# US 7,611,155 B2 · Ride on platform for small loader > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,611,155 B2 - Document ID: US7611155B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/743,878 - Filed: 2007-05-03 - Published: 2007-08-30 - Granted: 2009-11-03 - Earliest claimed: 2003-01-08 - Assignees: Clark Equipment Company - Inventors: Mark F. Bares - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7611155B2 ## CPC - E02F 9/166: {movable, tiltable or pivoting, e.g. movable seats, dampening arrangements of cabins (seats for vehicles in general B60N2/00)} - B62D 51/02: the driver standing in the vehicle - B62D 63/062: {Trailers with one axle or two wheels (semi-trailers B62D53/06)} - B62D 63/067: {single wheeled (rigid or semi-rigid couping)} - E02F: DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING (winning peat E21C49/00) - B62D: MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for, B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motor-cycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M) ## Abstract A ride-on operator platform or sulky is used in connection with a small self-propelled loader to provide a support for an operator. The operator platform is pivotally mounted to the loader about a generally horizontal axis, and has a rear support engaging the surface over which the loader is operating to maintain the operator platform at a desired position relative to the surface. The upward pivoting of rear portions of the operator platform is limited by stop members, and substantial downward pivoting is permitted. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A self-propelled loader comprising: a loader frame supported for movement over a supporting surface, the loader frame having front and rear ends and opposite sides; a lift arm assembly mounted on the loader frame on pivots spaced upwardly from the supporting surface for supporting a bucket or other accessory at a front end of the lift arm assembly for movement relative to the loader frame; operator controls located adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, the controls being spaced above the supporting surface such that the operator controls are accessible by the operator standing adjacent the rear end of the loader frame; and a ride-on operator platform connected to the rear end of the loader frame adjacent a lower side of the loader frame, the platform normally being generally horizontal for supporting a standing operator in a position to operate the operator controls, and the platform including a platform frame and a surface engaging support, and the platform frame being connected to the loader frame for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal axis extending in the direction from side to side and adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, the platform being pivotable relative to a normal position in which the platform is located when the loader frame and the platform are on a generally horizontal surface, and the platform frame having at least one stop arm extending forwardly and away from the generally horizontal axis, a stop member fixed relative to the loader frame in a position such that upwardly pivotal movement of the platform about the axis is limited by engagement of the the at least one stop arm and stop member to an uppermost position, the uppermost position being such that the platform is at an angle of not greater than twenty five degrees above the normal position. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A loader as set forth in claim 1 wherein the loader frame includes, adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, first and second openings spaced apart in the direction between the sides, and the members fixed relative to the loader frame including first and second upper stops, and wherein at least one arm comprises first and second arms fixed to the platform frame each extend forwardly from the platform frame and each being connected to the loader frame for pivotal movement relative thereto about the generally horizontal axis, the first and second arms respectively extending through the first and second openings and respectively engaging the first and second upper stops to prevent upward pivotal movement of the platform beyond the uppermost position. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A loader as set forth in claim 1 wherein the loader frame includes, adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, first and second openings spaced apart in the direction between the sides of the loader frame, wherein the lift arm assembly includes first and second extendable and retractable assemblies respectively mounted on the loader frame by first and second trunions comprising the members fixed relative to the loader frame, and wherein the platform includes first and second arms laterally spaced apart from each other and rigidly affixed to the platform frame and comprising the at least one stop arm, the first and second arms each extending forwardly from the platform frame and each being connected to the loader frame for pivotal movement relative thereto about the generally horizontal axis, the first and second arms respectively extending through the first and second openings and respectively engaging the first and second trunions to prevent upwardly pivotal movement of the platform beyond the uppermost position. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A loader as set forth in claim 3 wherein the extendable and retractable assemblies are hydraulic assemblies. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A loader as set forth in claim 1 wherein the uppermost position is such that the platform is at an angle of not greater than approximately twenty degrees above the normal position. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A loader as set forth in claim 1 wherein the platform includes a generally horizontal platform panel for supporting a standing operator, the platform panel being supported by the platform frame, the platform frame having at least two portions spaced apart from each other and rigidly affixed to the platform panel at separate laterally spaced apart locations, the at least two portions each extending forwardly from the platform and each being pivotally connected to the loader frame for pivotal movement about the generally horizontal axis, the platform panel being positioned between the at least two portions and the surface engaging support being located at a rear of the platform frame. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) A loader as set forth in claim 6 wherein said operator platform panel has upwardly projecting side and front walls that extend about the platform panel along edges thereof. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) A loader as set forth in claim 6 wherein the surface engaging support comprises a caster wheel at the rear of the operator platform. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) A loader as set forth in claim 6 wherein the generally horizontal axis is positioned above a supporting surface sufficiently so that as a rear portion of the operator platform moves in an arc upwardly about the generally horizontal axis the rear portion does not move substantially closer to the generally horizontal axis prior to reaching a position where the at least one stop arm the platform engages the stop member fixed relative to the loader frame. ### Claim 10 (depends on 6) A loader as set forth in claim 6 wherein the loader has a pivoting panel at a rear portion thereof spaced above the generally horizontal axis, said pivoting panel being moveable to disengage drive controls when the pivoting panel is moved in a forward direction, and said generally horizontal axis being spaced above a supporting surface for the operator platform a sufficient distance so that an arc described by a point on the platform panel initially moves away from the generally horizontal axis rearwardly as a rear portion of the operator platform pivots upwardly for a selected amount of upward pivoting. ### Claim 11 (depends on 6) A loader as set forth in claim 6, wherein said platform frame supports a panel having an upper surface that is of size to support a standing operator, and the panel having a lower surface that is smooth from side to side and front to back. ### Claim 12 A self-propelled loader comprising: a loader frame supported for movement over the ground, the loader frame having front and rear ends and opposite sides; a lift arm assembly mounted on the loader frame for supporting a bucket or other accessory for movement relative to the loader frame; operator controls located adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, the controls being mounted on a control panel extending between the opposite sides and spaced upwardly from the ground such that the operator controls are accessible by an operator standing upright adjacent the rear end of the loader frame; and a ride-on operator platform connected to the loader frame adjacent the rear end thereof, the platform normally being generally horizontal for supporting a standing operator, and the platform including a platform frame and a surface engaging support, and the platform having connectors pivotally connected to the loader frame for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal pivot axis extending in a direction from side to side and adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, the platform being pivotable relative to a normal position in which the platform is located when the loader frame and the platform are on a generally horizontal surface, and the platform having at least one stop arm extending away from the connectors and the generally horizontal axis, the at least one stop arm engaging a lower stop fixed on the loader frame which is spaced from and independent of the connectors such that downward pivotal movement of the platform about the axis is limited to a lowermost position, the lowermost position being such that the platform is at an angle of not greater than approximately seventy degrees below the normal position. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) A loader as set forth in claim 12 wherein the loader frame includes, adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, first and second openings spaced apart in the direction from side to side, and the lower stop on loader frame including first and second lower stops, and wherein the at least one stop arm of the platform comprises first and second stop arms laterally spaced apart from each other and rigidly affixed to the platform frame, the arms each extending forwardly from the platform frame, the first and second arms respectively having portions extending through the first and second openings and respectively engaging the first and second lower stops to prevent downward pivotal movement of the platform beyond the lowermost position. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) A loader as set forth in claim 12 wherein the loader frame includes, adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, one or more generally vertical plates having inner and outer surfaces and having therein first and second slots spaced apart in the direction from side to side, and wherein the at least one stop arm of the platform includes first and second arms laterally spaced apart from each other and rigidly affixed to the platform frame, the arms each extending forwardly from the platform frame and the arms each being connected with the connectors to the loader frame for pivotal movement relative thereto about the generally horizontal axis, the first and second arms respectively having stop arm portion that extend away from the connectors and through the first and second slots and respectively engage the inner surfaces of the one or more plates to prevent downward pivotal movement of the platform beyond the lowermost position. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) A loader as set forth in claim 12 wherein the platform includes a generally horizontal platform panel for supporting a standing operator, the platform panel being supported by the platform frame, the platform frame having at least two portions spaced apart from each other and rigidly affixed to the platform panel at separate laterally spaced apart locations, the at least two portions each extending forwardly from the platform and each being pivotally connected to the loader frame for pivotal movement about the generally horizontal axis, the platform panel being positioned between the at least two portions and the surface engaging support being located at a rear of the platform frame. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) A loader as set forth in claim 15 wherein said operator platform panel has upwardly projecting side and front walls that extend above the platform panel along edges thereof. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) A loader as set forth in claim 15 wherein the surface engaging support comprises a caster wheel at the rear of the operator platform. ### Claim 18 (depends on 15) A loader as set forth in claim 15 wherein the pivot axis is positioned above a supporting surface sufficiently so that as the rear portion of the operator platform moves in an arc upwardly about the pivot axis it does not move substantially closer to the pivot axis prior to reaching a position wherein portions of the first and second arms forming upward stop members for the operator platform engage first and second upward stop members on the loader frame. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) A loader as set forth in claim 15 wherein the loader has a pivoting panel at a rear portion thereof spaced above the generally horizontal axis, said pivoting panel being moveable to disengage drive controls when the pivoting panel is moved in a forward direction, and said generally horizontal axis being spaced above a supporting surface for the operator platform a sufficient distance so that an arc described by a point on the platform panel initially moves away from the generally horizontal axis rearwardly as a rear portion of the operator platform pivots upwardly for a selected amount of upwardly pivoting. ### Claim 20 (depends on 15) A loader as set forth in claim 15, wherein said platform frame supports a panel having an upper surface that is of size to support a standing operator, and the panel having a lower surface that is smooth from side to side and front to back. ### Claim 21 A self-propelled loader comprising: a loader frame supported for movement over the ground, the loader frame having front and rear ends and opposite sides, the loader frame including, adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, first and second openings spaced apart in the direction between the sides, and the loader frame including first and second upper stops and first and second lower stops; a lift arm assembly mounted on the loader frame for supporting a bucket or other accessory for movement relative to the loader frame; operator controls located adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, the controls being accessible by an operator adjacent the rear end of the loader frame; and a ride-on operator platform connected to the loader frame adjacent the rear end thereof, the platform normally being generally horizontal for supporting a standing operator, and the platform including a platform frame, a surface engaging support, and first and second arms laterally spaced apart from each other and rigidly affixed to the platform frame, the arms each extending forwardly from the platform frame and each being connected to the loader frame for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal axis extending in the direction from side to side and adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, such that the platform is pivotable relative to the loader frame about an axis between uppermost and lowermost positions, the first and second arms respectively extending through the first and second openings and respectively engaging the first and second upper stops to prevent upward pivotal movement of the platform beyond the uppermost position, and the first and second arms respectively engaging the first and second lower stops to prevent downward pivotal movement of the platform beyond the lowermost position. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) A loader as set forth in claim 21 wherein the loader frame includes, adjacent the rear end of the loader frame, one or more generally vertical plates having inner and outer surfaces, wherein the first and second openings are first and second slots in the one or more plates, and wherein the first and second arms respectively extend though the first and second slots and engage the inner surfaces of the one or more plates to prevent downwardly pivotal movement of the platform beyond the lowermost position. ### Claim 23 (depends on 21) A loader as set forth in claim 21 wherein the lift arm assembly includes first and second extendable and retractable assemblies respectively mounted on the loader frame by first and second trunions, and wherein the first and second arms respectively engage the first and second trunions to prevent upward pivotal movement of the platform beyond the uppermost position. ### Claim 24 (depends on 23) A loader as set forth in claim 23 wherein the extendable and retractable assemblies are hydraulic assemblies. ### Claim 25 (depends on 21) A loader frame as set forth in claim 21 wherein the platform includes a generally horizontal platform panel for supporting a standing operator, the platform panel being supported by the platform frame, the platform frame having at least two portions spaced apart from each other and rigidly affixed to the platform panel at separate laterally spaced apart locations, the at least two portions each extending forwardly from the platform and each being pivotally connected to the loader frame for pivotal movement about the generally horizontal axis, the platform panel being positioned between the at least two portions and the surface engaging support being located at a rear of the platform frame. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) A loader as set forth in claim 25 wherein said operator platform panel has upwardly projecting side and front walls that extend above the platform panel along edges thereof. ### Claim 27 (depends on 25) A loader as set forth in claim 25 wherein the surface engaging support comprises a caster wheel at the rear of the operator platform. ### Claim 28 (depends on 25) A loader as set forth in claim 25 wherein the generally horizontal axis is positioned above a supporting surface sufficiently so that as the rear portion of the operator platform moves in an arc upwardly about the generally horizontal axis it does not move substantially closer to the generally horizontal axis prior to reaching a position where the arms of the operator platform engage the upper stops on the loader frame. ### Claim 29 (depends on 25) A loader as set forth in claim 25 wherein the loader has a pivoting panel at a rear portion thereof spaced above the generally horizontal axis, said pivoting panel being moveable to disengage drive controls when the pivoting panel is moved in a forward direction, and said axis being spaced above a supporting surface for the operator platform a sufficient distance so that an arc described by a point on the platform panel initially moves away from the axis rearwardly as a rear portion of the operator platform pivots upwardly for a selected amount of upwardly pivoting. ### Claim 30 (depends on 25) A loader as set forth in claim 25, wherein said platform frame supports a panel having an upper surface that is of size to support a standing operator, the platform panel comprising an upper panel sheet and a lower panel sheet spaced apart in a vertical direction, and a plurality of webs between the panel sheets and fixed thereto and the lower panel sheet having a lower surface that is smooth from side to side and front to back.