AU2021200257A1

AU2021200257A1 - Lowering chassis attachment for front wheel drive truck

Info

Publication number: AU2021200257A1
Application number: AU2021200257A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Steven Wayne Spaliviero
Original assignee: Drop Truck Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Drop Truck Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-01-15
Filing date: 2021-01-15
Publication date: 2022-08-04

Abstract

A lowering chassis attachment 10 for a front wheel drive truck 100 comprises a deck frame 12 and rear non-driven wheels 14. A front hinge mechanism 20 at the front section of the deck frame 12 and a rear suspension assembly 40 for the rear wheels 14 work together to allow the deck frame 12 to be configurable between a raised driving configuration (Figure 1(a)) and a dropped loading/unloading configuration (Figure 1(b)). In the driving configuration, the deck frame 12 is raised from and generally parallel to the ground and allows for normal driving. In the dropped configuration, the deck frame 12 is lowered to rest on, or be adjacent to, the ground to allow easier loading or unloading of cargo onto the deck frame 12. The truck cabin 102 pivots rearwardly relative to the deck frame 12 in moving from the driving configuration to the dropped configuration, and pivots forwardly back to its upright position in moving from the dropped configuration to the driving configuration. 20 102 12/ 18 104 12 10 FIGURE 1 F470 34 31 \ 50 44104 14 ' 24 102 31 35 12 55 14FIGURE 2

Description

20

12/ 18 104

12

FIGURE 1 10

F470 34 31

\ 50 44104 14 ' 24 102

31 35

12

55 14FIGURE 2

LOWERING CHASSIS ATTACHMENT FOR FRONT WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a lowering chassis attachment for a front wheel drive truck, and a truck having the chassis attachment. The chassis attachment is typically used as a cargo floor.

Background of the Invention

[2] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[3] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[4] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a chassis attachment for a vehicle, the chassis attachment comprising:

a deck frame having support wheels;

a hinge mechanism for attaching the deck frame to the vehicle, the hinge mechanism actuatable to pivot the vehicle relative to the deck frame, and

a suspension assembly for the support wheels, the suspension assembly being actuatable to lower the deck frame relative to the support wheels,

wherein the hinge mechanism and the suspension assembly are actuatable to configure the deck frame between a raised driving configuration and a dropped configuration at which the deck frame is adjacent the ground.

[5] In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism is disposed at a front section of the deck frame and the support wheels are rear wheels.

[6] In another embodiment, the deck frame is lowered to rest on the ground in the dropped configuration.

[7] In another embodiment, the vehicle is a front wheel drive vehicle which pivots rearwardly relative to the deck frame in moving from the driving configuration to the dropped configuration, and pivots forwardly back to its upright position in moving from the dropped configuration to the driving configuration.

[8] In another embodiment, the deck frame is formed to have a substantially flat upper surface and a substantially flat lower surface.

[9] In another embodiment, the hinge mechanism comprises an attachment section for mounting to the vehicle, the attachment section being pivotably mounted to the deck frame.

[10] In another embodiment, the attachment section comprises a first actuator mount and the deck frame comprises a second actuator mount, wherein a front actuator between the first and second actuator mounts is used to vary the pivot position of the attachment section relative to the deck frame.

[11] In another embodiment, the truck attachment section comprises a pivot bracket for mounting onto beams of the vehicle, the pivot bracket having a tubular pivot at a rear end thereof for mounting to a front shaft of the deck frame, the pivot bracket having the first actuator mount.

[12] In another embodiment, webs attached to the deck frame form the second front actuator mount.

[13] In another embodiment, the rear suspension assembly comprises a tubular rear axle rotatably mounted to the deck frame and a torsion bar mounted within the rear axle, wherein support wheel mount bars extend laterally from the torsion bar with the support wheels mounted to distal ends of the mount bars such that the support wheels are offset from the rotation axis of the rear axle.

[14] In another embodiment, the rear axle comprises a first rear actuator mount and the deck frame comprises a second rear actuator mount, and a second actuator is mounted between the first and second rear actuator mounts and actuatable for rotating the rear axle.

[15] In another embodiment, when the second actuator is extended, the rear axle is pivoted to have the mount bars generally parallel to the ground to lift the deck frame to the raised driving configuration, and when the second actuators are retracted, the rear axle is lowered to the ground and the mount bars are generally upright and extending substantially upwardly from the rear axle.

[16] In another embodiment, the second actuator extends below the deck frame when the second actuator is extended, the second actuator is received within the deck frame and when the second actuator is retracted.

[17] In another embodiment, locks are built into the actuators to prevent up and down movement of the deck frame while in the raised position.

[18] In another embodiment, the attachment section comprises a first front actuator mount and an upper link mount at an upper end thereof above the first front actuator mount, the deck frame comprises a lower link mount, and a two-part link extends between the upper link mount and the lower link mount, the two-part link pivotably connected at a mid-portion thereof which defines a second front actuator mount, the second front actuator mount being disposed generally behind the first front actuator mount and behind the attachment section, wherein a front actuator is mounted between the first and second front actuator mounts to vary the effective length of the two-part link between the upper link mount and the lower link mount which varies the pivot position of the attachment section relative to the deck frame.

[19] In another embodiment, the truck attachment section comprises two pivot brackets to be bolted onto the protruding beams of the cabin, the pivot brackets each comprising a body having a bearing at a lower end thereof and spaced parallel fixing plates extending upwardly from the bearing, with the bearing of each pivot bracket rotatably mounted to a respective front shaft of the deck such that the pivot bracket is pivotable relative to the front shaft.

[20] In another embodiment, the plates of the pivot brackets define a stop seat facing the second front actuator mount, the second front actuator mount being dimensioned such that it cannot be received within the pivot brackets in that the stop seat can engage and abut the second front actuator mount.

[21] In another embodiment, the lower part of the two-part link is dimensioned to be as wide or wider than the distance between the plates of the pivot brackets.

[22] In another embodiment, the front actuator is mounted generally horizontally and the two-part link extends generally vertically.

[23] The present invention also provides a vehicle having the chassis attachment of the above.

[24] In another aspect, the present invention provides a chassis attachment for a vehicle having driven front wheels, the chassis attachment comprising:

a deck frame having rear support wheels;

at least one bracket for fixedly attaching the deck frame to the vehicle, and

a suspension assembly for the rear support wheels, the suspension assembly being actuatable to lower a rear portion of the deck frame relative to the support wheels,

wherein the suspension assembly is actuatable to configure the deck frame between a raised driving configuration and a dropped configuration at which the rear portion of the deck frame is adjacent the ground.

