Cargo tank support device, work vehicle, and method for mounting a cargo tank on a work vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- BR102020008337
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-11
Smart Images
Figure 00000042_0000 
Figure 00000043_0000 
Figure 00000044_0000
Abstract
Description
[001] The exemplary embodiments refer to cargo tanks on work vehicles, such as tractors or similar vehicles, and in particular to work vehicles with support devices for mounting cargo tanks to work vehicles, to support devices mounting cargo tanks to work vehicles, and to manufacturing methods for mounting cargo tanks to work vehicles. Fundamentals of the Invention
[002] A work vehicle, such as a tractor, to cite one non-limiting example, may move within a work area, such as a crop field, to cite one non-limiting example, while applying a material to the work area, such as spraying, injecting, or otherwise dispensing a fertilizer, nutrient, herbicide, pesticide, and / or other material to the soil, a plant, and / or row(s) of crops, to cite non-limiting examples. The work vehicle may support, tow, or otherwise be connected to a cargo tank to store the material and may be capable of spraying, injecting, dispensing, or otherwise utilizing the material or applying the material within the work area.Conventional cargo tanks, which are cylindrical containers, are generally mounted on the work vehicle in elevated, external locations to avoid interference with the wheels or other ground-mounted structures of the work vehicle, or with the work tools or implements of the work vehicle. However, other ground-mounted structures of conventional cargo tanks can undesirably raise the center of gravity of the work vehicle and may also adversely affect the maneuverability and accessibility of the work vehicle due to reduced [unclear / negative dimensions]. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 10 / 129 / 32 stability and high overall width and / or length of the work vehicle. Additionally, such conventional cargo tanks often obstruct the operator's visibility and reduce the operator's ease of accessing, or exiting, the operator station.
[003] Furthermore, the methods and mechanisms used for mounting the cargo tank to the associated work vehicle, such as by using a set of columns provided on the tank and multiple supports or similar on the work vehicle, are often complicated and difficult to implement during vehicle assembly.
[004] Consequently, there is a need in the art for methods and mechanisms for mounting a cargo tank to an area of an associated work vehicle, which do not undesirably raise the center of gravity, do not adversely affect the maneuverability and accessibility of the work vehicle, or obstruct the operator's view of the areas around the vehicle, and which are not complicated and are easy to implement during vehicle mounting. Summary of the Invention
[005] In one embodiment of the present invention, a support device for mounting a cargo tank to a work vehicle is provided.
[006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a cargo tank support device is provided for supporting an associated cargo tank of an associated work vehicle on an end portion of a drive axle assembly of the associated work vehicle having an axle with a distal end selectively coupled to a ground hitch member, driven by the axle assembly.
[007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cargo tank support device includes a main body portion defining an elongated opening configured to receive the portion of Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 11 / 129 / 32 end of the drive axle assembly of the associated work vehicle extending through the opening, and first and second mounting portions, wherein a first mounting portion is configured for selective attachment with a corresponding associated axle mounting structure on the end portion of the drive axle assembly of the associated work vehicle, and wherein a second mounting portion is configured for selective attachment with a corresponding associated cargo tank mounting structure of the cargo tank of the associated work vehicle.
[008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a work vehicle is provided having a ground hitch member, a drive axle assembly including an axle having a distal end selectively coupled to the ground hitch member to drive the ground hitch member by the axle assembly, a cargo tank including a cargo tank mounting structure, and a cargo tank support device supporting the cargo tank on an end portion of the work vehicle's drive axle assembly. In the example embodiment, the cargo tank surrounds the work vehicle's axle assembly. In the example embodiment, the cargo tank support device surrounds the work vehicle's axle assembly.In the example embodiment, both the cargo tank support device supporting the cargo tank at the end portion of the drive axle assembly and the cargo tank supported by the cargo tank support device surround the axle assembly of the work vehicle.
[009] Other features and aspects will become apparent by considering the detailed description and attached drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 12 / 129 / 32
[0010] The detailed description of the drawings refers to the attached figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cargo tank supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a left side elevation view of a cargo tank supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a front side elevation view of a cargo tank to be supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of a cargo tank to be supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a top plan view of a cargo tank to be supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a right side elevation view of a cargo tank to be supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a rear side elevation view of a cargo tank to be supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 16 of a cargo tank support device according to an exemplary embodiment, mounted on a distal end of an associated axle assembly of an associated work vehicle; Figure 9 is a rear elevation view of the device. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 13 / 129 / 32 cargo tank support of figure 8, according to an example embodiment; Figure 10 is a rear elevated perspective view of the cargo tank support device of Figures 8 and 9 according to an example embodiment; Figure 11a is an elevated perspective view of one end of an associated work vehicle axle assembly housing, adapted to receive the cargo tank support device of Figures 8 to 10 according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 11b is an elevated perspective view of one end of an axle assembly of the associated work vehicle, adapted to receive the cargo tank support device of Figures 8 to 10, according to an exemplary embodiment, and showing the distal end of the axle assembly ready to receive ground coupling members of the associated work vehicle; Figure 12 is an elevated perspective view of the cargo tank support device of Figures 8 to 10, received in an opening provided in the cargo tank, according to an exemplary embodiment; Figures 13a-13e are shown illustrating steps in a method for mounting the cargo tank support device of Figures 8 to 10 at the end of a work vehicle axle assembly, according to an example embodiment, and with the cargo tank removed, for clarity; Figure 14 is a side view of a cargo tank support device according to an example embodiment, mounted on the end of a work vehicle axle assembly, according to an example embodiment, and with the cargo tank removed, for clarity; Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 14 / 129 / 32, figure 15 is an end view of a cargo tank support device according to an exemplary embodiment, mounted on the end of a work vehicle axle assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment, and with the cargo tank removed, for clarity; Figure 16 is a front side elevation view corresponding to Figure 3 of a cargo tank supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 is a left side elevation view corresponding to Figure 2 of a cargo tank supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 18 is a top plan view corresponding to Figure 5 of a cargo tank supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings
[0011] With reference to Figure 1, a work vehicle 10 is illustrated with a cargo tank mounted on the work vehicle using a cargo tank support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The work vehicle 10 includes a work vehicle body 12 having a work vehicle chassis 110 and an engine or other power source 112. The work vehicle 10 further includes an operator station 14, and a plurality of track assemblies 16. Although the vehicle 10 is illustrated with four track assemblies 16, the vehicle 10 of further embodiments of the present invention may include any number of track assemblies or other ground-engaging members or structures, such as wheels, to cite a non-limiting example, to enable movement of the vehicle 10 across a surface. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 15 / 129 / 32 of soil. In a further non-limiting example, the work vehicle 10 may include wheels at the front of the work vehicle 10 and the track assemblies 16 at the rear of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes at least one drive axle 60 driven through a drive axle assembly to be described in greater detail below by the power source 112 and driving or otherwise configured to drive the track assembly or assemblies 16 or other ground engagement structures at the rear of the vehicle 10. A distal end of the drive axle 60 is visible in the view of the work vehicle 10 illustrated in the figures, showing that it is easily accessible during manufacturing, where the track assembly 16 or other ground engagement structures 16 may be coupled to the distal end of the drive axle 60 as a near-final step during the assembly of the work vehicle 10.
[0012] The illustrated embodiment of the work vehicle 10 further includes one or more cargo tank(s) 18 mounted or otherwise coupled to the work vehicle 10 by a corresponding one or more cargo support devices of the illustrated embodiment, to be described in greater detail below. The one or more cargo tank(s) 18 are configured to store material, such as for application on the exterior of the work vehicle 10, in a non-limiting example. The work vehicle 10 may further utilize the cargo tank(s) 18 to store water or other material for ballast, stability, or weight control.Each commodity tank 18 is configured to store fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, water, fuel, or other nutrient, chemical, or other material for storage, use by the work vehicle 10, and / or dispensing in, or on, a work area, such as a cultivated field, to cite a non-limiting example. The illustrated embodiment includes two commodity tanks 18 and two support devices as mirror images of each other. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 16 / 129 / 32 another in relation to a vertical plane extending through a central longitudinal geometric axis of the work vehicle 10. However, the two cargo tanks 18 and the support devices of another embodiment are not mirror images of each other. Furthermore, additional embodiments of the present invention may include either a single cargo tank 18 and support device disposed on one side of the vehicle 10 or a cargo tank 18 and support device on both sides of the vehicle 10 and extending between the two sides of the work vehicle 10, such as behind or otherwise around the operator station 14.
[0013] As will be appreciated, tank support devices, formed according to an exemplary embodiment, can be used to connect the pair of illustrated cargo tanks 18 with portions of the work vehicle's drive axle assembly on the sides of the distal ends of the axle 60, opposite the ground coupling structures 16. In this way, the illustrated left and right cargo tanks 18 can be installed on the axle assemblies and internally to the distal ends of the axles during manufacturing, before the track assemblies 16 are installed on the work vehicle, thus saving time and costs by simplifying the manufacturing process.
[0014] With reference to Figure 2 and continued reference to Figure 1, the track assembly 16 of an embodiment of the present invention supports the vehicle 10, including the work vehicle body 12, the operator station 14, and / or the cargo tank(s) 18. The track assembly 16 of the illustrated embodiment is generally triangular, as defined by an auger track 22, with a main track wheel 20 disposed on an upper portion 24 of the track assembly 16. As shown in Figure 2, the track assembly 16 includes an upper track assembly profile 26, as defined at least partially by the auger track 22 positioned on the upper portion 24 of the track assembly 16. However, the track assembly Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 17 / 129 / 32 caterpillars 16 of additional embodiments of the present invention may be configured as a different shape, include different components, and / or include a top profile different from that illustrated in figures 1 and 2. As shown in figures 1 and 2, the top profile of the caterpillar assemblies 26 of one embodiment includes a curve 50 having a central peak 52.
[0015] Although Figures 2 to 7 and 16 to 18 illustrate only a cargo tank 18 connected by a cargo tank support device (Figures 9 and 10), according to an exemplary embodiment, on the left side of vehicle 10, the embodiments and descriptions provided in the present disclosure apply additionally to any other cargo tank of the present invention, including the cargo tank 18 connected by a cargo tank support device (Figures 9 and 10), according to an exemplary embodiment, on the right side of vehicle 10. As the cargo tank 18 on the right side of vehicle 10 is a mirror image of the cargo tank 18 shown in Figures 2 to 7 and 16 to 18, and as the cargo tank support device (Figures 9 and 10), according to an exemplary embodiment, for mounting the left and right tanks are also mirror images of each other,A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any structure or feature illustrated in Figures 2 to 7 and 16 to 18 can be duplicated for the cargo tank 18 and support device on the right side as a mirror image with respect to a vertical plane extending through a central longitudinal geometric axis of the work vehicle 10, and that any structure or feature illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 can be duplicated for the support device on the right side as a mirror image with respect to a vertical plane extending through a central longitudinal geometric axis of the work vehicle 10.
[0016] With reference now to figure 3 with continued reference to figure 2, the cargo tank 18 includes an internal portion 28 if Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 18 / 129 / 32 extending vertically downwards from an upper end 32 of the inner portion 28. The inner portion 28 is positioned or otherwise configured for positioning in an internal location of the tracked work vehicle 10, as illustrated in Figure 1. The cargo tank 18 additionally includes an outer portion 30 extending horizontally from the upper end 32 of the inner portion 28. The outer portion 30 extends or is otherwise configured to extend at least partially over the track assembly 16 of the tracked work vehicle 10.
[0017] Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the cargo tank 18, and Figure 5 is a top plan view of the cargo tank 18. Figures 2, 4, and 5 illustrate the cargo tank 18 having a central portion 34, a front portion 36, and a rear portion 38. As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, the central portion 34 is mounted at least partially on, or is configured to be mounted at least partially on, the central peak 52 of the track assembly 16 of the tracked vehicle 10. Furthermore, the front portion 36 extends at least partially forward from the central portion 34. The front portion 36 includes at least one front portion surface 40 extending downward from the central portion 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion surface 40 is oriented diagonally downward from the central portion 34. The rear portion 38 extends at least partially backward from the central portion 34.The rear portion 38 includes at least one rear portion surface 42 extending downward from the central portion 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear portion surface 42 is oriented diagonally downward from the central portion 34.
[0018] Figure 6 illustrates an elevation view of cargo tank 18 from an inner end. As described herein, the inner end refers to an inner side or portion, arranged in a Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 19 / 129 / 32 generally internal location with respect to the internal surfaces of the cargo tank 18 or vehicle 10. Similarly, another “end” identified herein may refer to a side or other portion being disposed of in a relative location. As shown in Figure 6 with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the cargo tank 18 includes an opening 62 disposed of in the internal portion 28. The opening 62 accommodates or is otherwise configured to accommodate the drive shaft 60 of the tracked work vehicle 10 extending through the internal portion 28. The cargo tank 18 further includes a mounting structure 63 surrounding the opening 62 for mounting the tank on a cargo tank support device 200 (Figures 9 and 10) according to an exemplary embodiment.In the illustrated embodiment, the cargo tank 18 is shaped or otherwise configured to encircle or otherwise occupy the space around the drive shaft 60, such that material stored in the cargo tank 18 can encircle or otherwise occupy the space around the drive shaft 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 60, including either a single shaft assembly or multiple independently formed, controlled, and / or driven shaft assemblies, extends through the opening 62 of the inner portion 28 of each of the two cargo tanks 18 positioned on each side of the vehicle 10.
[0019] In addition to, and according to, the example embodiments, the openings 62 in the cargo tanks 18 accommodate or are otherwise configured to accommodate the cargo tank support device 200, as shown, for example, in Figures 12 and 16 to 18, so that the cargo tank support device 200 can support the cargo tanks surrounding the drive shaft 60 of the tracked work vehicle 10, wherein both the cargo tank support device 200 and a drive shaft assembly Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 20 / 129 / 32 containing the drive shaft 60 of the tracked work vehicle 10 extending through the inner portion 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the cargo tank 18 is shaped or otherwise configured to encircle or otherwise occupy the space around the drive shaft 60 and also around the cargo tank support device 200 supporting the drive shaft assembly in such a way that material stored in the cargo tank 18 can encircle or otherwise occupy the space around the drive shaft 60 and also around the cargo tank support device 200.In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 60, including either a single shaft assembly or multiple independently formed, controlled, and / or driven shaft assemblies, extends through the opening 62 of the inner portion 28 of each of the two cargo tanks 18 positioned on each side of the vehicle 10. The drive shaft 60, including either a single shaft assembly or multiple independently formed, controlled, and / or driven shaft assemblies, may extend completely through the openings 62 of each of the two cargo tanks 18 positioned on each side of the vehicle 10 and also completely through the tank support devices 200 disposed in the openings 62 to support the cargo tanks 18 with respect to the axle assemblies of the vehicle 10.The cargo tank support device 200 also extends through the opening 62 of the inner portion 28 of each of the two cargo tanks 18 positioned on each side of the vehicle 10.
[0020] The 200 cargo tank support device is disposed between the cargo tanks and the axle assembly housing the vehicle's drive axle, and couples the cargo tanks to the axle assembly internally to the ground coupling members to support the cargo tanks on the work vehicle. The 200 cargo tank support device, therefore, provides a mechanism for mounting a Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 21 / 129 / 32 cargo tank in an area of an associated work vehicle that does not undesirably raise the center of gravity or adversely affect the maneuverability and accessibility of the work vehicle, and that is not complicated and is easy to implement during vehicle assembly.
[0021] As best shown in figures 2 and 6, the cargo tank 18 of the illustrated embodiment further includes a lower end 92 extending from a more forward end 94 of the cargo tank 18 to a more rearward end 96 of the cargo tank 18. The lower end 92 of the cargo tank 18 of the illustrated embodiment has a length equal to, or greater than, the length of the outer portion 30 of the more forward end 94 of the cargo tank 18 to the more rearward end 96 of the cargo tank 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end 92 of the cargo tank 18 has a length greater than the length of the outer portion 30 of the more forward end 94 of the cargo tank 18 to the more rearward end 96 of the cargo tank.
[0022] Figure 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of the cargo tank 18. Although not illustrated, the cargo tank 18 of one or more embodiments of the present invention includes one or more lighting, signaling, wires, markings, or other items or components attached to the cargo tank 18, such as on a rear-facing surface of the cargo tank 18. Furthermore, one or more step(s), handrail(s), column(s), and / or other structural features may be included with the cargo tank 18 in other embodiments. Also, such lighting, wires, signaling, markings, structural features, or other items or components may be integrated into the cargo tank 18 or integrally formed with the cargo tank 18.
[0023] Referring again to figures 1 and 2, the cargo tank 18 of one embodiment includes a lower surface 44 by Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page. 22 / 129 / 32 less partially facing the auger 22 or is otherwise configured to at least partially face the auger 22 of the track assembly 16 of the tracked work vehicle 10. The cargo tank 18 additionally includes an upper surface 48 mounted adjacent to, or otherwise configured for mounting adjacent to, the operator station 14. The lower surface 44 is spaced from the auger 22 along the upper profile of the track assemblies 26 and / or is shaped to correspond to the upper profile of the track assemblies 26. As best shown in Figure 2, the lower surface 44, the upper surface 48, and / or any other part of the outer portion 30 extends along an outer portion profile 48 that corresponds to, follows the contour of, and / or complements, the upper profile of the track assemblies 26.In one embodiment, the outer portion 30 at least partially wraps around the upper portion 24 of the caterpillar assembly 16. In additional embodiments not illustrated, the outer portion 30 extends at least partially over at least part of the caterpillar assembly 16 without wrapping around any portion of the caterpillar assembly 16.
[0024] The lower surface 44 illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 includes a front lower surface portion 54, a center lower surface portion 56, and a rear lower surface portion 58. The front lower surface portion 54 and / or the rear lower surface portion 58 is / are arranged below the center lower surface portion 56. In the illustrated embodiment, both the front lower surface portion 54 and the rear lower surface portion 58 are arranged below the center lower surface portion 56. In a further embodiment, not illustrated, neither the front lower surface portion 54 nor the rear lower surface portion 58 is arranged below the center lower surface portion 56. The front lower surface portion 54 is spaced from, or otherwise configured to be spaced from, the auger 22 along a portion Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 23 / 129 / 32 front of track assembly 86. The central portion of the lower surface 56 is spaced from, or otherwise configured to be spaced from, the auger track 22, along an upper portion of track assembly 24. The rear portion of the lower surface 58 is spaced from, or otherwise configured to be spaced from, the auger track 22 along a rear portion of track assembly 90.
[0025] The upper surface 48 illustrated in figures 2 and 5 includes a front portion of the upper surface 80, a center portion of the upper surface 82, and a rear portion of the upper surface 84. The front portion of the upper surface 80 and / or the rear portion of the upper surface 84 is / are disposed below the center portion of the upper surface 82. In the illustrated embodiment, both the front portion of the upper surface 80 and the rear portion of the upper surface 84 are disposed below the center portion of the upper surface 82. In a further embodiment not illustrated, neither the front portion of the upper surface 80 nor the rear portion of the upper surface 84 is disposed below the center portion of the upper surface 82.
[0026] The operator station 14 of the work vehicle 10 includes one or more window(s) 66 or other openings, through which the operator observes the operation of the work vehicle 10, any attached or cooperating tool or work vehicle, and / or the surrounding work area, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each window 66 includes a lower window edge 68 having a lower window edge profile 70. The lower window edge 68 is disposed adjacent to the upper surface 48 of the cargo tank 18 supported by the support device 200 of the example embodiments, as best illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 17. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the upper surface 48 extends along, corresponds to, follows the contour of, and / or complements the lower window edge profile 70. The upper surface 48 of the cargo tank 18 is positioned underneath Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 24 / 129 / 32 or is configured to be positioned below the lower window edge 68 of the operator station 14 of the tracked work vehicle 10. Such an arrangement or configuration reduces the likelihood that the cargo tank 18 supported by the support device 200 of the example embodiments will obstruct the operator's visibility at the operator station 14 and improves an operator's ability to access the operator station 14 while the work vehicle 10 uses the cargo tank 18 to store material.
[0027] As best shown in figures 5 and 6, the inner portion 28 of the cargo tank 18 includes an inner surface 72 disposed at the upper end 32 of the inner portion 28. The inner surface 72 extends along, corresponds to, follows the contour of, complements, and / or is shaped to lie against an outer surface 74 of the operator station 14, shown in figure 1. Figure 5 further illustrates that the upper surface 48 is configured to extend outward from an inner location 76, adjacent to the operator station 14, to an outer location 78 above the track assembly 16.
[0028] As illustrated in Figure 2, the cargo tank 18 includes one or more pump(s) 64 arranged in one or both of the cargo tank(s) 18 of the vehicle 10. The pump 64 transfers or is otherwise configured to transfer material into the cargo tank 18, out of the cargo tank 18, and / or between the cargo tanks 18. In one embodiment, the pump 64 transfers material between the cargo tanks 18 in order to balance the tanks 18. In a further embodiment, the pump 64 transfers material between the cargo tank 18 and a work tool, such as a seeder, fertilizer sprayer, nutrient injector, and / or other implement, to cite non-limiting examples. A person will recognize that the cargo tank 18 described herein may include any number of pumps 64. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 25 / 129 / 32 to perform the functions of the work vehicle 10 and the cargo tank 18. Although the pump 64 of the present embodiments is illustrated as being positioned at, or near, the rearmost end 96 of the cargo tank 18, the pump(s) 64 may be positioned at any other location within the cargo tank 18. Furthermore, although the pump 64 of the present embodiments is illustrated as being located or positioned within the cargo tank 18, other embodiments of the present invention include the pump(s) 64 being integrally formed with, and / or being positioned outside of, the tank 18, in addition to, or instead of, the pump(s) 64 being positioned within the tank 18.
[0029] Figures 8 to 10 show various views of a 200 cargo tank support device according to an example embodiment. In particular, Figure 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 15 of a 200 cargo tank support device according to an example embodiment, mounted on a distal end of an associated axle assembly of an associated work vehicle, Figure 9 illustrates a rear elevation view of the cargo tank support device according to an example embodiment, and Figure 10 illustrates a rear elevation perspective view of the cargo tank support device of Figure 9 according to an example embodiment.
[0030] With reference now to those figures, a cargo tank support device 200, according to an exemplary embodiment, is provided for supporting an associated cargo tank 18 of an associated work vehicle 10 on an end portion 64 of a drive axle assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10 having an axle 61 with a distal end 69 selectively coupled to a ground coupling member 16, driven by the axle assembly 66. Overall, the cargo tank support device 200 includes a Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 26 / 129 / 32 main body portion 210 and first and second mounting portions 230, 250. The main body portion 210 defines an elongated opening 212 extending along a geometric axis A of the main body portion 210 and configured to receive the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10 extending through the opening 212.
[0031] The first mounting portion 230 of the cargo tank support device 200 of the example embodiment, in general, defines a shaft mounting portion 232 including a shaft coupling member 240 configured for selective attachment with a corresponding associated shaft mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle.
[0032] The second mounting portion 250, in general, defines a cargo tank mounting portion 252 of the cargo tank support device 200, wherein the cargo tank mounting portion 252 includes a cargo tank coupling member 260 configured for selective attachment with a corresponding cargo tank associated mounting structure 63 of the cargo tank 18 of the associated work vehicle 10.
[0033] With continued reference to figures 8 to 10, the main body portion 210 of the commodity tank support device 200 of the example embodiment includes a substantially cylindrical main body member 220 defining a main body member longitudinal geometric axis L. Furthermore, the elongated opening 212 defined by the main body portion 210 extends along the main body member longitudinal geometric axis L of the main body member 220.
[0034] Furthermore, the elongated opening 212 defined by the main body portion 210 is configured to receive the end portion 64 of Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, p. 27 / 129 / 32 drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10 along the longitudinal geometric axis of main body member L of the main body member 220. In another addition according to the example embodiment, in its installed position on the end portion of the shaft assembly, the main body member 220 of the cargo tank support device 200 completely surrounds the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10 when the shaft coupling member 240 is selectively fixed to the corresponding associated shaft mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10.Figure 11 is an elevated perspective view of one end of the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle, adapted to receive the cargo tank support device 200 of Figure 8 on the mounting structure 67 of the drive shaft assembly 66, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0035] With continued reference to figures 8 to 10, the shaft coupling member 240 of the cargo tank support device 200, according to the example embodiment, defines a planar interface 242 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member L defined by the main body member 220. In the example, the planar interface 242 defined by the shaft coupling member 240 comprises an annular planar interface 244 in the plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member L defined by the main body member 220.
[0036] In a preferred configuration of the 200 cargo tank support device according to the example embodiment, the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member L is substantially coextensive with a geometric axis D defined by the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10, when the member of Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 28 / 129 / 32. The shaft coupling 240 is selectively fixed to the corresponding associated shaft mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10. Among other benefits, this makes the installation of the cargo tank support device 200 on the drive shaft assembly 66 quick and simple during the manufacture of the associated work vehicle 10. In this regard, Figures 13a-13e are shown depicting the steps in a method for mounting the cargo tank support device of Figure 8 on the end of a work vehicle shaft assembly, according to an example embodiment, and with the cargo tank removed, for clarity.
[0037] With continued reference to figures 8 to 10, the shaft mounting portion 232 of the first mounting portion 230 of the cargo tank support device 200 according to the example embodiment comprises a single shaft coupling member 246 defining an annular planar interface 248 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main body member longitudinal geometric axis L defined by the main body member 220.
[0038] Figure 11a is an elevated perspective view of one end of an associated work vehicle axle assembly housing 66, adapted to receive the cargo tank support device 200 of Figures 8 to 10 according to an exemplary embodiment, and Figure 11b is an elevated perspective view of one end of an associated work vehicle axle assembly housing 66, adapted to receive the cargo tank support device 200 of Figures 8 to 10 according to an exemplary embodiment, and showing the distal end of the axle assembly ready to receive ground coupling members of the associated work vehicle. The figures show the corresponding associated axle mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive axle assembly 66 of the Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 29 / 129 / 32 associated work vehicle 10. As noted above, the first mounting portion 230 (Figures 8 to 10) of the commodity tank support device 200 of the example embodiment, in general, defines a shaft mounting portion 232 including a shaft coupling member 240 configured for selective attachment with the corresponding associated shaft mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle.
[0039] Figure 12 is an elevated perspective view of the cargo tank support device 200 of Figures 8 to 10 received in an opening 62 provided in the cargo tank 18 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 12 and with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 6, the cargo tank 18 includes an opening 62 disposed in the inner portion 28. The opening 62 accommodates or is otherwise configured to accommodate the drive shaft 60 of the tracked work vehicle 10 extending through the inner portion 28. The cargo tank 18 further includes a mounting structure 63 encircling the opening 62 for mounting the tank onto the tank support device 200, according to an exemplary embodiment.In the illustrated embodiment, the cargo tank 18 is shaped or otherwise configured to encircle or otherwise occupy the space around the drive shaft 60 so that material stored in the cargo tank 18 can encircle or otherwise occupy the space around the drive shaft 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 60, including either a single set of shafts or multiple independently formed, controlled, and / or driven sets of shafts, extends together with the tank support device 200, according to an exemplary embodiment, through the opening 62 of the inner portion 28 of each of the two cargo tanks 18, positioned on each side of the vehicle 10. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 30 / 129 / 32
[0040] According to one embodiment and as shown in Figures 13a-13e, a method is provided for mounting a cargo tank 18 on a work vehicle 10. A cargo tank 18 comprising a cargo tank mounting structure 63 is provided. In the example embodiment, the cargo tank support device 200 includes a main body portion 210, and first and second mounting portions 230, 250. A main body portion 210 of the cargo tank support device 200 defines an elongated opening 212 extending along a geometric axis A of the main body portion 210 and which is configured to receive an end portion 64 of a drive shaft assembly 66 of the work vehicle 10 extending through the opening 212.The first mounting portion 230 of the commodity tank support device 200 defines a shaft mounting portion 232 of the commodity tank support device 200, wherein the shaft mounting portion 232 includes a shaft coupling member 240 configured for selective attachment with a corresponding shaft mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66. The second mounting portion 250 of the commodity tank support device 200 defines a commodity tank mounting portion 252 of the commodity tank support device 200, wherein the commodity tank mounting portion 252 comprises a commodity tank coupling member 260 configured for selective attachment with the commodity tank mounting structure 63 of the commodity tank 18.
[0041] In the method for mounting the cargo tank 18 to the work vehicle 10, the cargo tank support device 200 and the drive axle assembly 66 of the work vehicle 10 are moved relative to each other to receive the end portion 64 of a drive axle assembly 66 of the work vehicle 10 if Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 31 / 129 / 32 extending through opening 212 of the main body portion 210. After that, the shaft mounting portion 232 defined by the first mounting portion 230 of the cargo tank support device 200 is fixed to the corresponding shaft mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66. Also, the cargo tank coupling member 260 of the cargo tank mounting portion 252 of the cargo tank support device 200 is fixed to the cargo tank mounting structure 63 of the cargo tank 18.
[0042] In the example embodiment, the movement of the cargo tank support device 200 and the drive axle assembly 66 of the work vehicle 10 relative to each other includes moving the cargo tank support device 200 and the drive axle assembly 66 of the work vehicle 10 relative to each other such that the main body member 220 of the cargo tank support device 200 completely surrounds the end portion 64 of the drive axle assembly 66 when the axle coupling member 240 is selectively attached to the corresponding associated axle mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive axle assembly 66.
[0043] Also in the example embodiment, providing the cargo tank support device 200 includes providing a cargo tank support device 200 having a main body portion 210 comprising a substantially cylindrical main body member 220 defining a main body member longitudinal geometric axis L. In this embodiment, the cargo tank support device 200 and the drive shaft assembly 66 of the work vehicle 10 are moved relative to each other by moving the cargo tank support device 200 and the drive shaft assembly 66 of the work vehicle. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 32 / 129 / 32 work 10 in relation to each other with the longitudinal geometric axis of main body member L of the cargo tank support device 200 being substantially coextensive with a geometric axis D defined by the drive shaft assembly 66 of the work vehicle 10.
[0044] Figures 13a-13e are shown depicting the steps in a method for assembling the cargo tank support device 200 of Figures 9 and 10 supporting the cargo tank 18 (removed from the illustration for clarity) at the end of a work vehicle axle assembly 66, according to an exemplary embodiment, and with the cargo tank removed for clarity, and Figures 14 and 15 show side-by-side elevation views, respectively, of the cargo tank support device 200 fully assembled at the end of a work vehicle axle assembly 66 according to an exemplary embodiment. In Figure 13a, a drive axle assembly 66 containing the drive axle 60 of the tracked work vehicle 10 is provided. Also in Figure 13a, a tank support device 200, according to an exemplary embodiment, is provided.Also in Figure 13a, the tank support device 200, according to an example embodiment, is oriented with the general conformation of the drive shaft assembly 66 such that the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member L of the main body member 220 of the main body portion 210 aligns with the geometric axis D defined by the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10. That is, the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member L of the main body member 220 of the main body portion 210 and the geometric axis D defined by the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10 are made to be coextensive, as by alignment of the geometric axes. In this way, the tank support device 200 can be installed in such a way. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 33 / 129 / 32 simple and easy in the drive shaft assembly 66 using a basic sliding motion during the assembly of the associated work vehicle, thus reducing the need for the provision of an additional set of supports on the tank and / or multiple supports or similar on the work vehicle, which, on the contrary, would make the assembly of the tank to the work vehicle complicated and difficult to implement during the assembly process.
[0045] With the longitudinal geometric axis of main body member L of main body member 220 of main body portion 210 aligned with the geometric axis D defined by the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10, the tank support device 200 supporting the cargo tank 18 (removed from the illustration for clarity) is slid onto the end of the drive shaft assembly in Figure 13b. In the relative position illustrated, the distal end 69 of the shaft 61 is received into the elongated opening 212 of the main body portion 210 of the cargo tank support device 200, according to an exemplary embodiment.In the example embodiment, the elongated opening 212 defined by the main body portion 210 extends along a geometric axis A of the main body portion 210 and is configured to receive the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10 extending through the opening.
[0046] In Figure 13c, the axle assembly 66 and the main body portion 210 of the cargo tank support device 200, according to an example embodiment, are continued to be moved relative to each other in an overlapping manner so that the main body portion 210 of the cargo tank support device 200 more completely surrounds the axle assembly 66. In the illustrated position, the axle mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive axle assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10 is received in Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 34 / 129 / 32 elongated opening 212 defined by the main body portion 210.
[0047] In figure 13d, the axle assembly 66 and the main body portion 210 of the cargo tank support device 200, according to an exemplary embodiment, are continued to be moved relative to each other in an overlapping manner so that the main body portion 210 of the cargo tank support device 200 more completely surrounds the axle assembly 66 by an additional extension. In the illustrated position, the distal end 69 of the axle 61 of the drive axle assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10 extends through the elongated opening 212 defined by the main body portion 210 of the cargo tank support device 200 and is thus accessible for eventual attachment with the ground coupling members 16 of the associated vehicle 10.
[0048] In Figure 13e, the annular flat interface 244 (Figure 8) of the tank support device 200 is in position to be fixed to the corresponding associated axle mounting structure 67 (Figure 11) on the end portion 64 of the drive axle assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle 10. This is best shown in the partial cross-sectional view of Figure 8, taken along line 8-8 in Figure 16 of a commodity tank support device according to an example embodiment, mounted on a distal end of an associated axle assembly of an associated work vehicle. Figure 14 is a side view of a commodity tank support device according to an example embodiment, mounted on the end of an axle assembly of the work vehicle, according to an example embodiment, and with the commodity tank removed, for clarity.Figure 15 is an end view of a cargo tank support device according to an example embodiment, mounted on the end of a work vehicle axle assembly, according to an embodiment of. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 35 / 129 / 32 example, and with the cargo tank removed, for clarity;
[0049] As described above, Figure 16 is a front side elevation view corresponding to Figure 3 of a cargo tank supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown therein, the associated work vehicle of the illustrated embodiment may include one or more cargo tank(s) 18 mounted or otherwise coupled to the work vehicle 10 by a corresponding one or more cargo support devices 200 of the illustrated embodiment. The one or more cargo tank(s) 18 is / are configured to store material, such as for application on the exterior of the work vehicle 10, in a non-limiting example. The work vehicle may additionally utilize the cargo tank(s) 18 to store water or other material for ballast, stability, or weight control.Each commodity tank 18 is configured to store fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, water, fuel, or other nutrient, chemical, or other material for storage, use by the work vehicle 10, and / or dispensing in, or on, a work area, such as a cultivated field, to cite a non-limiting example. The illustrated embodiment includes two commodity tanks 18 and two support devices 200 as mirror images of each other with respect to a vertical plane extending through a central longitudinal geometric axis of the work vehicle 10. However, the two commodity tanks 18 and support devices of another embodiment are not mirror images of each other.Furthermore, additional embodiments of the present invention may include either a single cargo tank 18 and support device 200 disposed on one side of the vehicle 10 or a cargo tank 18 and support devices on both sides of the vehicle 10 and extending between the two sides of the working vehicle 10, such as behind or otherwise around the operator station 14. As will be appreciated, the... Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 36 / 129 / 32 formed tank support devices, according to an exemplary embodiment, can be used to connect the pair of cargo tanks 18 illustrated with portions of the work vehicle's drive axle assembly on the distal end sides 69 of the axle 60, opposite the ground coupling structures 16. In this way, the left and right cargo tanks 18, illustrated, can be installed on the axle assemblies and internally on the distal ends 69 of the axles during manufacturing, before the track assemblies 16 (figure 1) are installed on the work vehicle, thus saving time and costs by simplifying the manufacturing process.
[0050] As described above, Figure 17 is a left side elevation view, corresponding to Figure 2, of a cargo tank supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] As described above, Figure 18 is a top plan view, corresponding to Figure 5, of a cargo tank supported on a work vehicle by a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] As shown in the figures and as described above, a work vehicle 10 is provided, including a ground coupling member 16, a drive axle assembly 66, a cargo tank 18 including a cargo tank mounting structure 63, and a cargo tank support device 200 mounting or supporting the cargo tank 18 on an end portion 64 of the drive axle assembly 66 of the work vehicle 10. The drive axle assembly 66 includes a shaft 61 having a distal end 69 selectively coupled to the ground coupling member 16 to drive the ground coupling member 16 by the axle assembly 66. The cargo tank support device 200 includes a main body portion. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 37 / 129 / 32 210 and first and second mounting portions 230, 250. The main body portion 210 of the commodity tank support device 200 defines an elongated opening 212 extending along a geometric axis A of the main body portion 210 and configured to receive the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66 extending through the opening 212. The first mounting portion 230 of the commodity tank support device 200 defines a shaft mounting portion 232 of the commodity tank support device 200. The shaft mounting portion 232 includes a shaft coupling member 240 configured for selective attachment with a corresponding shaft mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66.The second mounting portion 250 of the cargo tank support device 200 defines a cargo tank mounting portion 252 of the cargo tank support device 200. The cargo tank mounting portion 252 includes a cargo tank coupling member 260 configured for selective attachment to the cargo tank mounting structure 63 of the cargo tank 18.
[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the main body portion 210 of the cargo tank support device 200 of the work vehicle 10 includes a substantially cylindrical main body member 220 defining a main body member longitudinal geometric axis L, and the elongated opening 212 of the cargo tank support device 200 extends along the main body member longitudinal geometric axis L of the main body member 220.
[0054] According to an example embodiment, the elongated opening 212 of the cargo tank support device 200 of the work vehicle 10 is configured to receive the end portion 64 Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 38 / 129 / 32 of the drive shaft assembly 66 along the longitudinal geometric axis of main body member L of the main body member 220, and the main body member 220 of the cargo tank support device 200 completely surrounds the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66 when the shaft coupling member 240 is selectively attached to the corresponding associated shaft mounting structure 67 on the end portion 64 of the drive shaft assembly 66.
[0055] According to an example embodiment, the shaft coupling member 240 of the cargo tank support device 200 of the work vehicle 10 defines a planar interface 242 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member L defined by the main body member 220.
[0056] According to an example embodiment, the planar interface 242 defined by the shaft coupling member 240 of the cargo tank support device 200 of the work vehicle 10 includes an annular planar interface 244 in the plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member L defined by the main body member 220.
[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal geometric axis of main body member L of the cargo tank support device 200 of the work vehicle 10 is substantially coextensive with a geometric axis D defined by the drive axle assembly 66 of the associated work vehicle (10) when the axle coupling member 240 is selectively fixed to the corresponding associated axle mounting structure 67 at the end portion 64 of the drive axle assembly 66.
[0058] According to an example embodiment, the shaft mounting portion 232 of the first mounting portion 230 of the device Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 39 / 129 / 32 of cargo tank support 200 of work vehicle 10 includes a single shaft coupling member 246 defining an annular planar interface 248 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of main body member L defined by main body member 220.
[0059] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, the work vehicle 10 and the cargo tank 18 of one or more of the embodiments described herein provide a substantial amount of material storage, while improving the maneuverability or other operational function of the work vehicle 10 by maintaining a desirable center of gravity of the work vehicle 10 equipped with the cargo tank(s) 18 supported by a tank support device 200, according to an exemplary embodiment.Furthermore, the cargo tank 18 provides ballast control, improves stability, and / or increases the traction of the work vehicle 10 when the cargo tank 18 is positioned according to the embodiments described herein, because the weight of the cargo tank 18 and the material contained therein is generally centered on the drive shaft 60, and such weight and positioning are generally controllable by increasing, decreasing, or shifting material in the cargo tank(s) 18. Additionally, because the cargo tank 18 utilizes substantial space in an internal location of the work vehicle 10, the cargo tank 18 and the work vehicle 10 improve the operation of the work vehicle 10 by preventing unnecessary width, length, or other volume from being added to the work vehicle 10 with the addition of the cargo tank 18.The work vehicle 10, the cargo tank 18, and the tank support device 200, according to an example embodiment, further improve an operator's ability to access the operator station 14, because the cargo tank 18 is positioned. Petition 870250016631, dated 28 / 02 / 2025, page 40 / 129 / 32 away from doors or other entry points to the operator station 14. Furthermore, the work vehicle 10, the cargo tank 18, and the tank support device 200, according to an example embodiment, improve the visibility of an operator from the operator station 14, because the cargo tank 18 is positioned away from the window 66. Even further, the work vehicle 10, the cargo tank 18, and the tank support device 200, according to an example embodiment, make the assembly or installation of the cargo tank support device 200 on the drive axle assembly 66 quick and simple during the manufacture of the associated work vehicle 10.
[0060] When used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists with elements that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and that are also preceded by the phrase “one or more of” or “at least one of” indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially include individual elements of the list, or any combination thereof. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” or “one or more of A, B, and C” indicates the possibilities of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (e.g., A and B; B and C; A and C; or A, B, and C).
[0061] Although the above describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. On the contrary, other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. Cargo tank support device (200) configured to mount an associated cargo tank (18) of an associated work vehicle (10) on an end portion of a drive axle assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle (10) having a rotating shaft relative to the drive axle assembly (66) and being selectively coupleable to a ground hitch member (16), driven by the shaft, the cargo tank support device (200) characterized in that it comprises: a main body portion (210) defining an elongated opening (212) extending along a geometric axis of the main body portion (210) and configured to receive the end portion of the drive axle assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle (10) extending through the opening (212),the main body portion (210) comprises a cylindrical main body member (220) defining a longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member (220), wherein the elongated opening (212) extends through the main body member (220) along the longitudinal geometric axis; a first mounting portion (230) defining a shaft mounting portion of the cargo tank support device (200), the shaft mounting portion comprising a shaft coupling member (240) configured for selective attachment with a corresponding associated shaft mounting structure at the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66) which is configured to maintain its angular orientation relative to the associated working vehicle (10); and a second mounting portion (250) defining a cargo tank mounting portion of the cargo tank support device (200),the cargo tank mounting portion Petition 870260057445, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 14 / 31 2 / 9 comprising a cargo tank coupling member configured for selective attachment with a corresponding associated cargo tank mounting structure of the cargo tank (18) of the associated work vehicle (10); wherein the main body portion (210) and the first and second mounting portions (230, 250) comprise a unitary construction.
2. Cargo tank support device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that: the elongated opening (212) is configured to receive the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle (10) along the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member (220); and the main body member (220) completely surrounds the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle when the shaft coupling member (240) is selectively fixed to the corresponding associated shaft mounting structure on the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle (10).
3. Commodity tank support device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that: the shaft coupling member (240) of the first mounting portion (230) comprises a single shaft coupling member that defines an annular planar interface in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member defined by the main body member (220).
4. Cargo tank support device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that: the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member is coextensive with a geometric axis defined by the drive axle assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle (10) when the axle coupling member (240) is selectively fixed to the corresponding associated axle mounting structure at the end portion of the drive axle assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle (10).
5. Commodity tank support device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that: the shaft coupling member (240) defines a planar interface in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member defined by the main body member (220).
6. Commodity tank support device (200) according to claim 5, characterized in that: the planar interface defined by the shaft coupling member (240) comprises an annular planar interface in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member defined by the main body member (220).
7. Cargo tank support device (200) according to claim 5, characterized in that: the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member is coextensive with a geometric axis defined by the drive axle assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle when the axle coupling member (240) is selectively fixed to the corresponding associated axle mounting structure at the end portion of the drive axle assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle (10).
8. Work vehicle (10), characterized in that it comprises: a ground coupling member (16); a drive shaft assembly (66) comprising a shaft rotating in relation to the drive shaft assembly (66) and being selectively coupled to the ground coupling member (16) to drive the ground coupling member (16) by the shaft; a cargo tank (18) comprising a cargo tank mounting structure (63);and a cargo tank support device (200) supporting the cargo tank on an end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66) of the work vehicle (10), the cargo tank support device (200) comprising: a main body portion (210) defining an elongated opening (212) extending along a geometric axis of the main body portion (210) and configured to receive the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66) extending through the opening (212), the main body portion (210) comprising a cylindrical main body member (220) defining a longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member, wherein the elongated opening (212) extends through the main body member (220) along the longitudinal geometric axis;a first mounting portion (230) defining a shaft mounting portion of the cargo tank support device (200), the shaft mounting portion comprising a shaft coupling member (240) configured for selective attachment with a corresponding shaft mounting structure (67) on the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66) which is configured to maintain its angular orientation relative to the associated work vehicle (10); and a second mounting portion (250) defining a cargo tank mounting portion of the cargo tank support device (200), the cargo tank mounting portion comprising a cargo tank coupling member Petition 870260057445, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 17 / 31 5 / 9 configured for selective attachment with the cargo tank mounting structure (63) of the cargo tank (18);wherein the main body portion (210) and the first and second assembly portions (230, 250) comprise a unitary construction.; 9. Work vehicle (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that: the elongated opening (212) of the cargo tank support device (200) is configured to receive the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66) along the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member (220); and the main body member (220) of the cargo tank support device (200) completely surrounds the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66) when the shaft coupling member (240) is selectively fixed to the corresponding shaft mounting structure (67) associated with the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66).
10. Working vehicle (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that: the shaft coupling member (240) of the first mounting portion (230) of the cargo tank support device (200) comprises a single shaft coupling member that defines a flat interface in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member defined by the main body member (220).
11. Work vehicle (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that: the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member of the cargo tank support device (200) is coextensive with Petition 870260057445, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 18 / 31 6 / 9 a geometric axis defined by the drive shaft assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle (10) when the shaft coupling member (240) is selectively fixed to the corresponding associated shaft mounting structure (67) at the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66).
12. Working vehicle (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that: the shaft mounting portion of the cargo tank support device (200) defines an annular planar interface in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member defined by the main body member (220).
13. Working vehicle (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that: the planar interface defined by the shaft coupling member (240) of the cargo tank support device (200) comprises an annular planar interface in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member defined by the main body member (220).
14. Work vehicle (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that: the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member of the cargo tank support device (200) is coextensive with a geometric axis defined by the drive shaft assembly (66) of the associated work vehicle (10) when the shaft coupling member (240) is selectively fixed to the corresponding associated shaft mounting structure (67) at the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66).
15. Method for mounting a cargo tank on a work vehicle (10), the method characterized in that Petition 870260057445, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 19 / 31 7 / 9 comprises: providing a cargo tank (18) comprising cargo tank mounting structure (63); to provide a cargo tank support device (200) comprising: a main body portion (210) defining an elongated opening (212) extending along a geometric axis of the main body portion (210) and configured to receive an end portion of a drive shaft assembly (66) of the work vehicle (10) extending through the opening (212), the main body portion (210) comprising a cylindrical main body member defining a longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member, wherein the elongated opening (212) extends through the main body member (220) along the longitudinal geometric axis;a first mounting portion (230) defining a shaft mounting portion of the cargo tank support device (200), the shaft mounting portion comprising a shaft coupling member (240) configured for selective attachment with a corresponding shaft mounting structure (67) on the end portion of the drive shaft assembly (66) which is configured to maintain its angular orientation relative to the working vehicle (10); and a second mounting portion (250) defining a cargo tank mounting portion of the cargo tank support device (200), the cargo tank mounting portion comprising a cargo tank coupling member configured for selective attachment with the cargo tank mounting structure (63) of the cargo tank (18); wherein the main body portion (210) and the first and second mounting portions comprise a unitary construction;Petition 870260057445, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 20 / 31 8 / 9 move the cargo tank support device (200) and the drive axle assembly (66) of the work vehicle (10) relative to each other to receive the end portion of a drive axle assembly (66) of the work vehicle (10) extending through the opening of the main body portion (210); fix the axle mounting portion defined by the first mounting portion (230) of the cargo tank support device (200) with the corresponding axle mounting structure (67) on the end portion of the drive axle assembly (66); and fix the cargo tank coupling member of the cargo tank mounting portion of the cargo tank support device (200) with the cargo tank mounting structure (63) of the cargo tank (18).
16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that: moving the cargo tank support device (200) and the drive axle assembly (66) of the work vehicle (10) relative to each other comprises: moving the cargo tank support device (200) and the drive axle assembly (66) of the work vehicle relative to each other such that the main body member (220) of the cargo tank support device (200) completely surrounds the end portion of the drive axle assembly (66) when the axle coupling member (240) is selectively fixed to the corresponding axle mounting structure (67) associated on the end portion of the drive axle assembly (66).
17. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that: providing the cargo tank support device (200) Petition 870260057445, dated 12 / 06 / 2026, page 21 / 31 9 / 9 comprises providing a cargo tank support device having a main body portion (210) comprising a cylindrical main body member (220) defining a longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member; and moving the cargo tank support device (200) and the drive axle assembly (66) of the work vehicle (10) relative to each other comprises: moving the cargo tank support device (200) and the drive axle assembly (66) of the work vehicle (10) relative to each other with the longitudinal geometric axis of the main body member of the cargo tank support device (200) being coextensive with a geometric axis defined by the drive axle assembly (66) of the work vehicle (10).