WO1989006207A1

WO1989006207A1 - Multi-purpose vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO1989006207A1
Application number: PCT/US1988/004665
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dusan J. Hvolka
Original assignee: Djh Engineering Center, Inc.
Priority date: 1988-01-04
Filing date: 1988-12-27
Publication date: 1989-07-13
Also published as: FI894162A0; ZA889714B; AU2931189A; JPH02502813A; EP0349631A4; EP0349631A1; ES2015367A6

Abstract

A U-shaped multi-purpose vehicle (10) particularly adapted for underground digging and hauling comprising: a U-shaped frame (12) having opposing sides (14, 16) and front ends (18) connected by a front piece (20), and rear ends (22) defining an open interior space in communication with an open front end (24); wheel mounts capable of pivoting attached to the opposing sides (14, 16); a plurality of wheels (26) independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts; pivot mounts (109) associated with the wheel mounts to pivot and turn each wheel in a desired direction; independent drive (114) associated with each wheel (26) to rotate the wheels (26) forward and backward; a power source (111) operably associated with the pivot mounts (109) and independent drive (114); and a control system mounted to the frame and associated with the drive (114), pivot mounts (109) and power source (111) to selectively activate the drive (114) and pivot mounts (109) to align and drive each wheel (26) at the desired speed and direction.

Description

MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLE Background of the Invention Field. This invention relates to multi-purpose vehicles. Specifically, it relates to an improved light weight, highly efficient muiti-purpose vehicle particularly adapted for underground digging and hauling applications.

Related Applications. This application claims priority of the following originally filed application: U.S. patent application, Serial No. 07/140,671 , filed 01/04/88 entitled "Multi-Purpose Vehicle".

State of the Aif. Numerous multi-purpose vehicles are known. These vehicles typically employ an X-shaped, or box-shaped frame with a conventional cab on the front, and a cabin or bed attached along the length of the frame, such as the amphibious vehicle designed by Fletcher et al, U.S. Patent No. 2,923,268. Generally, the conventional multi-purpose vehicle has forward steering wheels and rear drive wheels. When pulling heavy objects, a number of conventional vehicles may be harnessed together in series. This requires a long pulling space to accommodate the aligned vehicles connected in series. These harnessed vehicles are also difficult to turn and cause the rear vehicles to run in the tracks left by the forward vehicles; often times resulting in poor traction of the trailing vehicles. The aligned vehicles, when harnessed, generally move in a longitudinal direction. Non-pivoting wheels of conventional vehicles do not allow significant sideward movement, which makes it necessary to uncouple and recouple the vehicles where it is necessary to move the load laterally.

To shorten the turning radius of conventional vehicles, articulated vehicles, such as those described in Hutt, U.S. Patent No. 4,249,629, and Domenighetti, U.S. Patent NO. 3,914,065 have been utilized. In other applications, a series of carts pulled by a main drive vehicle may be employed, such as the Fire Fighting and Rescue Apparatus described by P.F. Cummins, U.S. Patent No. 3,169,581. Although these articulated vehicles enable a series of harnessed vehicles to turn in a shorter radius, they do not solve the problem of the rear aligned vehicle's poorer traction as it travels in the same tracks left by the forward vehicles. The confined working space in underground mines also requires compactness in self loading hauler (SLH) vehicle designs. As a result, SLH vehicles tend to have a length slightly greater than a light hauling design vehicle, with a length greater than the combined width and height of the vehicle. The excessive length is tolerable in a majority of underground operations since the drifts (tunnels) are long in comparison and have a narrow width and low height. The excessive length of the SLH contributes to counter-balancing the oversized payloads. However, the narrow width complicates turning and side slope stability. This requires judicious design of the basic frame structure and the location of the components within it. Low height is not only desirable from

BSTITUTE SHEET an operating stand-point, but is also necessary in order to improve the stability of the SLH.

Applicant's invention ^"described below eliminates the pulling traction problems, while providing an efficient ergonomically designed SLH vehicle with a centrally located operator station. It has independent wheei drive and suspension which can move laterally, if desired, for greater mobility. Applicant's U-shaped frame multi-purpose vehicle can also nest with one another to enable a number of them to be aligned in a lesser space than conventional vehicles for pulling heavy objects. They also may be interconnected front to back in a formation which insures that the wheels of the trailing vehicles do not follow in the same tracks as the forward vehicles.