[25] In another embodiment, the rear portion of the deck frame is lowered to rest on the ground in the dropped configuration.

[26] In another embodiment, the rear suspension assembly comprises a tubular rear axle rotatably mounted to the deck frame and a torsion bar mounted within the rear axle, wherein support wheel mount bars extend laterally from the torsion bar with the support wheels mounted to distal ends of the mount bars such that the support wheels are offset from the rotation axis of the rear axle.

[27] In another embodiment, the rear axle comprises a first rear actuator mount and the deck frame comprises a second rear actuator mount, and a second actuator is mounted between the first and second rear actuator mounts and actuatable for rotating the rear axle.

[28] In another embodiment, when the second actuator is extended, the rear axle is pivoted to have the mount bars generally parallel to the ground to lift the deck frame to the raised driving configuration, and when the second actuators are retracted, the rear axle is lowered to the ground and the mount bars are generally upright and extending substantially upwardly from the rear axle.

[29] In another embodiment, the second actuator extends below the deck frame when the second actuator is extended, the second actuator is received within the deck frame and when the second actuator is retracted.

[30] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[31] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[32] Figure 1 shows side views of a truck having the chassis attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a raised driving configuration and (b) is a dropped loading/unloading configuration of the chassis attachment,

[33] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 1(a).

[34] Figure 3 (a) is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 1(a), (b) is an enlarged view of circled portion A, and (c) is an enlarged view of circled portion B,

[35] Figure 4 (a) is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 1(b), (c) is an enlarged view of circled portion C, and (d) is an enlarged view of circled portion D,

[36] Figure 5 shows the front hinge mechanism where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a side view and (c) is a partly disassembled perspective view,

[37] Figure 6 shows the rear suspension assembly where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view and (c) is a longitudinal cross-section view of the rear axle along line E-E,

[38] Figure 7 shows side views a truck having a chassis attachment according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a raised driving configuration and

(b) is a dropped loading/unloading configuration of the chassis attachment, (c) shows a lifting jack for the front portion of the deck frame (d) shows an exploded view of the lifting jack,

[39] Figure 8 shows side views of a truck having the chassis attachment according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a raised driving configuration and (b) is a dropped loading/unloading configuration of the chassis attachment,

[40] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 8(a).

[41] Figure 10 (a) is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 8(a), (b) is an enlarged view of circled portion A, and (c) is an enlarged view of circled portion B,

[42] Figure 11 (a) is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 8(b), (c) is an enlarged view of circled portion C, and (d) is an enlarged view of circled portion D,

[43] Figure 12 shows the front hinge mechanism where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a side view and (c) is a partly disassembled perspective view,

[44] Figure 13 shows the rear suspension assembly where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view and (c) is a longitudinal cross-section view of the rear axle along line A-A.

[45] Figure 14 shows side views of a truck having the chassis attachment according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a raised driving configuration and (b) is a dropped loading/unloading configuration of the chassis attachment,

[46] Figure 15 is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 14 (a).

[47] Figure 16 (a) is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 14(a), (b) is an enlarged view of circled portion A, and (c) is an enlarged view of circled portion B,

[48] Figure 17 (a) is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 14(b), (b) is an enlarged view of circled portion C, and (c) is an enlarged view of circled portion D,

[49] Figure 18 shows the front hinge mechanism where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a side view and (c) is a partly disassembled perspective view,

[50] Figure 19 shows the rear suspension assembly where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view and (c) is a longitudinal cross-section view of the rear axle along line A-A,

[51] Figure 20 shows side views of a truck having the chassis attachment according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a raised driving configuration and (b) is a dropped loading/unloading configuration of the chassis attachment,

[52] Figure 21 is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 20 (a).

[53] Figure 22 (a) is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 20(a), (b) is an enlarged view of circled portion A, and (c) is an enlarged view of circled portion B,

[54] Figure 23 (a) is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 14(b), (b) is an enlarged view of circled portion C, and (c) is an enlarged view of circled portion D,

[55] Figure 24 shows the rear suspension assembly where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view and (c) is a longitudinal cross-section view of the rear axle along line A-A,

[56] Figure 25 shows side views of a truck having the chassis attachment according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a raised driving configuration and (b) is a dropped loading/unloading configuration of the chassis attachment,

[57] Figure 26 is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 1(a).

[58] Figure 27(a) is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 1(a), (b) is an enlarged view of circled portion A, and (c) is an enlarged view of circled portion B,

[59] Figure 28 (a) is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 1(b), (c) is an enlarged view of circled portion C, and (d) is an enlarged view of circled portion D,

[60] Figure 29 shows the rear suspension assembly where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a top view and (c) is a longitudinal cross-section view of the rear axle along line A-A.

Description of Embodiments

[61] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[62] Figure 1 shows a front wheel drive truck 100 having a lowering chassis attachment 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The truck 100 comprises a cabin 102 and front driven wheels 104. The chassis attachment 10 is attached to a rear of the cabin 102.

[63] The chassis attachment 10 comprises a deck frame 12 and rear non-driven wheels 14. A front hinge mechanism 20 at the front section of the deck frame 12 and a rear suspension assembly 40 for the rear wheels 14 work together to allow the deck frame 12 to be configurable between a raised driving configuration (Figure 1(a)) and a dropped loading/unloading configuration (Figure 1(b)).

[64] In the driving configuration, the deck frame 12 is raised from and generally parallel to the ground and allows for normal driving. In the dropped configuration, the deck frame 12 is lowered to rest on, or be adjacent to, the ground to allow easier loading or unloading of cargo onto the deck frame 12. Loading for example can be done using a pallet jack instead of needing a forklift. The truck cabin 102 pivots rearwardly relative to the deck frame 12 in moving from the driving configuration to the dropped configuration, and pivots forwardly back to its upright position in moving from the dropped configuration to the driving configuration. In moving between the driving configuration and the dropped configuration, the deck frame 12 remains substantially parallel to the ground.

[65] Figure 2 shows the deck frame 12 which is generally rectangular and in the embodiment is formed by welded longitudinal and lateral beams. The deck frame 12 is formed to have a substantially flat upper surface 17 to allow deck panels or similar to be mounted thereto to act as a cargo floor. The deck frame 12 is also formed to have a flat or substantially flat lower surface 18 to allow the deck frame 12 to rest on the ground. The deck frame 12 can include ground supports at the lower surface 18 thereof.

[66] The front hinge mechanism 20 will be described with reference primarily to Figures 2 to 5. The front hinge mechanism 20 comprises a truck attachment section 21 mounted to the cabin 102, with the truck attachment section 21 being pivotably mounted to the deck frame 12. Front actuators 35 are used to vary the pivot position of the truck attachment section 21 relative to the deck frame 12 which effectively pivots the cabin 102 and lowers/raises the front section of the deck frame 12.

