predetermined range of absolute angular orientations (e.g., more than a threshold angle offset from a level orientation (e.g., in the roll direction, in the pitch direction, etc.)), the controller  302  may prevent the telehandler  10  from changing to the high lift mode. This interlock system limits the potential of the telehandler  10  to tip and prevents the tower boom  110 , the intermediate section  114 , the lower actuator  120 , and the intermediate actuators  122  from being overloaded. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a telehandler  400  is shown as an alternative embodiment to the telehandler  10 . The telehandler  400  may be substantially similar to the telehandler  10  except as otherwise specified herein. The telehandler  400  includes a support structure, shown as frame assembly  410 . The frame assembly  410  includes a chassis, shown as base frame assembly  412 , having a front end  414  and a rear end  416  and that is supported by tractive elements  430 . The base frame assembly  412  is directly coupled to a housing  424  containing a primary driver  432  and a pump  434 . Near the front end  414  and the rear end  416 , the base frame assembly  412  is directly coupled to outriggers  40  that are actuated by an actuator  442 . The telehandler  400  further includes a cabin  420  and a boom assembly  500 , and the frame assembly  410  further includes a platform, shown as turntable  450 . Instead of directly coupling to the base frame assembly  412 , the cabin  420  and the boom assembly  500  are directly coupled to the turntable  450 . The turntable  450  is rotatable relative to the base frame assembly  412  about a vertical axis. In some embodiments, the turntable  450  is configured to rotate 360 degrees or more. The telehandler  400  includes an actuator (e.g., a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, etc.) configured to rotate the turntable  450  relative to the base frame assembly  412  and may include a sensor configured to measure a rotational position of the turntable  450 . Incorporation of the turntable  450  facilitates moving a payload circumferentially around a point without having to readjust the orientation of the base frame assembly  412 . 
     The boom assembly  500  includes a tower boom  510 , a telescoping assembly  512 , an intermediate section  514 , and an implement  516 . A proximal end  530  of the tower boom  510  is pivotably coupled to a front end  452  of the turntable  450  (e.g., using as similar connection arrangement as the frame assembly  12  and the tower boom  110 ). A lower actuator  520 , a pair of intermediate actuators  522 , an upper actuator  524 , and a telescoping actuator  526  actuate the boom assembly  500 . The telescoping assembly  512  includes a base section  590 , a first mid section  592 , a second mid section  594 , a fly section  596 , and an interface  630  in a similar arrangement to the telescoping assembly  112 . However, the telescoping assembly  512  further includes a third mid boom section, shown as third mid section  598 , extending between the second mid section  594  and the fly section  596 . Accordingly, the telescoping assembly  512  may include an additional cable and pulley arrangement to facilitate extension of the telescoping assembly  512 . The third mid section  598  increases the length of the telescoping assembly  512  when fully extended. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a telehandler  800  is shown as an alternative embodiment to the telehandler  10 . The telehandler  800  may be substantially similar to the telehandler  10  except as otherwise specified herein. The telehandler  800  includes a frame assembly  812  having a front end  814  and a rear end  816  and that is supported by tractive elements  830 . The frame assembly  812  is coupled to a housing  824  containing a primary driver  832  and a pump  834 . The telehandler  800  further includes a cabin  820  and a boom assembly  900  coupled to the frame assembly  812 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 10 , the boom assembly  900  includes a tower boom  910 , a telescoping assembly  912 , an intermediate section  914 , and an implement  916 . A lower actuator  920  rotates the tower boom  910  relative to the frame assembly  812 . An intermediate actuator  922  rotates the intermediate section  914  relative to the tower boom  910 . An upper actuator  924  rotates the telescoping assembly  912  relative to the intermediate section  914 . A telescoping actuator  926  extends and retracts the telescoping assembly  912 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , the tower boom  910  is configured to telescope. Accordingly, the telehandler  800  further includes an actuator, shown as telescoping actuator  928 , configured to extend a base boom section  934  and a fly boom section  936  relative to one another. The base boom section  934  is pivotably coupled to the frame assembly  812 , and the fly boom section  936  is pivotably coupled to the intermediate section  914 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the telescoping actuator  928  is located inside of the tower boom  910 . The telescoping assembly  912  includes a base section  990  and a fly section  996  configured to telescope relative to one another, omitting the mid boom sections shown in other embodiments. An interface  1030  couples the implement  916  to the fly section  996 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a telehandler  1100  is shown as an alternative embodiment to the telehandler  10 . The telehandler  1100  may be substantially similar to the telehandler  10  except as otherwise specified herein. The telehandler  1100  includes a frame assembly  1112  having a front end  1114  and a rear end  1116  and that is supported by tractive elements  1130 . The frame assembly  1112  may be coupled to a housing containing a primary driver and a pump. The telehandler  1100  further includes a cabin  1120  and a boom assembly  1200  coupled to the frame assembly  1112 .  FIG. 11  shows the boom assembly  1200  in a collapsed or stored configuration, and  FIG. 12  shows the boom assembly  1200  extended into a use configuration. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the boom assembly  1200  includes a tower boom  1210 , a telescoping assembly  1212 , an intermediate section  1214 , and an implement  1216 . A lower actuator  1220  rotates the tower boom  1210  relative to the frame assembly  1112 . An upper actuator  1224  rotates the telescoping assembly  1212  relative to the intermediate section  1214 . A telescoping actuator  1226  extends and retracts the telescoping assembly  1212 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the tower boom  1210  includes an upper member  1234  and a lower member  1236 . The upper member  1234  and the lower member  1236  are both pivotably coupled to the frame assembly  1112  and the intermediate section  1214 , forming a four bar linkage. Accordingly, the intermediate section  1214  and the tower boom  1210  have a fixed range of motion relative to one another (i.e., motion of one causes a predefined motion of the other). The lower actuator  1220 , which may be coupled to either the upper member  1234  or the lower member  1236 , controls the motion of the tower boom  1210  and the intermediate section  1214 , and the intermediate actuator is omitted. The telescoping assembly  1212  includes a base section  1290  and a fly section  1296  configured to telescope relative to one another, omitting the mid boom sections shown in other embodiments. An interface  1330  couples the implement  1216  to the fly section  1296 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a telehandler  1400  is shown as an alternative embodiment to the telehandler  10 . The telehandler  1400  may be substantially similar to the telehandler  10  except as otherwise specified herein. The telehandler  1400  includes a frame assembly  1412  having a front end  1414  and a rear end  1416  and that is supported by tractive elements  1430 . The frame assembly  1412  may be coupled to a housing containing a primary driver and a pump. The telehandler  1400  further includes a cabin  1420  and a boom assembly  1500  coupled to the frame assembly  1412 . In some embodiments, the telehandler  1400  includes a turntable similar to the turntable  450  to facilitate rotation of the boom assembly  1500  about a vertical axis. In such embodiments, the boom assembly  1500  is coupled to a rear end of the turntable. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 13 , the boom assembly  1500  includes a tower boom  1510 , a telescoping assembly  1512 , an intermediate section  1514 , and an implement  1516 . Instead of coupling near the front end  1414  of the frame assembly  1412 , similar to the telehandler  10 , the tower boom  1510  is pivotably coupled to the rear end  1416 . In the stored position, the tower boom  1510  extends toward the front end  1414 . The intermediate section  1514  is longer than the intermediate section  114  to facilitate connecting to the telescoping assembly  1512  in a similar location to the telehandler  10 . When in the stored position, the intermediate section  1514  extends toward the rear end  1416 , lying atop the tower boom  1510 . A lower actuator rotates the tower boom  1510  relative to the frame assembly  1412 . An intermediate actuator  1522  rotates the intermediate section  1514  relative to the tower boom  1510 . An upper actuator  1524  rotates the telescoping assembly  1512  relative to the intermediate section  1514 . A telescoping actuator  1526  extends and retracts the telescoping assembly  1512 . The telescoping assembly  1512  includes a base section  1590  and a fly section  1596  configured to telescope relative to one another, omitting the mid boom sections shown in other embodiments. An interface  1630  couples the implement  1516  to the fly section  1596 . 
     The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the components described herein may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of the appended claim.