USRE47899EActiveUtility

Operator ride enhancement system

70
Assignee: RAYMOND CORPPriority: Apr 23, 2010Filed: Mar 31, 2017Granted: Mar 10, 2020
Est. expiryApr 23, 2030(~3.7 yrs left)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Joseph Thomas Yahner
B66F 9/0759B62D 51/02B62D 33/0604
70
PatentIndex Score
1
Cited by
48
References
66
Claims

Abstract

An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
I claim: 
     
       1. An operator ride enhancement system for use in a vehicle having a frame, the operator ride enhancement system comprising:
 a counterweight platform pivotally coupled to the frame of the vehicle about an axis and configured to support an operator engaging the operator ride enhancement system, the counterweight platform having a counterweight platform mass that is greater than approximately forty-five kilograms; 
 a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform to attenuate movement of the counterweight platform about the axis; and 
 a control member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform to inhibit movement of the counterweight platform along the axis. 
 
     
     
       2. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the axis is oriented substantially parallel with a fore-aft axis of the vehicle; and 
 the control member is oriented substantially parallel with the fore-aft axis of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       3. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 1 , wherein the counterweight platform comprises:
 a hinged portion pivotally coupled to the frame; and 
 a platform portion coupled to the hinged portion; 
 wherein the platform portion is tapered toward a distal end that is opposite to the hinged portion. 
 
     
     
       4. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 1 , wherein the counterweight platform is configured to at least partially surround a steering wheel of the vehicle. 
     
     
       5. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 1 , wherein the counterweight platform mass is at least one hundred and sixty kilograms. 
     
     
       6. An operator ride enhancement system for use in a vehicle having a frame and defining an operator compartment, the operator ride enhancement system comprising:
 a counterweight platform movably coupled to the frame of the vehicle and configured to support an operator within the operator compartment engaging the operator ride enhancement system, the counterweight platform having a counterweight platform mass that is greater than approximately forty-five kilograms to reduce the influence that an operator mass of the operator has on a dynamic response of the operator ride enhancement system; and 
 a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform to attenuate movement of the counterweight platform and the operator supported by the counterweight platform. 
 
     
     
       7. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 6 , wherein the counterweight platform is pivotally coupled to the frame for pivotal movement about an axis. 
     
     
       8. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 7 , further comprising a control member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform to inhibit movement of the counterweight platform along the axis. 
     
     
       9. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 6 , wherein the resilient member is a torsion member having a first end rotatably fixed to one of the frame and the counterweight platform and a second end rotatably fixed to the other of the frame and the counterweight platform. 
     
     
       10. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a preload member proximate the first end of the torsion member; and 
 a dampener member engaged with the frame and the second end of the torsion member to at least partially attenuate the disturbances transmitted through the frame to the counterweight platform. 
 
     
     
       11. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 6  further comprising at least one guide coupled to the frame and engaged with the counterweight platform to allow the counterweight platform to translate along the guide in response to the disturbances. 
     
     
       12. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 6 , further comprising a dampener member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform to attenuate the disturbances transmitted through the frame to the counterweight platform. 
     
     
       13. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 6 , wherein the counterweight platform mass is at least one hundred and sixty kilograms. 
     
     
       14. The operator ride enhancement system of  claim 6 , wherein the counterweight platform comprises:
 a hinged portion coupled to the frame for pivotal movement about an axis; and 
 a platform portion coupled to the hinged portion. 
 
     
     
       15. A method of attenuating disturbances transmitted between a frame of a vehicle and an operator ride enhancement system comprising a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame of the vehicle and configured to support an operator, the method comprising the steps of:
 determining an expected minimum operator mass of the operator supported by the operator ride enhancement system; and 
 adjusting a counterweight platform mass of the counterweight platform to be at least equal to the expected minimum operator mass. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15  wherein the expected minimum operator mass is approximately forty-five kilograms. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claims 16  wherein the counterweight platform mass is approximately one hundred and sixty kilograms. 
     
     
       18. A vehicle, comprising:
 a frame defining a portion of an operator compartment;   a counterweight platform movably coupled to the frame, the counterweight platform including a surface configured to allow an operator of the vehicle to stand on the surface within the operator compartment of the vehicle;   a resilient member and a dampener member, the resilient member configured to attenuate movement of the counterweight platform, the dampener member configured to inhibit movement of the counterweight platform, an end of the resilient member being disposed higher than the surface, an end of the dampener member being disposed higher than the surface; and   a guide to allow the counterweight platform to translate along a vertical axis and relative to the frame in response to disturbances transmitted to the counterweight platform, the guide including a channel and a roller, the channel fixed relative to the frame, the roller received in the channel and configured to translate with the counterweight platform;   wherein a mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.    
     
     
       19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the resilient member and the dampener member are engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       20. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the resilient member is a spring and the dampener member is a shock absorber.  
     
     
       21. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the counterweight platform is configured to surround a portion of a wheel of the vehicle.  
     
     
       22. The vehicle of claim 21, wherein the counterweight platform includes an opening to provide clearance between the wheel and the counterweight platform to allow the counterweight platform to translate vertically relative to the wheel of the vehicle.  
     
     
       23. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the resilient member is a spring and the dampener member is a shock absorber.  
     
     
       24. The vehicle of claim 18, further including a pedal switch, the pedal switch to translate with the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       25. The vehicle of claim 24, wherein the pedal switch is positioned within a recess in the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       26. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least forty-five kilograms.  
     
     
       27. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least one hundred and sixty kilograms.  
     
     
       28. A vehicle comprising:
 a frame;   a counterweight platform, a mass of the counterweight platform being 45 kilograms to 160 kilograms;   a carriage fixed to the counterweight platform, the counterweight platform slidably coupled to the frame via the carriage, the carriage to guide movement of the counterweight platform along a vertical axis and relative to the frame in response to disturbances transmitted to the counterweight platform; and   a resilient member configured to attenuate movement of the counterweight platform, a portion of the resilient member being disposed higher than the counterweight platform.    
     
     
       29. The vehicle of claim 28, wherein the resilient member is engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform to attenuate translational movement of the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       30. The vehicle of claim 28, wherein the counterweight platform is configured to surround a portion of a wheel of the vehicle.  
     
     
       31. The vehicle of claim 30, wherein the resilient member includes a spring.  
     
     
       32. The vehicle of claim 31, further comprising a shock absorber configured to inhibit movement of the counterweight platform, a portion of the shock absorber disposed higher than the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       33. A vehicle, comprising:
 a frame;   a counterweight platform movably coupled to the frame, the counterweight platform configured to surround a portion of a wheel of the vehicle, the counterweight platform including a surface configured to allow an operator of the vehicle to stand on the surface within an operator compartment of the vehicle;   a guide coupled to the frame and engaged with the counterweight platform to allow the counterweight platform to translate relative to the frame in response to disturbances transmitted to the counterweight platform;   a resilient member configured for attenuating movement of the counterweight platform, a portion of the resilient member disposed higher than the surface of the counterweight platform; and   wherein the mass of the counterweight platform is between 45 kilograms and 160 kilograms.    
     
     
       34. The vehicle of claim 33, further including a pedal switch, the pedal switch to translate with the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       35. The vehicle of claim 33, wherein the resilient member is engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       36. The vehicle of claim 37, wherein the shock absorber includes a cylindrical housing and a plunger slidably positioned within the cylindrical housing; and
 the plunger divides the cylindrical housing into two chambers such that a fluid is urged through an orifice between the two chambers as the plunger slides within the cylindrical housing.    
     
     
       37. The vehicle of claim 35, wherein the resilient member includes a spring and a shock absorber.  
     
     
       38. A vehicle comprising:
 a counterweight platform, the counterweight platform to support an operator within an operator compartment of the vehicle, the counterweight platform having a mass that is forty-five kilograms to one hundred sixty kilograms to reduce the influence that an operator mass has on a dynamic response of the counterweight platform;   the counterweight platform including a cutout to allow the counterweight platform to surround a portion of a wheel of the vehicle to allow for the counterweight platform to translate vertically relative to the wheel;   a channel within the frame; and   a roller coupled to the counterweight platform, the roller to allow the counterweight platform to translate relative to the frame; and   a dampener member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform to inhibit movement of the counterweight platform.    
     
     
       39. The vehicle of claim 38, further including a pedal switch, the pedal switch to translate with the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       40. A vehicle comprising:
 a frame defining a portion of an operator compartment;   a counterweight platform including a surface, the surface configured to allow an operator of the vehicle to stand on the surface and within the operator compartment, the counterweight platform having a mass of 45 kilograms to 160 kilograms;   a backrest positioned in the operator compartment;   a track fixed to the frame;   a first roller to engage the track, the first roller disposed higher than the surface;   a second roller disposed lower than the first roller and higher than the surface;   a link extending from the counterweight platform, a portion of the link disposed higher than the surface, the link operatively coupling the counterweight platform to the first roller and the second roller to allow the link, the first roller, the second roller, and the counterweight platform to move up and down relative to the frame;   a spring to attenuate movement of the counterweight platform, a portion of the spring disposed higher than the surface; and   a dampener to inhibit movement of the counterweight platform, a portion of the dampener disposed higher than the surface.    
     
     
       41. The vehicle of claim 40 further comprising forks configured to raise and lower relative to the frame.  
     
     
       42. The vehicle of claim 40 further comprising a pedal switch coupled to the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       43. The vehicle of claim 42, wherein the counterweight platform surrounds a portion of a wheel of the vehicle.  
     
     
       44. The vehicle of claim 43, wherein the counterweight platform includes a drain opening.  
     
     
       45. The vehicle of claim 40, wherein the link extends from a distal end of the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       46. A vehicle comprising:
 a frame;   a counterweight platform including a surface, the surface configured to allow an operator of the vehicle to stand on the surface and within an operator compartment of the vehicle;   a track fixed to the frame;   a first roller to engage the track, the first roller disposed higher than the surface;   a second roller disposed lower than the first roller and higher than the surface;   an arm coupled to the counterweight platform, a portion of the arm disposed higher than the surface, the arm operatively coupling the counterweight platform to the first roller and the second roller to allow the arm and the counterweight platform to move up and down relative to the frame;   a spring to attenuate movement of the counterweight platform, a portion of the spring disposed higher than the surface; and   a dampener to inhibit movement of the counterweight platform, a portion of the dampener disposed higher than the surface.    
     
     
       47. The vehicle of claim 46, wherein the counterweight platform has a mass equal to or greater than an expected minimum operator mass.  
     
     
       48. The vehicle of claim 47, wherein the counterweight platform has a mass between 45 kilograms and 160 kilograms.  
     
     
       49. The vehicle of claim 46, wherein the arm extends from a distal end of the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       50. A vehicle, comprising:
 a frame;   a counterweight platform movably coupled to the frame, the counterweight platform including a surface configured to allow an operator of the vehicle to stand on the surface within an operator compartment of the vehicle, wherein the counterweight platform includes a drain opening;   a resilient member and a dampener member, the resilient member configured to attenuate movement of the counterweight platform, the dampener member configured to inhibit movement of the counterweight platform, an end of the resilient member being disposed higher than the surface, an end of the dampener member being disposed higher than the surface; and   a guide operatively coupled to the counterweight platform and the frame, the guide including a channel and a roller, the roller received in the channel and configured to roll to enable the counterweight platform to move vertically relative to the frame in response to disturbances transmitted to the counterweight platform.    
     
     
       51. The vehicle of claim 50, wherein the guide is a first guide, and the vehicle further comprises a second guide operatively coupled to the counterweight platform and the frame, the second guide positioned parallel to the first guide.  
     
     
       52. The vehicle of claim 51, wherein the second guide includes a second channel and a second roller, the second roller received in the second channel.  
     
     
       53. The vehicle of claim 52, wherein a mass of the counterweight platform is equal to or greater than an expected minimum operator mass.  
     
     
       54. The vehicle of claim 53, wherein the mass of the counterweight platform is between 45 kilograms and 160 kilograms.  
     
     
       55. The vehicle of claim 54, further comprising a pedal switch coupled to the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       56. The vehicle of claim 55, wherein the counterweight platform surrounds a portion of a wheel of the vehicle.  
     
     
       57. A vehicle comprising:
 a frame;   a carriage;   a counterweight platform including a surface configured to allow an operator of the vehicle to stand on the surface within an operator compartment of the vehicle, the counterweight platform having a mass equal to or greater than an expected minimum operator mass, the counterweight platform slidably coupled to the frame via the carriage, the carriage to guide vertical movement of the counterweight platform relative to the frame in response to disturbances transmitted to the counterweight platform;   a resilient member configured to inhibit movement of the counterweight platform, a portion of the resilient member being disposed higher than the counterweight platform; and   a dampener member configured to attenuate movement of the counterweight platform, a portion of the dampener member being disposed higher than the counterweight platform.    
     
     
       58. The vehicle of claim 57, further comprising forks configured to raise and lower relative to the frame.  
     
     
       59. The vehicle of claim 58, wherein the carriage is fixed to the counterweight platform.  
     
     
       60. The vehicle of claim 59, wherein the carriage includes a roller.  
     
     
       61. The vehicle of claim 60, wherein a channel is fixed to the frame, and the roller is received in the channel.  
     
     
       62. The vehicle of claim 58, wherein the counterweight platform has a mass between 45 kilograms and 160 kilograms.  
     
     
       63. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the mass of the counterweight platform is 45 kilograms to 160 kilograms.  
     
     
       64. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the guide is a first guide, the roller is a first roller, the channel is a first channel, and the vehicle further comprises:
 a second guide including a second channel and a second roller, the second channel fixed relative to the frame, the second roller received in the second channel and configured to translate with the counterweight platform.    
     
     
       65. The vehicle of claim 64, wherein the first guide is positioned opposite the second guide.  
     
     
       66. The vehicle of claim 28, wherein the frame includes a first vertical channel; and
 wherein the carriage includes a first roller received in the first vertical channel.

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