GB2481405A

GB2481405A - Vibration reducing handle mount for a working machine

Info

Publication number: GB2481405A
Application number: GB201010449A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Goodwin
Original assignee: JC Bamford Excavators Ltd
Current assignee: JC Bamford Excavators Ltd
Priority date: 2010-06-22
Filing date: 2010-06-22
Publication date: 2011-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2030-06-22
Also published as: GB2481405B; GB201010449D0

Abstract

A working machine (10) includes a body (11), a vibrating structure (14) mounted by the body, a prime mover (13) mounted by the body structure (11), the vibrating structure is vibrated relative to the body, a handle structure (15) and a mounting structure (20) to mount the handle structure on the body towards the rear of the body, the mounting (20) including a mounting part (28), an elastomeric anti-vibration member (30, fig 4A), and a support part (36), the mounting part (28) being fixed to the body structure, the elastomeric anti-vibration member being secured at one axial end to the mounting part (28) extending axially transversely of the mounting part, the support part (36, fig 5) is secured to an opposite axial end of the elastomeric anti-vibration member and extends rearwardly, the support part provides a pivotal connection (44) to the handle (15) at a position spaced rearwardly of the support from the elastomeric anti-vibration member, the handle structure being pivotal so that a part (50) of the handle structure can bear on the elastomeric anti-vibration member. In a second invention a specific handle configuration is provided.

Description

Title: Working Machine

Description of Invention

This invention relates to a working machine and more particularly to a working machine which includes a vibrating structure mounted by a cody structure, and a handle structure by means of which an operator controls motion of the machine.

It is known that working machines which have vibrating structures such as vibrating base plates in the case of ground compacting machines can cause damage to an operators hands if there is a transmission path for vibrations from the vibrating strudture to the handle which is held in use by the operator.

Various proposals have been put forward to interrupt this transmission path for vibrations.

In GB-A-241 0284 for example there is disclosed a compacting apparatus with a proposal for mounting a pair of brackets relative to a frame of the apparatus, each by a pair of rubber bushings The brackets each provide for pivotal mounting for an end of the inverted U-shaped handle, but each pivotal mounting includes rubber bushings interposed between an outer part of the pivotal mounting provided by the handle and an inner part of the pivotal mounting provided by the bracket.

For any handle mounting for a working machine of this kind, there is a requirement on the one part for effective isolation of the operator's hand or hands from vibrations, but on another part, to provide the operator with a positive "feel" of the machine as the operator controls the machine's motion.

The more vibration isolation that is provided, the less positive is the "feet" of the machine as the operator controls the motion of the machine.

According to one aspect of the invention we provide a working machine which includes a body structure having a forward end and a rearward end, a vibrating structure mounted by the tody structure, a prime mover mounted by the body structure, and a transmission coupling the vibrating structure and the prime mover so that the vibrating structure is in use, vibrated relative to the body structure, a handle structure and a mounting structure to mount the handle structure on the body structure at or towards the rearward end of the body structure, the mounting structure including a mounting part, an elastomeric anti-vibration member, and a support part, the mounting part being fixed to or integral with the body structure, the elastomeric anti-vibration member being secured at one axial end to the mounting part so as to extend axially transversely of the mounting part, and the support part being secured to an opposite axial end of the elastomeric anti-vibration member and extending rearwardly, and the support part providing for a pivotal connection to the handle structure at a position spaced rearwardly of the support part from the elastomeric anti-vibration member, the handle structure being pivotal relative to the support part between a first operative condition in which the handle structure is free to pivot relative to the support part and second operative condition in which a part of the handle structure bears on the elastomeric anti-vibration member.

In use of the machine, when the operator is required to guide the machine, with the handle structure in the first operative condition, the handle structure is thus effectively isolated from direct transmission of vibrations from the body structure by the elastomeric anti-vibration member, which provides the sole (damped) vibration transmission path and thus there is maximum protection for the operator's hand or hands against vibrations. However when the operator desires to manoeuvre the machine, when the operator requires more positive "feel" of the machine, by moving the handle structure to the second operative condition, the rigidity of the handle structure mounting is increased, although the elastomeric anti-vibration member may still provide the sole (damped) vibration transmission path between the body structure and the handle structure.

Where the machine is a ground compactor in which the vibrating structure is mounted beneath the body structure in contact with the ground, the transmission between the prime mover and the vibrating structure may vibrate the vibrating structure such that the machine tends to move over the ground in a generally forwards direction. The handle structure may be moved by the operator to the first operative position when the operator needs only to guide the machine during working operations, generally forwards.

If it is desired to manoeuvre the machine, for example to guide the machine to move sideways, the handle structure may be moved to the second operative condition to give the operator more positive "feel".

The handle structure may include an elongate limb and the pivotal connection to the support part may be located along the elongate limb such that when the handle structure is moved to its second operative condition, the part of the limb which engages the elastomeric anti-vibration member, engaging the member at a position between the pivotal connection and a lower end of the limb. Thus in the second operative condition the limb may extend rearwardly from the pivotal connection such that the engagement between the part of the limb and the elastomeric anti-vibration member is generally at an underside location of the elastomeric anti-vibration member.

If desired, the handle structure may include a counterweight to increase the moment of inertia of the handle structure thus yet more effectively to damp vibrations which may be transmitted to the handle structure from the body structure. The counterweight may be provided at or adjacent to the lower end of the limb. Thus by displacing the counterweight from the pivotal connection, the pivotal connection provides a fulcrum about which the counterweight acts.

The support part may include a U-shaped formation at an end remote from where the elastomeric anti-vibration member is secured, one limb of the U moUntTng one end of a pivot pin on which the handle structure is pivoted and the other limb of the U mounting a second end of the pivot pin The mounting part may extend from where the elastomeric anti-vibration member is secured, rearwardly alongside but spaced from the support part, to between the two limbs of the U-shaped formation of the support part, the mounting part having a recess larger than the pivot pin through which the pivot pin freely passes at least when the handle structure is in the first operative position. Thus the sole path for (damped) vibration will still be through the elastomeric anti-vibration member.

However the recess in the mounting part may be sized so that when the handle structure is in the second operative position and sufficient force is applied to the handle, for example in the case of a compactor, if the operator tips the machine to raise a forward end of the machine off the ground, the support part which provides the pivotal connection to the handle structure may move sufficiently, as permitted by the elastometic anti-vibration member, that the pivot pin engages with a periphery of the recess to add yet more positive "feel" during manoeuvres. When the pivot pin is in engagement with the periphery of the recess this will of course provide a path for un-damped vibrations from the body structure to the handle structure thus encouraging an operator only to apply such force to the handle to achieve this for short periods of time As soon as such force is released, the elastomeric anti-vibration member will by virtue of its resilience return the support part to a position in which the pivot pin is out of engagement with the periphery of the recess in the mounting part.

The elastomeric anti-vibration member is preferably of the kind which includes S a mass of elastomeric material, there being an attachment at each axial end, such as a nut or bolt, each attachment being secured directly to the respective axial end and/or being partially embedded in the elastomeric material The handle structure preferably includes a pair of elongate limbs each of which is mounted on the body structure by a respective mounting structure as hereinbefore described, and the pair of elongate limbs being interconnected with a cross member which in use, an operator would grasp Desirably the pair of elongate limbs and the cross member are provided integrally by an inverted generally U-shaped member.

The handle structure may be pivotal to a third, stowed, condition, in:which the or each elongate limb extends generally forwardly of the machine from the pivotal connection The handle structure may include a stop to restrict forward pivoting of the handle structure For example the or each elongate limb may carry a stop which engages with the support part to restrict forward pivoting of the handle structure.

The or each elongate limb of the handle structure may have a lower region where the limb is pivotally connected to the support part, and an upper region The lower and upper regions may subtend an angle between them of between a 100° and 140°, and preferably about 120°. Desirably when the handle structure is in its first operative position the upper region of the or each elongate limb is generally vertical i.e. extends at between 70° and 1100 relative to the (level) ground. When the handle structure is moved to its second operative condition, the upper region of the or each limb extends rearwardly of the body structure at a more acute angle relative to the ground, for example at between 60° and 80° When the handle structure is in the third stowed condition, preferably the upper region extends heightwise over the body structure. ln this way the overall height of the machine when the handle structure is stowed may be minimised to facilitate transport of the machine, for example in the back of an estate car (station wagon).

