WO2012178194A2

WO2012178194A2 - Assisted cab entry lift systems for heavy equipment vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2012178194A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/044068
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Berry; Eric IMAZUNI; James Henahan; Tung VI; Patrick VOOSEN
Original assignee: Quality Of Life Plus Program
Priority date: 2011-06-24
Filing date: 2012-06-25
Publication date: 2012-12-27
Also published as: WO2012178194A9; WO2012178194A3

Abstract

Lift systems a re described which allow users such as those with disabilities or mobility impairment to gain access to the cab of heavy machinery. In one aspect, an assisted cab entry lift system for a heavy equipment vehicle includes : a user support for supporting a user; an attachment means configured for attachment to a heavy equipment vehicle and to support the user support; a vertical movement means configured to move the user support with the user in a desired vertical direction relative to the heavy equipment vehicle; and a horizontal movement means configured to move the user support with the user in a desired horizontal direction relative to the heavy equipment vehicle. Other means such as power screws may be used to move the support member.

Description

ASSISTED CAB ENTRY LIFT SYSTEMS FOR H EAVY EQUIPMENT VEHICLES

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0030] This application claims the benefit of U .S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/501,035 filed 24 June 2011 and entitled "Device for Assisted Entry For an Excavator"; this appl ication also claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Patent Application No . 61/661 ,972 filed 20 June 2012 and entitled "Assisted Cab Entry Lift System for Heavy Equipment Vehicles"; the entire contents of both of which applications are incorporated by reference herein .

BACKGROUND

[0031 ] Many products exist on the market to assist people with disabilities. These products, however, are i ntended for assisting disabled users out of pools, into cars, and up and down stairs . Few products are commonly available that can assist disabled users in gaining access to the user ca bins of heavy equipment machinery such as tractors, graders, backhoes, loaders, and the like.

SUMMARY

[0032] Lift systems and related methods are described which allow users such as those with disabilities or mobility im pairment to gain access to the cabins of heavy machinery.

[0033] In one aspect, an assisted cab entry lift system for a heavy equipment vehicle includes : a user su pport for supporting a user; an attachment means configu red for attachment to a heavy equipment vehicle and to support the user support; a vertical movement means configu red to move the user support with the user in a desired vertical direction relative to the heavy equipment vehicle; and a horizontal movement means configured to move the user support with the user in a desired horizontal direction relative to the heavy equ ipment vehicle.

[0034] Such a system can include additional featu res, including for exam ple, any of the fol lowing in any combination and/or order: a user support that includes a seat; a user support that includes a seat sl idably disposed on a track; an attachment mea ns that includes a frame or scaffold configu red to attach to the cab and/or roll cage of particu lar heavy machinery equ ipment; a vertical movement means including a first winch ; a first winch including an electric winch ; a vertical movement means incl uding a second winch ; a second winch including a hand-powered winch ; and/or, a vertical movement means including a power screw.

[0035] According to another aspect, an assisted cab entry lift system for a heavy equipment vehicle can include : a frame adapted for attachment to a heavy equ ipment vehicle; a vertical lift assembly incl uding a first and second mem bers, and a power source operable to move the first and second members with respect to one another, wherein the first member is connected to the frame; and, a user su pport member configu red to support a user, wherein the user support is connected to the second member.

[0036] Such a system can include additional featu res, including for exam ple, any of the following in any combination and/or order: a power sou rce incl uding an electric motor; a power source including a hydraulic motor; a power source including an internal combustion motor; a power source including a battery; the first and second mem bers can incl ude first and second tubes configu red in sliding comm unication . A portion of the second tu be can be configu red concentrically within the first tube during movement of the second tu be with respect to the first tu be. The frame can be adapted for attachment to a cab of the heavy equipment vehicle. The heavy equipment vehicle can include a backhoe, a tractor, an excavator, a grader, or a loader, or the like. The user support member can include a seat for supporting the user; and the seat can be slidably disposed on a track and movable to and from a first position proximal to the second mem ber to a second position distal from the second position . A motor may be used for movement of the seat along the track.

[0037] These, as wel l as other com ponents, steps, features, benefits, and/or advantages of the present disclosu re, will now become clear from a review of the fol lowing detailed description of ill ustrative em bodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The drawings shown and described herein disclose ill ustrative embodiments. They do not set forth all em bodiments. Other em bodiments may be used in addition or instead . Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration . Conversely, some embodiments may be practiced without all of the details that are disclosed . When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.

[0039] Aspects of the disclosu re may be more fu lly understood from the following description when read together with the accom panying drawings, which are to be rega rded as illustrative in natu re, and not as limiting . The drawings are not necessarily to scale, em phasis instead being placed on the principles of the disclosu re. In the drawings : [0040] FIG . 1A is a perspective view of an exem plary embodiment of a lift entry system according to the present disclosu re. FIG . I B shows the system of FIG . 1A with the lift in a top position . FIG. 1C shows a backhoe used with the lift entry system of FIGS. 1A-1 B.

[0041] FIG . 2 shows top, front, side, and perspective views of an em bodiment of a lift entry system of exemplary em bodiments.

[0042] FIG . 3 shows an assem bly view of frame, seat, and winch components of an exem plary embodiment.

[0043] FIG . 4 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an assisted cab entry system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0044] FIGS. 5A-5B show the system of FIG. 4 in alternate positions.

[0045] FIGS. 6A-6B show an im plemented embodiment sim ilar to the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5B.

[0046] FIGS. 7A-7B il lustrate different views of a motor assembly and thrust bearing assembly for exemplary embodiments.

[0047] FIG . 8 shows a spring-loaded plunger and indexing plate of an exem plary embodiment.

[0048] FIG . 9 shows an electrical setup used for an implemented em bodiment.

[0049] FIG . 10 is a line drawing of a design of an angled, telescoping elevator arm , attached to the roof of the equipment, to which a chai r may be attached, raised, and rotated . [0050] FIG . 11 is a line drawing of one embodiment of a standalone wheeled platform containing a chair, which may be rolled next to the equipment.

[0051] FIG . 12 is a line drawing of a winch system embodiment design including a crane attached to a telescoping arm, which hangs off of the roof.

[0052] FIG . 13 is a line drawing of a scissor lift system embodiment, showing a telescoping, vertical pole mounted to the roof and side of the equipment.

[0053] FIG . 14 is a line drawing depicting a folding telescoping arm embodiment in which an arm, mounted only to the roof, extends downward via a telescoping mechanism .

[0054] FIG . 15 is a line drawing depicting a embodiment with a lateral and vertical lift, which utilizes a flat chair that extends out from under the vehicle.

[0055] FIG . 16 is a line drawing depicting a rotating telescoping arm embodiment, in which a vertical and telescoping pole is mounted to the roof.

[0056] FIG . 17 is a line drawing depicting a chai r slide embodiment, wherein an inclined slide containing a track extends from the vehicle cab to the ground .

[0057] FIG . 18 is a line drawing of a modified lift entry system (Cat Climber), wherein a vertical , telescoping pole may be mounted to the roof and extend to the ground .

[0058] FIGS. 19A-B depict an em bodiment including a vertical lift platform on an undercarriage. [ 0059 ] FIG . 20 shows an em bodiment including a winch lift.

[ 0060] FIG . 21 shown as embodiment incl uding a deployable ram p.

[ 0061 ] While certain em bodiments are depicted in the drawings, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the em bodiments depicted are illustrative and that variations of those shown, as wel l as other embodiments described herein, may be envisioned and practiced within the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[ 0062] Aspects of the present disclosu re are directed to appa ratus, systems, methods, and techniques that can facilitate a assisted entry to a cab of heavy equ ipment vehicles. Such heavy equipment vehicles may be categorized into three broad grou ps : those with large offset back wheels; those in which the cab is flush with the back wheels ; and, those with large rollers and/or treads.

[ 0063 ] Embodiments of such apparatus, systems, methods, and techniques can provide for various of the following : an abil ity to lift a user into a cab; short or quick operating time; failsafe operation ; universal attachment/applicability; be operable with minimal modifications to existing vehicles ; single-user operation ; manual override for situations where power is lost; and may be collapsible/stowable when not is use.

[ 0064] Embodiments described herein can also avoid any modification made to the interior of the cab that project into the operator's space. Embodiments of such designs can be external to the cab to maintain origina l operator's space. All the wire cables and electrical connections can be routed paral lel to a l ift frame and thus be out of the operator's way. Additionally, such em bodiments can avoid any modifications to the rollover/falli ng object protection structu re integrated into a cab. Fu rthermore, such designs can facil itate a user maintaining three points of contact at al l times while mounting or dismounting a lift/vehicle. Since, a user may be disabled (e .g . , a para plegic or an am putee), the user may not have a functioning foot as third point of contact in which case the intended third point of contact will be their buttocks, and thus a seat-to-seat transfer can be used to provide the third point of contact while using both hands.

[0065] The primary function of the heavy equipment lift (or lift system), according to em bodiments described herein, is the ability to lift. Such systems are able to lift a disabled person without the use, or with limited use, of their legs into the cabin of a construction or agricultu re vehicle. The approximate l ift height is suita ble to position the user within the cabin, e. g . , anywhere from 5 to 8 feet high . Such a l ift or lift system will be able to lift a user of a desired weight, e. g . , weighing to 300 l bs. or more. The l ift may be but is not necessarily designed to carry a user's wheel chai r. Since the lift is preferably accessible from a wheel chair it is accessible by a person in a seated position . As the l ift is intended to provide a disabled person with the same abilities as a non-disabled person, it is preferably operable by a single user. The single user operation incl udes the abil ity to get on, raise the seat, and get off, all with the function of only the user's arms and moderate to mild strength capabil ities.

[0066] A second function of a lift (or l ift system) as described herein is to contain a manual operation mode in the event of the power loss. To prevent the operator from being stranded 5 feet in the air, the lift is preferably able to be operated manually for the person to exit safely. The manual operation mode should requ ire minimal user force in order to descend from the cabin . This is a safety feature that should be requ ired in the final design .

[0067] A third function provided by lifts and lift systems according to the present disclosu re is to have the device be universally attachable or adjustable to function with different heavy equipment vehicles. These vehicles come in a variety of sizes and vary with outside interfaces, thus a single device may not be able to accommodate all construction and agricultu re equipment. As part of the attachment of the design, the device is not to alter the equipment, or at the least have only minimal and reversible modification . Heavy equ ipment vehicles a re used in different terrain and sometimes in smal l spaces, thus the design needs to be collapsible or foldable so that there is as little offset as possible from the vehicle. Additionally, the collapsible and foldable featu re will allow the device to not inhi bit the user's vision .

[0068] FIG . 1A is perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lift entry system 100 according to the present disclosu re. FIG. IB shows the system 100 of FIG . 1A with the l ift in a top position . Designs according to FIGS. 1A-1 B can com bine the simplicity of a winch with extra structural rigidity and a n increased perception of safety for a user.

[0069] System 100 can include a frame or attachment means that includes a lateral mem ber 102 and an optional support element 104, and mounting plate 106. System 100 can also include a vertical movement (or motion) means that can include two or more members 112 and 114, e.g . , first and second tu bes in sliding (or telescopic) communication . System 100 can also include a horizontal movement (or motion) means, e. g . , including a support beam or member 122, second mounting plate pr frame 124, and a seat 126. System 100 can also include one or more winch for causing movement of the seat with the user rel ative to mem ber 112 and the cab (see FIG. 1C) as described in fu rther detail below. Optional additional frame or support members 132-140 may also be used in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 A; the positions and orientations shown are by way of example and others may be used . Suitable materials such as various steel alloys, or other metals, may be used for the elements shown .

[0070] As seen in FIGS. 1A-1 B, system 100 may be mounted to the roof of a heavy equipment vehicle and extend downward, while arms connect the outer vertical pole to the sides of the roll cage. These improve rigidity and al low the device to function without a lower mounting point where the wheel is located . An exem plary implemented em bodiment of an assisted cab entry l ift system according to the present disclosure was adapted to a Caterpillar 420D backhoe, in the la rge offset category of vehicles, as shown in FIG . 1C. as such a vehicle is a popu lar piece of heavy equipment and the resulting design was believed to be readily adaptable and scalable to most other types of common heavy equipment machines.

[0071] A winch (not shown) can be fixed to a mounting plate 106 for use in moving the user su pport. In exem plary embodiments, the mounting plate 106 for the which may be directly over the so that its weight will not contribute significantly to the forces seen on the extended portions of the frame. The chair (user support) can be located at the end of a su pport element (e.g . , round or square tube) that is connected (directly or indirectly) to the inner vertical pole (second tube) . For exam ple, for direct connection, the support element can be mounted to the inner vertical pole using tabs and a bolt. [0072] In exemplary embodiments, a winch can be used to move the support mem ber and user vertically. A cable of suitable material (e. g . , steel , etc. ) can be run from a hoist spool over a pulley to redirect it down through the hollow portion of the vertical tube. At the bottom of the tubes the cable is again redirected through a smooth redirection structu re, e.g . , a torroid or "donut" and through an eye bolt before it attaches to a portion of the support mem ber incl uding the seat for moving the user. In preferred em bodiments, such a cable connects to a hand crank near the seat, so that the user can lower herself or his-self in the even that power is lost to the prima ry (powered ) winch .

[0073] In operation, after the operator is securely buckled, the chair wil l be lifted along with the inner tu be to the correct height. The outer tu be (first tu be) acts as a guide sheath for the inner tube, preventing the user from swinging out of control and preventing contamination from debris. Once the operator is in place, the arm su pporting the chair can be rotated to bring the seat close to the cab. An indexing plate can lock the seat in pre-set locations. In addition, the chair itself rests on sleeve bearing carriages that sl ide along guide rails, al lowing fu rther adjustment. Vertical movement is restricted by a slot that is cut into the inner tube which bottoms out when it contacts a stationary bolt inserted through the outer tu be. In the event of a power failu re the hoist has a mechanical bra ke that will automatically lock the cable. In order to descend, the operator wou ld tu rn the hand crank thus feeding out the cable and retu rning to the ground .

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1 B, exemplary embodiments can include a l ift system 100 that uses a single motorized winch to raise and lower the operator du ring normal use. The wire cable runs through the round tubes which help to provide rigidity when ascending and descending . The cable then connects to a manual winch (not shown) near the operator's seat 126. The manual winch is intended to be used as a means of manual descent in the emergency case of power loss to the l ifting system .

[0075] The operator is to maneuver their wheel chair next to the seat which is designed to be the same height as the wheel chair. Once on the seat and the seat belt is locked in, the operator then can use the wired remote to ascend upwards. The l ift will come to a stop at the top due to designed slots that allow for traveling the designed distance. Once at the top, the rider wil l rotate the chair around and face the seat directly in front of them . Next, the rider wil l release stop under the chair that allows for the sliding track to move forward and position them closer to the seat. The chair wil l then need to be locked once again and then the rider can move into the operator's seat of the vehicle. The chair is then rotated so that the chair arm is parallel to the cabin and that is where it is stored until needed to descend .

[0076] The descent is the reverse of the ascent in terms of procedure. The rider will go all the way down where the chair wil l automatica lly stop moving due to the slot and pin limiting travel . The lift system is designed to operate a maximum load of a 3001 b. rider with ample safety factors that will be discussed in the later subsections .

[0077] While some embodiments may utilize a power screw or other lifting mechanism , preferred em bodiments utilize one or more winches . A winch allows for more variable maneuvers if necessary and decreases the amount of potential hardware failures. The winches that were selected contain automatic mechanical breaks. These mechanical brakes in both wi nches activate when there is a loss of power or user input, thus stopping the lift from falling catastrophically.

[0078] Any suitable primary or main winch (e. g . , a first winch located at the top of the frame or su pport) may be selected for use. In exemplary em bodiments, the primary winch is a SUPERWINCH Electric Winch, ATV, 12VDC, Pu ll Capacity 30001 b. The winch was chosen based upon the power required to operate (as some appl ications may only supply 12VDC or 24VDC from a battery), pull ing capacity, mechanical brake, line speed, and remote featu res. Some applications may require or use an external power source from the equipment vehicle, thus the power may be supplied, e.g . , by either one or two suitable automotive batteries rated at 12VDC each . Such a power supply limitation, though, may greatly limits the selection of motors ; other motors may of course be used for application utilizing power from the vehicle (e. g . , a hydraulic motor using hydraulic power from vehicle; an internal combustion motor using fuel from the vehicle) . For an implemented embodiment, the pul l ing capacity of the primary winch is 3000 l b. , which can be seen as overdesigned for the application at first glance, however, the 3000 l b. provides a minimum safety factor of 10 based upon maxim um operation load . Since such devices will be lifting people, safety is a top priority and having a safety factor of 10 may greatly reduce the chance of parts failing under fatigue. The mechanical brake is a preferred featu re in most em bodiments, and may be deemed absolutely necessary to have for some appl ications. Such a brake activates in the event of loss of power or no user input, thus preventing the winch from unloading its line unintentionally . This also provides a redundant safety factor when the winch is in use by preventing an operator from fal ling if the power goes out. In an im plemented embodiment, the line speed of the winch is approximately 27 feet per minute with no load, which equates to an approximate travel time of 10 seconds.

[0079] A secondary winch (e.g . , a second winch at the bottom of the device and accessible to a user) can be a Fulton 15001 b. Automatic Bra ke Winch Model K1550. The intended use for this winch is mainly as the opposite end anchor to the main electric winch . The bottom winch is a manual device which is to only be used for lowing the operator down the lift in the event of power loss and the main electric winch is out or commission . The manual winch provides a safety factor of 5, which is less than the main motor safety factor; however the manual winch is not being used regularly. The winch is also zinc plated for corrosion resistance.

[0080] Lift system 100 can include an attachment System including a frame and tabs. To attach the lifting device to the heavy equipment vehicle a frame was built that attaches to the roll/fl ip frame. The attachment goes u p the side of the roll frame and over the top of the roll frame as wel l . To have this attachment com ply with various other equipment vehicles in the large offset back wheel category, the back portion of the roll frame was used since most of these vehicles have at least this portion of the roll frame. The lift frame will be bolted into the roll frame for a semi-permanent attachment. In the event that the entire ACE l ift wants to be removed, bolts can be easily removed . The lift frame is built out of 2in x 2in x0.25 in steel square tubing . The wire ca ble that is used to lift is housed by two concentric round tu bes that act in a telescoping manner. The larger tube is 3in . and the smaller is 2.5 in . with both having a thickness of 0.25in . The telescoping effect was designed to eliminate the ACE lift from preventing normal movement and function of the equ ipment vehicle . In the outer concentric tu be there is a pin that goes through the entire tu be. This pin is used as a way to prevent excessive traveling of the user by riding inside a slot in the inner concentric tu be . The inner concentric tu be is then connected to a 2in x 2in x0.25 in steel square tu be which is the seat bea m where the rider rests and rotates.

[0081] The connection of the square tu bing frame to the tubes requires the use of tabs. The tabs were designed using flat steel plate. Tabs were designed for the ease of installation and slight adjustments to the location of the two concentric tubes . Also in the event that the lift is obstructed by an object when moving the equipment vehicle, the tu bes wil l rotate preventing further damage to the roll frame and the ACE lift. The tubes are to have a shoulder bolt going through the tabs and into the square tu bes, the square tube will be pressed together to prevent from rotating . The seat beam and the tabs connecting those to the inner tu be will have the bolt be slightly looser to allow for the rotating motion of the seat. Also a similar design to the tabs are used as top and bottom covers for the concentric tubes to prevent debris from entering the tubes as well as provide a secondary prevention the cable from going astray.

[0082] FIG . 2 shows top, front, side, and perspective views of an embodiment of a lift entry system 200 of exemplary embodiments similar to FIG. 1. FIG. 2 includes a parts listing for lift system 200 including a pulley. A pulley can be used at the top of the outer concentric tube to redirect the line. In exemplary embodiments, the pul ley is rated for 2600 lb. loading, which is greater than the expected loading conditions. The pul ley was chosen to decrease friction of the ru nning cable as well as effectively change the winch pulling di rection from horizontal to vertical . [0083] A physical stop may be used for lift systems according to the present disclosure. The slot and pin was designed as a physical stop to prevent the rider from going to ascending too high as well as descending too low. Du ring the resting state of the l ift, only the weight of the lift wil l be held on the cable and pin on the slot. Also a notch is made in the outer tu be so the inner tu be can rider higher inside the outer tu be for an increased telescoping effect.

[0084] Exemplary em bodiments may include a seat slide. In an implemented em bodi ment, , the seat was bolted to two sleeve bea ring slide carriages to allow translational movement. These carriages a re lined with PTFE to facilitate easy movement along the guide rails . The carriages also feature a plastic knob that locks them to the guide rail and al lows the operator to transfer into the cab without accidentally sliding backwards. Ball bearing slide carriages also exist, but the debris found in construction and agricultu ral environments can be problematic for this type of carriage.

[0085] FIG . 3 shows an assembly view of tu be, seat frame, and winch com ponents of a system 300 for exempl ary em bodiments. Secondary or auxiliary manual winch 320 and primary or powered winch 330 are also shown with related components .

[0086] FIG . 4 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an assisted cab entry system 400 in accordance with the present disclosu re . System 400 includes a chair which lifts the seated user vertically to a height which allows him or her to conveniently step into the excavator's cab. Fastened to the underside of this chair, via a fixed joint, is one end of a length of horizontally oriented square tubing called the swing arm . The other end of the swing arm is mounted with a pivoting joint to a large piece of vertically oriented circular tubing referred to as the inner tube. By allowing the chair to swing in an arc around the inner tube, the user is able to position it in a location which allows him or her to conveniently transfer into or out of the house. The range of motion provided by the chair also facilitates its positioning so that a wheelchair user can transfer into or out of it. Attached to the top of the inner tube is a drive collar which engages a lead screw. This lead screw is supported axially and radially by a thrust bearing assembly, and is rotated by the electric motor. During the majority of its entire range of travel, the inner tube slides within the outer tube. This is done to ensure that the lead screw is only subjected to axial loads, as all moments are taken up by the outer tube. The outer tube is supported by two brackets that are bolted to the top and bottom of the house. A complete bill of materials along with a cost analysis is offered in Table 3.

[0087] The design of a some heavy equipment machinery can require a user to climb approximately 50 vertical inches (~ 1.5 meters) in order to reach the operator's com partment (cab) . A user taking steps would need to traverse the tread and cab floor in doing so and therefore would most likely be required to take relatively large steps, which could be quite difficult for someone without full control of their knee joint(s) . The realized designs can provide a device that enables a person with two above-knee prosthetics to enter a Caterpillar model 320C L excavator safely and easily. For some popula r types of heavy machinery, e.g . , a Caterpillar model 320C L excavator, the user is effectively forced to ta ke their first step on a smal l ledge halfway below the edge of the tread, with the next step onto the tread, and the final step into the cab. Because designs described herein can el iminate the need for the user to take large steps, it can be im portant to define the largest step the user may have to take. According to the American Disa bil ities Act (ADA), the maximum step height that can be used on a flight of stairs is 7 in . and the minimum step height is 4 in . Using these dimensions as guidelines, it was determined that the maximum step height the user of certain embodiments should have to take should be 5 in. ±1 in.

[0088] Another high priority for the device is the safety of the operator. Some manufactu res, e. g . , Caterpilla r, advise users by way of user manuals to maintaining three points of contact with the heavy machinery at all times when entering or exiting the vehicle. Lift systems such as shown in FIG. 4 facil itate maintaining three points of contact in accordance with such safety procedu res and make use of handholds to limit the occurrences of any accidents. An additional safety concern for this project is that of the user getting trapped inside the cabin due to a malfunction in the device. To alleviate this concern, a user should be able to open the door of the cabin at all times.

[0089] For exemplary em bodiments, the motive power for the lift of FIG. 4 comes from a 24 volt, permanent magnet DC motor. This motor has an integral gear reduction and is rated to provide 113 in-l bs of torque at 250 rpm while drawing 27 am ps. The torque available from this motor is more than double what testing with the third-scale model indicated was necessary, thus facilitating robust performance in many loading conditions without overworking the motor. Readings ta ken with an ammeter while operating the full - size lift have indicated that the motor only pul ls approximately 18 amps when fully loaded, confirming that it is oversized by a fair safety margin . The motor is located next to the outer tu be, with the axis of its output shaft parallel to that of the outer tube. Atop the bea ring block sits the motor plate, which is made out of 3/16" steel plate. The motor plate serves to clamp the bearing block to the outer tube and also provides a mounting su rface for the DC motor. The motor bolts to the motor plate with its output shaft projecting upwards through a clearance hole provided in it. Once the motor is bolted to the motor plate, a drive gear is slipped over its shaft and prevented from rotating by a key. The gear is prevented from moving axial ly on the output shaft by a bolt which threads into a blind hole provided in the motor's output shaft. Since the torque dema nded from the motor may be qu ite low, this can allow the key, in some embodiments, to be made out of relatively weak materials, providing an intentional fail ure point. For exemplary em bodiments, the key is made out of acryl ic plastic. When the l ift is subjected to normal loading, this relatively fragile key transmits torque from the motor to the drive gear without issue. However, when the lift is jammed or overloaded, this key easy shears, sparing the drive train from fu rther damage.

[0090] Where the lead screw exits the top of the bearing block, two acme nuts are threaded onto the screw and sit upon the upper thrust bearing . These two nuts are tightened against each other to prevent them from spinning . Similarly, on the bottom of the bearing block there are two nuts which rest against the bottom thrust bea ring and are locked together. This ensu res that the thrust bea rings are adequately pre-loaded . The top-most acme nut has a gea r welded to it which interfaces with the motor's drive gear. The drive gear and driven gear on the lead screw have the same number of teeth and pitch diameter, thus serving to transmit power with no significant change in torque or rpm . Also mounted on the motor plate, opposite the electric motor and on the bottom side is a bolt-on bearing flange. This fla nge and bearing locate a 5/8" steel shaft with a gear welded to one end . This gear also interfaces with the gear on the acme screw; however it has one-half the pitch diameter and num ber of teeth, providing it with a 2 : 1 mechanical advantage. The shaft this smal ler auxiliary gear is attached to projects through the bottom of the flange bearing on the bottom of the motor plate. In some em bodiments, a handle may be fabricated which can be attached to this auxil iary shaft, allowing users to manual ly lower the lift in case of electrical or drive key failu re.

[0091] Running nearly the entire length of the inner tube is a 3/32" deep and 3/16" wide keyway. A steel key is inserted through a slot in the outer tu be and rides inside the inner tu be's keyway. This prevents the inner tu be from rotating within the outer tu be.

[0092] Welded on near the bottom of the inner tu be are two tabs which serve as swing arm mounts. The swing arm , which carries the chair which holds the user, is attached to these ta bs via a 1/2" bolt and two oil -im pregnated bronze sleeve bushings. Clam ped to the bottom tab by the mounting bolt is the steel indexing plate. A spring-loaded plunger, attached to the bottom of the swing arm , slips into the notches cut into the indexing plate when lined up correctly. This allows the user to lock the swing arm in three different positions. The indexing plate can easily be swapped out for a different one in the event that the user would like to lock the swing arm in different positions . The spring loaded plunger is actuated by pu ll ing on a handle at the end of the swing arm or pul ling a lever next to the seat. The swing loaded plunger is easily replacea ble in the event it is damaged .

[0093] FIGS. 5A-5B show the system 400 of FIG. 4 in alternate positions.

[0094] Mounted to the end of the swing arm is an industrial implement seat with a folding back. The seat featu res foam padding with a vinyl cover and a retractable seatbelt. The lift is operated by momentary control switches located on both sides of the seat. In the embodiment shown/described, both switches must be pressed and held simu ltaneously in order to operate the lift; this ensu res that both of the user's hands will be kept away from potential pinch points while the lift is in operation . These switches control a sim ple electrical system which consists of four high-capacity relays which route power to the motor and two limit-switches which stop the inner tube from retracting or extending too far. The entire system is protected by a forty am p, harsh environment circuit breaker. This breaker can also be tripped manually, doubl ing as an off switch for the system .

[0095] FIGS. 6A-6B show an im plemented embodiment 600 similar to the em bodiment of FIGS. 5A-5B.

[0096] FIGS. 7A-7B il lustrate different views of a motor assembly and thrust bearing assembly 700 for exemplary embodiments.

[0097] FIG . 8 shows a spring-loaded plunger and indexing plate of an exem plary embodiment 800.

[0098] FIG . 9 shows an electrical setu p 900 used for an implemented em bodiment.

[0099] Alternate Embodiments : further embodiments are described with respect to FIGS. 10-21.

[00100] FIG . 10 is a high-level drawing of a further embodiment 1000 including an angled, telescopi ng elevator arm , attached to the roof of the equ ipment, to which a chair may be attached, raised, and rotated . As shown, a telescoping arm can be attached to the roof of the equ ipment and fold down and extend to the grou nd . It can be either vertical or angled . The chair attached to this arm can be raised and rotated .

[00101] FIG . 11 is a high-level drawing of a further embodiment 1100 including a standalone wheeled platform containing a chair, which may be rolled next to the equipment. An arm both raises and extends the chair to the appropriate position . As shown, a standalone wheeled platform containing a chair can be rolled next to the equipment. An arm both raises and extends the chair to the appropriate position . Another option is a platform low enough to fit beneath the vehicle. The seat can be positioned close to the cab, and an extendable arm will lift the seat only in the vertical direction .

[00102] FIG . 12 is a high-level drawing a winch system embodiment 1200 including a crane attached to a telescoping a rm, which hangs off of the roof. A seat may be raised and lowered . A crane attached to a telescoping arm hangs off of the roof. A seat can be raised and lowered . When not in use, the seat/winch assembly can be retracted close to the vehicle body. Alternatively, the user could use handholds to remain close to the equipment and the telescoping feature could be unnecessary.

[00103] FIG . 13 is a high-level drawing of a scissor lift system embodiment 1300, showing a telescoping, vertical pole mounted to the roof and side of the equipment. The attached platform may l ift and lower along the poles axis, but also extend laterally and stow under the vehicle .

[00104] FIG . 14 is a high-level drawing of a folding telescoping arm em bodiment 1400 in which an arm , mounted only to the roof, extends downwa rd via a telescoping mechanism . An attached chair is lifted or lowered . When not in use, the arm is retracted to its highest position and the entire assem bly folds flat on the roof.

[00105] FIG . 15 is a high-level drawing of an embodiment 1500 with a lateral a nd vertical lift, which utilizes a flat chair that extends out from under the vehicle. Once the user is in place, a scissor lift raises him or her to the appropriate height. Lateral movement, to bring the user closer to the cab, may also be incorporated .

[00106] FIG . 16 is a high-level drawing of a rotating telescoping arm embodiment 1600, in which a vertical and telescoping pole is mounted to the roof. Once the operator is l ifted into the cab, the entire mechanism is rotated around a vertical axis passing through the center of the vehicle. The rotating telescoping arm embodiment may swing 360 degrees, so the operator can place it in a position that does not inhibit visibility or clearance.

[00107] FIG . 17 is a high-level drawing of a chair slide embodiment 1700, wherein an inclined slide containing a track extends from the vehicle cab to the ground . A wheelchair may be hooked into this track and follow the path to the cab either by winch and cable or by an internal drive mechanism . The reverse process may be used to exit.

[00108] FIG . 18 is a high-level drawing of a modified lift entry system (Cat Cl imber) embodiment 1800, wherein a vertical , telescoping pole may be mounted to the roof and extend to the ground . The seat is then attached to this pole by a boom which also telescopes and rotates around the vertical pole. In a similar design, the boom may be constrained to the pole by means of a "donut" which allows it to freely rotate around the pole. Cables may lift the boom/seat assembly, and once the user is at cab height he or she can rotate into the correct position .

[00109] FIGS. 19A-B are high-level drawings of an embodiment 1900 incl uding a vertical lift platform on an undercarriage. The embodiment depicted can include a platform mounted to the front web on the u ndercarriage. This platform can then be moved u p and down by either hydrau lic cylinders or a power screw mechanism . This design presents two issues making it less preferred . First of all , from a practical point of view, any design which incorporates powered com ponents attached to the carriage runs into the problem of receiving electrical power from the batteries carried in the house (top section of excavator which includes cab and engine), while still allowing the house to pivot 360° with respect to the carriage. Also, a device centered on the front web of the undercarriage will be offset from the door when the house is at an orientation of 90° relative to the undercarriage and would be unusable in any other orientation . This would necessitate some form of horizontal travel in the apparatus or require the user to ma ke a large awkward step.

[OOl lO] FIG . 20 is a high-level drawing of an embodiment 2000 including a winch l ift. The winch lift concept shown may requi re the user to hang awkwardly in the air while relying on a machine to do all the work. This may not be conducive to instilling a feeling of independence and self-sufficiency in the excavator operator. This design may also have the potential for catastrophe, or at least extreme inconvenience due to device failu re exists. For example, if the winch motor failed while lifting the operator he could be stuck hangi ng in air for an unknown amount of time. Also, a worst case failu re i nvolves a component unexpectedly breaking and the user free falling to the ground, in the absence of a secondary safety cable or tether.

[00111] FIG . 21 is a high-level drawing of an embodiment 2100 including a deployable ram p. Initially concept 2, seen in Figure 10, was selected as the design to develop but after detailed analysis this design also had its drawbacks. They key featu re of the design that made it initially appeali ng was that the user entered the cab under his own power. The ram p would be considered only a minor assistance for getting into the cab.

[00112] As described previously, an exem plary im plemented embodiment of an assisted cab entry lift system according to the present disclosu re was adapted to a Caterpil lar 420D backhoe, in the large offset category of vehicles, as such a vehicle is a popular piece of heavy equi pment and the resulting design was believed to be readily adaptable and scalable to most other types of common heavy equipment machines .

[00113] Accordingly, components, steps, processes, methods, structu re, featu res as described herein offer various benefits and advantages compared with the prior art. The components, steps, processes, methods, structure, featu res, benefits and advantages that have been discussed are merely illustrative. None of them, nor the discussions relating to them , are intended to l imit the scope of protection in any way. Numerous other em bodiments are also contemplated . These include em bodiments that have fewer, additional, and/or different components, steps, features, objects, benefits and advantages . These also include em bodiments in which the com ponents and/or steps a re arranged and/or ordered differently.

[00114] Further, while various materials and/or components are described herein, other suitable materials and/or components may of course be used.

[00115] In addition, feedback mechanism, modalities, structures, apparatus, and systems described herein may alone or in any combination be referred to as feedback means. [00116] While certain software programs and languages may be described herein, other suitable programs and programming languages may of course be used.

[00117] Further, methods, steps, processes, and/or algorithms described herein may be implemented with, in, or by use of suitable computer systems, computer devices, and/or computer processors (e.g., a CPU or graphics processing unit or the like); and, such may implement or utilize an article of manufacture including a non- transitory machine-readable storage medium ; and executable program instructions embodied in the machine readable storage medium that when executed by a processor of a programmable computing device configures the programmable computing device to carry out, perform, or control the performance of the methods, steps, processes, and/or algorithms.

[00118] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. All articles, patents, patent applications, specifications, and other publications which have been cited or presented in this disclosure are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[00119] All articles, patents, patent applications, and other publ ications which have been cited are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

What is claimed is :

1. An assisted cab entry lift system for a heavy equipment vehicle, the system comprising : a user support for supporting a user: an attachment means configured for attachment to a heavy equipment vehicle and to support the user support; a vertical movement means configured to move the user support with the user in a desired vertical direction relative to the heavy equipment vehicle; and a horizontal movement means configured to move the user support with the user in a desired horizontal direction relative to the heavy equipment vehicle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the user support comprises

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the user support comprises

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the vertical movement means comprises a first winch.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first winch is an electric winch.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the vertical movement means further comprises a second winch.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the second winch is a hand-powered winch .

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the vertical movement means comprises a power screw.

10. An assisted cab entry lift system for a heavy equipment vehicle, the system comprising : a frame adapted for attachment to a heavy equipment vehicle; a vertical lift assembly including a first and second members, and a power source operable to move the first and second members with respect to one another, wherein the first member is connected to the frame; and a user support member configured to support a user, wherein the user support is connected to the second member.

11. The assisted cab entry lift system of claim 10, wherein the power source comprises an electric motor.

13. The assisted cab entry lift system of claim 10, wherein the power source comprises a hydraulic motor.

14 The assisted cab entry lift system of claim 10, wherein the power source comprises an internal combustion motor.

15. The assisted cab entry lift system of claim 10, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

16. The assisted cab entry lift system of claim 10, wherein the first and second members comprise first and second tubes configured in sliding communication.

17. The assisted cab entry lift system of claim 16, wherein a portion of the second tube is configured concentrically within the first tube during movement of the second tube with respect to the first tube.

18. The assisted cab entry lift system of claim 10, wherein the frame is adapted for attachment to a cab of the heavy equipment vehicle.

19. The assisted cab entry lift system of claim 10, wherein the heavy equipment vehicle comprises a backhoe, a tractor, an excavator, a grader, or a loader.

20. The assisted cab entry lift system of claim 10, wherein the user support member comprises a seat for supporting the user.

21. The assisted cab entry lift system of claim 20, wherein seat is slidably disposed on a track and movable to and from a first position proximal to the second member to a second position distal from the second position.