Boom assembly

Abstract

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

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.

BACKGROUND

Many 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

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aerial boom assembly in an at least partially extended configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the aerial boom assembly in an at least partially retracted configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the boom assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of a boom extension in a retracted position according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of a boom extension in a partially extended position according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a partial view of a boom extension in an extended position according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a hose carrier according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a hose carrier according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a hose carrier according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 shows vehicle 100 having a boom assembly 210 in a retracted position. FIG. 2 shows vehicle 100 having boom assembly 210 in an extended position. Vehicle 100 may be of several different types and configured for several different uses. For example, vehicle 100 may be a fire-fighting vehicle or rescue vehicle configured to fight structural building fires and the like. Vehicle 100 may also be an airport rescue and fire-fighting vehicle (ARFF) or crash truck configured to fight aircraft fires, fuel fires, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vehicle 100 includes a support structure 110, a plurality of ground engaging motive members 120, a power source 123 (e.g., engine), a vehicle body 140, an aerial boom assembly 210 having a track 310 and hose 316, and an aerial boom attachment 330 having a piercing nozzle assembly 360 (e.g., piercing tool) and a dispensing nozzle 380. Support structure 110 has a front end 112 and a rear end 114. Support structure 110 is generally configured to provide a structural support base for the various components of vehicle 100.

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 FIGS. 1 and 2, an aerial boom device or assembly 210 is shown pivotally coupled to a mobile base or vehicle 100. Assembly 210 comprises a first member 214 having a first end 216 and a second end 218. Second end 218 is pivotally coupled to a mounting assembly 220 located on vehicle 100. Assembly 210 further comprises a second member 222 pivotally coupled to first member 214 at first end 216. Second member 222 is movably coupled to an extension boom or member 224 along an inner channel 226 of second member 222. According to an exemplary embodiment, extension member 224 may couple to second member 222 according to a telescopic arrangement. For example, extension member 222 may be slidable outwardly and inwardly within second member 222.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, assembly 210 comprises a hydraulic mechanism 230 for controlling the movement of first member 214 and second member 222. According to various exemplary embodiments, any suitable hydraulic system may be utilized to move the aerial boom assembly. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, hydraulic mechanism 230 comprises a first and second piston 232 which are each coupled to vehicle 100 and to link 236. Link 236 is coupled to first member 214. Hydraulic mechanism 230 further comprises piston 240 coupled to first member 214 and to link 244. Link 244 is coupled to second member 222. Hydraulic mechanism 230 further comprises piston 248 coupled to second member 222 and coupled to link 252. Link 252 is coupled to extension member 224. By controlling hydraulic mechanism 230, an operator is able to position assembly 210 in a desired location. According to various alternative embodiments, the aerial boom assembly may have any number of suitable configurations. According to various exemplary embodiments, the hydraulic mechanism may be coupled to the vehicle components and members according to any suitable means including adhesive bonding, couplers, connectors, mechanical devices, etc.

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 FIG. 3, a detailed cross-sectional view of boom assembly 210 is shown. A dry chemical or other fire-retardant fluid or substance enters dispenser or hose 330 at location 332. The substance moves in the direction of the arrows through hose 334 around corner 336, past connector 338 and into hard line 340 (e.g., substantially rigid hose or other dispenser). Hard line 340 is coupled to first member 214 by connectors 342, 344, and 338. A soft or flexible hose 346 is used as a connector between end 348 of hard line 340 and end 350 of hard line 352. Flexible hose 346 is configured to stretch and/or flex during operation of extension member 224 and second member 222 so that each of the fixed hose lines remain in substantially constant locations. Hard line 352 also couples to connector 354 at end 356. A soft or flexible hose 316 is coupled to connector 354 and is provided through an interior portion of track 310. According to various alternative embodiments, the hose may be partially housed within the track, entirely housed within the track, mounted to an exterior portion of the track, etc. According to various exemplary embodiments, any number of hoses may be provided within the track. According to various exemplary embodiments, the hose may be coupled to the track in any suitable manner (e.g., fasteners, adhesives, etc.) and at any suitable location (e.g., inside the track, outside the track, weaved inside and outside the track, etc.).

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 FIGS. 3 through 6, boom assembly 210 comprises hose carrier or track 310 (e.g., guide, cable carrier, channel, etc.). Track 310 comprises a first end 312 coupled to second member 222 and a second end 314 coupled to extension member 224. Track 310 is configured to guide hose 316 between a first configuration 318 (FIG. 4) and a second configuration 320 (FIG. 6) as extension member 224 is moved between a first position 322 and a second position 324.

FIGS. 4 through 6 show track 310 at various stages of movement of extension member 224 relative to second member 222 of boom assembly 210. FIG. 4 shows track 310 and extension member 224 in a retracted position when extension member 224 is in first position 322. End 312 of track 310 is fixedly coupled to a portion 223 of second member 222. End 314 of track 310 is fixedly coupled to a portion 225 of extension member 224 and is configured to move relative to second member 222. Extension member 224 is retracted so that end 314 of track 310 is proximate end 192 of second member 222.

FIG. 5 shows track 310 and extension member 224 at approximately a midpoint location as extension member 224 is being extended. Ends 312, 314 of track 310 are proximate each other and hose 316 is at least partially extended toward nozzle 380. As extension member 224 is extended, hard line or hose 364 pulls track end 314 in the direction of movement of extension member 224 and nozzle 380. Hose 316, which is provided in the interior portion of track 310, moves with track end 314 as it is pulled in the direction of hard line or hose 364. By positioning hose 316 within track 310, hose 316 tends to remain untangled as it moves.

FIG. 6 shows track 310 and extension member 224 in an extended position when extension member 224 is in second position 324. End 312 of track 310 remains in the same location as in the retracted position and end 314 of track 310 is provided proximate end 194 of second member 222.

As shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, hard line 340, flexible hose 346 and hard line 352 remain in substantially the same location relative second member 222 as extension member 224 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. Flexible hose 316 is configured to bend and/or flex to allow track 310 to move in the direction of movement of extension member 224. When extension member 224 retracts, hard line 364 tends to push track end 314 back toward end 315 of second member 222. As track 310 moves, hose 316 which is provided in the interior portion of track 310 also moves toward end 315 of second member 222. The structure of track 310 tends to prevent hose 316 from tangling during movement of track 310 and hose 316.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, track 310a comprises a substantially solid flexible material 412. Flexible material 412 includes ridges 422 (e.g., facets, spines, etc.) and grooves 424 (e.g., channels, ribs, etc.). Track 310a includes an end 421 comprising an opening that one or more hose may extend from. End 421 may be configured to couple to a member, such as a boom member. Track 310a includes end 420 having a connector 414 (e.g., coupler, fastener, etc.) configured to couple to a member, such as an extension member. According to an exemplary embodiment, track 310a comprises convoluted steel construction that is operable between at least −20 to 180° F. and travel speeds of up to 200 feet per minute. According to an exemplary embodiment, the track may include a stainless steel band on the inside of the tube for certain applications. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, tracks 310b, 310c comprise a plurality of links 340a, 340b and open portions 326a, 326b. Links 340a, 340b are pivotally coupled to one another at pivots 328a, 328b (e.g., fasteners, rivets, etc.). Track 310b includes cross-bars 430 (e.g., link, support, etc.) for strength and/or support. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cross-bars are removable aluminum bars for reduced weight and to provide the opportunity to replace or repair hoses. Track 310b includes a connector 342 at end 344 for coupling to a member, such as an extension member. Track 310b includes connector 346 at end 348 for coupling to a member, such as a boom member. According to an exemplary embodiment, tracks 310b, 310c comprise heavy duty fiber reinforced nylon construction that is operable between at least 0 to 250° F. and travel speeds in excess of 200 feet per minute.

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.