British Patent 1 ,203,338 incorporates a conveyor assembly running the length of the bed. It therefore is of a box-like shape rather than a U-shaped vehicle which can nest or interconnect for pulling and pushing articles. British Patent No. 1 ,059,656 uses a flexible articulated frame shown in Figure 5, which lifts and bends during lifting to scoop earth. British Patent No. 1 ,059,656 also incorporates a conveyor system into its bed for materials handling and movement. British Patent No. 1.059,656 materials handling vehicle is not capable of acting as a personnel carrier. Muotka et al, U.S. Patent No. 3,520,432 utilizes a box frame which requires a Blade 4 to rearwardly transport materials to the rear of the bed. Quenzi, U.S. Patent No. 4,505,638 is another example of a box frame, utilizing a horizontal pair of tracks along which its bucket travels. This loading movement of the bucket action differs from applicant's as described below. Cited for general interest is Cohen, U.S. Patent No. 4,065,825.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Summary of the Invention Applicant's invention comprises a multi-purpose vehicle having a U- shaped frame. The U-shaped frame has opposing sides with front ends connected to a front piece, and rear ends defining an open end. A plurality of wheels are independently suspended and rotatably attached with wheel mounts to the opposing sides. Various types of conventional pivot means may be attached to the wheel mounts to allow each pivot to independently turn in a desired direction for independent steering. Preferably, each wheel also has an independent drive motor associated with it to rotate said wheel in a forward or rearward direction, giving the vehicle wide directional steering latitude. A power source, such as a conventional combustion engine, operates the pivot means and independent drive means. Control means mounted to the frame are associated with the drive means and pivot means to selectively activate them to align and drive each wheel and the vehicle at the desired speed and direction. Preferably the drive motors are preset to run at their optimal efficiency points. A variable speed transmission, such as that described in assignee's co- pending application, Serial No. 742,997, entitled "Variable Speed Transmission", is then included in the drive train to provide the desired speed and torque to each wheel. For use in underground hauling, a digging system component is mounted within the U-shaped frame. The digging system component has a U-shaped open top bucket load chamber tiltably attached to the frame. The opposing sides of the bucket load chamber are attached to a bed. The rear chamber side ends are connected by a back piece to form an open topped U-shaped carrier having a frontal opening leading into an interior load carrying space of the chamber. Preferably, the chamber sides and back are sloped to aid in emptying loads from the bucket load chamber, when tilted.

A bucket loader is attached to the front sides of the bucket load chamber with means to transfer the contents of the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber. The bucket loader has a bottom and opposing sides defining an open topped scoop with open ends The forward open end of the bucket loader bottom is sharpened to dig and scoop earth, ore, and the like. In one preferred embodiment, the sides define a narrowing opening from front to back to concentrate materials scooped up by the front end of the bucket loader for discharge through its open rear end. Oscillation means may be included to provide low frequency oscillations to the bucket loader to assist the bucket loader in digging and scooping material.

To dump the bucket loading chamber, dumping means, such as dump cylinders with one end attached to the U-frame and the other end attached to the bottom of the bucket load chamber selectively raise and tilt the bucket load chamber to the dump position. In the first mode, the dumping means selectively lift and vertically tilt the bottom of the bucket ioad chamber to unload said chamber through the open end of the bucket loader. After emptying, the dumping means then lower the bucket load chamber for receipt of materials in the second mode. The bucket functions as an open tailgate when in the first mode. The bucket is then selectively lowered so that additional material may be carried in the bucket after the bucket load chamber is filled for hauling in the second mode.

Towards the rear of the U-frame, a cab is mounted to position the operator in view of the gully cleaning operations. The cab is sized to accommodate the operator, and includes at least one door opening for the operator to enter and exit the cab.

Wheel mounts are then attached to the sides of the drive frame.

Conventional pivot means, are associated with the wheel mounts to pivot and turn each wheel mount up to 25 degrees in a desired direction. A plurality of wheels are then independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts via conventional mounts.

Drive means, such as an internal combustion engine utilizing hydrostatic wheel drive, are mounted on top and towards the rear of the U-frame beneath the cab. The engine is operably associated with the wheels via a conventional transmission drive train to rotate the wheels forward or backward.

Control means-- i.e. a control panel mounted within the cab-are operably associated with the transmission to control the output from the drive means, and the speed of the wheels. The control panel also controls the pivot means to selectively align each wheel in the desired direction.

An auxiliary power source, such as a hydraulic system, is also controlled by the control panel to selectively operate the tilting means, and bucket loader.

The type of transfer means required to empty the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber is dependent upon the type of material typically

SUBSTITUTE SHEET encountered. For example, if loose material is being loaded, the preferred transfer means utilizes a bucket loader which is vertically lifted rearward and simultaneously tiited to empty the contents of the bucket into the bucket ioad chamber. This is accomplished by attaching guides to the rear exterior of the bucket loader. The guides are slideably mounted to run along arched tracks running along both front and top exterior sides of the bucket load chamber. The tracks are arched and aligned to travel upward and rearward. A drive piston has one end attached above the track and the other end attached to the bucket loader to force the bucket loader rearward when activated. As the bucket loader is forced rearward, it is simultaneously lifted in an arc, and the bottom of the bucket loader tilted as the guides travel along the tracks to transport and empty the contents of the bucket loader through its open rear end into the load chamber.

After the bucket load chamber is filled, the bucket loader is lowered and also filled to carry additional material. The operator then drives the loaded SLH vehicle to the dump site. At the dump site, the dumping means are activated by the control panel to raise and incline the bucket load chamber and bucket loader to empty their contents through the open front of the bucket loader.

