US3843154A

US3843154A - Outrigger support mechanism

Info

Publication number: US3843154A
Application number: US00302813A
Authority: US
Inventors: C Thompson
Original assignee: Koehring Co
Current assignee: American LaFrance LLC; Bank of New England NA
Priority date: 1972-11-01
Filing date: 1972-11-01
Publication date: 1974-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 1991-10-22
Also published as: GB1434570A; CA1000262A; DE2354648A1; JPS4976250A

Abstract

An outrigger support mechanism for stabilizing load-lifting apparatus and the like which includes a frame, a beam telescopingly mounted within the frame, and an arm pivotally connected to the outer end of the beam. A first power means is provided for extending and retracting the beam relative to the frame, and a second power means is provided for pivoting the arm relative to the beam between an upward transport position and downward support positions.

Description

United States Patent 1191 1111 3,843,154 Thompson Oct. 22, 1974 OUTRIGGER SUPPORT MECHANISM 3,638,965 2/1972 Cassady 280/l50.5 Inventor: Clarence Russell Thompson, I 3,734,531. 5/1973 Mettuller 280/1505 Waverly Iowa I Primary Examiner-Robert R. Song [73] Asslgneez Koehring Company, Milw e, Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Finnegan, Henderson,

Farabow & Garrett [22] Filed: 1 Nov. 1, 1972 [21 Appl. N0; 302,813 [57] ABSTRACT An outrigger support mechanism for stabilizing loadlifting apparatus and the like which includes a frame, CCll. a beam telescopingly mounted within the frame and [58] Fie'ld 6 R H an arm pivotally connected to the outer end of the 1 beam. A first power means is provided for extending and retracting the beam relative to the frame, and a second power means is provided for pivoting the arm [56] References and relative to the beam between an upward transport po- UNITED STATES PATENTS sition and downward support positions. 3,007,717 11/1961 NOly 280/1505 3,396,854 8/1968 Crisp 212/145 21 Clam, 5 Drawmg Figures lii li'iliiii 0:122 1924 I iAIENTEB m a at 2 3.843. 1 54 FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an outrigger support mechanism for stabilizing load lifting apparatus and the like. The outrigger support mechanism of the present invention is particularly useful for stabilizing vehicles such as mobile cranes, log loaders, and other devices which are top-heavy and/or subject to off-center loading during usage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has been commonplace to fit mobile cranes and similar devices with outrigger support mechanisms. Typically, four outriggers, one located near each corner of the device, are employed to provide stability and to prevent tipping during usage.

The Outriggers of the prior art have often been relatively cumbersome, awkward, inefficient and incapable of use in certain locations. Previous outriggers have been unduly restrictive in the amount of lateral and downward extension possible, and have often required a certain amount of manual adjustments which are both time-consuming and, in some instances dangerous.

Vehicles such as mobile cranes are frequently operated in locations where the terrain in the vicinity of use of the vehicle is not flat. Under such conditions, many of the outrigger devices of the prior art lack sufficient versatility with respect to the support positions they will assume. With such prior art outriggers, adequate support can only be obtained with great difficulty, as by providing blocks for the support arms or making manual adjustments.

' Outriggers have. been provided with power means for moving the supports from inoperative transport position to operative support positions. However, many of such devices are not capable of being retracted to as narrow a minimum transportation width as is desirable. In addition, generally the power means for such devices are located so that they are subject to be damaged, particularly by falling objects.

The outrigger device of the present invention, wh'ile capable of retraction to a narrow transportation width, may be placed in any of a large variety of support positions. The preferred outrigger may be used to raise the entire supported device above ground level and is capable of supporting and stabilizing devices on rough or uneven terrain. In addition, because of the wide range of supportpositions which may be selected, the outrigger of the present invention may be employed when it is necessary to place the supported device near obstructions.

