Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
194 words
A clamping system for securely, removably mounting a spray boom assembly to an agrichemical applicator airplane, the clamping assembly comprising: a rigid elongated strut having a remote end adapted to be coupled to the wing of said airplane and an integral, spaced-apart jaw end; said strut jaw end being generally arcuate and having an innermost pivot connection point and an outermost pivot connection point; a rigid, generally arcuate moveable jaw portion pivotally coupled to said strut jaw end innermost pivot connection point for securing a spray boom between it and said strut jaw end, the jaw portion terminating in an outer pivot point; jaw locking handle pivotally coupled to said jaw portion at said outermost pivot point for releasably locking said jaw portion in boom holding relation relative to said strut jaw end; said jaw portion locking handle developing an overcenter action when rotated relative to said outer pivot point whereby to realasably lock said jaw portion relative to said strut jaw end; and, barrel connecting means extending between said outermost pivot connection point of said strut jaw end and adapted to be received within a suitable tracking aperture defined in said locking handle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
194 words
A clamping system for securely, removably mounting a spray boom assembly to an agrichemical applicator airplane, the clamping assembly comprising: a rigid elongated strut having a remote end adapted to be coupled to the wing of said airplane and an integral, spaced-apart jaw end; said strut jaw end being generally arcuate and having an innermost pivot connection point and an outermost pivot connection point; a rigid, generally arcuate moveable jaw portion pivotally coupled to said strut jaw end innermost pivot connection point for securing a spray boom between it and said strut jaw end, the jaw portion terminating in an outer pivot point; jaw locking handle pivotally coupled to said jaw portion at said outermost pivot point for releasably locking said jaw portion in boom holding relation relative to said strut jaw end; said jaw portion locking handle developing an overcenter action when rotated relative to said outer pivot point whereby to realasably lock said jaw portion relative to said strut jaw end; and, barrel connecting means extending between said outermost pivot connection point of said strut jaw end and adapted to be received within a suitable tracking aperture defined in said locking handle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
77 words
The combination as defined in claim 1 wherein: said tracking aperture comprises a pair of cooperating, spaced-apart, notches defined in opposite sides of said jaw locking handle adapted to receive said barrel connecting means; and, said barrel connecting means includes: an elongated, rigid, cylindrical barrel member adapted to be received by and between said notches; and, an elongated stem extending from a clevis pivotally coupled to said outermost pivot connection point and coupled to said barrel member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination as defined in claim 2 wherein said barrel member includes rigid flanges on its opposite ends for preventing axial withdrawal of said barrel member from said tracking aperture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination as defined in claim 3 wherein: said stem terminates in a threaded end portion which penetrates said barrel member; and, said stem includes a tension spring coaxially mounted thereon for yieldably biasing said barrel member into engagement with said aperture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination as defined in claim 4 including force distributing pad members associated with each of said strut jaw end and said arcuate moveable jaw portion for securely grasping said spray boom therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination as defined in claim 5 including spring means for yieldably biasing said moveable jaw portion towards an open position relative to said strut jaw end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination as defined in claim 5 wherein said remote end of the strut terminates in a hydraulic quick-disconnect fitting adapted to be snap fitted to supportive structure mounted to the wing of the airplane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The combination as defined in claim 4 including a force distributing pad assembly adapted to be rigidly mounted between said moveable jaw portion and said strut jaw end, the pad assembly comprising a pair of cooperating, jaw-like pads coupled together for pivotal tracking movement.