Another preferred embodiment of transfer means for handling loose material has the bottom of the bucket loader hingedly attached to the front of the frame. After loading, the bucket loader is then pivoted and tilted with a drive piston to rearwardly transport and empty the contents of the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber. The loaded SLH vehicle is then driven to the dump site and emptied in the manner described above. Where large rocks and granular material are to be loaded, the transfer means preferably includes at least one drag arm to assist in emptying the bucket loader by dragging the large objects from the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber. These drag arms avoid the problems encountered with the first lift transfer means discussed above which would drop rocks, causing damage to the bed, or allow them to bounce out, endangering the operator. In one preferred embodiment, a wide drag arm with fingers runs the width of the bucket load chamber opening. The drag arm is pivotally associated with a pair of slides having first and second ends. The slides run along longitudinal parallel top grooves in the exterior sides of the bucket load chamber. A pair of hydraulic pistons each with one end secured to the first ends of slides and the other end

SUBSTITUTE SHEET secured to the rear top of the sides of the bucket load chamber selectively move said slides forward and rearward along the top grooves. The sides of the drag arm have rockers with one end bent as an L-shape and the other end including attachment means. The drag arm is pivotally mounted to the slides near the bend of the L to pivot upward and downward as the rockers are activated. in operation, the drag arm pivots up and down and is extended to cover the length of the bucket loader. To pull material, the arms and fingers are extended in the most forward position, and pivoted downward for the fingers to hook on and grab large boulders, or rocks. The drag arm is then forced rearward via the loading hydraulic pistons discussed below, dragging the boulders or rocks from the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber.

To move and position the drag arms, said arms are selectively adjusted with controls in the control panel which the operator varies to position the drag arms. The bucket loader may also be simultaneously partially raised and angled to provide gravity assistance in emptying the bucket loader.

In underground mining areas with contaminated air systems, the gully cleaning system vehicle may be operated by remote control. The SLH vehicle is adapted with revolving electronic viewing means, such as a remote control operated camera, capable of receiving and transmitting picture signals. Picture signals are then transmitted to the remote receiver viewing screen via a transmitter. A remote vehicle control system in communication with the control panel is then included to enable an operator to transmit signals to position and operate the vehicle from a distance.

To provide greater mobility and directional steering latitude, the SLH vehicle includes separate independent drive motors and steering means for each wheel. Either electrical or internal combustion engines drive motors may be utilized, depending upon fuel supply, availability, and cost.

Preferably the drive motors are preset to run at their optimal efficiency levels. A variable speed transmission, such as that described in assignee's co-pending variable speed transmission application above, is then included in each drive train to provide the desired speed and torque outputs to operate the drive wheels.

In another preferred embodiment, applicant's invention is articulated into two main components- a digging system component and a driving system component. The digging system component has a frame with front, back, and

SUBSTITUTE SHEET sides upon which a U-shaped open top bucket load chamber is tiltably attached to the frame. The opposing sides of the bucket load chamber are attached to a bed, and the rear side ends connected to a back piece to form the open topped U- shaped carrier having a frontal opening leading into an interior load carrying space. Preferably, the sides and back are sloped to aid in emptying loads from the bucket load chamber, when tiited.

Wheel mounts are attached to the opposing sides of the digging system frame. A plurality of wheels are then independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts. A bucket loader is similarly constructed and attached to the sides of the bucket load chamber with transfer means as described above to transfer the contents of the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber. The bucket load chamber is then unloaded via a dump cylinder as described above.

A three point connecting articulation system with hinged front and rear mounts has the front mount attached to the back of the digging system frame to connect the digging system component to the drive system component.

The drive system component preferably comprises a multi-purpose U- shaped drive vehicle similar to the one described above with, or without, the loading system mounted on top of the drive frame. A corresponding rear mount is attached to the front of the drive frame and interconnected with the front mount to provide articulated joinder of the digging system and the drive system. The front and rear mounts have three interconnecting hinges to provide added stability and prevent twisting. In one preferred embodiment, the front frame has both ends of the drive frame angled to accommodate the digging system frame and enable the articulated joint to bend more; thus providing a shorter turning radius.

In another drive system configuration, the drive system component comprises a drive frame with front, back, and sides. The corresponding rear mount is attached to the front of the drive frame and interconnected with the front mount to provide an articulated joint connecting the digging system and the drive system components. The front and rear mounts have three interconnecting hinges to provide added stability and prevent twisting. Preferably, the front frame has both ends of the drive frame angled to accommodate the digging system frame and enable the articulated joint to bend more; again, providing a shorter turning radius.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Towards the front of the drive frame, a cab is mounted to mid-position the operator for a better view of the gully cleaning operations. The cab is sized to accommodate the operator, and includes at least one door opening for the operator to enter and exit the cab. Similar wheel mounts are then attached to the sides of the drive frame with pivot means associated with the wheel mounts to pivot and turn each wheel mount up to 360 degrees in a desired direction. A plurality of wheels are then independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts as described above. An internal combustion engine utilizing hydrostatic wheel drive, is mounted on top and towards the rear of the drive frame. It is operably associated with the wheels via a conventional transmission drive train to rotate the wheels forward or backward.

A control panel is mounted within the cab to control the handling and loading and unloading of material in a similar manner to that described above.

Various combinations of digging system components and drive system components may be utilized as described below. As adapted, applicant's improved multi-purpose vehicle thus provides an ergonometricaliy improved vehicle particularly suited for underground mining, digging, and hauling operations.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of applicant's invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of two nested preferred embodiments of applicant's invention shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of three interlocked embodiments of applicant's invention shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of applicant's invention shown in Figure 1 adapted as a gully cleaning system vehicle.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of applicant's invention. Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of applicant's. Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is another side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6 showing its turning radius. Figure 10 is a front view of the bucket loader. Figure 11 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of applicant's invention. Figure 12 illustrates a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 11. Figure 13 illustrates another side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 11. Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of applicant's invention. Figure 15 illustrates a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 14. Figure 16 illustrates another side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 14. Figure 17 is another perspective view of a preferred embodiment of applicant's invention.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Description of the Illustrated Embodiments

Figure 1 illustrates the basic U-shaped multi-purpose vehicle of applicant's invention 10. The multi-purpose vehicle 10 comprises: a U- shaped frame 12 with opposing sides 14,16 with front ends 18 connected by a front piece 20. The rear ends 22 of the frame 12 define an open end 24. A plurality of wheels 26 are independently suspended and rotatably attached with pivoting wheel mounts (not shown) to the opposing sides 14,16 of the frame 12 to independently pivot and turn each wheel for independent steering. Each wheel also has independent drive motors (not shown) associated to independently drive said wheels in a forward or rearward direction. A variable speed transmission (not shown) is associated with the drive motors to provide the desired speed and torque outputs. A power source (not shown) operates the pivot means and independent drive means. A cab 28 mounted towards the front of the frame 12 has a control panel (not shown) to selectively activate the drive means and pivot means to drive the vehicle.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of two nested embodiments of applicant's invention 10 shown in Figure 1 to provide increased pulling capacity in a shorter span, and insuring that the wheels of the following vehicle do not travel in the same tracks as the leading vehicle. Figure 3 is a perspective view of three interlocked embodiments of applicant's invention 10 shown in Figure 1 , again providing increased pulling capacity in a shorter span, and insuring that the wheels of the following vehicle do not travel in the same tracks as the leading vehicle.

Figure 4 illustrates applicant's basic U-shaped multi-purpose vehicle 10 shown in Figure 1 adapted with a gully cleaning system 30. A U-shaped bucket load chamber 32 having opposing sides 34 attached to a bed 36 is tiltably attached to the drive frame 12. The rear bucket load chamber side ends 38 are connected by a back piece 40 to form the open topped U-shaped chamber 32 having a frontal opening leading into an interior load carrying space of the bucket load chamber 32 . Preferably, the chamber sides 34 and back piece 40 are sloped to aid in emptying loads from the bucket load chamber 32, when tiited.

A bucket loader 42 is attached to the sides 34 of the bucket load chamber

32 with transfer means to transfer the contents of the bucket loader 42 into the bucket load chamber 32. The bucket loader 42 has a bottom 44 and opposing

SUBSTITUTE SHEET sides 46 defining an open topped scoop with open ends The forward open end 48 of the bucket loader bottom 44 is sharpened to dig and scoop earth, ore, and the like. The sides 46 define a narrowing opening bucket loader from front to back to concentrate materials as they are scooped up and forced rearward by the front end 48 for discharge through the open rear end 50. Oscillation means (not shown) provide low frequency oscillations to the bucket loader 42 to assist the bucket loader 42 in digging and scooping material.

A drag arm 52 the width of the front end opening 50 of the bucket load chamber 32 is pivotally and slideably mounted along the top of the bucket load chamber 32 to assist in emptying the bucket loader 42 to drag large objects from the bucket loader 42 into the bucket load chamber 32. The drag arm 52 has fingers 54 which extend proximate the height of the bucket load chamber front end opening 50. The drag arm 52 is pivotally associated with a pair of slides 56 having first and second ends 58,60. The slides 56 run along longitudinal parallel top grooves 62 in the exterior sides 34 of the bucket load chamber 32. An hydraulic piston 64 is mounted on each slide 56, with one end secured to the second end 60 of slide 56 and the other end secured to a rocker 66 attached to the end of the drag arm 52. The drag arm 52 and fingers 54 are selectively tilted up and down by the operation of the hydraulic piston 64 . A second drive piston (shown in Figure 12) is mounted along the top of the sides 34 of the bucket load chamber 32 to selectively move the slides 56 forward and rearward along the top grooves 62.

To move and position the drag arm 52, the pistons 64 are selectively activated by the control panel in the cab 28. The bucket loader 42, may also be simultaneously partially raised and angled to provide gravity assistance in emptying the bucket loader 42.

