Utility vehicle with work tool attachment and frame lock mechanism for use with same

Abstract

A utility vehicle is provided herein including a frame carrying a prime mover and extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis, a lift arm assembly pivotally attached to the frame and extending between a distal end and a proximal end, a work tool configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly proximate the distal end of the lift arm assembly, and a bracket coupled to the frame proximate the first end. The work tool selectively engages the frame through the bracket and the proximal end is pivotally attached to the frame at a transverse lift arm pivot axis.

Description

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 741,308 , filed Jan. 2, 2025. Each of the applications and patents listed in this paragraph is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to utility vehicles (such as, e.g., compact utility loaders) having work tool attachments and frame lock mechanisms for use with the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Utility vehicles (e.g., such as compact utility loaders) are known for performing various types of work in an outdoor or indoor environment. While able to perform the types of work often associated with large skid steer loaders, compact utility loaders are generally smaller in size. Furthermore, some utility vehicles may be controlled by a stand-on or walk-behind operator (e.g., such loaders may be referred to as “SOWB loaders”) and, therefore, do not carry an operator in a seated position, as do larger skid steer loaders. Instead, SOWB loaders are most often operated by an operator who stands on a platform attached to the rear of the vehicle or, alternatively, walks on the ground behind the vehicle.

[0004] Modern utility vehicles are able to accept a variety of work tool attachments that attach to a boom extending from a frame of the vehicle. The boom is typically formed by one or more lift arms that extend forward from the vehicle and include a mounting structure capable of receiving and supporting the attachment. The lift arms are typically pivotally attached to the vehicle and, via an actuator such as one or more hydraulic cylinders, may be pivoted relative to the vehicle such that the elevation of the attachment may be varied. In some utility vehicles, the attachment mounting structure may also pivot, relative to the lift arms, to adjust the orientation of the attachment relative to the lift arms.SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments described herein may provide a utility vehicle including: a frame carrying a prime mover and extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis, a lift arm assembly pivotally attached to the frame and extending between a distal end and a proximal end, a work tool configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly proximate the distal end of the lift arm assembly, and a bracket coupled to the frame proximate the first end. The work tool selectively engages the frame through the bracket. The proximal end is pivotally attached to the frame at a transverse lift arm pivot axis.

[0006] In another embodiment, a utility vehicle his provided that includes: a frame carrying a prime mover and extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis, a lift arm assembly pivotally attached to the frame and extending between a distal end and a proximal end, a work tool configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly proximate the distal end of the lift arm assembly, and a bracket coupled to the frame proximate the first end. The work tool selectively engages the frame through the bracket. A working angle of the work tool is based on a position at which the work tool is selectively engaged with the frame via the bracket. The proximal end is pivotally attached to the frame at a transverse lift arm pivot axis.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a utility vehicle is provided that includes: a frame carrying a prime mover and extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis, a lift arm assembly pivotally attached to the frame and extending between a distal end and a proximal end, a work tool configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly proximate the distal end of the lift arm assembly; and a bracket coupled to the frame proximate the first end. The work tool selectively engages the frame through the bracket. The lift arm assembly is restricted from raising the arms when the work tool is selectively engaged with the frame. The proximal end is pivotally attached to the frame at a transverse lift arm pivot axis. The lift arm assembly comprises a lift actuator configured to raise and lower arms of the lift arm assembly.

[0008] The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation. Rather, a more complete understanding of illustrative embodiments will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments and claims in view of the accompanying figures of the drawing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0009] Illustrative embodiments will be further described with reference to the figures of the drawing, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of an illustrative utility vehicle with a work tool attachment, shown as a floor scraper, and a frame lock mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the illustrative utility vehicle of FIG. 1 with the work tool and the frame lock mechanism;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a front left perspective view of the work tool of the utility vehicle of FIGS. 1 and 2 engaged with a frame lock bracket of the frame lock mechanism;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the work tool of FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear left perspective view of the work tool of FIG. 3;

[0015] FIGS. 6A-6C are side views of the work tool of FIGS. 3-5 selectively engaged with the bracket at various pre-determined working angles;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of the frame lock bracket of FIG. 4; and

[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of the work tool of FIGS. 3-5 selectively engaged with the frame lock bracket at different notches having different opening angles.

[0018] The figures are rendered primarily for clarity and, as a result, are not necessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, various structure / components, including but not limited to fasteners, electrical components (wiring, cables, etc.), and the like, may be shown diagrammatically or removed from some or all of the views to better illustrate aspects of the depicted embodiments, or where inclusion of such structure / components is not necessary to an understanding of the various illustrative embodiments described. The lack of illustration / description of such structure / components in a particular figure is, however, not to be interpreted as limiting the various embodiments in any way.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0019] In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof. It is to be understood that other embodiments, which may not be described and / or illustrated herein, are certainly contemplated.

[0020] All headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows the heading, unless so specified. Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, and all terms expressing direction / orientation (e.g., vertical, horizontal, parallel, perpendicular, etc.) in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Furthermore, the terms “comprises” and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in this description and claims, and the terms “a,”“an,”“the,”“at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably herein.

[0021] Still further, relative terms such as “left,”“right,”“front,”“fore,”“forward,”“rear,”“aft,”“rearward,”“top,”“bottom,”“side,”“upper,”“lower,”“above,”“below,”“horizontal,”“vertical,” and the like may be used herein and, if so, are from the perspective of one operating a vehicle 100 while the vehicle 100 is in an operating configuration, e.g., while it is positioned such that wheels rest upon a generally horizontal ground surface 103 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. These terms are used only to simplify the description, however, and not to limit the interpretation of any embodiment described.

[0022] Embodiments described and illustrated herein are directed to a utility loader (e.g., a compact utility loader) that accommodates an operator either: standing upon a platform attached to the loader (e.g., at a back end of the loader), or walking behind the loader. For example, such a loader having an operator standing upon a platform or walking behind the loader may be described as a “SOWB loader.” In one or more embodiments, the utility loaders described herein may include an operator seated on the loader and such a loader may be described as a sit-down / sit-in and / or ride-on loader. Further, the utility loaders described herein may include small articulated loaders and / or conventional skid-steer loaders.

[0023] Embodiments described and illustrated herein are directed to a utility vehicle having a frame, a boom for supporting and operating various attachments or work tools, and a frame lock mechanism coupled to the frame. The various attachments or work tools may selectively engage the frame through the frame lock mechanism. As a result, when the various attachments or work tools are selectively engaged with the frame through the frame lock mechanism, forces acting upon the attachments or work tools may advantageously be transmitted through the frame lock mechanism to the frame, rather than through the boom to the frame. By so transmitting forces acting upon the attachments or work tools, the rigidity of the vehicle, and the work tool in particular, may advantageously be improved.

[0024] Typically, when using a utility loader with a work tool coupled to the boom, forces encountered by the work tool are absorbed by the boom. For example, when using a floor scraper, tile chisel, or the like along a ground surface (e.g., a tiled floor surface being renovated), the floor scraper may encounter large counter force (e.g., when encountering resistance or bumps that cause “bucking”). Such counter forces are typically absorbed by the boom, which may result in stress on components of the boom, such as lift arm joints and cylinders. By including the frame lock mechanism according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein and selectively engaging the work tool thereto, counter forces may be transmitted through the frame lock mechanism to the frame, rather than through the boom. As a result, stresses on the boom and components thereof may advantageously be reduced or avoided.

[0025] Further, when using work tools of a typical utility loader along or against a ground surface (e.g., when using a carpet scraper to remove carpet or when using a tile chisel to remove tile), precise positioning of the work tool (e.g., the working angle of the work tool and / or the height, or elevation, of the work tool relative to the ground and / or the vehicle frame) is important in order to avoid sub-optimal work results. Furthermore, a user may need to set and re-set the same work tool positioning various times over the course of a work project, and such work tool positioning is often difficult to reproduce again and again. By including the frame lock mechanism according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein and selectively engaging the work tool thereto, the work tool positioning may be reliably and repeatably set according to one or more predetermined positions including, for example, working angle and work tool elevation.

[0026] The suffixes “a” and “b” may be used throughout this description to denote various left-and right-side parts / features, respectively. However, in most pertinent respects, the parts / features denoted with “a” and “b” suffixes are substantially identical to, or mirror images of, one another. It is understood that, unless otherwise noted, the description of an individual part / feature (e.g., part / feature identified with an “a” suffix) also applies to the opposing part / feature (e.g., part / feature identified with a “b” suffix). Similarly, the description of a part / feature identified with no suffix may apply, unless noted otherwise, to both the corresponding left and right part / feature.

[0027] With reference to the figures of the drawing, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts and assemblies throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a utility vehicle 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 100 may be similar in some respects to the Dingo series utility loader sold by The Toro Company of Minneapolis, MN, USA. The vehicle 100 may accommodate a variety of work tools or attachments used, e.g., by landscape contractors and building construction / demolition operators, to perform various tasks. For example, a bucket can be attached to the vehicle 100 for scooping, carrying, and emptying (e.g., into a dump truck or refuse bin) dirt, demolition debris, or other material. The vehicle 100 may accommodate other tools including, as examples, forks, a floor scraper, a carpet scraper and / or cutter, a tile chisel, a snow blade, a vibratory plow, a grapple rake, a trencher, a leveler, a box rake, a soil cultivator, a snowthrower, a stump grinder, a tiller, an auger, a plow blade, a backhoe, a cement bowl, a leveler, and a material or debris hauler, among others.

