Skid Steer Loaders with Variable Isolation on Vibratory Roller

Abstract

Disclosed are skids steer loaders and vibratory roller attachments embodiments in which an improved variable isolator is provided to isolate the skid steer loader, and thus the operator of the loader, from the severity of the vibrations in the vibratory roller. The vibratory roller attachment includes a frame configured to be mounted to the skid steer loader. A drum is supported by the frame, and an eccentric weight is positioned within the drum. A plurality of variable isolators couple the drum to the frame to provide isolation of the skid steer loader from vibrations of the vibratory roller. The plurality of variable isolators each have a non-cylindrical exterior shape. The non-cylindrical shape can include an exterior surface having curved end portions separated by a substantially linear middle portion to allow for improved deflection of the variable isolators, and thus improved vibration isolation between the attachment and the skid steer loader.

1 . A vibratory roller attachment for use with a skid steer loader, the vibratory roller attachment comprising:
 a frame configured to be mounted to the skid steer loader;   a drum supported by the frame;   an eccentric weight;   a plurality of variable isolators coupling the drum to the frame to provide isolation of the skid steer loader from vibrations of the vibratory roller, the plurality of variable isolators each having a non-cylindrical shape.   
     
     
         2 . The vibratory roller attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of variable isolators each have an at least partially hollow interior. 
     
     
         3 . The vibratory roller attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of variable isolators each have exterior side surfaces which include curved end portions. 
     
     
         4 . The vibratory roller attachment of  claim 3 , wherein the exterior side surfaces of each of the plurality of variable isolators include a substantially linear middle portion separating the curved end portions. 
     
     
         5 . The vibratory roller attachment of  claim 4 , wherein for each of the plurality of variable isolators, the curved end portions of the exterior side surface have equal radii of curvature. 
     
     
         6 . The vibratory roller attachment of  claim 4 , wherein for each of the plurality of variable isolators, the curved end portions of the exterior side surface share a common radius of curvature. 
     
     
         7 . The vibratory roller attachment of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of variable isolators each have an at least partially hollow interior. 
     
     
         8 . The vibratory roller attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of variable isolators each have a hyperboloid-like geometry with an exterior side surface having curved end portions separated by a substantially linear middle portion. 
     
     
         9 . The vibratory roller attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of variable isolators are formed of a rubber material. 
     
     
         10 . A skid steer loader comprising:
 a body;   an operator compartment;   a pair of lift arms coupled to the body; and   a vibratory roller attachment coupleable to the pair of lift arms, the vibratory roller attachment comprising:
 a frame configured to be coupled to and supported by the pair of lift arms; 
 a drum supported by the frame; 
 an eccentric weight positioned inside the drum; 
 a plurality of variable isolators coupling the drum to the frame to provide isolation of the skid steer loader from vibrations of the vibratory roller, the plurality of variable isolators each having exterior side surfaces which include curved end portions. 
   
     
     
         11 . The skid steer loader of  claim 10 , wherein the exterior side surfaces of each of the plurality of variable isolators include a substantially linear middle portion separating the curved end portions. 
     
     
         12 . The skid steer loader of  claim 11 , wherein for each of the plurality of variable isolators, the curved end portions of the exterior side surface have substantially equal radii of curvature. 
     
     
         13 . The skid steer loader of  claim 11 , wherein for each of the plurality of variable isolators, the curved end portions of the exterior side surface share a common radius of curvature. 
     
     
         14 . The skid steer loader of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of variable isolators each have an at least partially hollow interior. 
     
     
         15 . The skid steer loader of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of variable isolators are formed of a rubber material.