To dump the bucket loading chamber 32, a dump cylinder (shown in Figure 13) with one end attached to the U-frame 16 and the other end attached to the bottom of the bucket load chamber bed 36 selectively raises and tilts the bucket load chamber 32 to the dump position. In the first mode, the dumping cylinder selectively lifts and vertically tilts the bottom of the bucket load chamber 32 to unload said chamber through the open front end 48 of the bucket loader 42. After emptying, the dump cylinder then lowers the bucket load chamber 32 for filling.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Figure 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an articulated self loading hauler system vehicle 10. The self loading hauler vehicle 10 has two main components joined together- a digging system component 66A joined with a 3 -point articulation system 62B to a driving system component 66C. The driving system component 66C comprises applicant's U-frame multi¬ purpose vehicle connected with a 3-point articulation system 66B to a digging system component 66A described below.

Figure 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment of an articulated self loading hauler system vehicle 10 utilizing a conventional driving system component 66C. The digging system component 66A has a digging frame 68 with front 70, back 72, and sides 74. A U-shaped open top bucket load chamber 76 is tiltably attached to the digging frame 68, via a dumping system described below and shown in Figure 8. The opposing sides 74 of the bucket toad chamber 76 are attached to a bed 78. The rear side ends 80 are connected by a back piece 82 to form an open topped U-shaped carrier having a frontal opening leading into the interior load carrying space of the bucket load chamber 76. Preferably, the sides 74 and back piece 82 are sloped as shown in Figure 10 to aid in emptying loads.

Wheel mounts (not shown) are attached to the opposing sides 74 of the digging frame 68. A plurality of wheels 84 are then independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts.

As shown in Figure 7, a bucket loader 86 is liftably associated with the sides 76 of the bucket load chamber 76 with guides 88 shown in Figure 6 attached to the exterior of the bucket loader 86 to vertically lift rearward and simultaneously tilt the bucket loader 86 to empty its contents into the bucket load chamber 76. This is accomplished by attaching guides 88 to the rear exterior of the bucket loader 86. The guides 88 are slideably mounted to run along arched tracks 90 running along both front and top exterior sides 74 of the bucket load chamber 76. The tracks 90, shown in greater detail in Figure 8, are arched and aligned to travel upward and rearward. Dual drive pistons 92 have one end attached to each front of the bucket load chamber 76 above the tracks 90 and the other end attached to the sides of the bucket loader 86 to force and lift the bucket loader 86 rearward in an arc when activated. The bucket loader bottom 78 is simultaneously tilted as the guides 88 travel along the

SUBSTITUTE SHEET tracks 90 to transport and empty the contents of the bucket loader 86 through its open rear end into the load chamber 76.

To dump the bucket load chamber 76, a dump cylinder 93, shown in Figure 8,. with one end attached to the digging frame 68 and the other end attached to the bottom of the bucket load chamber 76, selectively raises and tilts the bucket load chamber 76 for dumping. After emptying, the dump cylinder 92 then lowers the bucket load chamber 76 to the load position to receive materials.

The three point connecting articulation system 66B with hinged front and rear mounts 94,96 has the front mount 94 attached to the back of the digging system frame 68 to connect the digging system 66A to the drive system 66C.

The drive system 66C has a drive frame 98 with front 100, back 102, and sides 104. The corresponding rear mount 96 is attached to the front 100 of the drive frame 98 and interconnected with the front mount 94 to articulately join the digging system 66A with the drive system 66C. The front and rear mounts 94,96 have three interconnecting hinges to provide added stability and prevent twisting. The front of the drive frame 98 has both ends angled to accommodate the digging system frame 68 and enable the articulated joint 66B to bend more; thus providing a shorter turning radius.

Towards the front of the drive frame 98 is a cab 106 to mid-position an operator for centralized control of the gully cleaning operations. The cab 106 is sized to accommodate the operator, and has a door opening 108 for the operator to enter and exit the cab 106. A remote control camera 107 to transmit picture signals for remote operation of the vehicle is mounted behind the cab 106.

Similar pivoting wheel mounts 109 as discussed above shown in Figure 17 are attached to the sides of the drive frame 98. Wheels 110 are then independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts 109. An internal combustion engine power source 111 utilizing hydrostatic wheel drive 114 separately drives the wheels via a wheel motor 115.

Control means such as a control panel 112 in the cab is operably associated with the transmission, engine 111 , and wheel pivot means to control and drive the vehicle via a wheel end drive unit 114. A remote control camera

SUBSTITUTE SHEET 116 sending signals to a remote control panel 113 may be included where underground gases are a threat to the operator.

An hydraulic system (not shown), is associated with the hydraulic pistons and also controlled by the control panel 112 to selectively operate the bucket loader 86 and bucket ioad chamber 76.

Figure 9 is a top view of the vehicle 10 showing the turning radius. Figure 10 is a front view of the bucket loader 44 showing how the sides 46 are structured to narrow its rear opening to concentrate and rearwardly force materials to aid in loading the bucket load chamber 32. Figure 11 illustrates another preferred embodiment of an articulated self loading hauler system vehicle 10 utilizing drag arms 52 similar to those described above and shown in Figure 4. A bucket oscillation device (not shown) vibrates the bucket loader 44 to further assist in loading the bucket loader 44. Figure 12 is a side view of the Figure 1 articulated self loading hauler system vehicle showing the manner in which the drag arms 44 are moved forward and backward to assist in loading.