As mentioned above the invention may particularly be applied where the machine is a ground compactor in which the vibrating structure is mounted beneath the body structure in contact with the ground, the transmission between the prime mover and the vibrating structure vibrating the vibrating structure such that the machine tends to move over the ground in a generally forwards direction.

Desirably the or each pivotal connection of the handle structure to the support part, is located vertically above the ground above kerb height, i.e. above about 80mm and more preferably above about 120mm, from where the vibrating structure engages the ground. Preferably the or each pivotal connection is below the height of the centre of gravity of the machine.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a working machine for compacting the ground which includes a body structure having a forward end and a rearward end, a vibrating structure mounted by and beneath the body structure, a prime mover mounted by the body structure, and a transmission coupling the vibrating structure and the prime mover so that the vibrating structure is in use, vibrated relative to the body structure, a handle structure and a mounting structure pivotally to mount the handle structure on the body structure at or towards the rearward end of the body structure, the handle structure including an elongate limb with a lower region where the limb is pivotally connected via the mounting structure to the body structure, and an upper region, the lower and upper regions subtending an obtuse angle between them, the handle structure being pivotal from an operative condition in which the lower region of the limb extends rearwardly of the body structure and the upper region of the limb extends upwards at an angle of between 700 and 1100 relative to the ground, and a stowed condition in which the upper and lower regions of the limb extend forwardly from the pivotal connection with the upper region extending heightwise over the body structure.

The machine of the second aspect of the invention may have any of the features of the machine of the first aspect of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIGURE 1 is a first illustrative side view of a machine in accordance with the invention with a handle structure thereof in an operative condition; FIGURE 2 is a view similar to figure 1 but showing the handle structure in a stowed condition; FIGURE 3 is a perspective illustrative view from the rear and side part of the machine of figures 1 and 2; FIGURE 4 is an illustrative enlarged view of pad of the machine of the previous figures; FIGURE 4A is a purely illustrative side view of part of the handle structure and mounting structure, when the handle structure is in its second operative condition; FIGURE 5 is an alternative further enlarged illustrative view of part of the machine of figures 1 to 3.

Referring to the drawings there is shown a working machine 10 which in the present example is a ground compactor which has a body structure 11 which mounts a prime mover such as an engine 13, which provides drive to a vibrating structure 14 via a transmission 12. In the present example, the vibrating structure 14 is a base plate which in use is in contact with the ground and is vibrated via the transmission 12 to compact the ground, in a manner S such that the machine 10 tends to move over the ground in a generally forwards direction indicated by arrow A. The invention may however be applied to other working machines which have a vibrating structure for performing working operations such as, for examples only, floor polishing and floor sanding machines, In each case, although the pnme mover 13 and vibrating structure 14 may be mounted to the body structure 11 by anti-vibration mountings, vibrations will arise in the body structure 11 which may be transmitted to a handle structure 15. An operator holding the handle structure 15 thus is subjected to the vibrations and this can result in damage to an operator's hand or hands, particularly after prolonged exposure to vibration.

The piesent invention provides a mounting structure 20 for mounting the handle structure 15 on the body structure 11 which reduces the transmission of vibrations from the body structure ii to the handle structure 15.

The mounting structure 20 is provided to mount the handle structure 15 at or towards a rearward end 22 of the body structure 11. The handle structure 15 in this example is a generally U-shaped member as will be descnbed in more detail below, the construction including a pair of elongate limbs 24, 25 each of which is mounted by a respective mounting structure 20 to the body structure 11. Apart from being oppositely handed, the mounting structures 20 for each of the elongate limbs 24, 25 are identical and so only one of the mounting structures 20 will be described in detail.

Each mounting structure 20 includes a mounting part 28 fixed to or integral with the body structure 11 and thus subject to the same vibrations as those which occur in the body structure 11 In the example, the mounting part 28 is a plate which is welded to the body structure 11 and extends rearwardly of the body structure 11 hut the mounting part 28 could be otherwise fixed to or integral with the body structure 11 The mounting structure 20 further includes an elastomeric anti-vibration member 30. in the example the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30 is a generally cylindncal bbck of elastomenc matenal, such as a natural or synthetic rubber, and at one axial end of the member 30 there is provided a fixing which in the example is a bolt 31 which is partially embedded within the elastomeric material and projects from the elastomeric material The bolt 31 passes through an opening in the mounting part 28 and the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30 is secured to the mounting part 28 by a nut 32 received on the bolt 31.

At the opposite axial end of the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30, there is provided a fixing which in the example is a female threaded insert embedded within the elastomenc matenal, which in use receives a threaded shank of a bolt 34 to enable the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30 to be secured at its opposite axial end to that at which the bolt 3i is provided, to a support part 36 of the mounting 20.

The support part 36 is thus mounted to the mounting part 28 through the cantilever of the elastomeric anti-vibraflon member 30 with the elastomeriq anti-vibratIon member 30 extending axially transversely of each of the mounting part 28 and support part 36 The support part 36 extends rearwardly, generally alongside the mounting part 28 although the support part 36 in the example includes a generally U-shaped formation 40 which is integral with the remainder of the support part 36. The U-shaped formation 40 is atthe end of the support part 36 remote from where the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30 is secured, one limb 40a of the Ushaped formation 40 receiving one end 42 of a pivot pin 44 whilst the other limb 40b of the U-shaped formation 40 receives the opposite end of the pivot pin 44. The pivot pin 44 provides pivotal connection to the respective elongate limb 24, 25 of the handle structure 15. In figure 4 the limb 40b and part of the pivot pin 44 are omitted for clarity.

To achieve the pivotal connection, each elongate limb 24, 25 of the handle structure carries a mounting 40c (best seen in figure 4) which provides an opening to receive pivot pin 44. The mounting 40c also provides a stop formation 40d as will be described below.

By virtue of the pivotal connection afforded by the support part 36 and pivot pin 44, the handle structure 15 may be pivoted relative to the mounting structure between an operative condition as indicated in figure 1, and a stowed condition as indicated in figure 2. The pivotal connection to the handle structure 15 is provided therefore at positions spaced rearwardly on the support part 36 from the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30. When the handle structure 15 is in the first operative position shown in figure 1 (and in figure 3) the handle structure 15 is free to pivot about the pivot pin 44 in both senses of directionS The handle structure 15 may though be pivoted to an alternative second operative condition in which a part 50 of the handle structure 15 bears on the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30.

Referring particularly to figure 5, it can be seen that as the handle structure 15 is moved downwardly, a part 50 of the elongate limb 24 of the handle structure between the pivotal connection afforded by the support part 36 and pivot pin 44, and a free end of the elongate limb 24, 25, will bear on an underside of the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30.

In use of the machine 10, when the operator desires to guide the machine 10, whilst permitting the machine 10 to move forwardly under the action of the vibrating structure 14, the handle structure 15 may be positioned In its first operative position Indicated in figures 1 and 3. When hi this condition, the handle structure 15 Is effectively isolated from direct transmission of vibrations from the body structure 13 by the elastorneric anti-vibration members 30 whIch provide the sole vibration transmission path from the body structure 13 to the handle structure 15, the elastomeric material each damping the vibrations by virtue of its resilient construction. Thus when the handle structure 15 is In its first operative position indicated In figures 1 and 3, there Is mSmurn protection 1kw an operator's hand or hands against vibrations.

When the handle structure 15 Is moved to Its second operative position, as suggested in figures. by virtue of the parts 50 of the elongate limbs 24,25 beating on an underside of the respective elastomeric anti-vibration member 30, the rigidity of the handle mounting is considerably Increased. However.

the contact between the parts 50 of the elongate limbs 24,25 and the respective elastomeric anti-vibration member, 30 will provide an add Illonal pathforvlbratlonsfromthebodystructurell tothehandlestnjcturel5, although still the sole path for such vibrations damping of vibrations will be through the material of the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30 so substantial damping will still occur. The operator, when manoeuvrlng the machIne 10 though, will achieve the preferred possible ¶eer by the more rigid connection by the added rigidity of the mounting achieved by moving the handle structure to the second operative condition. The operator may thus manoeuvre the machIne 10 side-to-sIde using the handle structure 15, whlist the handle structure 15 Is in the second operative condition.

It can be seen especially from figure 4 that the mounting part 28 Sends rearwardiy of the body structure 11 to a position between the two limbs 4% and 40b of the ti-shaped formation of the support part 36. The pivot pin 44 will passthrough a recessRinthemountingpart28(inthiscaseanopeningR), the recess R being sufficiently large that no part of the pivot phi 44 engages the periphery of the recess R at least when the handle structure 15 is in its first operative position. The recess R typically will he an opening through the mounting part 28 which is larger than the diameter of the pivot pin 44 Some movement of the pivot pin 44 within the recess R without the pin 44 contacting S the periphery of the recess ft is therefore permitted as the support part 36 and mounting part 28 relatively move by virtue of the resilience of the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30.

However, if an operator exerts sufficient force an the hafldle structure 15 for example to tip the machine 10 rearwardly, to raise the forward end of the vibrating structure 14 from contact with the road for example, the elastorneric anti-vibration member 30 may permit sufficient movement of the support part 36 and hence handle structure 1 5 relative to the body structure 11, that the pivot pin 44 comes into contact with the periphery of the recess R provided in the mounting part 28.

Prolonged manoeuvring of the machine 10 in such condition is undesirable as there is a path for vibrations from the mounting part 28 directly to the handle structure 15 via the pivot pin 44 and recess R periphery contact, but permitting such pivot pin 44/recess R penphery contact permits heavy manoeuvring of the machine 10 without subjecting the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30 to undue stresses and strains, and moreover during such manoeuvring, because the mounting structure 20 is essentially completely rigid, the operator achieves maximum positive "feel" of the machine 10 during such heavy manoeuvring.

The U-shaped member of the handle structure 15 includes a cross member 26 which interconnects the elongate limbs 24, 25 and in the present example a stabif icing part 27 also extends between the elcngate limbs 24, 25 intermediate their ends.

The elongate limbs 24, 25 and cross. member 26 of the handle structure 15 preferably are formed as a unitary U-shaped member, but the handle structure 1.5 could otherwise be fabricated as required.

In the example it can be seen that each elongate limb 24, 25 of the handle structure 15 includes a lower region 60 and an u.pper region 61 which subtend between them an obtuse angle, which in the example is about 120° but could be between 1000 and 1 40° When the handle structure 15 is in its first operative position, the upper region 61 of each of the limbs 24, 25 will be generally upright, i.e. between 70° and 140° relative to the level" ground and preferably as suggested in figure 3, generally normal to the ground. When the handle structure 15 is moved to its second operative position in which the part 50 of the lower region 60 bears on the underside of the elastomeric anti-vibration member 30, the upper region 61 of each limb 24, 25 will extend rearwardly from the body structure 13, at a more acute angle relative to the ground, for example at between 600 and 80° The handle structure 15 is capable of being pivoted to a third stowed" condition in which position the machine 10 may readily be transported for example in the back of an estate car/station wagon. The handle structure 15 is shown in such a stowed position in figure 2 in which it will be appreciated that the lower region 60 of each limb 24, 25 will.extend forwardly of the pivotaL connection afforded by the support part 36 pivot pin 44, whilst the upper region 61 will extend heightwise over the body structure 11, close to the body structure 11. By virtue of the angle subtended between the lower 60 and upper 61 regions of each limb 24, 25 of the handle structure 15 when the handle structure 15 is thus stowed, the machine 10 is particularly compact.

Further features of the invention are as follows Particularly but not exclusively where the worldng machIne 10 Is a ground compactor, the pivotal connection afforded by the support part 36 and pivot pin 44 for the handle structure 15 Is preferably located vertlcaliy above the ground above kerb height, to permitthe vibrating structure 40 to operate close upto the edge of a road bounded by the kerb. Kerb height wlil be 80mm and more typitally about 120mm above a road. For example the plvotai connection afforded by the support part 36 and pivot pin 44 may be iocated at least 80mm above the ground, but preferably the pivotai connection is positioned weli below the centre of gravity of the machine.

As seen In the drawings, the machine 10 In the example includes a fuei tank a battery 56 and a starter motor/controiler assembly 57. The body structure 11 in the example includes a framewoilc F which supports an optional water tank 59 from with water may be provided to the ground to be compacted, for example where the ground is a hot asphalt surface.

When the handle structure ISis pivoted about the plvotai connection afforded by the support part 38 and pivot pin 44 to Its third, stowed condition, the stop formation 40d provided bythe mounting 4ocwili bear on a base of the U-shaped formation 40 as indicated in figure 2, to restrict forward movement of the handle structure 15 beyond that shown In fIgure 2.

At the iower end of each of the ilmbs 24,25 of the handle structure 15, there is provided a counterweight 70. Each counterweight lOts provided in the exampie with a mounting stud 71 which is received within an open lower end of the respective iimb 24,25, the stud 71 beIng fixed to the iImb 24,25 for example by welding, and/or otherwise. Preferably the stud 71 is sCUd and made in a heavy mateilai auth as for example bright bar.

Each counterweIght 70 aiso includes a weight part 72 attached to or integral wlththestudll.

Each counterweight 70 may weigh in the order of 0.4kg and so together the two counterweights 70, add a weight of about 0.8kg to the handle structure 15.

The counterweights 70 act through fulcrums provided by the pivot pins 44 to the support parts 28 to increase the inertia of the handle structure 15 and thus assist in damping the transmission of vibrations in the handle structure 15 Because the cOunterweights 70 are on the opposite side of the fulcrums provided by the pivot pins 44 to the part of the handle structure whicn is manipulated by the operator, the increase in inertia afforded by the provision of the counterweights 70 does not make manipulation of the handle structure 15 by the operator significantly more difficult, Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example the configuration of the engine 13, transmission 12 and vibrating structure 14 as well as the actual configuration of the body structure 11 may be significantly changed from those shown particularly where the invention is applied to other working machines with vibrating structures The handle structure 15 instead of being provided by a generally U-shaped member may otherwise be provided so long as the handle structure and its mounting structure 20 to the body structure 11 has the functionality of the invention.

Instead of an engine prime mover 13, an electncally powered prime mover 13 could alternatively be provided.

The features disclosed in ihe foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings1 expressed in their specific forms or internis of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAI MS1. A working machine which includes a body structure having a forward end and a rearward end, a vibrating structure mounted by the body structure, a prime mover mounted by the body structure, and a transmission coupling the vibrating structure and the prime mover so that the vibrating structure is in use, vibrated relative to the body structure, a handle structure and a mounting structure to mount the handle structure on the body structure at or towards the rearward end of the body structure, the mounting structure including a mounting part, an elastomeric anti-vibration member, and a support part, the mounting part being fixed to or integral with the body structure, the elastomeric anti-vibration member being secured at one axial end to the mounting part so as to extend axially transversely of the mounting part, and the support part being secured to an opposite axial end of the elastomeric anti-vibration member and extending rearwardly, and the support part providing for a pivotal connection to the handle structure at a position spaced rearwardly of the support part from the elastomeric anti-vibration member, the handle structure being pivotal relative to the support part between a first operative condition in which the handle structure is free to pivot relative to the support part and second operative condition in which a part of the handle structure bears on the elastomeric anti-vibration member.
2. A machine according to claim 1 wherein the handle structure includes an elongate limb and the pivotal connection to the support part is located along the limb such that when the handle structure is moved to its second operative condition, the limb engages the elastomeric anti-vibration member at a position between the pivotal connection and a lower end of the limb.
3. A machine according to claim 2 wherein in the second operative condition the limb extends rearwardly from the pivotal connection such that the engagement between the part of the limb and the elastomeric anti-vibration member is generally at an underside location of the elastomeric anti-vibration member.
4. A machine according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the handle structure includes a counterweight at or adjacent to the lower end of the limb.
5. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support part includes a U-shaped formation at an end remote from where the elastomeric anti-vibration member is secured, one limb of the U mounting one end of a pivot pin on which the handle structure is pivoted, and the other limb of the U mounting a second end of the pivot pin.
6. A machine according to claim 5 wherein the mounting part extends from where the elastomeric anti-vibration member is secured, rearwardly alongside but spaced from the support part, to between the two limbs of the U-shaped formation of the support part, the mounting part having a recess larger than the pivot pin through which the pivot pin freely passes at least when the handle structure is in the first operative position.
7. A machine according to claim 6 wherein the recess in the mounting part is sized so that when the handle structure is in the second operative position and sufficient force is applied to the handle, the support part which provides the pivotal connection to the handle structure moves so that the pivot pin engages with a periphery of the recess.
8. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elastomeric anti-vibration member includes a mass of elastomqric material, with there being an attachment at each axial end, each attachment being secured directly to the respective axial end and/or being partially embedded in the elastomeric material.
9. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle structure includes a pair of elongate limbs each of which is mounted on the body structure by a respective mounting structure, and the pair of elongate limbs being interconnected with a cross member.
10. A machine according to claim 9 wherein the pair of elongate limbs and the cross member are provided integrally by an inverted generally U-shaped member>
11. A machine according to any one of preceding claims 2 to 10 where dependent upon claim 2 wherein the handle structure is pivotal to a third, stowed, condition, in which the or each elongate limb extends generally forwardly of the machine from the pivotal connection.
12. A machine according to claim 11 wherein the handle structure includes a stop to restrict forward pivoting of the handle structure>
13. A machine according to any one of claims 2 to 12 where dependent upon claim 2 wherein the or each elongate limb of the handle structure has a lower region where the limb is pivotally connected to the support part, and an upper region.
14. A machine according to claim 13 wherein the lower and upper regions subtend an angle between them of between a 1000 and 140°.
15. A machine according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein when the handle structure is in its first operative position the upper region of the or each elongate limb extends at between 70° and 110° relative to the (level) ground.
16. A machine according to claim 15 wherein when the handle structure is moved to its second operative condition, the upper region of the or each limb extends rearwardly of the body structure at a more acute angle relative to the ground.
17. A machine according to any one of claims 13 to 16 where dependent upon claim 11 wherein when the handle structure is in the third stowed condition, the upper region extends heightwise over the body structure.
18. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the machine is a ground compactor in which the vibrating structure is mounted beneath the body structure in contact with the ground, the transmission between the prime mover and the vibrating structure vibrating the vibrating structure such that the machine tends to move over the ground in a generally forwards direction.
19. A machine according to claim 18 wherein the or each pivotal connection of the handle structure to the support part, *is located vertically above the ground above 80mm from where the vibrating structure engages the ground.
20. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each pivotal connection of the handle structure to the support part is below the height of the centre of gravity of the machine.
21. A working machine for compacting the ground which includes a body structure having a forward end and a rearward end, a vibrating structure mounted by and beneath the body structure, a prime mover mounted by the body structure, and a transmission coupling the vibrating structure and the prime mover so that the vibrating structure is in use, vibrated relative to the body structure, a handle structure and a mounting structure pivotally to mount the handle structure on the body structure at or towards the rearward end of the body structure, the handle structure including an elongate limb with a lower region where the limb is pivotally connected via the mounting structure to the body structure, and an upper region, the lower and upper regions subtending an obtuse angle between them, the handle structure being pivotal from an operative condition in which the lower region of the limb extends rearwardly of the body structure and the upper region of the limb extends upwards at an angle of between 70° and 110° relative to the ground, and a stowed condition in which the upper and lower regions of the limb extend forwardly from the pivotal connection with the upper region extending heightwise over the body structure.
22. A machine according to claim 21 having any one the features of the machine of any one of claims I to 20.
23. A working machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.
24, Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.t::r: INTELLECTUAL . ...* PROPERTY OFFICE -22 -Application No: GB 1010449.5 Examiner: Mr Virgil Scott Claims searched: 1-20 Date of search: 14 October 2010 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance to claims X 1-3, 8-20 U54113403 A (TERTINEK) See especially figure 8 X 1-3, 8-20 GB 1396373 A (BRIGGS) See figure 2 Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive A Document indicating technological background and/or state step of the art.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of before the filing date of this invention.same category.& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX: Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC B2SD; B2SF; B25G; EOIC; EO2D The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report Epodoc & WPI International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From EO2D 0003/046 01/01/2006 B25D 0017/04 01/01/2006 B25F 0005/00 01/01/2006 B25G 0001/01 01/01/2006 EO1C 00 19/38 01/01/2006 Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk