Boom assembly
An aerial boom assembly includes a first member having a fixed length and comprising first and second ends, the second end configured to be coupled to a mobile base, a second member coupled to the first member at the first end, an extension member slidably coupled to the second member to move between a first position and a second position, and a track having a first end coupled to the second member and a second end coupled to the extension member and configured to guide a dispenser between a first configuration and a second configuration as the extension member is moved between the first position and the second position.
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The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/902,497, filed on Jul. 29, 2004. The present application is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/996,665, filed on Nov. 24, 2004.
The present application claims priority as available under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119-121 to the following U.S. patent applications (which are incorporated by reference in the present Application): (a) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/902,497 filed on Jul. 29, 2004; (b) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/996,665 filed on Nov. 24, 2004.
BACKGROUNDMany different types of vehicles utilize aerial boom systems for firefighting and/or rescue operations. In general, aerial boom systems are configured to extend from a vehicle or other structure and elevate to a predetermined height. Some aerial boom systems are also configured to tilt and adjust along various axes. Typically, aerial booms include a hose for delivering a dry chemical or fire retardant agent to the end of an extension boom where the fire-retardant material or other liquid may be released. During retraction and/or extension of the boom, the hose may fall off its hose reel or become damaged.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In general, the aerial boom assembly described in this disclosure comprises a plurality of members, one of which is pivotally coupled to a mobile base (e.g., vehicle). The aerial boom assembly is configured for use with different vehicles including vehicle 100 shown in
As shown in
Ground-engaging motive members 120 are coupled to support structure 110. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. By way of example, ground-engaging motive members 120 may be coupled to support structure 110 by a suspension system such that support structure 100 is supported relative to each ground engaging motive member. According to an exemplary embodiment, the suspension system is a modular independent suspension system including a coil spring suspension for steerable and non-steerable wheel assemblies and drive and non-drive axles. According to other exemplary embodiments, the suspension system may be any other suitable system (e.g., rigid axles and leaf spring suspension system).
Ground engaging motive members 120 include, for example, wheels (e.g., cast or machined and including rubber or composite tires, etc.), axle and wheel assemblies, or assemblies including articulated tracks (e.g., metal, rubber, composite, etc.), and the like which may be used to maintain support structure 110 above a surface and to allow vehicle 100 to move across the surface. Several configurations of ground engaging motive members 120 are possible (e.g., four, six and eight wheel arrangements, etc.), as commensurate with the type duty that will be experienced by vehicle 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, ground engaging motive members 120 include at least two axle and wheel assemblies coupled to support structure 110. A front axle and wheel assembly 122 is coupled to front end 112 of support structure 110, and a rear axle and wheel assembly 124 is coupled to rear end 114 of support structure 110. An optional intermediate axle and wheel assembly 126 is shown coupled to rear end 114 of support structure 110, such that vehicle 100 has a six wheel configuration.
Power source 123 may be mounted to support structure 110 and coupled to at least one of ground-engaging motive members 120 such that they may be driven by the power source. In other embodiments, the power source may be coupled to multiple ground engaging members, such as in an all-wheel drive system. According to an exemplary embodiment, the power source is an internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline or diesel engine. According to other exemplary embodiments, the power source may include a turbine engine, an electric motor, a hybrid-electric system, or the like.
Vehicle body 140 is coupled to support structure 110 and includes a front end 142, and a rear end 144. Any convenient and conventional materials may be utilized to form vehicle body 140, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or a composite material. Vehicle body 140 is configured to at least partially enclose the power source. Fire-fighting equipment is typically controlled from operators station 148 within vehicle cab 146. A vehicle cab 146, including an operator station 148, is typically disposed at front end 142 of vehicle body 140.
A fluid source 127 (e.g., a fluid tank or chemical tank) can be mounted directly on vehicle 100, such as on vehicle body 140. The fluid source may also be an independent fluid source, such as a separate trailer structure, a separate tank vehicle, or a fixed fluid source, such as a lake, river, reservoir, tank, public or municipal utility source (e.g., a hydrant coupled to a pressurized fluid source), etc. The independent fluid source may be coupled to the vehicle for pumping purposes. The fluid source may be coupled in fluid communication with boom attachment 330. Boom attachment 330 includes a frame assembly 332, dispensing nozzle 380, and piercing nozzle assembly 360. Nozzle 380 is mounted on frame assembly 332 and is configured to be in fluid communication with fluid supply 127. According to an exemplary embodiment, the boom attachment can have a motion assembly associated with it for controlling the motion of the boom attachment in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The motion assembly can be controlled either manually or remotely from the vehicle depending on the particular circumstances, in which the vehicle is being utilized. The motion assembly will typically include a motor, gears, and levers that will impart controlled motion to the nozzle assembly. It is also contemplated that additional tools and apparatus can be mounted on the boom attachment as appropriate for a given application such as a piercing tool, a video camera, for example, an infrared video camera, a spot or search light, hydraulic actuated jaws for manipulating metal or such other appropriate tool for use with an aerial boom attachment. Additional modifications will be evident to those with ordinary skill in the art.
Referring to
As shown in
According to various exemplary embodiments, corresponding components of the boom assembly are constructed from suitable materials such as metal, steel, aluminum, composite materials, or the like. A composite material is typically a combination of two or more materials that are chemically or mechanically joined at the interface to obtain specific properties that are not available from the individual constituents.
The boom assembly can be coupled to a vehicle according to any convenient and suitable manner, for example, nuts and bolts, bands or straps, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the boom assembly may be composed of frame members forming a lattice-type framework. The frame members can be of any suitable geometric cross section, for example, angle beams, tubes, etc. and composed of any suitable material, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, composite material or a combination of such materials. The frame assembly can be fabricated by individual parts conveniently fastened together with, for example, screws, bolts or welded or adhesives or it can be molded as a single piece. Several removable frame sections may be coupled to the frame members for added stability. The removable frame sections can be removed to provide access to components of the aerial boom attachment, such as couplings, electrical connections and for maintenance work, the track, hoses, etc. The center line of the frame assembly is preferably axially aligned with the boom assembly.
Referring to
End 312 of track 310 is fixedly coupled to second member 222 at anchor 358 and end 314 of track 310 is fixedly coupled to extension member 224 at anchor 360. Hose 316 is coupled to an elbow or adaptor 362 which curves back around toward dispensing nozzle assembly 175. A hard line or hose 364 couples to adaptor 362 at end 366 and extends to connector 368 at end 370. Connector 368 couples hose 364 to extension member 224. A soft or flexible hose 372 is coupled to connector 368 and to dispensing nozzle or end 380. Hose 364 is provided within an interior portion of extension member 224 and track 316, hard line 352, flexible hose 346, and hard line 340 are provided within an interior portion of second member 222. The above-described arrangement allows fluid, dry chemical, or other suitable fire-retardant material to flow through the hoses to nozzle or end 380. According to various alternative embodiments, any of the hard lines, hoses, connectors, tracks, etc. may be provided on and/or in any other suitable portion of the boom assembly (e.g., the parts or features may be mounted, coupled, connected, etc. to outside portions of the members). According to various alternative embodiments, any of the hoses and/or lines may be replaced with soft hoses, hard hoses, flexible hoses, moveable hoses, semi-rigid hoses, and/or other suitable carrier and may be coupled to boom assembly in any suitable manner.
Referring to
As shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown in
As shown in
According to an exemplary embodiment, the tracks may be welded to reduce parts. According to an alternative embodiment, the tracks may include poly rollers to reduce cable and/or hose wear during operation. According to various exemplary embodiments, the tracks may be made from any suitable material including metal, steel (e.g., stainless), nylon (e.g., heavy duty fiber reinforced nylon), composites, plastic, non-corrosive, etc. According to various exemplary embodiments, the tracks are configured to maintain a proper bend radius for air, hydraulic, electric lines, ribbon cables, hoses, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the tracks may be designed to withstand outdoor use on a wide variety of boom designs that incorporate hose lines on moving members. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the track is a type commercially available from Gortrac Division of A & A Manufacturing Co., Inc., of New Berlin, Wis., under the name GORTRAC®, GORTUBE®, NYLATRAC®, and NYLATUBE®.
By providing the boom assembly (including the track) shown in the FIGURES, the use of a hose reel or hose lay may be avoided to retract the hose or extend the hose when the extension boom is retracted or extended. Use of the track is intended to prevent situations where the boom retracts faster than the hose, thereby causing the hose to fall off of the hose reel. The use of the track is intended to minimize occurrences where a firefighter will climb onto the roof of the vehicle to re-wind the hose manually or where the hose falls off of the reel and becomes damaged.
It is important to note that the above-described embodiments are illustrative only. Although the assembly has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, different types of devices and assemblies may be used in addition to or instead of the those described herein. Accordingly, these and all other such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An aerial boom assembly comprising:
- a first member having a fixed length and comprising first and second ends, the second end configured to be coupled to a mobile base;
- a second member coupled to the first member at the first end;
- an extension member slidably coupled to the second member to move between a first position and a second position; and
- a track having a first end coupled to the second member and a second end coupled to the extension member and configured to guide a dispenser between a first configuration and a second configuration as the extension member is moved between the first position and the second position.
2. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member is pivotally coupled to the base.
3. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein the second member is pivotally coupled to the first member.
4. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the track is in a fixed location relative the second member.
5. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of the track is configured to move relative the second member.
6. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein the track comprises a hose carrier.
7. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein the track comprises a substantially solid flexible material.
8. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein the track comprises at least partially open portions.
9. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein the track comprises a plurality of links that are pivotally coupled to one another.
10. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is an at least partially flexible hose.
11. The boom assembly of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is at least partially provided within the track.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the mobile base comprises at least one of a fire fighting vehicle, a rescue vehicle, a crash vehicle, and a work vehicle.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the second member telescopically receives the extension member.
14. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising a hydraulic mechanism for pivoting the first and second members and sliding the extension member.
15. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fire retardant dispensing mechanism configured to couple to the dispenser.
16. A vehicle comprising:
- a support structure having a support surface;
- a plurality of wheels coupled to the support structure, wherein the wheels maintain the support structure above a surface;
- a power source for powering the vehicle; and
- an aerial boom assembly coupled to the support surface, wherein the boom assembly comprises a first member, an extension member, and a hose carrier having a first end coupled to the first member and a second end coupled to the extension member and configured to guide a hose between a first configuration and a second configuration as the extension member is moved between a first position and a second position.
17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the first position comprises a retracted position and the second position comprises an extended position.
18. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the hose carrier comprises a substantially solid flexible material.
19. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the hose carrier comprises a plurality of links that are pivotally coupled to one another.
20. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the hose is at least partially provided within the hose carrier.
21. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the aerial boom assembly further comprises a base member pivotally coupled to the first member.
22. The vehicle of claim 21, wherein the extension member is coupled to the first member by way of a telescopic arrangement.
23. The vehicle of claim 22, further comprising a hydraulic mechanism for moving the aerial boom assembly.
24. A method for producing an aerial boom assembly, comprising:
- providing a first member having a fixed length and comprising first and second ends, the second end being pivotally coupled to a vehicle;
- providing a second member pivotally coupled to the first member at the first end, wherein the second member comprises an extension member coupled to the second member by way of a telescopic arrangement;
- providing a track having a first end coupled to the second member and a second end coupled to the extension member and configured to guide a hose between a first configuration and a second configuration as the extension member is moved between a first position and a second position; and
- configuring the track so that the hose is provided within at least a portion of the track.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the vehicle is at least one of a firefighting vehicle, a rescue vehicle, a crash vehicle, and a work vehicle.
26. A method for controlling an aerial boom assembly comprising:
- extending an extension member of the aerial boom assembly that is slidably coupled to a first member of the aerial boom assembly from a first position to a second position; and
- guiding a hose with a hose carrier having a first end coupled to the first member and a second end coupled to the extension member between a first configuration and a second configuration as the extension member is moved between the first position and the second position.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 16, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 27, 2006
Applicant:
Inventors: Eric Linsmeier (Larsen, WI), David Archer (Hortonville, WI)
Application Number: 11/081,160
International Classification: E04G 1/00 (20060101);