[67] The truck attachment section 21 comprises two pivot brackets 26 to be bolted onto the protruding beams 22 of the cabin 102. The pivot brackets 26 each comprise a body having a tubular bush 27 at a rear end thereof and spaced parallel fixing plates 28 extending from the tubular bush 27. The fixing plates 28 each have a first actuator mount formation 29 at an upper portion thereof, the mount formations 29 together forming a first front actuator mount 30.

[68] The fixing plates 28 are bolted/connected to either side of a respective protruding beam 22 with the tubular bush 27 extending rearwardly therefrom and the first front actuator mount disposed upwardly therefrom.

[69] A front section of the deck frame 12 comprises two spaced fixed front shafts 31 extending transversely across, that is, being parallel to the rear axle 44. The embodiment shows two front shafts 31, being one for each pivot bracket 26, but the deck frame 12 can alternatively have a single front shaft for both pivot brackets 26.

[70] The front shafts 31 are fixed to the deck frame 12. The tubular bush 27 of each pivot bracket 26 is rotatably mounted to a respective front shaft 31 such that the pivot bracket 26 is pivotable relative to the front shaft 31. That is, the front shafts 31 serve as the pivot axes for the pivot brackets 26. In this manner, the truck attachment section 21 is effectively pivotable relative to the deck frame 12.

[71] The front shafts 31 are mounted to the beams of the deck frame 12 via attachment webs 32. Two formation webs 33 are attached to the deck frame 12 in line with actuator 35 and form a second front actuator mount 34. The second front actuator mount 34 is thus stationary relative to the deck frame 12.

[72] A front actuator 35 is mounted between each first front actuator mount 30 and second front actuator mount 34. Two front actuators 35 are thus used, one for each pivot bracket 26. The front actuators 35 are preferably hydraulic or pneumatic, but can also be other types. In the example shown, a base mount (cylinder body end) of the actuator 35 is mounted to the first actuator mount 30 whilst a rod mount (piston rod end) of the actuator 35 is mounted to the second actuator mount 34.

[73] Extension of each front actuator 35 moves the respective first actuator mount 30 away from the second actuator mount 34 which results in a pivoting forward motion of the truck attachment section 21 relative to the deck frame 12. This results in raising the front section of the deck frame 12 to the driving configuration. Retraction of the actuator 35 moves the first actuator mount 30 towards the second actuator mount 34 which results in a pivoting rearward motion of the truck attachment section 21 relative to the deck frame 12. This results in lowering the front section of the deck frame 12 to the dropped configuration. The truck cabin 102 pivots relative to the front wheels 104 when moving between these configurations, being pivoting forwards and backwards respectively.

[74] The first and second actuator mounts 30 and 34 are dimensioned and disposed, and the front actuator 35 stroke are chosen to provide the desired vertical travel of the deck frame 12 and pivot sweep angle of the cabin 102.

[75] The rear suspension assembly 40 for the rear wheels 14 will be described with reference primarily to Figures 2 to 4 and 6. The rear suspension assembly 40 comprises torsion bar suspension means 42 for the rear wheels 14. The rear wheels are disposed in spaces formed adjacent a rear end of the deck frame 12.

[76] The torsion bar suspension means 42 comprises a tubular rear axle 44 which extends transversely across the deck frame 12. That is, the rear axle 44 extends generally between the rear wheels 14. The rear axle 44 is rotatably mounted to the deck frame 12 via rear attachment webs 46. The rear attachment webs 46 comprise tubular bushings 47 through which the rear axle 44 extends through, thus allowing the rear axle 44 to be pivotable.

[77] Mounted within the rear axle 44 is a torsion bar 48. Rear wheel mount bars 50 extend generally perpendicularly from the torsion bar 48 at the lateral ends thereof, with the rear wheels 14 mounted to distal ends of the rear wheel mount bars 50. The rear wheels 14 are thus offset from the rotation axis of the rear axle 44.

[78] As shown in Figure 3, when the rear wheel mount bars 50 are generally parallel to the ground, the deck frame 12 is in the raised driving configuration. The axis of the rear axle 44 is raised to a similar height as the rotation axes of the rear wheels 14. The torsion bar 48 in this position provides the driving suspension for the rear wheels 14. As shown in Figure 4, the rear axle 44 is rotatable such that the rear axle 44 is disposed adjacent to the ground. The rear section of the deck frame 12 is lowered to the ground, where the rear wheel mount bars are generally upright and extending substantially upwardly from the rear axle 44. The rear axle 44 is then rotatable back to have the rear wheel mount bars 50 generally parallel to the ground position to lift the deck frame 12 back to the raised driving configuration.

[79] The pivoting or rotating motion of the rear axle 44 about its axis is performed via second actuators 55 extending between the deck frame 12 and offset actuator mounts 52 of the rear axle 44. The rear axle 44 comprises two spaced actuator formations 51 extending generally perpendicularly thereto, each formation 51 having a first rear actuator mount 52 at the distal end thereof. The first rear actuator mounts 52 are thus offset from the axis of the rear axle 44.

[80] Two second rear actuator mounts 54 are mounted to a rear section of the deck frame 12, with a respective second actuator 55 mounted between the first rear actuator mounts 52 and the second rear actuator mounts 54.

[81] When the second actuators 55 are extended, the rear axle 44 is pivoted to have the rear wheel mount bars 50 generally parallel to the ground position to lift the deck frame 12 to the raised driving configuration. The extended actuators extend generally downwardly below the deck frame 12.

[82] When the second actuators 55 are retracted, the rear axle 44 is rotated to have the rear axle 44 lowered to the ground and the rear wheel mount bars 50 extending generally upwardly therefrom, to lower the deck frame 12 to the lowered dropped configuration. The second actuators 55 when retracted to be disposed substantially within the deck frame 12.

[83] Actuation of the first and second actuators 35 and 55 thus allows for simultaneous movement of the front and rear sections of the deck frame 12 to move the deck frame between the driving and dropped configurations thereof.

[84] The present embodiment thus provides a lowering cargo floor/chassis attachment for front wheel drive truck. This is convenient for faster loading and offloading of cargo and a safer way to handle heavy goods that may cause physical injury to a human operator, laborer or member of the public.

[85] The embodiment shown integrates the vehicle suspension into the cargo floor/chassis to minimize the floor/deck height. The cargo floor/chassis can be raised to the required height for road travel and lowered to the ground for offloading or loading with the aid of a hand trolley or mechanical pallet lifter.

