Platform system for an articulated machine
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorDennis D. Wetterich
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A platform system for an articulated machine is disclosed. The platform system can include a first platform which can be pivotally supported by a front frame of an articulated machine. The front frame of the articulated machine can be pivotally coupled to a rear frame of the articulated machine at an articulation joint. A second platform can be pivotally supported by the rear frame of the articulated machine. The second platform can include a first edge which can be positioned adjacent to a first edge of the first platform. Each of the first edge of the first platform and the first edge of the second frame platform can have a radial profile which can be aligned with a path of pivotal movement between the first platform and the second frame platform.
Claims20
A platform system for an articulated machine, comprising:
- a first platform pivotally supportable by a front frame of an articulated machine, the front frame pivotally coupled to a rear frame of the articulated machine at an articulation joint;
- a second platform pivotally supportable by the rear frame of the articulated machine, the second platform having a first edge which is positioned adjacent to a first edge of the first platform;
- and
- each of the first edge of the first platform and the first edge of the second platform having a radial profile which is aligned with a path of pivotal movement between the first platform and the second platform.
A platform system, comprising:
- a first platform configured to be mounted on a front frame of an articulated machine;
- a second platform configured to be mounted on a rear frame of the articulated machine;
- the first platform having an interior edge, the interior edge of the first platform extending between a first side edge and a second side edge of the first platform;
- the second platform having an interior edge, the interior edge of the second platform extending between a first side edge and a second side edge of the second platform;
- the interior edge of the first platform and the interior edge of the second platform configured to define an evenly spaced pivotal interface between adjacent portions of the interior edge of the first platform and the interior edge of the second platform;
- and
- one or more side guard rails positioned along at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge of the first platform and at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge of the second platform.
An articulated machine, comprising:
- a front frame of the articulated machine pivotally coupled to a rear frame of the articulated machine at at least one articulation joint;
- a first platform pivotally supported by a front frame of the articulated machine;
- a second platform pivotally supported by the rear frame of the articulated machine;
- the first platform configured to pivot with respect to the second platform along a pivotal interface formed between an interior edge of the first platform which is aligned with and adjacent to an interior edge of the second platform;
- the first platform having one or more outer edges and one or more outer guard rails positioned along at least one of the one or more outer edges of the first platform;
- the second platform having one or more outer edges and one or more outer guard rails positioned along at least one of the one or more outer edges of the second platform;
- and
- one or more pivotal guard rails each positioned to extend from the pivotal interface and configured to extend between one of the one or more outer edges of the first platform and one of the one or more outer edges of the second platform as the first platform pivots with respect to the second platform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.