Integrated wedge lock arrangement
AssigneeLift Systems, Inc.
InventorsTimothy J. Faccio, Christopher R. Perkins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hydraulically operated wedge lock system provides a releasable mechanical lock between telescoping boom segments. Each wedge lock mechanism includes a stationary backing wedge block that defines an angled smooth surface. A stationary shaft and piston is supported generally parallel to the backing wedge block. A slidable wedge block biased by a spring to a locked position is supported for reciprocal movement on the shaft along the angled smooth surface. Hydraulic fluid urges the slidable wedge block against the bias of the spring to an unlocked position.
Claims18
A wedge lock mechanism to provide a release mechanical lock between relatively movable telescoping boom segments, comprising:
- a backing wedge block for connection to a relatively stationary boom segment defining a smooth surface angled to diverge relative to an associated surface of a relatively movable telescoping boom segment;
- a stationary shaft supported generally parallel to said angled surface of said backing wedge block;
- a stationary piston secured to said shaft at an end thereof;
- a slidable wedge block including a bore having a closed end , said stationary piston disposed in said bore, and said slidable wedge block supported for reciprocal movement on said angled surface of said backing wedge block,
- said bore defining a receptacle between said closed end of said bore and said stationary piston and;
- a compression spring disposed in said receptacle between said stationary piston and said closed end of said bore, said spring biased to urge said closed end of said bore away from said stationary piston.
A vertical lift boom including a base boom segment and a relatively movable telescoping boom segment, at least one hydraulic cylinder operable to extend and retract said relatively movable telescoping boom segment, each said boom segment including a generally vertical side wall, said side wall of said relatively movable boom segment slidable relative to said side wall of said base boom segment, a wedge lock mechanism to provide a releasable mechanical lock between relatively movable telescoping boom segments, comprising:
- a backing wedge block for connection to a relatively stationary boom segment defining a smooth surface angled to diverge relative to said side wall of said relatively movable telescoping boom segment;
- a stationary shaft supported generally parallel to said angled surface of said backing wedge block;
- a stationary shaft supported generally parallel to said angled surface of said backing wedge block;
- a stationary piston secured to said shaft at an end thereof;
- a slidable wedge block including a bore having a closed end , said stationary piston disposed in said bore, and said slidable wedge block supported for reciprocal movement on said angled surface of said backing wedge block,
- said bore defining a receptacle between said closed end of said bore and said stationary piston and;
- a compression spring disposed in said receptacle between said stationary piston and said closed end of said bore, said spring biased to urge said closed end of said bore away from said stationary piston.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.