[86] Once the cargo floor/chassis is lowered, goods can be loaded or offloaded from all sides of the vehicle directly from or to the ground without the use of a tail gate loader which is restricted to the rear only and substantially decreases the vehicles maximum load capacity due the attachments weight.

[87] The cargo floor/chassis will be raised and lowered by hydraulic or pneumatic jacks in the front and rear mechanism. The front section will be movable vertical up and down by a leveraged machinal hinge, while the rear section will be lowered and raised by turning the rear axle.

[88] By rotating the rear axle, the wheel arms and wheels will rotate upwards or downwards depending on the movement of the jack actuators. The front and rear movement are equal and cause the cargo floor/chassis of the truck to move up or down, and slightly horizontally.

[89] Hydraulic locks are built into the jack actuators to prevent up and down movement of the cargo floor while in the raised position.

[90] An emergency manual operated hand pump is integrated into the hydraulic system in case of equipment failure while the cargo floor is in the lowered position. The cargo floor can be raised safely for road travel until the problem can be rectified.

[91] Incorporating the suspension into the cargo floor reduces space between the road and cargo floor, significantly lowering the height of the rear 7/box. The advantage is less wind resistance, saving fuel. The low floor truck can also access low entry carparks and loading/offload points, normally not accessible by a stranded truck.

[92] Incorporating the suspension into the cargo floor significantly reduces weight, saving fuel and increasing weight capacity of cargo - that is restricted by a GVM by law.

[93] The embodiment shown provides quicker loading and offloading, reducing operator/drivers wages and increasing delivery productivity.

[94] The drop truck eliminates to need for heavy lifting equipment (forklift, crane) at the pickup or drop-off point, saving money on lifting machinery and providing versatility to pick up and deliver cargo to residential homes where lifting equipment would not normally be available.

[95] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiment shown.

[96] For example, a scaled down version of the chassis attachment can be made for utility vehicles or smaller trucks. The pivot attachment between the truck and the chassis can also be embodied in other forms. The rear suspension for the rear wheels can also be embodied in other forms.

[97] Figure 7 shows another embodiment. The vertical movement of the front portion of the deck frame 12 is performed via lifting jacks 60 provided on both sides of the deck frame 12. Each jack 60 comprises a jack rod 63 movable within an outer housing 61. The jack rod 63 comprises a side flange mount 62 extending laterally therefrom which is fixed to the respective beam 24 which extends from the cabin 102. The outer housing 61 of the jack 60 is connected to the deck frame 12 via an outer housing base flange 65. When each jack 60 activates the jack rod 63, the rod 63 is moved in or out (retracted or extended) of the outer housing 61 up or down. During this action, the jack housing 61 will remain at the same position at the deck frame 61, but the jack rod 63 will push or pull the side flange mount up or down. This action will move the front section of the deck frame 12 up or down. It can be seen that the cabin 102 does not pivot in this embodiment and remains parallel to the ground.

[98] Figures 8 to 13 show a lowering chassis attachment 1Oc according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention with similarities to the lowering chassis attachment 10 above.

[99] The truck attachment section 21 comprises two pivot brackets 26 to be bolted onto the protruding beams 22 of the cabin 102. The pivot brackets 26 each comprise a body having a bearing 27 at a rear end thereof and spaced parallel fixing plates 28 extending from the bearing 27. The fixing plates 28 each have a first actuator mount formation 29 at an upper portion thereof, the mount formations 29 together forming a first front actuator mount 30.

[100] The fixing plates 28 are bolted/connected to either side of a respective protruding beam 22 with the bearing 27 extending rearwardly therefrom and the first front actuator mount 30 disposed slightly above the respective beam 22 of the cabin 102.

[101] The bearing 27 of each pivot bracket 26 is rotatably mounted to a respective front shaft 31 such that the pivot bracket 26 is pivotable relative to the front shaft 31. That is, the front shafts 31 serve as the pivot axes for the pivot brackets 26. In this manner, the truck attachment section 21 is effectively pivotable relative to the deck frame 12.

[102] Two L-shaped formation webs 33 are attached to the deck frame 12 with front ends thereof forming a second front actuator mount 34. The second front actuator mount 34 is disposed to be spaced above the first front actuator mount 30, and is thus stationary relative to the deck frame 12.

[103] A generally vertically extending front actuator 35 is mounted between each first front actuator mount 30 and second front actuator mount 34. Two front actuators 35 are thus used, one for each pivot bracket 26. The actuators 35 in this example are hydraulic actuators with a locking valve. A power pack 56 is provided for the actuators.

[104] As noted above, the front actuator mounts 30 are disposed slightly above the respective beam 22, and the second front actuator mounts 34 are disposed spaced above therefrom.

[105] Extension of each front actuator 35 moves the respective second actuator mount 35 up away from the first actuator mount 30, which results in a pivoting forward motion of the truck attachment section 21 relative to the deck frame 12. This results in raising the front section of the deck frame 12 to the driving configuration. Retraction of the actuator 35 moves the second actuator mount 35 down towards the first actuator mount 30 which results in a pivoting rearward motion of the truck attachment section 21 relative to the deck frame 12. This results in lowering the front section of the deck frame 12 to the dropped configuration. The truck cabin 102 pivots relative to the front wheels 104 when moving between these configurations.

[106] The first and second actuator mounts 30 and 34 are dimensioned and disposed, and the actuator 35 stroke are chosen to provide the desired vertical travel of the deck frame 12 and pivot sweep angle of the cabin 102.

[107] The rear suspension assembly 40 for the rear wheels 14 will be described with reference primarily to Figure 13. The rear suspension assembly 40 comprises torsion bar suspension means 42 for each rear wheel 14 to provide independent rear suspension.

[108] The torsion bar suspension means 42 comprises a tubular rear axle 44 for each rear wheel 14. Each rear axle 44 is rotatably mounted to the deck frame 12 via rear attachment webs 46. The rear attachment webs 46 comprise bearings 47 through which the rear axle 44 extends through, thus allowing the rear axle 44 to be pivotable.

[109] Mounted within the rear axle 44 is a torsion bar 48. Rear wheel mount bars 50 extend perpendicularly from the torsion bar 48, with the rear wheels 14 mounted to distal ends of the rear wheel mount bars 50. The rear wheels 14 are thus offset from the rotation axis of the rear axle 44. Shock absorbers 57 are mounted between each wheel mount bar 50 and deck frame 12 for high speed driving.

[110] As shown in Figure 10, when the rear wheel mount bars 50 are generally parallel to the ground, the deck frame 12 is in the raised driving configuration. The torsion bar 48 in this position provides the driving suspension for the rear wheels 14. As shown in Figure 11, each rear axle 44 is rotatable such that the rear section of the deck frame 12 is lowered to the ground, where the rear wheel mount bars 50 are generally upright and extending substantially upwardly from the rear axle 44. The rear axle 44 is then rotatable back to its generally parallel to the ground position to lift the deck frame 12 back to the raised driving configuration.

[111] The pivoting or rotating motion of the rear axle 44 about its axis is performed via second actuators with a locking valve 55 extending between the deck frame 12 and offset actuator mounts 52 of the rear axle 44. The rear axle 44 comprises two spaced hydraulic actuator formations 51 extending generally perpendicularly thereto, each formation 51 having a first rear actuator mount 52 at the distal end thereof. The first rear actuator mounts 52 are thus offset from axis of the rear axle 44.

[112] Two second rear actuator mounts 54 are mounted to a rear section of the deck frame 12, with a respective second actuator 55 mounted between the first rear actuator mounts 52 and the second rear actuator mounts 54.

[113] When the second hydraulic actuators with locking valve 55 are extended, the rear axle 44 is pivoted to have the rear wheel mount bars 50 generally parallel to the ground position to lift the deck frame 12 to the raised driving configuration. The extended actuators extend generally downwardly below the deck frame 12.

[114] When the second hydraulic actuators 55 are retracted, the rear axle 44 is pivoted to have the rear wheel mount bars 50 generally upwardly to the ground to lower the deck frame 12 to the lowered dropped configuration. The retracted actuators are retracted to be disposed within the deck frame 12.

[115] Actuation of the first and second hydraulic actuators by the power pack 56 thus allows for simultaneous movement of the front and rear sections of the deck frame to move the deck frame between the driving and dropped configurations thereof.

[116] Figures 14 to 19 show a lowering chassis attachment 10d according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention with similarities to the lowering chassis attachment 10 above.

[117] The truck attachment section 21 comprises two pivot brackets 26 to be bolted onto the protruding beams 22 of the cabin 102. The pivot brackets 26 each comprise a body having a bearing 27 at a lower end thereof and spaced parallel fixing plates 28 extending upwardly from the bearing 27. The fixing plates 28 each have a first actuator mount formation 29 at a rear portion thereof, the mount formations 29 together forming a first front actuator mount 30.

[118] The fixing plates 28 are bolted/connected to either side of a respective protruding beam 22 with the bearing 27 extending downwardly therefrom and the first front actuator mount 30 disposed rearwardly of the respective beam 22 of the cabin 102.

[119] The bearing 27 of each pivot bracket 26 is rotatably mounted to a respective front shaft 31 such that the pivot bracket 26 is pivotable relative to the front shaft 31. That is, the front shafts 31 serve as the pivot axes for the pivot brackets 26. In this manner, the truck attachment section 21 is effectively pivotable relative to the deck frame 12.

[120] Two plate webs 33 are attached to the deck frame 12 with a mid-portion thereof forming a second front actuator mount 34. The second front actuator mount 34 is disposed to be spaced generally below the first front actuator mount 30, and is thus stationary relative to the deck frame 12.

[121] A generally vertically extending front actuator 35 is mounted between each first front actuator mount 30 and second front actuator mount 34. Two front actuators 35 are thus used, one for each pivot bracket 26. The actuators 35 in this example are hydraulic actuators with a locking valve. A power pack 56 is provided for the actuators.

[122] As noted above, the front actuator mounts 30 are disposed substantially aligned with the respective beam 22, and the second front actuator mounts 34 are disposed spaced below therefrom.

[123] Extension of each front actuator 35 moves the respective first actuator mount 30 up away from the second actuator mount 34, which results in a pivoting forward motion of the truck attachment section 21 relative to the deck frame 12. This results in raising the front section of the deck frame 12 to the driving configuration. Retraction of the actuator 35 moves the first actuator mount 30 down towards the second actuator mount 35 which results in a pivoting rearward motion of the truck attachment section 21 relative to the deck frame 12. This results in lowering the front section of the deck frame 12 to the dropped configuration. The truck cabin 102 pivots relative to the front wheels 104 when moving between these configurations.

[124] The first and second actuator mounts 30 and 34 are dimensioned and disposed, and the actuator 35 stroke are chosen to provide the desired vertical travel of the deck frame 12 and pivot sweep angle of the cabin 102.

[125] The rear suspension assembly 40 for the rear wheels 14 will be described with reference primarily to Figure 19. The rear suspension assembly 40 comprises separate independent torsion bar suspension means 42 for each rear wheel 14 to provide independent rear suspension.

[126] Each torsion bar suspension means 42 comprises a tubular rear axle 44 for each rear wheel 14. Each rear axle 44 is rotatably mounted to the deck frame 12 via rear attachment webs 46. The rear attachment webs 46 comprise bearings 47 through which the rear axle 44 extends through, thus allowing the rear axle 44 to be pivotable.

[127] Mounted within the rear axle 44 is a torsion bar 48. Rear wheel mount bars 50 extend perpendicularly from the torsion bar 48, with the rear wheels 14 mounted to distal ends of the rear wheel mount bars 50. The rear wheels 14 are thus offset from the rotation axis of the rear axle 44. Shock absorbers 57 are mounted between each wheel mount bar 50 and deck frame 12 for high speed driving.

[128] As shown in Figure 16, when the rear wheel mount bars 50 are generally parallel to the ground, the deck frame 12 is in the raised driving configuration. The torsion bar 48 in this position provides the driving suspension for the rear wheels 14. As shown in Figure 17, each rear axle 44 is rotatable such that the rear section of the deck frame 12 is lowered to the ground, where the rear wheel mount bars 50 are generally upright and extending substantially upwardly from the rear axle 44. The rear axle 44 is then rotatable back to its generally parallel to the ground position to lift the deck frame 12 back to the raised driving configuration.

[129] The pivoting or rotating motion of the rear axle 44 about its axis is performed via second actuators with a locking valve 55 extending between the deck frame 12 and offset actuator mounts 52 of the rear axle 44. The rear axle 44 comprises two spaced hydraulic actuator formations 51 extending generally perpendicularly thereto, each formation 51 having a first rear actuator mount 52 at the distal end thereof. The first rear actuator mounts 52 are thus offset from axis of the rear axle 44.

[130] Two second rear actuator mounts 54 are mounted to a rear section of the deck frame 12, with a respective second actuator 55 mounted between the first rear actuator mounts 52 and the second rear actuator mounts 54.

[131] When the second hydraulic actuators with locking valve 55 are extended, the rear axle 44 is pivoted to have the rear wheel mount bars 50 generally parallel to the ground position to lift the deck frame 12 to the raised driving configuration. The extended actuators extend generally downwardly below the deck frame 12.

[132] When the second hydraulic actuators 55 are retracted, the rear axle 44 is pivoted to have the rear wheel mount bars 50 generally upwardly to the ground to lower the deck frame

12 to the lowered dropped configuration. The retracted actuators are retracted to be disposed within the deck frame 12.

[133] Actuation of the first and second hydraulic actuators by the power pack 56 thus allows for simultaneous movement of the front and rear sections of the deck frame to move the deck frame between the driving and dropped configurations thereof

[134] Figures 20 to 24 show a lowering chassis attachment 10d according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention with similarities to the lowering chassis attachment 10 above.

[135] The truck attachment section 21 comprises two pivot brackets 26 to be bolted onto the protruding beams 22 of the cabin 102. The pivot brackets 26 each comprise a body having a bearing 27 at a lower end thereof and spaced parallel fixing plates 28 extending upwardly from the bearing 27.

[136] The pivot bracket 26 is bolted/connected to the respective protruding beam 22 with the bearing 27 extending downwardly therefrom and a first front actuator mount 30 disposed at a rear end of the respective beam 22. The pivot bracket 26 additionally defines an upper link mount 71 at an upper end thereof above the front actuator mount 30.

[137] The bearing 27 of each pivot bracket 26 is rotatably mounted to a respective front shaft 31 such that the pivot bracket 26 is pivotable relative to the front shaft 31. That is, the front shafts 31 serve as the pivot axes for the pivot brackets 26. In this manner, the truck attachment section 21 is effectively pivotable relative to the deck frame 12.

[138] Two plate webs 33 are attached to the deck frame 12 with a mid-portion thereof forming a lower link mount 72. A two-part link 75 extends between the upper link mount 71 and the lower link mount 72, The two-part link 75 pivotably connects at a mid-portion 76 thereof, which defines a second front actuator mount 34. The second front actuator mount 34 is disposed to be spaced generally behind the first front actuator mount 30 and behind the pivot brackets 26. The plates 28 of the pivot brackets 26 define a shaped curved stop seat 28a facing the second front actuator mount 34. The second front actuator mount 34 is dimensioned such that it cannot be received within the pivot brackets 26, in that the stop seat 28a can engage and abut the second front actuator mount 34. For example, the lower part of the two-part link 75 is dimensioned to be as wide or wider than the distance between the plates 28 of the pivot brackets 26, or the pivot connectors between the lower part and the upper part of the two-part link 75 can be dimensioned to be as wide or wider than the distance between the plates 28 of the pivot brackets 26. In this manner, if the actuator 35 fails, the distance the deck 12 falls to the ground is limited.

[139] A generally vertically horizontal front actuator 35 is mounted between each first front actuator mount 30 and second front actuator mount 34. Two front actuators 35 are thus used, one for each pivot bracket 26. The actuators 35 in this example are hydraulic actuators with a locking valve. A power pack 56 is provided for the actuators.

[140] As noted above, the front actuator mounts 30 are disposed substantially aligned with the respective beam 22, and the second front actuator mounts 34 are disposed behind and substantially aligned therewith.

[141] Extension of each front actuator 35 effectively lengthens the two-part link 75 and locks it into a straight configuration thereof, effectively forming locked strut, which moves the respective upper link mount 71 up away from the lower link mount 72, which results in a pivoting forward motion of the truck attachment section 21 relative to the deck frame 12. This results in raising the front section of the deck frame 12 to the driving configuration.

[142] Retraction of the actuator 35 effectively shortens the two-part link 75 by the two parts of the link 75 being pivoted to each other resulting in an angle bend in the link 75, which moves the upper link mount 71 down towards the lower link mount 72 which results in a pivoting rearward motion of the truck attachment section 21 relative to the deck frame 12. This results in lowering the front section of the deck frame 12 to the dropped configuration. The truck cabin 102 pivots relative to the front wheels 104 when moving between these configurations.

[143] The first and second actuator mounts 30 and 34 are dimensioned and disposed, and the actuator 35 stroke and two-part link 75 lengths are chosen to provide the desired vertical travel of the deck frame 12 and pivot sweep angle of the cabin 102.

[144] This embodiment provides a triple lock for the carrier deck.

[145] First lock: Actuator 35 has a Counterbalance valve. Counterbalance valves are used with cylinders to safely hold suspended loads and deal with over-running loads. This valve can also be used with hydraulic motors and is then called a brake valve. Both counterbalance valves and pilot-operated check valves can be used to lock fluid in a cylinder to prevent drifting.

[146] Second lock: the front actuator 35 positions the two-part link 75 in a locked out position where the straight configuration causes a jamming effect, turning this hinge unit into a rigid prop.

[147] Third lock: In case of failure of actuator 35 or two-part link 75, second front actuator mount 34 stops on seat stops 28A and prevents the deck 12 from collapsing to the ground. Only the combination of fully collapsing the front hinge mechanism 20 and the rear suspension assembly 40 as shown in Figure 21 (b) will the deck lower to the ground.

[148] Figures 25 to 29 show a lowering chassis attachment 100 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention with similarities to the lowering chassis attachment 10 above.

[149] The chassis attachment 10 also comprises a deck frame 12 and rear non-driven wheels 14. In this embodiment, the deck frame 12 is rigidly connected to the truck cabin 102 and the front hinge mechanism is omitted, and only the rear suspension assembly 40 for the rear wheels 14 is actuated to move the deck frame 12 to be configurable between a raised driving configuration (Figure 25(a)) and a dropped loading/unloading configuration (Figure (b)).

[150] In the driving configuration, the deck frame 12 is raised from and generally parallel to the ground and allows for normal driving. In the dropped configuration, the rear part of the deck frame 12 is lowered to rest on, or be adjacent to, the ground to allow easier loading or unloading of cargo onto the deck frame 12. The truck cabin 102 pivots rearwardly with the rearwardly tilted deck frame 12 in moving from the driving configuration to the dropped configuration, and pivots forwardly back to its upright position in moving from the dropped configuration to the driving configuration. In moving between the driving configuration and the dropped configuration, the deck frame 12 is tilted rearwardly.

[151] The truck attachment section 21 comprises rigid L-shaped brackets 26 to be bolted onto the protruding beams 22 of the cabin 102 and to the front portion of the deck frame 12. In this manner, the orientation of the truck cabin 102 to the deck frame 12 is fixed, that is, the deck frame 12 does not pivot relative to the truck cabin 102.

[152] The rear suspension assembly 40 for the rear wheels 14 will be described with reference primarily to Figure 29. The rear suspension assembly 40 comprises separate independent torsion bar suspension means 42 for each rear wheel 14 to provide independent rear suspension.

[153] Each torsion bar suspension means 42 comprises a tubular rear axle 44 for each rear wheel 14. Each rear axle 44 is rotatably mounted to the deck frame 12 via rear attachment webs 46. The rear attachment webs 46 comprise bearings 47 through which the rear axle 44 extends through, thus allowing the rear axle 44 to be pivotable.

[154] Mounted within the rear axle 44 is a torsion bar 48. Rear wheel mount bars 50 extend perpendicularly from the torsion bar 48, with the rear wheels 14 mounted to distal ends of the rear wheel mount bars 50. The rear wheels 14 are thus offset from the rotation axis of the rear axle 44. Shock absorbers 57 are mounted between each wheel mount bar 50 and deck frame 12 for high speed driving.

[155] As shown in Figure 27, when the rear wheel mount bars 50 are generally parallel to the ground, the deck frame 12 is in the raised driving configuration. The torsion bar 48 in this position provides the driving suspension for the rear wheels 14. As shown in Figure 28, each rear axle 44 is rotatable such that the rear section of the deck frame 12 is lowered to the ground, where the rear wheel mount bars 50 are generally upright and extending substantially upwardly from the rear axle 44. The rear axle 44 is then rotatable back to its generally parallel to the ground position to lift the deck frame 12 back to the raised driving configuration.

[156] The pivoting or rotating motion of the rear axle 44 about its axis is performed via second actuators with a locking valve 55 extending between the deck frame 12 and offset actuator mounts 52 of the rear axle 44. The rear axle 44 comprises two spaced hydraulic actuator formations 51 extending generally perpendicularly thereto, each formation 51 having a first rear actuator mount 52 at the distal end thereof. The first rear actuator mounts 52 are thus offset from axis of the rear axle 44.

[157] Two second rear actuator mounts 54 are mounted to a rear section of the deck frame 12, with a respective second actuator 55 mounted between the first rear actuator mounts 52 and the second rear actuator mounts 54.

[158] When the second hydraulic actuators with locking valve 55 are extended, the rear axle 44 is pivoted to have the rear wheel mount bars 50 generally parallel to the ground position to lift the deck frame 12 to the raised driving configuration. The extended actuators extend generally downwardly below the deck frame 12.

[159] When the second hydraulic actuators 55 are retracted, the rear axle 44 is pivoted to have the rear wheel mount bars 50 generally upwardly to the ground to lower the deck frame 12 to the lowered dropped configuration. The retracted actuators are retracted to be disposed within the deck frame 12.

[160] Actuation of the second hydraulic actuators thus allows for movement of the rear section of the deck frame to move the deck frame between the driving and dropped configurations thereof.

Claims

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A chassis attachment for a vehicle, the chassis attachment comprising:

a deck frame having support wheels;

2. The chassis attachment of claim 1, wherein the hinge mechanism is disposed at a front section of the deck frame and the support wheels are rear wheels.

3. The chassis attachment of claim 1, wherein the deck frame is lowered to rest on the ground in the dropped configuration.

4. The chassis attachment of claim 2, wherein the vehicle is a front wheel drive vehicle which pivots rearwardly relative to the deck frame in moving from the driving configuration to the dropped configuration, and pivots forwardly back to its upright position in moving from the dropped configuration to the driving configuration.

5. The chassis attachment of claim 1, wherein the deck frame is formed to have a substantially flat upper surface and a substantially flat lower surface.

6. The chassis attachment of claim 1, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises an attachment section for mounting to the vehicle, the attachment section being pivotably mounted to the deck frame.

7. The chassis attachment of claim 6, wherein the attachment section comprises a first actuator mount and the deck frame comprises a second actuator mount, wherein a front actuator between the first and second actuator mounts is used to vary the pivot position of the attachment section relative to the deck frame.

8. The chassis attachment of claim 7, wherein the truck attachment section comprises a pivot bracket for mounting onto beams of the vehicle, the pivot bracket having a tubular pivot at a rear end thereof for mounting to a front shaft of the deck frame, the pivot bracket having the first actuator mount.

9. The chassis attachment of claim 8, wherein webs attached to the deck frame form the second front actuator mount.

10. The chassis attachment of claim 1, wherein the rear suspension assembly comprises a tubular rear axle rotatably mounted to the deck frame and a torsion bar mounted within the rear axle, wherein support wheel mount bars extend laterally from the torsion bar with the support wheels mounted to distal ends of the mount bars such that the support wheels are offset from the rotation axis of the rear axle.

11. The chassis attachment of claim 10, wherein the rear axle comprises a first rear actuator mount and the deck frame comprises a second rear actuator mount, and a second actuator is mounted between the first and second rear actuator mounts and actuatable for rotating the rear axle.

12. The chassis attachment of claim 11, wherein when the second actuator is extended, the rear axle is pivoted to have the mount bars generally parallel to the ground to lift the deck frame to the raised driving configuration, and when the second actuators are retracted, the rear axle is lowered to the ground and the mount bars are generally upright and extending substantially upwardly from the rear axle.

13. The chassis attachment of claim 12, wherein the second actuator extends below the deck frame when the second actuator is extended, the second actuator is received within the deck frame and when the second actuator is retracted.

14. The chassis attachment of claim 1, wherein locks are built into the actuators to prevent up and down movement of the deck frame while in the raised position.

15. The chassis attachment of claim 6, wherein the attachment section comprises a first front actuator mount and an upper link mount at an upper end thereof above the first front actuator mount, the deck frame comprises a lower link mount, and a two-part link extends between the upper link mount and the lower link mount, the two-part link pivotably connected at a mid-portion thereof which defines a second front actuator mount , the second front actuator mount being disposed generally behind the first front actuator mount and behind the attachment section, wherein a front actuator is mounted between the first and second front actuator mounts to vary the effective length of the two-part link between the upper link mount and the lower link mount which varies the pivot position of the attachment section relative to the deck frame.

16. The chassis attachment of claim 15, wherein the truck attachment section comprises two pivot brackets to be bolted onto the protruding beams of the cabin, the pivot brackets each comprising a body having a bearing at a lower end thereof and spaced parallel fixing plates extending upwardly from the bearing, with the bearing of each pivot bracket rotatably mounted to a respective front shaft of the deck such that the pivot bracket is pivotable relative to the front shaft.

17. The chassis attachment of claim 16 wherein the plates of the pivot brackets define a stop seat facing the second front actuator mount, the second front actuator mount being dimensioned such that it cannot be received within the pivot brackets in that the stop seat can engage and abut the second front actuator mount.

18. The chassis attachment of claim 17 wherein the lower part of the two-part link is dimensioned to be as wide or wider than the distance between the plates of the pivot brackets.

19. The chassis attachment of claim 1, wherein the front actuator is mounted generally horizontally and the two-part link extends generally vertically.

20. A vehicle having the chassis attachment of any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A chassis attachment for a vehicle having driven front wheels, the chassis attachment comprising:

a deck frame having rear support wheels;

at least one bracket for fixedly attaching the deck frame to the vehicle, and

22. The chassis attachment of claim 21, wherein the rear portion of the deck frame is lowered to rest on the ground in the dropped configuration.

23. The chassis attachment of claim 21, wherein the rear suspension assembly comprises a tubular rear axle rotatably mounted to the deck frame and a torsion bar mounted within the rear axle, wherein support wheel mount bars extend laterally from the torsion bar with the support wheels mounted to distal ends of the mount bars such that the support wheels are offset from the rotation axis of the rear axle.

24. The chassis attachment of claim 23, wherein the rear axle comprises a first rear actuator mount and the deck frame comprises a second rear actuator mount, and a second actuator is mounted between the first and second rear actuator mounts and actuatable for rotating the rear axle.

25. The chassis attachment of claim 24, wherein when the second actuator is extended, the rear axle is pivoted to have the mount bars generally parallel to the ground to lift the deck frame to the raised driving configuration, and when the second actuators are retracted, the rear axle is lowered to the ground and the mount bars are generally upright and extending substantially upwardly from the rear axle.

26. The chassis attachment of claim 24, wherein the second actuator extends below the deck frame when the second actuator is extended, the second actuator is received within the deck frame and when the second actuator is retracted.

20 14 (a) 17 2021200257

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FIGURE 1 10

20

30 24 35 40 34 31

44 104 50 24 102 14 26 31 35

12

55 14 FIGURE 2

B

A A 2021200257

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21 35 24 34

26

31

(c)

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44

54 52 55

(b)

FIGURE 3

D (a) D C 2021200257

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30 35

34 22

31

(c) 12

50

44

54 52 55 (b) FIGURE 4

32 21 31 34 35 28 30 26 28 Jan 2021

27 32 2021200257

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35 30 32 34 32

26 28 27 31

32

(c) 30

29 34 29 33

32 28 27 (b) FIGURE 5

46 42 47 51

12 52

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(a) 55

44 46 46 47 47 E E

(b) 55 55 54 54

44

48 SECTION E-E 51 SCALE 0.10 (c) FIGURE 6

12 2021200257

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(a)

102

60

14

24 12 104 60 61 (b)

62

(c)

FIGURE 7

61

62 64

67

66 63

FIGURE 7 (d)

100 102 102 10c

14 14 17 17

18 18 (18) 1212 104 (A) 104 20 20

14 14

28 31 28 31 121212 40 55 44 44 (B) 55 56 FIGURE 1 56 50 50 50 30 30 29 29 FIGURE 8 1414 34 34 35 35 28 28 26 26 34 34 27 27 31 31

14 14 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 9

35 35

22 22 (a)

34 34

30 30

27 22 22 27 29 29 22 22 28 28 26 26

B 31 31

A

(C)

50 50

44 44

52 52 FIGURE 3 55 55 54 54 FIGURE 10 (b)

D

(a)

C 56 56

D

C 30 30

50 50 14 14 30 30 22 22 44 44 28 28 35 35 31 31

(c)

(b) FIGURE 4 55 55 54 54 FIGURE 11

35 35 34 34 21 26 27 27 30 30 28 28

3131 34 35 35 34

30

34

(A) (C)

33

FIGURE 12 (B)

FIGURE 5

14 14 50 57 57 2021200257 15 Jan 2021 50 24 46 46 47 47 51 51 52 52

44 44

(a)

54 54 5555

46 46 46 47 46 47 47 47

57 57 57 57

A A (b)

5555 54 54

44 44 48 48 44 44 48 48

SECTION A-A FIGURE 13 (c) 51 51 SCALE 0.10 51 51 FIGURE 6

102 100 Jan 2021

14 17

18 104 2021200257

12 (A) (a) 20 14

(b) FIGURE 14 102

20

10 26 35 30 31 40 55 44 22 104 50 26 14 34 35 56 12

14

FIGURE 15

B

22 2021200257

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21 28

35

22

26

30 31

50 14 34

44 (C)

54 55 (b)

FIGURE 16

D

C 2021200257

(a)

22

30 31

34 (c) 50

44

14

(b) 54

52 55 FIGURE 17

21

30 Jan 2021

35 34 31

27 2021200257

(a)

26

30 35 29 28 35

27

33 34 35

28 (c) 31

(b) 28

30

33

FIGURE 18

46 52 47 42 44 Jan 2021

14

(a) 54 35 57 2021200257

46 46 57 47 47

A A

(b)

55

54

44 48 (c)

51 SECTION A-A 51 SCALE 0.10

FIGURE 19

20 102 Jan 2021

10

14 17

104 (a) 18 12 2021200257

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14 12

(b) 18

FIGURE 20

102

20

40 12 31 44 50 14 104 29 26 30 34 18

14 56

FIGURE 21

B

50

14 A

(a)

21 2021200257

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26 22 34

30 31 12 35 32

29

27

28 50 (c) DETAIL B 14

44

54 DETAIL A (b)

FIGURE 22

C D

(a)

22

30

35 34

31 14 DETAIL D

(c)

44

52

54 DETAIL C

(b) FIGURE 23

22 Jan 2021

75 26 22

(a) 2021200257

26 75

26 22

28 26 71

35 75 76 28 28a 33 27 30

34 31

72 28 (c) 71

(b)

75

28a 22 34

33 72 FIGURE 24 27

10

12

(a) 14 2021200257

104

12

(b)

FIGURE 25

21

10 17

40 44 14

14

FIGURE 26

B

(a) 2021200257

A break-out to show bolted connection

26 BRACKET TO BE WELDED TO FRAME AND BOLTED TO CAB

50 21 102

44 26 22 14

DETAIL B

(b) (c)

DETAIL A

FIGURE 27

(a) D C

22 26

14 50

DETAIL D

(c)

DETAIL C

(b) FIGURE 28

14 40 51 Jan 2021

42

55 52 54 46

(a) 2021200257

44 46 57 47 14 A A

14

(b) 54 55 50 42 50 44 48

(c) SECTION A-A

51

FIGURE 29