Figure 13 is a side view of the Figure 11 articulated self loading hauler system vehicle showing the manner in which the load bucket chamber 32 is emptied.

Figure 14 illustrates another preferred embodiment of an articulated self loading hauler system vehicle 10 utilizing a hinged bucket loader 44 similar to that shown in Figure 4. The bucket loader 44 is hingedly attached to the sides 34 of the bucket toad chamber 32. The bucket loader 44 is emptied by pivoting and tilting the bucket loader 44 rearward as shown in Figure 15. The loaded bucket load chamber 32 is then dumped utilizing dumping cylinders 92, as shown in Figure 16.

The length of the self loading hauler system vehicle 10 is longer than its combined width and height. This enables the vehicle 10 to worked in confined working spaces in underground mines. Included in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 12,13, 15, and 16 are preferred dimensions of the various vehicle configurations.

Although this specification has made reference to the specific embodiments, it is not intended to restrict the scope of the appended claims. The claims themselves recite those features deemed essential to the invention.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims

CLAIMS l claim:

1. A multi-purpose vehicle comprising: a. a U-shaped frame having opposing sides and rear ends connected by a back piece, and front ends defining an open interior space in communication with an open front end, b. wheel mounts capable of pivoting attached to the opposing sides, c. a plurality of wheels independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts, d. pivot means associated with the wheel mounts to pivot and turn each wheel in a desired direction, e. independent drive means associated with each wheel to rotate said wheels forward and backward, f. a power source operably associated with the pivot means and independent drive means, and g. control means mounted to the frame and associated with the drive means, pivot means, and power source to selectively activate the drive means and pivot means to align and drive each wheel at the desired speed and direction.

2. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 1 , including a cab attached to the front piece of the frame, sized to accommodate an operator and the control means, and having at least one door through which an operator may enter and exit the cab, and at least one window through which the operator may view the environs surrounding the vehicle.

3. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 1 , including: rotatably mounted electronic viewing means capable of receiving and transmitting picture signals attached to the frame and in electrical contact with a remote receiving viewing screen, and a remote control in communication with the control means to enable an operator to position the vehicle in the desired position.

4. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claims 1 , 2, or 3, wherein the drive means and power source comprise at least one internal combustion engine having a fuel supply operably associated with each wheel.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

5. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claims 1,2, or 3, wherein the drive means and power source comprise at least one electric motor having an electricity supply operably associated with each wheel.

6. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 1 , including coupling means attached to the second ends of the U-frame for pulling articles.

7. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 1 , including a carrying bed mounted within the interior space of the U-frame.

8. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 1 , including a passenger cabin mounted on the carrying bed having entry and exit means leading into an interior space sized and structured for carrying passengers.

9. A multi-purpose vehicle pulling and carrying system comprising: a plurality of multi-purpose vehicles comprising: a. a U-shaped frame having opposing sides and rear ends connected by a back piece, and front ends defining an open interior space in communication with an open front end , b. wheel mounts capable of pivoting attached to the opposing sides, c. a plurality of wheels independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts, d. pivot means associated with the wheel mounts to pivot and turn each wheel in a desired direction, e. independent drive means associated with each wheel to rotate said wheels forward and backward, f. a power source to operate the pivot means and independent drive means, and g. control means mounted to the frame and associated with the drive means, and pivot means to selectively activate the drive means and pivot means to align and drive each wheel at the desired speed and direction; with their U-shaped frames interconnected for pulling and carrying articles.

10. A multi-purpose vehicle pulling and carrying system according to Claim 9, wherein the vehicles are progressively sized and structured to allow the smaller U-shaped vehicle to nest within the space defined by the U-shaped frame of the larger U-shaped vehicle.

11. A multi-purpose vehicle pulling and carrying system according to Claim 9, wherein the vehicles are interconnected such that their respective

SUBSTITUTE SHEET rear ends of the U-shaped frame are inserted within the respective interior spaces of a corresponding U-shaped vehicle.

12. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 1 , Including: i. an open top bucket load chamber tiltably mounted within the U- shaped frame, having opposing sides attached to a bed, with rear side ends connected by a back piece, and front side ends defining an opening leading into an interior load carrying space of the chamber, ii. a bucket loader having a bottom and sides defining an open top scoop with open ends, the forward open end of the bottom sharpened to dig and scoop earth, ore, and the like into said bucket loader, iii. transfer means to transfer the contents of the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber, and iv. dumping means operably associated with the frame and bucket load chamber to selectively lift and tilt the bottom of the bucket load chamber to unload the contents of said chamber through the open end of the bucket load chamber in one mode, and to lower and ready the bucket load chamber for receipt of materials in the other mode.

13. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 12, wherein the transfer means comprises: i. a pair of arched aligned parallel tracks attached to the exterior of each side of the bucket load chamber which travel upward and rearward running along the bucket load chamber opening and top, ii. guides attached to the rear exterior sides of the bucket loader proximate the bucket load chamber, and slideably mounted to run along the parallel tracks, and iii. a pair of drive pistons associated with each guide to force the guides along the track carrying the bucket loader upward and rearward along the track, when activated, and simultaneously lifting and tilting the bottom of the bucket loader rearwardly in an arc to empty the contents of the bucket loader through its open rear end into the load chamber.

14. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 12 , wherein the transfer means comprises:

STTΠ ' Ξ SHEET i. mounts having first and second ends slideably mounted within longitudinal grooves along the top sides of the load chamber, ii. hydraulic pistons associated with each mount to selectively move said mounts forward and rearward along the longitudinal grooves, iii. at least one drag arm with attachment means pivotally attached to the mounts, having fingers structured, when downwardly pivoted, to drag earth, ore, rocks, and the like, iv. second hydraulic pistons with one end attached to the mounts, and the other end attached to the drag arm attachment means to pivot said drag arms upward and downward in response to the extension and contraction of the second hydraulic pistons, and v. control means to selectively pivot, extend, and rearwardly pull the drag arms to drag dirt, ore, rocks, and the like from the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber.

15. A multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 12, wherein the transfer means comprises: i. hingedly attaching the bottom of the bucket loader to the front of the frame to pivot and tilt rearward the bottom of the bucket loader to transport and empty its contents into the bucket load chamber, and ii. tilting means attached to the bucket loader to tilt the bucket loader rearward for unloading in one mode, and to return the bucket loader for loading in the second mode.

16. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle comprising: i. a driving system component having: a. a U-shaped frame having opposing sides and rear ends connected by a back piece, and front ends defining an open interior space in communication with an open front end , b. wheel mounts capable of pivoting attached to the opposing sides, c_ a plurality of wheel independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts, d. pivot means associated with the wheel mounts to pivot and turn each wheel in a desired direction, e. independent drive means associated with each wheel to rotate said wheels forward and backward,

SUBSTITUTE PMCCJ f. a power source to operate the pivot means and independent drive means, g. control means mounted to the frame and associated with the drive means, and pivot means to selectively activate the drive means and pivot means to align and drive each wheel at the desired speed and direction, h. a cab attached to the front piece sized to accommodate an operator, enclose the control means, and having a door through which the operator may enter and exit the cab, and at least one window through which the operator may view the environs surrounding the vehicle, ii. an articulated joint attached to the frame of the driving component; and iii. a digging system component having: a. a digging frame with front, back, and opposing sides, b. a corresponding articulated joint attached to the back of the digging frame and operably associated with the articulated joint to connect the driving component with the digging component; c. an open top bucket load chamber tiltably mounted to the frame, having opposing sides attached to a bed, with rear side ends connected by a back piece, and front side ends defining an opening leading into an interior load carrying space of the chamber, d. wheel mounts attached to the opposing sides, e. a plurality of wheels independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts, f. a bucket loader having a bottom and sides defining an open top scoop with open ends, the forward open end of the bottom sharpened to dig and scoop earth, ore, and the like into said bucket loader, g. transfer means to transfer the contents of the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber, h. dumping means operably associated with the frame and bucket load chamber to selectively lift and tilt the bottom of the bucket load chamber to unload the contents of said chamber through the open end of the bucket loader in one mode, and to lower and ready the bucket load chamber for receipt of materials in the other mode, and

sv^R-rrruTB SHEET i. secondary power means operably associated with the control panel and dumping and transfer means to enable the operator to selectively load and unload the bucket loader.

17. An articulated muiti-purpose vehicle according to Claim 16 wherein the transfer means comprise: i. a pair of arched aligned parallel tracks running along the exterior of each side of the bucket load chamber which travel upward and rearward running upward along the bucket load chamber opening and top, ii. guides attached to the rear exterior sides of the bucket loader proximate the bucket ioad chamber, and slideably mounted to run along the parallel tracks, iii. a pair of drive pistons associated with each guide to force the guides along the tracks carrying the bucket loader upward and rearward along the tracks, when activated, and simultaneously lifting and tilting the bottom of the bucket loader rearwardly in an arc to empty the contents of the bucket loader through its open rear end into the load chamber.

18. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 16 wherein the transfer means comprise: i. mounts having first and second ends slideably mounted within longitudinal grooves along the top sides of the load chamber, ii. hydraulic pistons associated with each mount to selectively move said mounts forward and rearward along the longitudinal grooves, iii. at least one drag arm with attachment means pivotally attached to the mounts, having fingers structured, when downwardly pivoted, to drag earth, ore, rocks, and the like, iv. second hydraulic pistons with one end attached to the mounts, and the other end attached to the drag arm attachment means to pivot said drag arms upward and downward in response to the extension and contraction of the second hydraulic pistons, and v. control means to selectively pivot, extend, and rearwardly pull the drag arms to drag dirt, ore, rocks, and the like from the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber.

19. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 16 wherein the transfer means comprise:

SUBSTITUTE SHEET i. hingedly attaching the bottom of the bucket loader to the front of the frame to pivot and tilt rearward the bottom of the bucket loader to transport and empty its contents into the bucket load chamber, and ii. tilting means attached to the bucket loader to tilt the bucket loader rearward for unloading in one mode, and to return the bucket loader for loading in the second mode.

20. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle for digging, hauling, and the like comprising: a. a digging system component having i. a digging frame with front, back, and opposing sides, ii. an open top bucket load chamber tiltably mounted to the frame, having opposing sides attached to a bed, with rear side ends connected by a back piece, and front ends defining an opening leading into an interior load carrying space of the chamber, iii. wheel mounts attached to the opposing sides, iv. a plurality of wheels independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts, v. a bucket loader having a bottom and sides defining an open top scoop with open ends, the forward open end of the bottom sharpened to dig and scoop earth, ore, and the like into said bucket loader, vi. transfer means to transfer the contents of the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber, vii. dumping means operably associated with the frame and bucket load chamber to selectively lift and tilt the bottom of the bucket load chamber to unload the contents of said chamber through the open end of the bucket loader in one mode, and to lower and ready the bucket load chamber for receipt of materials in the other mode, and viii. a three point connecting articulation system having a first joint attached to the back of the digging frame; and b. a drive system component having i. a frame with front, back, and sides, ii. a cab mounted near the front of the frame, said cab sized to accommodate an operator, with at least one door opening for the operator to enter and exit the cab,

SUBSTITUTE SHEET iii. wheel mounts attached to the sides of the frame, iv. pivot means associated with the wheel mounts to pivot and turn each wheel mount in a desired direction, v. a plurality of wheels independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts, vi. an engine mounted toward the rear of the frame and operably associated with the wheels to rotate said wheels forward or backward, vii. control means mounted within the cab and operably associated with the drive means, and pivot means to selectively activate the drive means and pivot means to align and drive each wheel at the desired speed and direction, viii. a power source to selectively operate the pivot means, control means, tilting means, and bucket loader of the gully cleaning system vehicle, and ix. a corresponding articulation joint associated with the first articulation joint to articulately connect the loading system component to the driving system component.

21. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 20, wherein the transfer means to empty the bucket loader, comprises: i. lugs attached to the exterior of the sides of the bucket loader and slideably mounted within parallel arched grooved tracks in the sides of the bucket load chamber which travel upward and rearward along the bucket load chamber opening and top to rearwardly transport and tilt the bucket loader to empty its contents through the rear of the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber as the lugs move along the grooved tracks, and ii. lifting means operably associated with the bucket loader to move the bucket loader along the grooved tracks to tilt and empty the bucket loader.

22. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 20, wherein the transfer means to empty the bucket loader comprises: hingedly attaching the bottom of the bucket loader to the front of the frame to pivotally tilt the bucket loader bottom to rearwardly transport and empty its contents into the bucket load chamber.

SUBST.TUTE SHEET

23. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle according to Claim 20, wherein the transfer means to empty the bucket loader comprises: i. mounts having first and second ends slideably mounted within longitudinal top grooves along the tops sides of the ioad chamber, ii. hydraulic pistons associated with the mounts to selectively move said mounts forward and rearward along the top grooves, iii. at least one drag arm with attachment means attached to the mounts to pivot as a lever, and the other end structured as a hooked drag when downwardly pivoted to drag earth or the like, iv. second hydraulic pistons with one end attached to the mounts, and the other end attached to the drag arm attachment means to pivot the drag arms upward and downward in response to the extension and contraction of the second hydraulic pistons, and v. control means to selectively pivot, extend and rearwardly pull the drag arms to drag ore, rocks, and the like from the bucket loader into the bucket load chamber.

24. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle according to Claims 20, 21 , 22, or 23 wherein the drive means comprises hydrostatic wheel drive.

25. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle according to Claims 20, 21 , 22, or 23 wherein the length of the vehicle is longer that its combined width and height.

26. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle according to Claims 20, 21 , 22, or 23 wherein the dumping means comprises a dump cylinder with one end attached to the digging frame and the other end attached to the bottom of the bucket load chamber to selectively raise and tilt the bucket load chamber to the dump position with the bucket functioning as an open tailgate when in the dump mode, and to selectively lower and level the bucket load chamber to the load position with the bucket loader functioning as s hauler, when positioned in the loading mode.

27. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle according to Claims 20, 21 ,

22, or 23 including: rotatably mounted electronic viewing means capable of receiving and transmitting picture signals attached to the drive frame, and in electrical contact with a remote receiving viewing screen; and, a remote control in communication with the control means to enable an operator to position and operate the vehicle from a remote position.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

28. An articulated multi-purpose vehicle according to Claims 20, 21 , 22, or 23, wherein the drive means and power source comprise at least one internal combustion engine having a fuel supply associated with each wheel.

29. An articulated muiti-purpose vehicle according to Claims 20, 21 , 22, or 23 wherein the drive means and power source comprise at least one electric motor having an electric power source associated with each wheel.

30. An articulated muiti-purpose vehicle according to Claims 20, 21, 22, or 23, wherein the wheels are independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts, and including independent drive means associated with each drive wheel to rotate said wheels forward or backward.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET