US4156488A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cross-member assembly
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1977-07-18
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Granted: 1979-05-29
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Expires: 1997-07-18
Abstract
Abstract A cross support assembly is provided which is useful, for example, in earthworking equipment. Such an assembly can be mounted to extend between two lateral supports. A bracket extends laterally from the assembly and can serve as a supportive pivot for a bucket or the like. The assembly is generally hollow and acts as a torsion member. A bulkhead is welded in the cross support assembly and is positioned to directly receive forces exerted on the bracket. Usually the bracket and bulkhead are of unitary construction. The bulkhead extends within a generally tubular cross-member which also forms a part of the assembly and is attached between the lateral supports and into contact with the interior of the tubular member. Forces exerted on the assembly are thus generally compressively applied to the bulkhead welds adding to the overall strength of the assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Sheldon L. Stark
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 18:20
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02F; E02F3/00; E02F3/04; E02F3/28; E02F3/36; E02F3/38; E02F3/34; E02F3/3405; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49448
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A cross-support assembly adapted for use with heavy duty equipment such as earthworking vehicles and the like, comprising: a pair of generally parallel lateral supports; a generally tubular cross-member attached between said supports; a bracket extending laterally from a side of said cross-member; and bulkhead means extending within said cross-member and positioned to extend from said bracket and into contact with that portion of the interior of said cross-member adjacent said bracket.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A cross-support assembly adapted for use with heavy duty equipment such as earthworking vehicles and the like, comprising: a pair of generally parallel lateral supports; a generally tubular cross-member attached between said supports; a bracket extending laterally from a side of said cross-member; and bulkhead means extending within said cross-member and positioned to extend from said bracket and into contact with that portion of the interior of said cross-member adjacent said bracket.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
72 words
An assembly as in claim 1, wherein said generally tubular cross-member comprises: a channel structure extending generally fully between said lateral supports; a first channel section extending from a first of said lateral supports to a position intermediate said lateral supports; a second channel section extending from a second of said lateral supports to adjacent but short of said position; and means for affixing said structure to said first and second sections.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
An assembly as in claim 2, wherein said bulkhead means passes between said first and second sections and including: means for affixing said bulkhead means to said portion of the interior of said member; and means for affixing said bulkhead means to said first and second sections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
An assembly as in claim 3, wherein each of said affixing means comprise welds.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly as in claim 4, including: pivot means supported by said bracket and having an axis generally parallel to said member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly as in claim 1, wherein said bulkhead means and said bracket are a unitary structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly as in claim 1, wherein said lateral supports are aligned generally vertically and comprise lateral structural members of an earthworking vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
72 words
An assembly as in claim 7, wherein said generally tubular cross-member comprises: a channel structure extending generally fully between said lateral supports; a first channel section extending from a first of said lateral supports to a position intermediate said lateral supports; a second channel section extending from a second of said lateral supports to adjacent but short of said position; and means for affixing said structure to said first and second sections.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
An assembly as in claim 8, wherein said bulkhead means passes between said first and second sections and including: means for affixing said bulkhead means to said portion of the interior of said member; and means for affixing said bulkhead means to said first and second sections.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
An assembly as in claim 8, wherein each of said affixing means comprise welds.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly as in claim 10, including: pivot means supported by said bracket and having an axis generally parallel to said member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly as in claim 1, including: pivot means supported by said bracket and having an axis generally parallel to said member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
72 words
An assembly as in claim 12, wherein said generally tubular cross-member comprises: a channel structure extending generally fully between said lateral supports; a first channel section extending from a first of said lateral supports to a position intermediate said lateral supports; a second channel section extending from a second of said lateral supports to adjacent but short of said position; and means for affixing said structure to said first and second sections.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
An assembly as in claim 13, wherein said bulkhead means passes between said first and second sections and including: means for affixing said bulkhead means to said portion of the interior of said member; and means for affixing said bulkhead means to said first and second sections.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
56 words
An assembly as in claim 12, wherein said lateral supports are aligned generally vertically and comprise loader arms of a front loader having a bucket forward of said generally tubular member and including: bucket tilt lever means pivotally affixed to said pivot means; and motor means for pivoting said tilt lever means about said pivot means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
72 words
An assembly as in claim 15, wherein said generally tubular cross-member comprises: a channel structure extending generally fully between said lateral supports; a first channel section extending from a first of said lateral supports to a position intermediate said lateral supports; a second channel section extending from a second of said lateral supports to adjacent but short of said position; and means for affixing said structure to said first and second sections.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
An assembly as in claim 16, wherein said bulkhead means passes between said first and second sections and including: means for affixing said bulkhead means to said portion of the interior of said member; and means for affixing said bulkhead means to said first and second sections.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
An assembly as in claim 17, wherein each of said affixing means comprise welds.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
95 words
A cross-support assembly adapted for use with heavy duty equipment such as earthworking vehicles and the like, comprising: a pair of generally parallel lateral supports; a generally tubular member attached between said supports; a pair of brackets, each extending laterally from a side of said cross-member to a generally coaxial pivot location having a pivot axis generally parallel to said tubular member; and a pair of bulkhead means, one positioned to extend from each bracket within said member and into contact with that portion of the interior of said cross-member adjacent each of said brackets.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
95 words
A cross-support assembly adapted for use with heavy duty equipment such as earthworking vehicles and the like, comprising: a pair of generally parallel lateral supports; a generally tubular member attached between said supports; a pair of brackets, each extending laterally from a side of said cross-member to a generally coaxial pivot location having a pivot axis generally parallel to said tubular member; and a pair of bulkhead means, one positioned to extend from each bracket within said member and into contact with that portion of the interior of said cross-member adjacent each of said brackets.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
86 words
An assembly as in claim 19, wherein said generally tubular cross-member comprises: a channel structure extending generally fully between said lateral supports; a first channel section extending from a first of said lateral supports to a first of said bulkhead means; a second channel section extending from a second of said lateral supports to a second of said bulkhead means; an intermediate channel section extending from said first to said second bulkhead means; and means for affixing said structure to said first, second and intermediate sections.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
53 words
An assembly as in claim 20, including: means for affixing said first and second bulkhead means to said respective portions of said interior of said member; means for affixing said first bulkhead means to said first and intermediate sections; and means for affixing said second bulkhead means to said second and intermediate sections.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
An assembly as in claim 21, wherein each of said affixing means comprise welds.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly as in claim 22, wherein said lateral supports are aligned generally vertically and comprise lateral structural members of an earthworking vehicle.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
56 words
An assembly as in claim 22, wherein said lateral supports are aligned generally vertically and comprise loader arms of a front loader having a bucket forward of said generally tubular member and including: bucket tilt lever means pivotally affixed to said pivot location; and motor means for pivoting said tilt lever means about said pivot location.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly as in claim 19, wherein each of said bulkhead means is a unitary structure with a respective one of said brackets.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for assembling a cross-support assembly of a type adapted for use with heavy duty equipment such as earthworking vehicles and the like, comprising affixing a channel structure to extend generally fully from a first to a second generally parallel lateral support; affixing a bulkhead portion of a bulkhead-bracket structure to the concave structure of said channel structure with a bracket portion of said bulkhead-bracket structure extending laterally from said channel structure; affixing a first channel section to said first lateral support, said channel structure and a first side of said bulkhead-bracket structure; and affixing a second channel section to said second lateral support, said channel structure and a second side of said bulkhead-bracket structure.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for assembling a cross-support assembly of a type adapted for use with heavy duty equipment such as earthworking vehicles and the like, comprising affixing a channel structure to extend generally fully from a first to a second generally parallel lateral support; affixing a bulkhead portion of a bulkhead-bracket structure to the concave structure of said channel structure with a bracket portion of said bulkhead-bracket structure extending laterally from said channel structure; affixing a first channel section to said first lateral support, said channel structure and a first side of said bulkhead-bracket structure; and affixing a second channel section to said second lateral support, said channel structure and a second side of said bulkhead-bracket structure.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 26, wherein each of said affixing steps comprise welding.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-05-28 | 1982-11-27 | 1983-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-05-28 | 1986-11-27 | 1987-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-05-28 | 1990-11-27 | 1991-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |