US3596976A

US3596976A - Vehicle construction for use with aerial lift

Info

Publication number: US3596976A
Application number: US823422A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jay M Eitel; Bertram J Leigh; Ferdinand A Migeot
Original assignee: General Cable Corp
Current assignee: General Cable Corp
Priority date: 1969-05-09
Filing date: 1969-05-09
Publication date: 1971-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-03
Also published as: CA941862A

Abstract

Vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift having a wheeled chassis with a pair of generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members. A unitary frame assembly is removably mounted on the frame members and is constructed in such a manner that it can be mounted on chassis of different types. The unitary frame assembly includes support pads adapted to be mounted on the frame members, vertical members extending upwardly from the support pads and a mounting ring disposed in a generally horizontal plane mounted on the vertical members. The mounting ring is adapted to have the aerial lift mounted thereon.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventors Jay M. Eitel Atherton; Bertram J. Leigh, Redwood City; Ferdinand A. Migeot, Oakland, all of, Calii. [21 1 Appl. No. 823,422 [22] Filed May 9, 1969 [45] Patented Aug. 3, I971 (73] Assignee General Cable Corporation [54] VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION FOR USE WITH AERIAL L1?! 13 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 296/24 R, 182/2, 212/59 R, 280/1065 R, 296/35 A [51] IIILCI B66c 23/78 [50] Field of Search 280/150 F; 182/2, 46; 214/75, 77; 212/8, 59; 296/24, 37, 35.1

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,616,754 1 1/1952 Stahl 296/24 X 2,722,352 11/1955 Dehnel 296/37 X 2,841,404 7/1958 Eitel 280/6 2,978,153 4/1961 Brindle 296/37 X Primary Examiner-Benjamin Hersh Assistant Examiner-Leslie J. Paperner Armrney- Flehr Hohbach, Test. Albritton & Herbert ABSTRACT: Vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift having a wheeled chassis with a pair of generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members. A unitary frame assembly is removably mounted on the frame members and is constructed in such a manner that it can be mounted on chassis of different types. The unitary frame assembly includes support pads adapted to be mounted on the frame members, vertical members extending upwardly from the support pads and a mounting ring disposed in a generally horizontal plane mounted on the vertical members. The mounting ring is adapted to have the aerial lift mounted thereon.

PATENIED me am SHEET 3 BF 5 INVENTORS Jay M. Eitel BY gerr am JhLi igh f e man I an Arforneys VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION FOR USE WITH AERIAL LIII'I' B BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Vehicle lift constructions such as those described in US. Pat. No. 3,437,175 have heretofore been provided. However, in such lift constructions, it has been necessary to provide a custom framework for each type of chassis. This has required the use of extensive custom framing. In addition, such custom constructions have had cabinets constructed therein which has been very expensive and time consuming to construct. Aerial lifts in the form of extension ladders have been mounted on small trucks such as I-ton trucks. However, to meet new stability standards, such ladders have had to be counterweighted. This loaded the truck so it could carry little if any additional payload and thus often required that the ladder be mounted on a larger truck such as one and one-half ton trucks which greatly increased the expense of such equipment. There is, therefore, a need for a new and improved vehicle construction which can be utilized with aerial lifts and which permits the aerial lifts to be mounted on small trucks and still retain a satisfactory payload.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS The vehicle construction which is to be used with aerial lifts consists of a wheeled chassis having a pair of generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members in which the rear wheel axle housing is mounted on the frame members by cushioning members secured to the frame members by four spaced shackle assemblies. A unitary frame assembly is removably mounted on the frame members. The unitary frame assembly consists of a rigid bottom or base framework with a plurality of support pads mounted thereon. A plurality of vertical members are mounted on the base framework. A rigid horizontal ring framework is mounted on the upper ends of the vertical members and is adapted to have an aerial lift mounted thereon. Means is provided for removably but rigidly securing the support pads to the longitudinally extending frame members of the chassis at four spaced points corresponding to points where the shackle assemblies are secured to the longitudinally extending frame members. The unitary frame assembly is of a type which can be readily mounted upon different types of chassis. The unitary frame is constructed in such a manner that cabinets can be readily mounted on'the same.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle construction having a unitary frame assembly for use with aerial lifts which will make it possible to utilize different types of chassis.

Another object of the invention is to provide a construction of the above character which is relatively simple and inexpensive.

Another object of the invention is to provide a construction of the above character in which the unitary frame assembly is removably but rigidly mounted on the chassis by securing the unitary frame assembly to the chassis at four spaced points.

