AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Innovation Patent Applicant(s): Michael James Rus Invention Title: UTILITY VEHICLE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 UTILITY VEHICLE Technical Field The present invention relates generally to a utility vehicle. The invention has been 5 developed for, but not exclusively for light weight off-road utility vehicles with cargo trays. Background to the Invention Lightweight utility vehicles have been used for various agricultural, mining, industrial and recreational purposes. These vehicles have relatively low weight, typically between 400 10 to 1000kg, and are compact in size, making them ideal for transportation in areas with confined spaces, or places with limited road access that alternative road vehicles are unable to efficiently traverse. Developments in lightweight utility vehicles have included four wheel drive capability, low 15 ground-pressure tires, and improved suspensions to provide an "offroad" or "all terrain" capability. This enables these vehicles to operate in remote areas, with limited or no road access. Further developments to improve the utility of these vehicles include the provision of a 20 cargo tray, enabling the vehicle to effectively carry cargo loads. Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides an all terrain utility vehicle having a kerb 25 mass of less than 1500 kg, the vehicle comprising; a chassis with a front axle and a rear axle and a crane mounted between the front axle and the rear axle. In one form, the vehicle comprises a cargo tray mounted at the rear of the vehicle and a cab at the front of the vehicle, wherein the crane is mounted behind the cab and forward 30 of the tray. Advantageously, the crane allows loading and unloading of cargo onto the tray without undue physical effort from the operator. This reduces the chance of back, shoulder and other injuries associated with physical lifting. 2512559_1 (GhMaterm) -3 In one form, the crane is mounted at a vertical level below the tray. In another form, the crane is mounted at a vertical level below the centre of mass of the engine of the vehicle. This ensures the mass of the crane is low in relation to the rest of the vehicle. 5 In one form the crane is mounted on the vehicle along a centreline extending from the forward end to the rearward end of the vehicle. This allows the crane to load and unload cargo from both sides of the vehicle. In one form, the crane is mounted to a subframe, and the subframe is mounted on the 10 chassis. The subframe may be adapted to reinforce the chassis. The subframe provides a platform to mount the crane. The subframe provides additional rigidity to the vehicle, as well as spreading loads from the crane across the chassis. In one form, the vehicle is equipped with retractable outriggers. The outriggers may 15 extend from the side of the vehicle between the front and rear axles. The outriggers prevent the vehicle from rolling during operation of the crane. In one form, the crane is operated by a set of crane controls mounted on the vehicle at a location forward of the cab. This ensures the operator of the crane is in a position away 20 from the crane during crane operations. In one form, the drive power of the vehicle is through the front and rear axles. This provides the vehicle with extra traction, and enhances the off road ability of the vehicle. 25 In one form, the kerb mass of the vehicle is less than 1200 kg. In further form, the kerb mass of the vehicle is less than 1000 kg. In one form, the wheelbase of the vehicle is less than 2.5 m. In a further form, the wheelbase of the vehicle is less than 2.2 m. A short wheelbase ensures the vehicle has 30 increased mobility, especially in confined spaces. In another aspect, the present invention provides a crane assembly for an all terrain utility vehicle having a kerb mass of less than 1500kg and comprising a chassis with a front axle and a rear axle, the crane assembly 25125591 (GHMatts) -4 comprising; a rigid subframe mountable to the chassis so as to be operative to reinforce the chassis; and a crane mountable to the rigid subframe; wherein when so mounted, the crane is located between the front and rear axles. 5 Brief Description of the Drawings It will hereinafter be convenient to describe an embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the particularity of these drawings and the related description does not supersede the preceding broad 10 description of the invention. Fig. 1 is a side view of a utility vehicle, with crane and outriggers extended; Fig. 2 is a top view of the utility vehicle in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a rear view of the utility vehicle in Fig. 1, with the crane slewed to one side; 15 Fig. 4 is a side view of a utility vehicle, with the crane partially extended, and the outriggers removed. Fig. 5 is a side view of a utility vehicle, with the crane and outriggers retracted in a stowed position. 20 Detailed Description Fig. 1 to 3 illustrates a utility vehicle 1 comprising a chassis 3, a front axle 5, a rear axle 7, and a crane 9. A cargo tray 11 is provided at the rear to carry a cargo load, and a cab 13 is provided forward of the crane for a driver and passenger. Outriggers 15 extend 25 from the sides of the vehicle 1 for stability when the crane 9 is in use. The utility vehicle 1, is compact in size and low weight, having a short wheel base of less than 2.2 meters and a kerb mass of approximately 1000 kg. This allows the vehicle to manoeuvre in confined spaces, such as factories, mines, farms and other industrial 30 areas. The vehicle 1 is four wheel drive, and the vehicle 1 is provided with low ground pressure tyres 17. This assists in the "off-road" or "all terrain" capability of the vehicle, thereby allowing the vehicle to operate in remote areas with limited or no road access. In contrast, vehicles of a greater mass or size have restricted mobility and often confined to even terrain and roads. 2283643_1 (GHMatters) -5 The crane 9 is mounted outside of the tray 11, allowing the crane 9 increased range to load and unload cargo on the tray 11. This is in contrast to cranes mounted inside the tray, where the crane would physically interfere with and take up space within the tray. 5 Furthermore, cranes are generally ineffective in lifting cargo close to the crane 9 itself, as components of the crane would interfere with the slung cargo, leading to inefficient use of tray space near the base of the crane. By mounting the crane 9 external to the tray 11, it is possible to access all areas of the tray 11, without the cargo and crane 9 interfering. Thus an externally mounted crane increases the crane accessible, and thus 10 useable space within the tray 11. Referring to Fig. 2, the crane 9 is centrally mounted to the chassis 3 along the centreline of the vehicle 1. The central location allows the crane 9 to load and unload cargo from either side of the vehicle 1. 15 Fig. 2 and 4 illustrate a subframe 19, in the form of a ladder frame. The subframe 19, is mounted on the chassis 3 of the vehicle 1, and in turn, the crane 9 is mounted on the subframe 19. The subframe 19, distributes the load to the chassis 3, and also provides reinforcement to the chassis 3. This is required where the chassis 3, of the vehicle 1 is 20 of insufficient strength and structural rigidity, to allow a crane 9 to be mounted at a single point on the chassis 3. Advantageously, subframe 19 may be adapted to distribute the load of the crane 9 and cargo, to several points along the chassis 3. Furthermore, the subframe 19 itself provides additional rigidity to the vehicle 1. In addition, the subframe 19, may provide mounting points for the outriggers 15. The use of a subframe 19, is 25 particularly advantageous where the crane 9 is retrofitted to a vehicle. Fig. 2 and 3 illustrates the outrigger 15 extending transversely from the chassis 3. The outriggers 15 counteracts the moment that may occur when lifting a load with the crane 9. Importantly, this prevents the vehicle 1 from rolling, when the crane 9 is supporting a 30 heavy load, or when the crane 9 is substantially extended to one side. The outriggers 15 also assist in stability where the vehicle 1 is on uneven terrain and deploying the crane 9. 2283643_1 (GHMattes) -6 Fig. 2 and 3 illustrate the use of a pair of outriggers 15, extending transversely from the sides of the vehicle to prevent roll. In this embodiment, the mass of the engine 18 in front of the rear axle 7, and the horizontal distance between the crane 9 and the rear axle 7, are sufficient to counteract moments biasing the vehicle to pitch. However, 5 further embodiments may incorporate additional outriggers, such as one on each corner of the vehicle. This may be advantageous where heavier loads are supported by the crane, thereby requiring additional support to prevent roll and pitching of the vehicle. As illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2, crane controls 21 are located in front of cab 13, at the 10 forward end of the vehicle 1. The placement of the controls 21 is a safety feature ensuring the operator of the crane 9, is positioned clear from the slew of the crane 9. Therefore, the chances of the operator injuring themselves with the crane 9 or the cargo whilst operating the crane 9 is reduced. 15 Fig. 4 illustrates the utility vehicle 1 with the outriggers 15 removed, and illustrates the relationship between the crane 9, subframe 19 and the chassis 3. In this embodiment, the crane 9 is mounted at a vertical level below the tray 11, and below the centre of mass of the engine 18. This ensures the centre of mass of the crane 9 is low to enhance stability of the vehicle. If the vehicle 1 and crane 9 are performing light duties, outriggers 20 15 may not need to be extended when operating the crane 9. If desired, the outriggers 15 may be removed from the vehicle 1 altogether. Fig. 5 illustrates the utility vehicle 1, with the crane 9 and outriggers 15 in the retracted and stowed position, which is the typical configuration when the vehicle 1 is driven. 25 When the outriggers 15 are stowed, they are retracted and locked into place, such that the outriggers 15 do not extend beyond the width of the vehicle body. Similarly, the crane 9 is retracted and locked such that the crane 9 does not extend to a level above the roll cage 23 of the cab 13, nor the beyond sides of the vehicle body. This ensures the vehicle 1, can manoeuvre in confined areas, without the crane 9 or outriggers 15 30 interfering with the surrounding environment. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the mass of the crane 9, subframe 19 and outriggers 15, are positioned close to the centre of the vehicle 1. This ensures the centre of mass, and the moment of inertia of the vehicle 1 is not significantly and adversely affected. 2283643_1 (GHMatters) -7 Advantageously, the vehicle 1 remains balanced and maintains handling characteristics similar to a vehicle without a crane. The crane 9 is operated via hydraulic actuators, which in turn are supplied hydraulic 5 power from an electro-hydraulic pump. The electro-hydraulic pump may be powered by a bank of batteries. The batteries may be charged by an electrical generator driven by the vehicle engine 18, or by an electrical supply external to the vehicle. It would be appreciated that in other embodiments, the hydraulic power may be generated from a hydraulic pump driven by a power take off from the vehicle engine 18. 10 The hydraulic cylinders of the crane 9, may be fitted with load hold safety valves. These valves operate to hold the hydraulic cylinders in the event of undesirable conditions, such as a sudden drop in hydraulic pressure due to a hydraulic leak or hydraulic pump failure. This prevents the crane 9 from dropping the loaded cargo. 15 The utility vehicle 1, may be further equipped with audible or visual alarms if the operator attempts to drive the vehicle 1 when the crane 9 or outriggers 15 are extended. In further embodiment, the vehicle may be equipped with an immobiliser to prevent the vehicle from being driven unless the crane 9 and outriggers 15 are in the stowed 20 position. Although the above mentioned embodiment utilises a hydraulic crane 9, it would be appreciated that other embodiments may utilise an electrically powered crane 9. Furthermore, it would be appreciated that variations of the utility vehicle 1, may 25 incorporate variations to the crane 9. For example, various industrial or agricultural attachments may be utilised, similar to various attachments that may be used with a backhoe. In use, the vehicle 1 is driven to a worksite, with the crane 9 and outriggers 15 stowed, 30 as illustrated in Fig. 5. After the vehicle 1 is parked adjacent to the cargo, the outriggers 15 are deployed to ensure the stability of the vehicle. The operator, standing near the front of the vehicle 1, extends the crane 9 via controls 21. The vehicle is now in the condition for the crane 9 to be used, as illustrated in Fig. 1 to 3. This may include loading or unloading cargo between the tray 11 and the worksite. When crane 2283643_1 (GHMters) -8 operations are finished, the operator retracts and stows the crane 9 and the outriggers 15. The vehicle 1 is now in the condition for driving as illustrated in Fig. 1, and the operator may drive the vehicle to the next location. 5 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 10 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 2283843_1 (GHMatters)