In the preferred embodiments, the outrigger device of the present invention also provides protection for the power means for moving the outrigger from a transport position to various support positions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an outrigger support mechanism for stabilizing load-lifting apparatus and the like. The outrigger support mechanisms of the present invention are particularly suitable for use with vehicles such as mobile cranes, log loaders, and similar devices. The outrigger of the present invention has a support arm having an outer end. The support arm is pivotal between a transport position in which the outer end of the arm is upwardly disposed, and support positions in which the outer end of the arm is downwardly disposed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the outrigger includes a groundengaging pad and pivot means for the pad connecting the pad to the outer end of the arm. The pivot means allows the pad to rotate inwardly of the arm when the arm is in the transport position. Such a feature results in a substantial decrease in the transport width of the outrigger, and is particularly significant with respect to use with mobile vehicles.

In another embodiment of the present invention, means are provided for moving the support arm to a plurality of operative support positions between the transport position and the maximum downward support position. The operative support positions cover a large area extending vertically outward and downward from the supported device. A wide latitude of possible support positions is particularly advantageous for use in stabilizing devices near obstructions or on uneven terrain.

The outrigger support mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a frame, a beam telescopingly mounted within the frame, and an arm pivotally connected to the outer end of the beam. In accordance with one embodiment of the present in- .vention, the beam is substantially horizontally disposed and a substantially horizontally disposed power means is provided for extending and retracting the beam relative to the frame. A second substantially horizontally disposed power means also is provided for pivoting the arm relative to the beam between an upward transport position and downward support positions. Preferably, the first and second power means are vertically aligned.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the support mechanism includes a frame, a beam telescopingly mounted in the frame, an arm pivotally connected to the outer end of the beam, and a first power means for extending and retracting the beam relative to the frame, a second power means located within the frame at least when the arm is in the transport position, is provided for pivoting the arm relative to the beam between an upward transport position and downward support positions. Preferably, the first power means also is located within the frame. The beam may be hollow and the second power means may be located within the beam as well as within the frame. By placing the power means within the frame, the power means are protected from being damaged, such as by being struck by falling objects.

In addition, in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the outrigger support mechanism includes a frame, a beam telescopingly mounted in the frame, an arm pivotally connected to the outer end of the beam,.and a first power means for extending and retracting the beam relative to the frame, a second power means is provided for pivoting the arm relative to the beam independently of the extension position of the beam. The second power meanspermits pivoting of the arm from an upward transport position to any of a plurality of outward operative downward support positions between the transport position and support positions in which the arm is in the maximum downward position. Preferably, the beam also may be extended and retracted independently of the position of the support arm. In accordance with this embodiment, the outrigger may provide support inany of a wide range of positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTHE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side view of a crane truck having outrigger beams embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an outrigger support mechanism embodying features of the present invention with parts of the frame and telescoping beam broken away to show internal construction. In FIG. 2 the fully lined illustration shows the ground-engaging pad in the retracted inward transport position while the phantom illustrations show various support positions.

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2, showing both the beam and the arm in extended positions. I

FIG. 4 isan end view of an outrigger support mechanism embodying various features of the present invention.

FIG; 5 is a fragmentary detail top view, with the frame and beam cut away, showing the connection between the beam and power means in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The outrigger support mechanism of the present invention may be employed for stabilizing load-lifting apparatus and the like. The support mechanism is particularly useful to stabilize vehicles such as mobile cranes, etc. The crane truck shown herein in FIG. 1, by way of example, has a conventional chassis or frame with the usual drivers cab 12 over the front wheels 14 and a revolvable machinery platform and operators cab 16. The machine platform and operators cab is mounted on a turntable 18 over the rear wheels 20. While in the embodiment illustrated, the chassis 10 is supported on ground-engaging

pneumatic tires

14 and 20, it will be appreciated that other types of ground support, such as crawler'treads, etc., could be employed.

As embodied in FIG. 1, the chassis 10 is provided with outrigger support mechanisms, indicated generally at 22, to the rear of the front wheels 14 andto the rear of the rear wheels 20. The crane truck of FIG. I is provided with four outrigger support mechanisms embodying features of the present invention, extending traversely across chassis 10 at its under-surface. The outriggers, each of which are substantially identical, are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 through 5.

The outrigger support mechanism of the present invention includes a support arm having an outer end, which arm is pivotal between a transport position in which the outer end of thearm is upwardly disposed, and support positions in which the outer end of the arm is disposed downwardly relative to the transport position. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism is provided with a ground-engaging pad and pivot means for the pad con necting to the outer end of the arm. The pivot means allow the pad to rotate inwardly of the arm when the arm is in the transport position.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the outrigger support mechanism is provided withan elongated arm 24. A ground-engaging pad 26 is pivotally secured to the outer end of arm 24 by pivot pin 28 In FIG. 1, the fully lined illustration of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, support arm 24 and pad 26 are shown in the upward transport position. A support position in which arm 24 is downwardly disposed is illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the fully lined illustration of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, ground-engaging pad 26 may be rotated about pin 28 so that pad 26 is disposed inwardly of arm 24 when the arm is in the transport position. Preferably, a second pivot pin (29 of FIG. 4), perpendicular to pivot pin 28, is interposed between pad 26 and pin 28 to provide a universal movement of pad 26 relative to arm 24. Universal action of pad 26 allows it to adjust to the contour of the supporting surface.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in which an outrigger support mechanism is provided having a support arm pivotal between an upwardly disposed transport position and support positions in which the arm is downwardly disposed, power means are provided for moving the arm to a plurality of operative support positions between the transport position and maximum downward support positions.

As here embodied, a plurality of downward support positions are shown in the phantom illustrations of FIG. 2. The cross-hatched portion of the drawing, generally 30, illustrates the position range of the ground support pad, measured from the center point of pivot pin 28. The center point of pin 28 can be placed in a support position anywhere within the cross-hatched area 30.

Preferred means for moving the support arm to any of the support positions will be described subsequently.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the outrigger support mechanism includes a frame, a beam telescopingly mounted in the frame, and an arm pivotally connected to the outer end 1 of the beam.

could comprise a pair of lateral members in juxtaposition, a U-shaped member, a yolk, etc. v

In the present embodiment, an elongated hollow, horizontally disposed beam 34 -is telescopingly mounted within frame 32. Beam 34 may be extended outwardly from frame 32, and after extension, retracted back into frame 32. Arm 24 is pivotally connected at pivot pin 36 to the outer end of beam 34. Arm 24 may be pivoted about pin 36 from the upwardly disposed transport position shown in, e.g., the solid lined illustration of FIG. 2, to downward support positions such as shown in the phantom illustration of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS.1 and 4, frame 32 may be used in connection with more than one beam and support arm. A beam carrying a support arm may extend from either end of the frame to provide support on opposite sides of the device to be stabilized.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the outrigger support mechanism is provided witha first power means for extending and retracting the beam relative to the frame. In addition, the outrigger is provided with a second power means for pivoting the arm relative to the beam between an upward transport position and downward support positions..The expression downward support positions, as used herein, refers to support positions in which the support arm is oriented downward, relative to the transport position.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first power means comprises an extensible and retractable double-acting hydraulic cylinder 38. As embodied, cylinder 38 is substantially horizontally disposed and located within frame 32. One end of cylinder 38 is connected to frame 32 through rod 40; the opposite end of cylinder 38 is connected to beam 34 through rod 44.

As here embodied, the second power means comprises an extensible and retractable hydraulic cylinder 42. Hydraulic cylinder 42 is substantially horizontally disposed and located within beam 34. Cylinder 42 is also located within frame 32 when the outrigger support mechanism is in the transport position (FIG. 2). One end of hydraulic cylinder 42 is connected to beam 34 by pivotal attachment to rod 44. The other end of cylinder 42 is pivotally connected to arm 24 at pivot pin 46.

Hydraulic cylinders

38 and 42 are independently connected with conventional fluid pressure sources and a fluid reservoir (not shown) so that the cylinders may be extendedand retracted by operation of conventional hydraulic controls (not shown).

In operation, the support arm of the outrigger of the present invention may be moved between the transport position and a plurality of operative support positions intermediate to the transport position and maximum downward support positions. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beam may be moved inwardly or outwardly of the frame, independently of the position of the support arm. Similarly, the support arm may be moved between the transport position and support positions, without regard to the position of the beam.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, beam 34 may be extended outwardly from frame 32 by actuating hydraulic cylinder 38. When cylinder 38 is extended from a contracted position (shown in FIG. 2) to an extended position (shown in FIG. 3) force will be exerted against

rods

40 and 44 causing beam 34 to slide outwardly from frame 32 in a longitudinal direction. Similarly, when cylinder 38 is retracted, beam 34 will be retracted into frame 32. Movement of beam 34 is not dependent upon the position of arm 24.

As further shown in the embodiment ofthe drawings, arm 24 may be articulated about pivot pin 36 by actuation of cylinder 42. When cylinder 42 is extended from a contracted position (shown in FIG. 2) to an extended position (shown in FIG. 3) force will be exerted against rods 44 and pivot pin 46. Cylinder 42 will pivot about rod 44 in a slightly upward direction and arm 24 will pivot downwardly about pivot pin 36. Similarly, when cylinder 42 is retracted, arm 24 pivots upwardly towards the transport position shown in'FlG. 2. As is apparent, movement of arm 24 is not dependent upon the position of beam 34.

With specific reference to the phantom illustrations of FIG. 2, when beam 34 is fully retracted, arm 24 may be pivoted downwardly until the center point of pivot pin 28 is in support position A. Arm 24 may be further pivoted to support position B or to any intermediate support position on the arm between A and B. Similarly, with beam 34 fully extended, arm 24 may be pivoted downwardly so that the center point of pivot pin 28 is in support position C. Arm 24 may be further pivoted to maximum downward support position D or to any intermediate position on the are between C and D. It will be appreciated that arm 24 can similarly be pivoted, by means of cylinder 42, to various support positions when beam 34 has been extended to positions intermediate the extreme retracted position shown in FIG. 2 and the extreme extended position shown in FIG. 3. In this manner, support can be provided with the center point of pivot pin 28 located anywhere within the cross-hatched area of FIG. 2. Thus, the operator can select a desired support position from a wide variety of possible support positions. Selection of a particular support position will of course, be dependent upon obstructions, terrain, etc. in the area of the device being stabilized.

To place the outrigger in the transport position after usage,

cylinders

38 and 42 are retracted, causing beam 34 to retract into frame 32 and arm 24 to pivot upwardly. Ground-engaging pad 26 may be rotated inwardly of arm 24 (as shown in the fully lined illustration of FIG. 2) to achieve minimum overall transportation width.

In FIG. 2, the ground line is shown at 48. This represents the plane, on flat terrain, upon which the device to be stabilized would rest. For example, ground line 48 could represent the plane upon which the tires of a crane truck would set. As shown in FIG. 2, arm 24 and pad 26 may be positioned below the normal ground line. Such a feature allows the stabilized device to be lifted entirely off of the ground by the outrigger support mechanism. In addition, such a feature allows for support in areas where the ground falls away from the device being stabilized. As an example, it is often necessary to support crane trucks and the like on narrow, raised road beds. Under such conditions, support can only be obtained by moving support arms to a level below the level at which the wheels of the vehicle rest.

Preferably, cylinder 38 is equipped with check valves which lock oil in the cylinder so that support of arm 24 is not dependent on hoses, fittings, other valves in the system, etc. Such a safety feature permits all hydraulic connections to the cylinder to be removed without losing support to the arm.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details shown and described and departures may be made from such details without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What is claimed is:

1. In an outrigger support mechanism for stabilization of a vehicle, said outrigger having a support arm, which arm has an inner end and an outer end, said arm being pivotal between a transport position in which said outer end of said arm is upwardly disposed and support positions in which said outer end of said arm is disposed downwardly from the transport position, the improvement comprising a ground-engaging pad having a ground contacting surface, pivot means connecting said paid to the outer end of said arm and means for extending and retracting said arm toward and away from said vehicle and for effecting movement of said arm and pad from (1) said transport position wherein said ground contacting surface is disposed on one side of a plane including said pivot means and said inner end to (2) said support positions wherein said ground contacting surface is disposed on the other side of said plane.

2. The outrigger of claim 1 including supporting means for said'support arm, said inner end being pivotally attached to said support means, and wherein the arm and pad moving means comprises power means pivotally connected to said arm to effect rotation of said arm about said inner end from said transport position to said support positions.

3. An outrigger support mechanism comprising:

A. a frame;

B. a substantially horizontally disposed beam telescopingly mounted within said frame;

C. an arm pivotally connected to the outer end of said beam;

D. a first power means for extending and retracting said beam relative to said frame, and;

E. a second power means for pivoting said arm relative to said beam between an upward transport position and downward support positions, each of said first and second power means being independently operable.

4. The outrigger of claim 3 in which said first and second power means are coplanar.

5. A load-lifting apparatus including at least one outrigger support mechanism of claim 3.

6. The outrigger of claim 3 in which said first power means is located within said frame.

7. An outrigger support mechanism comprising:

A. a frame;

B. a beam telescopingly mounted in said frame;

C. an arm pivotally connected at one end to the outer end of said beam, said arm having a groundengaging pad including a ground contacting surface on the other end thereof;

D. a first power means for extending and retracting said beam relative to said frame; and

E. a second power means for pivoting said arm relative to said beam between an upward transport position and downward support positions, said second power means being located with said frame at least B. a beam telescopingly mounted in said frame;

C. an armpivotally connected to the outer end of said beam;

D. a first power means for extending and retracting said beam realtive to said frame;

E. a second power means for pivoting said arm relative to said beam, independently of the extension position of said beam, from an upward transport position to any of a plurality of operative downward support positions between said transport position and support positions in which said arm is in the maximum downward position.

14. The outrigger of claim l3/irrWhTch said first power means provides for/e ension and retraction of said beam independentiy of the position of said arm.

15. The outrigger of claim 13 in which said beam,

' said first/power means, said second power means, are

when said arm is in the transport position and being operable independent of said first power means wherein said arm is movable between said transport and support positions independent of the position of said beam; when said arm is in said transport position, the ground contacting surface of said pad is disposed on one side of a plane including said arm one end and other end and when said arm is in said support positions, the ground contacting surface is disposed on the other side of said plane.

8. The outrigger of claim 7 in which said first power means is located within said frame.

9. The outrigger of claim 8 in which said first and second power means are coplanar.

10. The outrigger support mechanism of claim 7 in which said beam, said first power means, and said second power means are substantially horizontally disposed.

ll. The outrigger of claim 7 in which said beam is hollow and said second power means is located within said beam.

12. A load lifting apparatus including at least one outrigger support mechanism of claim 7.

13'. An outrigger support mechanism comprising:

A. a frame;

substantially horizontally disposed.

16. The outrigger of claim 15 in which said first and second power means are coplanar.

17. The outrigger support mechanism of claim 13 in which said first power means is located within said frame, and said second power means is located within said beam.

18. A load lifting apparatus including at least one outrigger support mechanism of claim l3.

19. An outrigger support mechanism for stabilization of a vehicle, the outrigger comprising a support arm, pivotal means connecting said arm to an arm supporting means, power means for selectively moving said arm between (a) a transport position in which said arm is disposed above a predetermined position of said vehicle and (b) a plurality of operative support positions in which said arm is disposed at different levels below said portion of said vehicle, and laterally between (0) a proximal position in which said arm is adjacent to said vehicle and (d) a distal position in which said arm is remote from said vehicle, and means enabling said power means to move said arm between said transport position and said support positions independent of the lateral position of said arm.