Another object of the invention is to provide a construction of the above character in which the loading of the chassis by the unitary frame assembly is transferred by a torsion bar to the rear axle housing of the vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a construction of the above character in which cabinets can be readily mounted as a part of the unitary frame assembly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a construction of the above character in which the frame assembly includes a boom rest support.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiments are set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side elevational view of a vehicle construction for use with aerial lifts having a unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly mounted thereon incorporating the present invention and with an aerial lift shown in broken lines carried by the assembly.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing the construction of the assembly with the cabinetry shown in broken lines and showing one type ofchassis.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view, partially in cross section, of the assembly shown in FIG. I.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing a different type ofchassis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift consists of a wheeled vehicle II which may be in the form of a small truck as shown in FIG. 1. The wheeled vehicle can be ofa conventional type. For example, it can be a Ford F-350 or a Chevrolet (3-30. These two vehicles have been chosen as being representative of the type of chassis problems which are encountered in the manufacture of a vehicle construction which is suitable for aerial lifts. Thus, there is shown in FIG. 3 the construction of the chassis for the Ford F-350 vehicle and in FIG. 5 there is shown the construction for the Chevrolet C-30.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, such conventional vehicles include a chassis I2. The chassis 12 consists of a pair of spaced, parallel frame members 13 extending longitudinally of the chassis which are formed of a suitable material such as a steel channel as shown in FIG. 4. The chassis 12 also consists ofa plurality of cross frame members 14 which extend laterally of the chassis 12. With the chassis construction shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that the longitudinal frame members 13 are relatively straight, and thus are provided with straight forward portions 13a and straight rear portion 131; which lie generally in the same plane as the portions 13a and upwardly bent portions adjacent the rear portions 13b. The chassis construction shown in FIG. 5 differs from that shown in FIG. 3 in that the longitudinal frame members 13 have the forward portions 13a lying in a plane parallel to the portions 13b but in a plane substantially below the plane of the portions 13b. The longitudinal frame members 13 are provided with-upwardly bent portions I30 and, in addition, are provided with downturned or inclined portions Illd which join the portions I3c and 13a.

Front and rear wheels I6 and 17 are mounted on the chassis 12 in a conventional manner. Some of the details for mounting the rear wheels on the chassis I2 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Thus, as shown, a rear axle housing 18 extends transversely of the chassis and carries the rear wheels 17. The axle housing 18 is secured to the longitudinal by extending frame members 13 in a conventional manner by load-cushioning assemblies con sisting of leaf spring assemblies I9 which are secured to the axle housing I8 by U-bolt assembiies 2I. Each U-bolt assembly 21 includes a shackle block 22 secured to the axle housing I8 by a pair of U-bolts 23. Shackle assemblies 24 are mounted on the frame members 14 and carry the ends of the leaf spring assemblies 19 so that the load-cushioning assemblies are secured to the frame members 13 at four spaced points. Overload spring assemblies 716 are secured to the axle housing 18 by the U-bolt assemblies 2I and have their ends engaging brackets 27 mounted on the frame members 14. Shock absorbers 28 of conventional type are mounted between the frame members 14 and the lower extremities of the shackle assemblies 21.

The vehicle II is typically provided with a cab 3I which is mounted on the front end of the chassis l2 and encloses a driving station, access to which can be gained through a door 32 provided in the cab.

A unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 is removably mounted upon the chassis 12 of the vehicle 11. As hereinafter described, this unitary frame assembly 35 is of unique construction which particularly lends itself to mounting on different types of frames. The unitary frame assembly 35 which is shown in the drawings is merely representative of a type particularly suitable for use in mounting an aerial left of the type described in said U.S. Pat. No. 3,437,175. The frame assembly 35 includes a ring frame subassembly 36 which consists of a rigid bottom rectangular framework or base 37 and a top, generally circular rigid ring framework 38. The bottom rectangular framework 37 consists of a pair of spaced, parallel, longitudinally extending frame members 39 formed of heavy sheet metal and a pair of spaced, parallel box-shaped, laterally extending frame members 41 which are fastened together by suitable means such as welding to provide the rectangular bottom frame 37. An additional frame member 42 forms a part of the bottom rectangular framework 37 and extends parallel to the longitudinal frame members 39 and is secured to the laterally extending frame members 41 by suitable means such as welding. A plurality of vertical posts 43 are secured to the bottom rectangular framework 37 by suitable means such as welding. The vertical posts 43 are arranged so that one of the posts is provided on each of the four corners of the rectangular framework 37. The ring framework 38 is secured to the upper ends of the vertical posts 43 and consists of a ring member 44 which is T-shaped in cross section. Mounting plates 46 are secured to the ring member 44 and are secured to the top of the vertical posts 43 by suitable means such as welding. Reinforcing gussets 47 are provided which are welded to the vertical posts 43 and to the ring member 44 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to provide a rigid structure.

A plurality of mounting pads 48 are provided as a part of the unitary frame assembly 36. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, one of the mounting pads 48 is provided adjacent each of the four corners of the assembly 36. Each of the mounting pads consists of a foot plate 49 which is provided with upturned end portions 49a (see FIG. 3). Reinforcing

gussets

51 and 52 are provided for securing the plates 49 to frame members 41.

A center sleeve 56 is mounted in the frame member 42 by suitable means such as welding. Reinforcing

plates

58 and 59 are mounted upon the frame members 42 and are welded thereto.

The unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 also includes a boom rest framework subassembly 36 which is mounted on the front end of the ring frame subassembly 36 of the unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35. The boom rest framework 61 consists of a vertical, substantially U!- shaped frame member 62 (see FIG. 4) which has its lower extremities secured to a cross channel member 63 by suitable means such as welding. The U-shaped member 62 is provided with an upper generally horizontal portion 62a which is integral with a pair of inclined portions 62b. The inclined portions 62b are integral with vertical portions 620. A plurality of braces 64 extend longitudinally of the assembly 35 and are secured to the cross-channel members 63 and one of the crossmembers 41 by brackets 66.

An upper brace 68 is provided which is secured to plates 69 mounted on the frame member 62 and a plate 71 mounted upon the member 44 by bolts 72. Mounting pads 73 are provided on the outer extremities of the channel members 63.

Means is provided for removably mounting the unitary frame and boom rest assembly 35 consisting of the ring frame subassembly 36 and the boom support frame subassembly 61 to the chassis 12. Such means consists of a pair of spaced brackets 76 which are mounted upon the outside surfaces of the frame members 13. A cap screw 77 extends through the mounting pads 73 and into the brackets 76 and has a spring 78 mounted thereon. The spring 78 is retained on a cap screw by a washer 79 and a nut 81. It can be seen that by means of the spring 78, the pads 73 are held in tension by the spring 78 against the bracket 76 and the beam 13 to allow the frame to twist during movement over rough terrain and to thereby prevent placing undue stresses on the chassis l2.

The ring frame subassembly 36 is removably secured to the chassis by a pair of U-bolts 83 which are provided on each of the front corners of the subassembly 36 and engage the mounting plates 49 and are retained thereon by ears or up standing portions 49a provided on the mounting plates. The U-bolts are secured to the frame members 13 by cross plates 84 through which the U-bolts extend. Reinforcing blocks 85 are mounted in the frame members 13 to prevent crushing of the frame members 13 by the U-bolts 83.

Additional U-bolts 86 are provided for the rear corners of the subassembly 36 and similarly are mounted upon the plates 49 and are retained thereon by the upstanding portions 49a. Additional reinforcing blocks 85 are mounted in the frame members 13 to also prevent crushing of the frame members 13. The U-bolts 86 extend through torsion bar mounting brackets 87 which extend along the bottom of the frame members 13. An upper bearing cap 48 is formed integral with the bracket 87. A bushing 89 is mounted in the upper bearing cap and is retained within the upper bracket 88 by a lower bearing bracket 91 held in place by cap screws 92. A torsion bar 93 is rotatably mounted in the bushings 89 carried by the torsion bar mounting brackets 87. The torsion bar 93 is generally U- shaped as shown and thus is provided with arm portions 93a. Means is provided for forming an articulated connection between the torsion bar and the axle housing. For this purpose, the ends of the arm portions of the torsion bar 93 are pivotally connected to links 94. The links 94 are pivotally connected to weldments 96 which are connected to the shackle blocks 22 ofthe U-bolt assemblies 21. Torsion bar guide members 98 are also mounted upon the shackle blocks 22.

The unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 serves as a support structure for an aerial lift. An aerial lift of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,437,175 is adapted to be mounted on the structure and, as shown in broken lines, typically consists of an outer boom 102 which is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis formed by a pin 103 mounted upon spaced support plates 104 that are carried by the unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35. As pointed out in said U.S. Pat., the support plates 104 form a part of the structure (not shown) which is adapted to engage the ring framework 38 to cause rotation of the plates 104 about a vertical axis in alignment with the sleeve 56.

An inner boom 106 is telescopically mounted in the outer boom 102 ans has a boom fitting 107 mounted on the outer end thereof. A workmans basket 108 is pivotally mounted on the boom fitting 107 by a pin 109. The workmans basket 108 is shown in a stowed-away position and normally will assume a vertical position. Means (not shown) is provided for extending and retracting the inner boom with respect to the outer boom. Controls (not shown) are provided in the workmans basket 108 to permit the operator in the workmans basket to operate the means for extending and retracting the boom, the means for rotating the boom about a vertical axis, and the means for raising and lowering the workmans basket about the horizontal axis formed by the pin 103 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,437,175.

The unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 has been constructed in such a manner that two cabinet assemblies 111 can be mounted on opposite sides of the framework 35 and a thru cabinet assembly 112 can be mounted in the front end of the frame assembly 35. The cabinet assemblies 111 and 112 are constructed of sheet metal. The cabinet assemblies 111 are formed with a rear wall 113, a front wall 114, sidewalls 116, a bottom wall 117 and a top wall 118. Three

doors

119, 121 and 122 are hingedly mounted in the front wall 114 of each of the cabinet assemblies 11. The doors are provided with latches 123 to permit opening of the doors and for retaining the doors in a closed position. Reinforcing gussets 124 are provided in the lower inside corners of the cabinet assemblies 111 and are secured to the rear wall 113 and the front wall 114. The gussets 124 mounted on the rear walls 113 are secured by bolts (not shown) to the members 39. The gussets 124 mounted on the front walls 114 are secured by bolts (not shown) to straps (not shown) extending downwardly from and secured to the frame members 13.

Means is provided for mounting the cabinet assemblies 111 and 112 upon the unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35. Such means consists of a pair of cabinet brackets 126 provided on each side of the frame 35 and secured to the vertical posts 43 by suitable means such as welding. The brackets 126 are secured to the cabinet assemblies 111 by mounting them on one side of spaced vertical partitions 127 and placing a mounting strap 128 on the other side and fastening the same together by bolts 129. The thru-cabinet assembly 112 is formed of a rectangular housing 131 which has its ends open and which are mounted in openings provided in the rear walls 113 of the cabinet assemblies 111. This makes a thru-cabinet which extends entirely across the frame 35 and the vehicle 11 and which is accessible through the doors 122 provided in the cabinet assemblies 1 11.

The frame members 39 with the cabinet assemblies 111 form wheel walls or housing for the rear wheels of the vehicle or truck. The frame members 39 thus serve two functions.

A deck structure 136 is provided as an integral part of the unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 and consists of a center deck section 139 which is mounted upon ledges 39a of the members 39. A front deck section 141 is mounted between the center deck section 139 and the thru-cabinet 112. A rear deck section 142 extends rearwardly from the front deck section 142 and has its rear extremity thereof sup ported by a cross member 143 extending laterally across the ends of the longitudinal frame members 13. The cross frame member 143 is provide with a skirt 144 which is adapted to be secured to the rear extremities of the frame members 13 by suitable means such as welding. Receptacles or holders 146 are provided (see H6. 4) adjacent the rear extremity of the unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 and are provided for receiving chock blocks for the vehicle.

Operation and use of the unitary ring frame and boom assembly 35 in a vehicle construction for use with aerial lifts may now be briefly described as follows. The vehicle 11 as hereinbefore described is of a conventional type and is typically supplied from the factory with a wheeled chassis of the type hereinbefore described. It normally is desirable to con struct a unitary ring frame and boom assembly 35 separately and independently of the vehicle. As soon as the vehicle has arrived from the factory, the frame assembly 35 can be readily mounted thereon. This is accomplished by lifting the frame assembly 35 so that the mounting pads 48 rest upon the top of the longitudinal frame members 13. Prior thereto, if desired, the brackets 76 can be mounted on the frame members 13. As soon as this has been accomplished, the vertical U-shaped frame member 62 can be bolted to the brackets 76 by use of the cap screws 77 in the manner shown. The ring frame subassembly can be secured to the longitudinal frame members 13 by putting

U-bolts

83 and 86 in place so that the mounting pads are removably but rigidly secured to the longitudinal by extending frame members 13 at four spaced points which are generally overlying the shackle assemblies 24 securing the leaf spring assemblies 19 to the frame members 13. In addition, the rear portion of the unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 is secured directly to the torsion bar mounting brackets 87. The torsion bar 93 can then be put in place by mounting the same within the bearing

brackets

88 and 91 and by connecting the ends of the torsion bar to the axle housing 18 in the manner hereinbefore described.

The cabinet assemblies 111 and 112 hereinbefore described can be mounted upon the unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 before the same is placed upon the chassis of the vehicle. However, it can be seen that, if desired, the unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 can first be mounted upon the vehicle and then the cabinet assemblies 111 and 112 can be readily mounted upon frame assembly 35.

From the manner in which the cabinet assemblies 111 are mounted upon the frame assembly 35, it can be seen that the cabinet assemblies are carried by four major brackets so that the cabinet assemblies can be readily put in place or removed when desired. it also can be seen that the construction of the frame assembly 35 and the cabinet assembly 112 is such that there can be provided a cabinet which extends entirely across the vehicle which is particularly suitable for storing gas cylinders and other types oflengthy equipment utilized in conjunction with telephone maintenance and construction work. The cabinet assemblies 111 provide much additional storage space which can be utilized in conjunction with such work.

The manner for mounting the unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 upon the chassis of the vehicle is particularly advantageous because if does not place any undue stresses on the chassis of the vehicle while still providing the desired stable platform for the aerial lift mounted on the frame assembly 35. This is primarily because the load path from the aerial lift is carried through the frame assembly 35 to four spaced points overlying the spring shackle assemblies 24 through the leaf spring assemblies 19 and the torsion bar 93 to the rear axle housing 18. The chassis is still permitted to flex in a conventional manner.

In addition, no undue stresses are placed upon the chassis 12 of the vehicle by the frame assembly 35 because the front end of the frame assembly is only yieldably retained in engagement with the chassis by the springs 78 and the cap screws 77 in the manner hereinbefore described. As can be appreciated, the major load placed upon the frame assembly 35 is placed upon it by the lifting equipment 102 and, therefore, these forces are transferred directly to the torsion bar 93. The torsion bar adds greatly to the stability of the vehicle construction for the reasons explained in U. S. Pat. No. 2,841,404. it is believed that well over 50 percent of the loading on the frame assembly 35 is transferred through the: rear posts 4-3 to the torsion bar 93 because of the rigid construction of the ring framework 38.

The unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 has the distinct advantage in that it can be mounted on different types of chassis. For example, in addition to being capable of being mounted on a chassis having longitudinal frame members that are practically straight, it also can be mounted upon a chassis in which the longitudinal frame members dip downwardly a substantial distance forward of the rear wheels of the vehicle. When this is the case, it is merely necessary to utilize triangularly shaped spacer members or wedges 151 which are adapted to be mounted upon the inclined portions 13d of the longitudinal frame members 13 of the chassis. As can be seen, the upper surfaces of the spacer members 151 are parallel and are adapted to receive the front mounting pads 48 so that the U-bolts 83 can be utilized for securing the front mounting pads 48 to the longitudinal frame members 13. The brackets 76 are mounted higher up on the longitudinal frame members 13 so that they can properly support the channel member 63 at the desired elevation. A reinforcing member 152 is provided which extends laterally between the frame members 13 and generally underlies the wedges or triangular-shaped spacer members 151.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly 35 can be mounted on various types of chassis. It is only necessary to provide spacer plates of various sizes and dimensions to accommodate various types of chassis. The assembly 35 makes it possible to mount aerial lifts on small trucks while still retaining the desired stability and a satisfactory payload. By way of example, an aerial lift of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,437,175 can be mounted on an assembly 35 which is mounted on a l-ton truck and the total gross weight would still be approximately 8,000 pounds. This makes possible a payload of 2,000 pounds while still operating within the gross vehicle rating of 10,000 pounds placed on the vehicle by the manufacturer.

The construction disclosed materially reduces the weight and cost of the assembly 35 because many of the components thereof serve a dual function. This makes it possible to mount aerial lifts on small trucks to reduce initial costs and subsequent operating expenses.

We claim:

1. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift, a wheeled chassis having a pair of spaced, generally parallel,

longitudinally extending frame members,-front and rear ground-engaging wheels andmounting means mounting the front and rear ground-engaging wheels on the longitudinally extending frame members, said mounting means for the rear ground-engaging wheels including load-cushioning assemblies and'shackle means securing the load-cushioning assemblies to the pair of longitudinally extending frame members at four points on thelongitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides of the rear ground-engaging wheels, said chassis sembly including a rigid bottom framework, a plurality of ver tical posts mounted on said'bottom framework, a rigid top frame member mounted on the upper ends of said posts, said top frame member being adapted to have the .aerial lift mounted thereon, a plurality of mounting pads secured to the bottom framework,. and means for removably but rigidly securing the mounting pads to the longitudinal frame members of the chassis so that said unitary frame assembly is mounted on the rear portion of the chassis, said unitary frame assembly having four of saidplurality of vertical posts and four of said plurality of mounting pads generally overlying the four pointson the longitudinally extending frame members at which the spring shackle assemblies are secured whereby the major load placed upon the unitary frame assembly is trans- 'ferred directly through said four posts to said four points.

2. A, vehicleconstruction as in claim 1 wherein said aerial lift includes a boom structure and wherein said unitary frame assembly. extends over substantially all of the chassis to the rear of. the cab and includes a boom support framework mounted forward of said four posts and which is adapted to support the boom structure when it is not in use.

3. A ve'hicle construction as inclaim 1 together with first and second cabinet assemblies, and means for removably type having an extensible boom structure, a wheeled chassis having a'pair of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members, from and rear ground-engaging wheels andmounting means mounting the front and reartending frame members, said wheeled chassis including at least one axle housing generally underlying the longitudinal frame members and extending laterally thereof'together with load cushioning assemblies securing the axle housing to the longitudinal frame members, a unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly, said unitary ring frame and'boom rest assembly including 'a rigid bottom framework, a plurality of vertical posts mounted on said-rigid bottom framework, a rigid ring frame secured to the upper ends of the posts, said ring frame being adapted to have an extensible boom structure mounted thereon, a boom support member mounted on said bottom framework and spaced forwardly of the vertical posts and being adapted to receive the boom structure to support the same, mounting pads carried by the bottom framework, means removably mounting said mounting pads on said longitu dinally extending frame members, said means removably mounting said mounting pads on said longitudinally extending frame members including a pair of spaced mounting brackets, a torsion bar pivotally mounted in the spaced mounting brackets, said torsion bar having arms at opposite ends of the same and means forming an articulated connection between the ends of the arms of the torsion bar and the axle housing.

6. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift, a wheeled chassis having a pair of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members, a unitary frame as sembly, said frame assembly including a rigid bottom framework,a plurality of vertical posts mounted on said rigid bottom framework, a rigid top frame member mounted on the upper ends of said posts, said top frame member being adapted to have the aerial lift mounted thereon, a plurality of mounting pads secured to said rigid bottom framework, means removably but rigidly securing the mounting pads to the longitudinally extending frame members ofthe chassis, first and mounting said cabinet assemblies on opposite sides of said univ tary'frame assembly.

4. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift of the longitudinally extending frame members on'opposite sides of the rear ground-engaging wheels, said chassis having front and rear portions, a cab mounted on the front portion of the chassis, a unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly, said unitary frame and boom rest assembly including a rigid bottom framework, a plurality of vertical posts mounted on said bottom framework, a rigid ring frame secured to the upper ends of the posts and adapted to have an extensible boom structure mounted thereon, a boom support member mounted on said bottom framework and spaced forwardly of the vertical posts and being adapted to receive the boom to support the same, mounting pads carried by the bottom framework and means removably mounting said mounting pads on said longitudinally extending frame members whereby said unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly may be readily mounted upon said longitudinally extending frame members, said unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly extending over substantially all of thech'assis to the rear of the cab and having four of said plurality of vertical posts and four of said mounting pads generally overlying the four points at which the shackle means are'secured to the longitudinally extending frame members whereby the major load placed upon the unitary frame as-' sembly is transferred directly through said four posts to said four points.

5. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift of the type having an extensible boom structure, a wheeled chassis having a'paii' of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally exsecond cabinet assemblies, means for removably mounting said first and second cabinet assemblies on opposite sides of said unitary frame assembly, and an additional cabinet assembly and means removably mounting said additional cabinet assembly on said unitary frame assembly adjacent the forward extremities of the first and second cabinet assemblies, said additional cabinet assembly being formed so as to provide a cabinet which is in communication with the first and second cabinet assemblies.

7. A vehicle construction as in claim 6 wherein said means removably securing said first and second cabinet assemblies to said unitary frame assembly includes spaced brackets secured to the vertical posts on opposite sides of the frame assembly.

8. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift, a wheeled chassis having'a pair of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members, a unitary frame assembly, said frame assembly including a rigid bottom framework, a plurality of vertical posts mounted on said rigid bottom framework, a rigid top frame member mounted on the upper ends of said posts, said top frame member being adapted to have the aerial lift mounted thereon, a plurality of mounting pads secured to the bottom framework, means removably but rigidly securing the mounting pads to the longitudinally extending frame members of the chassis, said wheeled chassis including at least one wheel-mounting axle housing underlying the longitudinal frame members and extending laterally thereof, load supporting cushioning assemblies mounted on the axle housing, shackle means securing the load-cushioning assemblies at four spaced points on the longitudinally extending frame members, a torsion bar pivotally mounted on said longitudinally extending frame members and extending laterally of the longitudinally extending frame members, said torsion member having arms extending therefrom and means forming an articulated connection between the ends of the arms and said axle housing.

9. A vehicle construction as in claim 8 wherein said mounting pads overlie said four spaced points.

10. A vehicle construction as in claim 8 wherein said torsion member is pivotally mounted on said longitudinally extending frame members adjacent two of said spaced points.

11. [n a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift of the type having an extensible boom structure, a wheeled chassis having a pair of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members, a unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly, said unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly including a rectangular rigid bottom framework having four corners, four vertical posts mounted on said bottom framework in the vicinity of the four corners of the bottom framework, a rigid ring frame secured to the upper ends of the posts, a boom support member mounted on said bottom framework and spaced forwardly of the vertical posts and being adapted to receive the boom structure to support the same, mounting pads carried by the bottom framework and means removably mounting said mounting pads on said longitudinally extending frame members, said ring frame being adapted to have an extensible boom structure mounted thereon, said means for removably securing the boom support member to the longitudinal frame members including means yieldably retaining the boom support member in a position so that it is supported by the longitudinal frame members.

12. A vehicle construction as in claim 11, together with first and second cabinet assemblies removably mounted on opposite sides of said ring frame and boom rest assembly, said first and second cabinet assemblies having access doors therein.

13. A vehicle construction as in claim 12 together with an additional cabinet assembly, means removably mounting said additional cabinet assembly on said unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly, said first and second cabinet assemblies having means securing said additional cabinet assembly between said first and second cabinet assemblies so that the storage area in said additional cabinet assembly is accessible through the access doors on the first and second cabinet as semblies.

Claims

1. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift, a wheeled chassis having a pair of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members, front and rear groundengaging wheels and mounting means mounting the front and rear ground-engaging wheels on the longitudinally extending frame members, said mounting means for the rear ground-engaging wheels including load-cushioning assemblies and shackle means securing the load-cushioning assemblies to the pair of longitudinally extending frame members at four points on the longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides of the rear groundengaging wheels, said chassis having front and rear portions, a cab mounted on the front portion of the chassis, a unitary frame assembly, said frame assembly including a rigid bottom framework, a plurality of vertical posts mounted on said bottom framework, a rigid top frame member mounted on the upper ends of said posts, said top frame member being adapted to have the aerial lift mounted thereon, a plurality of mounting pads secured to the bottom framework, and means for removably but rigidly securing the mounting pads to the longitudinal frame members of the chassis so that said unitary frame assembly is mounted on the rear portion of the chassis, said unitary frame assembly having four of said plurality of vertical posts and four of said pluraLity of mounting pads generally overlying the four points on the longitudinally extending frame members at which the spring shackle assemblies are secured whereby the major load placed upon the unitary frame assembly is transferred directly through said four posts to said four points.

2. A vehicle construction as in claim 1 wherein said aerial lift includes a boom structure and wherein said unitary frame assembly extends over substantially all of the chassis to the rear of the cab and includes a boom support framework mounted forward of said four posts and which is adapted to support the boom structure when it is not in use.

3. A vehicle construction as in claim 1 together with first and second cabinet assemblies, and means for removably mounting said cabinet assemblies on opposite sides of said unitary frame assembly.

4. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift of the type having an extensible boom structure, a wheeled chassis having a pair of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members, front and rear ground-engaging wheels and mounting means mounting the front and rear-ground engaging wheels on the longitudinally extending frame members, said mounting means for the rear ground-engaging wheels including load-cushioning assemblies and shackle means securing the load-cushioning assemblies to the pair of longitudinally extending frame members at four points on said longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides of the rear ground-engaging wheels, said chassis having front and rear portions, a cab mounted on the front portion of the chassis, a unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly, said unitary frame and boom rest assembly including a rigid bottom framework, a plurality of vertical posts mounted on said bottom framework, a rigid ring frame secured to the upper ends of the posts and adapted to have an extensible boom structure mounted thereon, a boom support member mounted on said bottom framework and spaced forwardly of the vertical posts and being adapted to receive the boom to support the same, mounting pads carried by the bottom framework and means removably mounting said mounting pads on said longitudinally extending frame members whereby said unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly may be readily mounted upon said longitudinally extending frame members, said unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly extending over substantially all of the chassis to the rear of the cab and having four of said plurality of vertical posts and four of said mounting pads generally overlying the four points at which the shackle means are secured to the longitudinally extending frame members whereby the major load placed upon the unitary frame assembly is transferred directly through said four posts to said four points.

5. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift of the type having an extensible boom structure, a wheeled chassis having a pair of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members, said wheeled chassis including at least one axle housing generally underlying the longitudinal frame members and extending laterally thereof together with load cushioning assemblies securing the axle housing to the longitudinal frame members, a unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly, said unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly including a rigid bottom framework, a plurality of vertical posts mounted on said rigid bottom framework, a rigid ring frame secured to the upper ends of the posts, said ring frame being adapted to have an extensible boom structure mounted thereon, a boom support member mounted on said bottom framework and spaced forwardly of the vertical posts and being adapted to receive the boom structure to support the same, mounting pads carried by the bottom framework, means removably mounting said mounting pads on said longitudinally extending frame members, said means removably mounting said mounting pads on said longitudinally extending frame members including a pair of spaced mounting brackets, a torsion bar pivotally mounted in the spaced mounting brackets, said torsion bar having arms at opposite ends of the same and means forming an articulated connection between the ends of the arms of the torsion bar and the axle housing.

6. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift, a wheeled chassis having a pair of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members, a unitary frame assembly, said frame assembly including a rigid bottom framework, a plurality of vertical posts mounted on said rigid bottom framework, a rigid top frame member mounted on the upper ends of said posts, said top frame member being adapted to have the aerial lift mounted thereon, a plurality of mounting pads secured to said rigid bottom framework, means removably but rigidly securing the mounting pads to the longitudinally extending frame members of the chassis, first and second cabinet assemblies, means for removably mounting said first and second cabinet assemblies on opposite sides of said unitary frame assembly, and an additional cabinet assembly and means removably mounting said additional cabinet assembly on said unitary frame assembly adjacent the forward extremities of the first and second cabinet assemblies, said additional cabinet assembly being formed so as to provide a cabinet which is in communication with the first and second cabinet assemblies.

8. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift, a wheeled chassis having a pair of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members, a unitary frame assembly, said frame assembly including a rigid bottom framework, a plurality of vertical posts mounted on said rigid bottom framework, a rigid top frame member mounted on the upper ends of said posts, said top frame member being adapted to have the aerial lift mounted thereon, a plurality of mounting pads secured to the bottom framework, means removably but rigidly securing the mounting pads to the longitudinally extending frame members of the chassis, said wheeled chassis including at least one wheel-mounting axle housing underlying the longitudinal frame members and extending laterally thereof, load supporting cushioning assemblies mounted on the axle housing, shackle means securing the load-cushioning assemblies at four spaced points on the longitudinally extending frame members, a torsion bar pivotally mounted on said longitudinally extending frame members and extending laterally of the longitudinally extending frame members, said torsion member having arms extending therefrom and means forming an articulated connection between the ends of the arms and said axle housing.

11. In a vehicle construction for use with an aerial lift of the type having an extensible boom structure, a wheeled chassis having a pair of spaced, generally parallel, longitudinally extending frame members, a unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly, said unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly including a rectangular rigid bottom framework having four corners, four vertical posts mounted on said bottom framework in the vicinity of the four corners of the bottom framework, a rigid ring frame secured to the upper ends of the posts, a boom support member mounted on said bottom framework and spaced forwardly of the vertical posts and being adapted to receive the boom structure to support the same, mounting pads carried by the bottom framework and means removably mounting said mounting pads on said longitudinally extending frame members, said Ring frame being adapted to have an extensible boom structure mounted thereon, said means for removably securing the boom support member to the longitudinal frame members including means yieldably retaining the boom support member in a position so that it is supported by the longitudinal frame members.

13. A vehicle construction as in claim 12 together with an additional cabinet assembly, means removably mounting said additional cabinet assembly on said unitary ring frame and boom rest assembly, said first and second cabinet assemblies having means securing said additional cabinet assembly between said first and second cabinet assemblies so that the storage area in said additional cabinet assembly is accessible through the access doors on the first and second cabinet assemblies.