Biasing cradle for refuse vehicle
AssigneeThe Heil Co.
InventorRichard Ford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cradle and guide system for a refuse vehicle has at least one track member mounted on a bumper of a refuse vehicle. The at least one track member is able to deflect horizontally to compensate for misalignment. At least one guide member is mounted to a front loading fork of the refuse vehicle. The at least one guide member contacts the at least one track member to limit horizontal movement of the front loading fork with respect to the refuse vehicle during misalignment. The at least one track member returns to its original position to align the front loading forks.
Claims20
A cradle system for a refuse vehicle defining a forward direction of travel on a ground surface, the cradle system comprising:
- a stationary plate comprising one or more apertures configured to receive a one or more fasteners, the stationary plate configured to be fastened in a fixed position on a bumper of the refuse vehicle;
- a deflectable plate affixed to the stationary plate and extending outward away from the one or more apertures of the stationary plate, the deflectable plate having a body extending along a weld to the stationary plate, a free-standing arm extending at an angle from an end of the body, and a leg extending from an opposing end of the body and affixed to the stationary plate;
- and
- a wear plate comprising a wear-resistant material, the wear plate fastened to an outer surface of the deflectable plate,
- wherein the deflectable plate is configured to react to a force from contact with a fork of the refuse vehicle, compensating for misalignment of the fork and returning the fork to an undeflected position.
A refuse vehicle defining a forward direction of travel on a ground surface, the refuse vehicle comprising:
- a chassis including a cab;
- a container coupled within a rear portion of the chassis;
- a pair of forks coupled with the refuse vehicle for dumping intermediate containers into the container on the rear portion of the chassis;
- a stationary plate comprising one or more apertures configured to receive a one or more fasteners, the stationary plate configured to be fastened in a fixed position on a bumper of the refuse vehicle;
- a deflectable plate affixed to the stationary plate and extending outward away from the one or more apertures of the stationary plate, the deflectable plate having a body extending along a weld to the stationary plate, a free-standing arm extending at an angle from an end of the body, and a leg extending from an opposing end of the body and affixed to the stationary plate;
- and
- a wear plate comprising a wear-resistant material, the wear plate fastened to an outer surface of the deflectable plate,
- wherein the deflectable plate is configured to react to a force from contact with a fork of the pair of forks, compensating for misalignment of the fork and returning the fork to an undeflected position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.