20. An outrigger support mechanism as defined in claim 19 wherein said'power means comprises first reciprocating means attached to said arm supporting means for moving said arm supporting means laterally between said proximal and said distal positions and second reciprocating means attached to said support arm for moving said support arm between said transport and support positions.

21. An outrigger support mechanism comprising:

a. a frame;

c. an arm pivotally connected to the outer end of said beam;

d. a ground-engaging pad having a ground contacting surface and being pivotally connected to said arm;

being independently operable.

Claims

2. The outrigger of claim 1 including supporting means for said support arm, said inner end being pivotally attached to said support means, and wherein the arm and pad moving means comprises power means pivotally connected to said arm to effect rotation of said arm about said inner end from said transport position to said support positions.

3. An outrigger support mechanism comprising: A. a frame; B. a substantially horizontally disposed beam telescopingly mounted within said frame; C. an arm pivotally connected to the outer end of said beam; D. a first power means for extending and retracting said beam relative to said frame, and; E. a second power means for pivoting said arm relative to said beam between an upward transport position and downward support positions, each of said first and second power means being independently operable.

7. An outrigger support mechanism comprising: A. a frame; B. a beam telescopingly mounted in said frame; C. an arm pivotally connected at one end to the outer end of said beam, said arm having a ground-engaging pad including a ground contacting surface on the other end thereof; D. a first power means for extending and retracting said beam relative to said frame; and E. a second power means for pivoting said arm relative to said beam between an upward transport position and downward support positions, said second power means being located with said frame at least when said arm is in the transport position and being operable independent of said first power means wherein said arm is movable between said transport and support positions independent of the position of said beam; when said arm is in said transport position, the ground contacting surface of said pad is disposed on one side of a plane including said arm one end and other end and when said arm is in said support positions, the ground contacting surface is disposed on the other side of said plane.

11. The outrigger of claim 7 in which said beam is hollow and said second power means is located within said beam.

13. An outrigger support mechanism comprising: A. A frame; B. a beam telescopingly mounted in said frame; C. an arm pivotally connected to the outer end of said beam; D. a first power means for extending and retracting said beam realtive to said frame; E. a second power means for pivoting said arm relative to said beam, independently of the extension position of said beam, from an upward transport position to any of a plurality of operative downward support positions between said transport position and support positions in which said arm is in the maximum downward position.

14. The outrigger of claim 13 in which said first power means provides for extension and retraction of said beam independently of the position of said arm.

15. The outrigger of claim 13 in which said beam, said first power means, said second power means, are substantially horizontally disposed.

18. A load lifting apparatus including at least one outrigger support mechanism of claim 13.

19. An outrigger support mechanism for stabilization of a vehicle, the outrigger comprising a support arm, pivotal means connecting said arm to an arm supporting means, power means for selectively moving said arm between (a) a transport position in which said arm is disposed above a predetermined position of said vehicle and (b) a plurality of operative support positions in which said arm is disposed at different levels below said portion of said vehicle, and laterally between (c) a proximal position in which said arm is adjacent to said vehicle and (d) a distal position in which said arm is remote from said vehicle, and means enabling said power means to move said arm between said transport position and said support positions independent of the lateral position of said arm.

20. An outrigger support mechanism as defined in claim 19 wherein said power means comprises first reciprocating means attached to said arm supporting means for moving said arm supporting means laterally between said proximal and said distal positions and second reciprocating means attached to said support arm for moving said support arm between said transport and support positions.

21. An outrigger support mechanism comprising: a. a frame; b. a substantially horizontally disposed beam telescopingly mounted within said frame; c. an arm pivotally connected to the outer end of said beam; d. a ground-engaging pad having a ground contacting surface and being pivotally connected to said arm; e. a first power means for extending and retracting said beam relative to said frame; and f. a second power means for pivoting said arm relative to said beam between an upward transport position wherein said ground contacting surface is disposed on one said of a plane including said pivot means and said outer end of said beam to downward support positions wherein said ground contacting surface is disposed on the other side of said plane, each of said first and second power means being independently operable.