Patent Description:
Scissor lifts and other mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) often use hydraulic fluid (e.g., oil) to lubricate the motor, pumps, and other power systems onboard the MEWP. When the MEWP travels over an uneven surface (e.g., passes over rough terrain) or traverses a sloped surface, hydraulic fluid may leak from one or more of the hydraulic systems onboard the MEWP. Hydraulic fluid leakage may contaminate a clean environment and is preferably avoided. A leak containment system for a lift according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is known from <CIT>.

One exemplary embodiment relates to a leak containment system for use in a lift according to claim <NUM>, in particular for a MEWP. The leak containment system includes a mounting bracket, a tray, and a locking mechanism. The mounting bracket has a first rail, a second rail, and a panel extending between the first rails and the second rail. The panel is vertically offset from feet formed on the first rail, and a channel is defined by at least the first rail and an underside of the panel. The tray is removably received within the channel. The tray includes a bottom surface surrounded by perimeter walls that together define a fluid container. The perimeter walls include a front perimeter wall that extends upwardly above the other walls. The locking mechanism is coupled to the mounting bracket and is configured to selectively engage the front perimeter wall of the tray to restrict movement of the tray outward from the channel.

Another exemplary non-claimed embodiment relates to a leak containment system for a lift. The leak containment system includes a tray assembly, a first absorbent pad, and a second absorbent pad. The tray assembly includes a first pan and a second pan. The first pan and second pan each define fluid containers that are formed by a base wall and a lip (e.g., a wall) that extends around a perimeter of the base wall. The first pan is coupled to and abuts the second pan along a common flange. The first absorbent pad is received within the first pan. The second absorbent pad is received within the second pan. At least a portion of the lip of each of the first pan and the second pan varies in height around the perimeter of the base wall and includes apertures that can removably secure the tray assembly to the lift (e.g., to the chassis).

Another exemplary non-claimed embodiment relates to a lift (e.g., a scissor lift, a MEWP, etc.). The lift includes a chassis, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a lift system, and a leak containment system. The chassis supports wheels that are used to move the lift. The hydraulic pump is supported by the chassis and is configured to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least an actuator positioned on the lift. The hydraulic fluid reservoir is supported by the chassis and is configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pump. The lift system is supported by the chassis and is configured to adjust a position of a platform relative to the chassis using the actuator. The leak containment system extends below the chassis, the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic fluid reservoir, and the actuator. The leak containment system includes a tray assembly including a first pan and a second pan. The first pan and the second pan each define fluid containers that are formed by a base wall and a lip (e.g., a wal. ) extending around a perimeter of the base wall. The first pan is coupled to and abuts the second pan along a common flange. At least a portion of the lip of each of the first pan and the second pan varies in height around the perimeter of the base wall and includes apertures that receive fasteners to removably secure the tray assembly below the chassis.

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.

Referring to the FIGURES generally, the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for containing hydraulic fluid leakage that may otherwise contaminate an environment that the MEWP is operating in. The leak containment systems provide guiding devices to help capture and direct leaking hydraulic fluid toward a container that can act as a hydraulic fluid trap. The hydraulic fluid trap prevents leakage of the hydraulic fluid outward to the external environment, which can allow the MEWP to operate in clean environments. The leak containment systems are further designed to capture hydraulic fluid when the MEWP traverses rough or sloped surfaces. As explained below, the leak containment systems can be directly mounted or otherwise coupled to an underside of the MEWP chassis to capture and contain any fluid leaking or otherwise exiting components of the MEWP, including the engine, hydraulic pump, fuel tank, hydraulic tank, hydraulic valves, hydraulic cylinders, batteries, hydraulic drive motors, hoses, and interconnection points. The system of trays and brackets prevents leaked fluid from reaching the ground or floor below.

Referring to <FIG>, a MEWP <NUM> is shown. The MEWP <NUM> can be a scissor lift or boom lift, for example, which can be used to perform a variety of different tasks at various heights relative to the ground below. The MEWP <NUM> includes a chassis, shown as base <NUM>, that is supported by wheels <NUM> positioned about the base <NUM>. The wheels <NUM> can be driven by a motor <NUM> (e.g., an electrical motor, etc.) to propel the MEWP <NUM> to a desired location for completing a task.

A retractable lifting mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM> and supports a platform <NUM> and platform assembly. As depicted in <FIG>, the retractable lifting mechanism <NUM> is a scissor lift structure formed of a series of linked, foldable support members <NUM> connected to one another using central pivot pins <NUM> and outer pivot pins <NUM>. The central pivot pins <NUM> and outer pivot pins <NUM> extend through adjacent support members <NUM> to pivotally couple the support members <NUM> in an assembly.

Adjusting the angular relationships between adjacent support members <NUM> pivots the support members <NUM> away from (or toward) the base <NUM> and away from (or toward) one another, which alters the position of the platform <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>. By altering the position (e.g., the height) of the platform <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>, workers can be elevated to different vertical locations to complete tasks from the platform <NUM>. The foldable support members <NUM> of the retractable lifting mechanism <NUM> are folded or unfolded using an actuator <NUM>, such as a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or electric linear actuator, for example. The actuator <NUM> controls the position of the retractable lifting mechanism <NUM> and platform <NUM> by selectively applying force to the lifting mechanism <NUM>, which occurs by changing a length of the actuator <NUM>. The length of the actuator <NUM> can be changed by adjusting a hydraulic fluid supply to one side of the actuator <NUM>, for example.

As depicted in <FIG>, the MEWP <NUM> includes a leak containment system <NUM>. The leak containment system <NUM> can be positioned inside a door <NUM> extending along an outside of the base <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The leak containment system <NUM> can include a power unit catch-pan mechanism <NUM> that is adapted to capture and trap leaking hydraulic fluid (e.g., oil) before the leaking hydraulic fluid can exit the MEWP <NUM> to the external environment. The power unit catch-pan mechanism <NUM> is coupled (e.g., bolted, welded, or otherwise fastened) to the base <NUM> (e.g., the chassis) and positioned below potential leak sources on MEWP <NUM>, including the oil reservoir <NUM>, manifold <NUM>, hose connections <NUM>, and hydraulic fluid pump <NUM>, to prevent hydraulic fluid from escaping downward, onto the floor below.

The power unit catch pan mechanism <NUM> is defined, generally, by a mounting bracket <NUM>, a tray <NUM>, and a locking mechanism <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the mounting bracket <NUM> generally includes a first rail <NUM> and a second rail <NUM> spaced apart from the first rail <NUM>. The rails <NUM>, <NUM> extend approximately parallel to one another, and are coupled together by a panel <NUM>. The panel <NUM> spans between and extends approximately perpendicular to the rails <NUM>, <NUM>, which together form a cradle for receiving and supporting the weight of the oil reservoir <NUM> or manifold <NUM>, for example. Feet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> formed on opposite ends of the rails <NUM>, <NUM> support the mounting bracket <NUM>. In some examples, the feet <NUM>, <NUM> support flanges <NUM>, <NUM> that extend inward, partially across the gap between the rails <NUM>, <NUM>. Through holes <NUM>, <NUM> can be formed through the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> to receive and fasten or otherwise secure the mounting bracket <NUM> to the base <NUM> of the MEWP <NUM>. The mounting bracket <NUM> can be formed as a single, continuous piece that is folded or otherwise bent to shape.

In some examples, the panel <NUM> is offset from (e.g., elevated from) the feet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> formed on the rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM>. The vertical offset between the panel <NUM> and inner surfaces of the feet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> together create a channel <NUM> extending below the mounting bracket <NUM>. The channel <NUM> can having a generally rectangular shape that extends entirely across the width of the mounting bracket <NUM>, approximately perpendicular to the rails <NUM>, <NUM>.

The channel <NUM> receives the tray <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the tray <NUM> has a generally rectangular shape that is sized to form a clearance fit with the feet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and an underside of the panel <NUM>. The tray <NUM> has a generally flat bottom <NUM> surrounded by perimeter walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The perimeter walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend approximately vertically and upwardly away from the bottom <NUM> to define a fluid container <NUM>. The fluid container <NUM> can also receive an absorbent pad (e.g., absorbent pad <NUM>, shown in <FIG>) to help trap fluid within the fluid container <NUM>. In some examples, the front perimeter wall <NUM> extends upwardly away from the bottom <NUM> beyond the other perimeter walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In such examples, the front perimeter wall <NUM> can be used to help position the tray <NUM> relative to the mounting bracket <NUM>. The tray <NUM> can slide inward, into the channel <NUM>, until the front perimeter wall <NUM> engages the first rail <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM>. The front perimeter wall <NUM> can further support a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> can have a generally U-shaped profile that extends outwardly away from the front perimeter wall <NUM> to help a worker push, pull, or otherwise slide the tray <NUM> relative to the mounting bracket <NUM> toward a desired position. In some examples, a locking recess <NUM> is formed within a top of the front perimeter wall <NUM> to accommodate the locking mechanism <NUM>, as explained below.

The tray <NUM> can be secured into its stowed position within the channel <NUM> and beneath the mounting bracket <NUM> using the locking mechanism <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the locking mechanism <NUM> is rotatably mounted to the first rail <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM> and can move between positions blocking outward movement of the tray <NUM> from the channel <NUM> and positions permitting the tray <NUM> to slide outward, out of the channel <NUM>.

The locking mechanism <NUM> generally includes a latch <NUM>, a bearing <NUM>, a fastener <NUM>, and a nut <NUM>. The latch <NUM> has an elongate shape that includes a mounting end <NUM> and a blocking end <NUM> opposite the mounting end <NUM>. A hole <NUM> is formed through the mounting end <NUM> to receive and secure the latch <NUM> to the first rail <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> and nut <NUM> secure the latch <NUM> to the mounting bracket <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the fastener <NUM> extends through the hole <NUM> in the latch <NUM> and through the first rail <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM>. The nut <NUM> threadably engages the fastener <NUM> and can be tightened until the latch <NUM>, fastener <NUM>, and nut <NUM> are coupled together on the mounting bracket <NUM>. A bearing <NUM> can be received around the fastener <NUM> and within the hole <NUM> of the latch <NUM> to permit or otherwise promote rotation of the latch <NUM> about the fastener <NUM>. Rotation of the latch <NUM> about the fastener <NUM> allows the latch <NUM> to transition between a locked, "tray blocking" position and an unlocked, or "open" position. Although shown as a bearing <NUM>, the latch <NUM> can be mounted to the mounting bracket <NUM> without rotational aids. For example, washers (not shown) can used with the fastener <NUM> and nut <NUM> to couple the latch <NUM> to the mounting bracket <NUM>. Frictional forces caused by the engagement between the washer, nut <NUM>, and fastener <NUM> can permit limited rotational movement of the latch <NUM> about an axis defined by the fastener <NUM>.

The latch <NUM> is positioned on the mounting bracket <NUM> to selectively restrict movement between the tray <NUM> and mounting bracket <NUM>. Because the latch <NUM> has an elongate structure and is mounted to the first rail <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> at the mounting end <NUM>, the unsupported, free blocking end <NUM> of the latch <NUM> is naturally gravity-biased downward, toward the tray <NUM> and to the locked position. As depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, when the blocking end <NUM> is oriented downward (e.g., the latch <NUM> is in the locked position), at least a portion of the latch <NUM> overlaps with the front perimeter wall <NUM> of the tray <NUM>. When in the locked position, the latch <NUM> extends from within the locking recess <NUM> downward, into engagement with the front perimeter wall <NUM>. The engagement between the front perimeter wall <NUM> of the tray <NUM> and the latch <NUM> prohibits outward movement of the tray <NUM> relative to the mounting bracket <NUM>, effectively securing the tray <NUM> within the channel <NUM> so that it can receive and trap hydraulic fluid falling or otherwise directed downwardly from the components positioned above the power unit catch pan assembly <NUM>. Rotating the blocking end <NUM> of the latch <NUM> upward about the fastener <NUM> eliminates the overlap between the latch <NUM> and the front perimeter wall <NUM> of the tray <NUM>, which allows the tray <NUM> to be pulled or otherwise slid outwardly from the channel <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM> for cleaning and/or fluid (e.g., hydraulic or water) removal.

Referring now to <FIG>, the function of the power unit catch pan assembly <NUM> on level conditions is described. As explained above, the power unit catch pan assembly <NUM> is generally positioned below at least a portion of the oil reservoir <NUM>, manifold <NUM>, hose connections <NUM>, and hydraulic fluid pump <NUM> of the MEWP <NUM>. Under normal, level operating conditions shown in <FIG>, hydraulic fluid may leak outward from the hose connections <NUM>. To help direct the hydraulic fluid downward and toward the tray <NUM>, the hose connections <NUM> (or hoses <NUM>) can be fit with one or more diverting plates <NUM>. One or more hoses <NUM> and/or hose connections <NUM> can be received within the diverting plates <NUM>, which are angled downwardly and directionally (e.g., inwardly) toward the mounting bracket <NUM> and tray <NUM> below. The diverting plates <NUM> can redirect oil passing along the outer surfaces of the hoses <NUM> toward the tray <NUM>. In some examples, the diverting plates <NUM> are mounted to an outer housing of the hydraulic fluid pump <NUM>, so that any oil leaking from an upper portion of the pump <NUM> is similarly directed downward and toward a center of the tray <NUM>. The positioning of the hose connections <NUM> and manifold <NUM> directly above the mounting bracket <NUM> and tray <NUM> causes any leaking fluid to fall onto the panel <NUM> or directly onto the tray <NUM>. Hydraulic fluid caught on the panel <NUM> is directed outwardly off of the panel <NUM> and into the tray <NUM> positioned within the channel <NUM> below. Because the rails <NUM>, <NUM> each extend upwardly beyond the panel <NUM>, hydraulic fluid or water remains contained within the power unit catch pan assembly <NUM> even if fluid pooling on the panel <NUM> occurs.

When the MEWP <NUM> travels along upwardly-sloped surfaces (e.g., up an incline of ~<NUM>% grade), the power unit catch pan assembly <NUM> is similarly situated to capture and trap any hydraulic fluid leaking from the equipment above. Similarly, the power unit catch pan assembly <NUM> can capture water within the system. As shown in <FIG>, fluid dripping downward from either of the hose connections <NUM>, aided by gravity, drops onto the panel <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM>. The angled slope of the panel <NUM> directs the hydraulic fluid downward, along the surface of the panel <NUM> to the tray <NUM> below. The tray <NUM> extends outwardly beyond the panel <NUM> and can catch the low velocity fluid traveling along the panel <NUM> as it passes beyond the edge of the panel <NUM>.

When the MEWP <NUM> travels along downwardly-sloped surfaces (e.g., down an incline of ~<NUM>% grade), the power unit catch pan assembly <NUM> is still equipped to handle, capture, and contain any leaking fluid from the equipment above. As shown in <FIG>, fluid dripping downward from the manifold <NUM> may pass onto the panel <NUM>, where it is then directed toward the tray <NUM> below. Fluid dripping or otherwise flowing along the outer surfaces of the hoses <NUM> will be contacted and redirected toward the tray <NUM> by the diverting plates <NUM>. A rubber stopper <NUM> extending along and outward from an exterior surface of the hydraulic fluid pump <NUM> can block further fluid flow along the outer housing of the hydraulic fluid pump <NUM>. With the forward flow of hydraulic fluid along the outer housing of the hydraulic fluid pump <NUM> blocked by the rubber stopper <NUM>, gravity causes the hydraulic fluid to drip downward, onto the tray <NUM> below.

With reference now to <FIG>, a process of cleaning oil or other fluid from the power unit catch pan assembly <NUM> is depicted. As shown in <FIG>, the tray <NUM> is locked into the channel <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM> by the locking mechanism <NUM>. In the locked position, the latch <NUM> secures the tray <NUM> in a position to receive and capture leaking hydraulic fluid from the equipment above. Engagement between the mounting bracket <NUM>, latch <NUM>, and front perimeter wall <NUM> of the tray <NUM> prevents the tray <NUM> from moving outward from the channel <NUM>.

To remove the tray <NUM> and any hydraulic fluid captured and contained within the tray <NUM>, the locking mechanism <NUM> can be rotated to the unlocked position, as shown in <FIG>. The latch <NUM> can be rotated about the fastener <NUM> until the blocking end <NUM> of the latch <NUM> extends upward, into and out of the locking recess <NUM>. In the unlocked position, the latch <NUM> no longer overlaps with any portion of the front perimeter wall <NUM> of the tray. Accordingly, and as depicted in <FIG>, the tray <NUM> can be moved relative to the mounting bracket <NUM>. In some examples, the tray <NUM> is slidably coupled to the mounting bracket <NUM>. In other examples, the tray <NUM> rests directly on the base <NUM> of the MEWP <NUM>, and clearance between the tray <NUM> and the channel <NUM> allows the tray <NUM> to be moved into or out of the mounting bracket <NUM>. The tray <NUM> can be completely removed from the channel <NUM> so that the tray <NUM> can be taken to a hydraulic fluid receptacle for safely disposing oil and other contaminants trapped within the tray <NUM>. As indicated previously, an absorbent pad <NUM> can be positioned within the fluid container <NUM> of the tray <NUM> to help further expedite the cleaning process. Accordingly, the absorbent pad <NUM> can be disposed of and a new absorbent pad <NUM> can be positioned in the tray <NUM> to effectively remove trapped hydraulic fluid from within the tray <NUM>. Alternatively, the absorbent pad <NUM> can be a reusable pad that can release captured oil/fluid when placed in a treatment solution. In some examples, the absorbent pad <NUM> can be a hydrophobic pad that is configured to absorb oil and/or hydraulic fluid while repelling water.

With a new absorbent pad positioned within the tray <NUM>, the tray <NUM> can be placed back into the channel <NUM> and returned to a stowed position beneath the mounting bracket <NUM>. The tray <NUM> can be pushed forward into the channel <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>. When the front perimeter wall <NUM> engages the first rail <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM>, the locking mechanism <NUM> can be locked by either physically rotating the latch <NUM> or by allowing gravity to return the latch <NUM> to its downward position, extending over and overlapping a portion of the tray <NUM> to prevent movement of the tray <NUM> outward from the channel <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, which concern non-claimed embodiments, another MEWP <NUM> is shown. Like the MEWP <NUM>, the MEWP <NUM> is a scissor lift. The MEWP <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> supported by wheels <NUM> positioned about the chassis <NUM>. The wheels <NUM> can be driven by a motor (not shown) to propel the MEWP <NUM> to a desired location for completing a task. The MEWP <NUM> further includes a retractable lifting mechanism <NUM> coupled to the chassis <NUM>. The retractable lifting mechanism <NUM> supports a platform (not shown). As depicted in <FIG>, the retractable lifting mechanism <NUM> is a scissor lift structure formed of a series of linked, foldable support members <NUM> connected to one another and movable relative to one another by an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or electric linear actuator. The position of the actuator determines the height of the work platform coupled to the retractable lifting mechanism <NUM>. The MEWP <NUM> is designed to traverse rough surfaces and other terrain, and includes a series of stabilizing jacks <NUM> positioned about the perimeter of the chassis <NUM> to secure the MEWP <NUM> in a desired and balanced position relative to a surface. In some examples, the MEWP <NUM> includes a power unit cabinet <NUM> coupled to and extending away from the chassis <NUM>. The power unit cabinet <NUM> can house one or more of the prime mover (e.g., the electric motor), the hydraulic pump(s), fuel tanks, hydraulic tanks, hydraulic valves, hydraulic cylinders, batteries, hydraulic drive motors, hoses, interconnection points, and/or the valve manifolds. The power unit cabinet <NUM> acts as a protective housing for equipment positioned inside it.

The MEWP <NUM> further includes a leak containment system <NUM> coupled to the chassis <NUM> to prevent unwanted fluid leakage onto the floor below. The leak containment system <NUM> generally includes a series of trays that are bolted or otherwise mounted to the underside of the chassis <NUM> which capture and contain fluids that are leaked or otherwise emitted from the equipment above (e.g., within the power unit cabinet <NUM>). As depicted in <FIG>, the leak containment system <NUM> creates a generally continuous fluid trap extending between the wheels <NUM> of the MEWP <NUM>.

With additional reference now to <FIG>, the leak containment system <NUM> includes a tray assembly <NUM>. The tray assembly <NUM> can be formed of steel, aluminum, or a composite material, for example, and defines a fluid container <NUM> for receiving and trapping hydraulic fluids expelled from the various fluid handling systems on the MEWP <NUM> above, as well as water (e.g., condensation) that might otherwise collect upon or fall from the MEWP <NUM>. In some examples, the tray assembly <NUM> includes two pans <NUM>. The pans <NUM> can have an identical shape and size, and can be coupled to one another along a common mounting flange <NUM>. Each of the pans include a generally flat base <NUM> and a raised lip <NUM> extending around the entire perimeter of the pan <NUM> to define a fluid container <NUM>. The raised lip <NUM> can be non-uniform in shape, as explained in detail below.

The raised lip <NUM> of the pan <NUM> is defined by four walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending upwardly from the rectangular perimeter of the base <NUM> of the pan <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> can include the mounting flange <NUM>, for example, that extends upwardly from only a portion of the first wall <NUM>. The mounting flange <NUM> can provide a series of mounting holes <NUM> that can receive and secure fasteners <NUM> to couple the two pans <NUM> together.

The second and third walls <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned on opposite sides of the base <NUM>. The second and third walls <NUM>, <NUM> can be mirror images of one another, for example. The second and third walls <NUM>, <NUM> are each defined by a wing <NUM>. The wing <NUM> extends away from the first wall <NUM>, and can extend upwardly beyond the mounting flange <NUM>. The wing <NUM> has a generally rectangular shape and extends along a portion of the length of the second and third wall <NUM>, <NUM>. The second and third walls <NUM>, <NUM> are further defined by a mounting tab <NUM>. The mounting tab <NUM> is spaced apart from the wing <NUM>, toward the fourth wall <NUM>. In some examples, a recess <NUM> is formed between the wing <NUM> and the mounting tab <NUM>. In some examples, the recess <NUM> forms the lowermost section of the raised lip <NUM> on each of the second and third walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the pan <NUM>. In some examples, the mounting tab <NUM> includes a stepped recess <NUM> formed within the end of the mounting tab <NUM> adjacent the fourth wall <NUM>. The fourth wall <NUM> opposes the first wall <NUM> and includes the same general shape as the first wall <NUM>. For example, the fourth wall <NUM> can be defined by a flange <NUM> extending a portion of the distance between the second wall <NUM> and the third wall <NUM>. The flange <NUM> can omit mounting holes, however, so that an assembly worker does not fabricate or assemble the tray assembly <NUM> improperly (e.g., by arranging one or both of the trays <NUM> backwards). The wings <NUM> and mounting tabs <NUM> include a series of holes <NUM> to help secure the tray assembly <NUM> to the chassis <NUM>. In some examples, the holes <NUM> have an elongate (e.g., oval) shape to help accommodate differently-sized chasses <NUM>.

With reference now to <FIG>, the tray assembly <NUM> is shown mounted to the chassis <NUM> of the MEWP <NUM>. The tray assembly <NUM> is arranged so that the mounting tabs <NUM> extend upwardly, along a portion of the power unit cabinet <NUM>, where it can be bolted into position. The tray assembly <NUM> extends between the axles of the MEWP <NUM> and entirely across the chassis <NUM> to serve as a fluid catch for all fluid leaking from or otherwise spilling out of the power unit cabinet <NUM> or the MEWP <NUM> above. By extending and enclosing the bottom of the chassis <NUM>, the mounting tabs <NUM> provide an easy access point to the leak containment system <NUM> that allows the tray assembly <NUM> to be readily coupled and decoupled from the chassis <NUM> using fasteners <NUM>. In some examples, one or more threaded holes (e.g., blind holes or through holes) are formed within the chassis <NUM> (or the power unit cabinet <NUM>) to promote easy coupling and decoupling of the leak containment system <NUM>. Alternatively, one or more pins or latches can be used to couple the tray assembly <NUM> to the chassis <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, the leak containment system <NUM> can further include trays <NUM>. The trays <NUM> have a rectangular shape defined by a wall <NUM> extending around a flat bottom <NUM>. The wall <NUM> can be defined by a uniform height, and can include one or more mounting holes <NUM>. The mounting holes <NUM> can be used to position the tray <NUM> relative to the wings <NUM> on each of the trays <NUM>. Additional fasteners <NUM> can be used to mount the trays <NUM> to the wings <NUM> of the tray assembly <NUM> to further extend the leak containment system <NUM>. The trays <NUM> are positioned on opposite sides of the tray assembly <NUM>, giving the tray assembly <NUM> and leak containment system <NUM>, more generally, a cross-shaped perimeter.

The leak containment system <NUM> can be completed by providing each of the pans <NUM> and trays <NUM> with absorbent mats <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the absorbent mats <NUM>, <NUM> are sized to sit flat upon the respective flat base <NUM> and bottom <NUM> of the trays <NUM>, <NUM>. The absorbent mats <NUM>, <NUM> can be removably received within the trays <NUM>, <NUM>, so that they can be removed and replaced when machine maintenance is performed. The absorbent mats <NUM>, <NUM> can once again be formed of a hydrophobic material that is designed to capture oil and repel water.

Using the foregoing leak containment systems, lifts and other types of MEWPs can be operated within clean environments. The leak containment systems prevent contaminants from reaching the ground or external environment below or outside the MEWP, which can prevent unwanted pollution or contamination. The leak containment systems are designed to be removably coupled to the MEWP so that captured hydraulic or engine fluid can be removed from the MEWP periodically.

Although this description may discuss a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is outlined. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

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.

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.

Claim 1:
A leak containment system (<NUM>) for a lift (<NUM>), comprising:
a mounting bracket (<NUM>) having a first rail (<NUM>), a second rail (<NUM>), and a panel (<NUM>) extending between the first rail (<NUM>) and the second rail (<NUM>), wherein the panel (<NUM>) is vertically offset from feet (<NUM>,<NUM>) formed on the first rail (<NUM>), and wherein a channel (<NUM>) is defined by at least the first rail (<NUM>) and an underside of the panel (<NUM>);
the leak containment system being characterized in that it further includes a tray (<NUM>) removably received within the channel (<NUM>) formed within the mounting bracket (<NUM>), the tray (<NUM>) including a bottom surface (<NUM>) surrounded by a plurality of perimeter walls (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) that together define a fluid container (<NUM>), wherein the plurality of perimeter walls (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) includes a front perimeter wall (<NUM>) extending upwardly above the other walls (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) in the plurality of perimeter walls (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>); and
a locking mechanism (<NUM>) coupled to the mounting bracket (<NUM>) and configured to selectively engage the front perimeter wall (<NUM>) of the tray (<NUM>) to restrict movement of the tray (<NUM>) outward from the channel (<NUM>).