[0028] While utility vehicles or compact utility loaders like those described herein may vary in size, in one or more embodiments, the vehicle may be of a size that permits the vehicle to access areas generally inaccessible by larger skid steer loaders (e.g., areas with confined entries such as gates, doorways / hallways, or areas unable to support the weight of a typical skid steer loader). Further, the illustrative vehicle 100 may be configured in a stand-on configuration using a platform 106 to accommodate a standing operator. In other embodiments, the platform 106 could be stowable so as not to interfere with walk-behind operation. One embodiment of such a stowable platform is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,569.

[0029] A front left perspective view of the illustrative utility vehicle 100 with a work tool attachment, or work tool 200, shown as a floor scraper, and a frame lock mechanism 250 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. A side view of the utility vehicle 100 is shown in FIG. 2. The vehicle 100 may include a suitably shaped chassis or frame 102 on which a prime mover 104, such as one or more electric motors or internal combustion engines, is carried. A hood or shroud may at least partially enclose the prime mover 104. The frame 102 may include a front end 121 and a rear end 123 spaced apart along a longitudinal axis 101 of the vehicle 100. The frame 102 may further include left and right sides 124, 126 spaced apart along a transverse axis 125. The frame 102 may include laterally spaced uprights 108 on each (left and right) side of the vehicle 100.

[0030] The frame 102 may support a boom that includes a lift arm assembly 110 that extends between a distal end and a proximal end and that may be operatively attached to the frame 102. For example, the lift arm assembly 110 may be pivotally (e.g., at the proximal end of the lift arm assembly 110) connected to the frame 102 at a transverse lift arm pivot axis 113 (e.g., to the uprights 108 of the frame 102) and extend generally forward of the front end 121 of the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the lift arm assembly 110 may include left and right lift arm assemblies 110a, 110b that are each pivotally connected to the left and right sides or uprights 108a, 108b of the frame 102, respectively (although units having a single lift arm assembly are also contemplated). Lift actuators 112, such as hydraulic cylinders (e.g., a cylinder 112a visible inFIG. 1), may be connected between the frame 102 and each of the left and right lift arm assemblies 110a, 110b. When piston rods of the lift actuators 112 are extended, the lift arm assemblies 110 may pivot about the transverse lift arm pivot axis 113 to raise or lift the front ends of the lift arm assemblies 110 relative to the ground surface 103 / frame 102. Likewise, when the piston rods of the lift actuators 112 are retracted, the lift arm assemblies 110 may pivot in the opposite direction about the transverse lift arm pivot axis to lower the front ends of the lift arm assemblies 110.

[0031] In the embodiments described and illustrated herein, the various actuators (e.g., the lift actuators 112 and tilt actuators 107 (described below)) may be configured as hydraulic cylinders. However, the term “actuator,” as used herein, may refer to most any electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic device capable of providing movement of one element relative to another. For example, a linear electric actuator, or a hydraulic or electric rotary motor driving a pinion in a rack-and-pinion system, may be utilized in place of the hydraulic cylinders described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] The vehicle 100 may further include a traction system that includes ground engaging members 114 operatively attached to the frame 102 and carrying the frame 102 above the ground surface 103. For example, the ground engaging members 114 may include wheels. As used herein, the term “wheel” is understood to include at least a support portion (e.g., rim) and a ground contacting portion (e.g., tire). The tire may be of most any configuration (e.g., pneumatic, non-pneumatic, solid) and be made of most any material (e.g., rubber, plastic, metal, etc.). As used herein, the term “wheel” is understood to include not only conventional pneumatic tire-and-wheel combinations, but also tireless wheels (e.g., where the wheel is designed to directly engage the ground surface), and “airless” tires such as those sold under the tradename “Tweel” (sold by Michelin of Clermont-Ferrand, France) and “Tractus” (sold by Exmark Manufacturing Co., Inc. of Beatrice, Nebraska, USA). While described and illustrated as wheels, most any drive member configuration, e.g., tracks, rollers, or the like, may also be utilized.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle 100 includes a control console 120 that, in embodiments consistent with FIG. 1, is located at or near the rear end 123 of the vehicle 100 (e.g., at or near the rear end of the frame 102) proximate the upper ends of the uprights 108. The control console 120 may include various controls (e.g., levers, switches, buttons, joysticks, etc.) that control vehicle operation. For example, the control console 120 may include controls that cause various actuators to energize (e.g., cause the lift actuators 112 to extend and thus pivot the lift arm assemblies 110 to various positions). In addition, the control console 120 may include a movable drive control handle to allow operator control of the traction system that drives the ground engaging members 114. The controls on the control console 120 may be adapted to be manipulated by an operator either: standing on the platform 106 mounted near the rear end of the frame 102, or walking behind the frame 102. The controls may include dual levers or a joystick to control the forward and reverse movement of the vehicle 100, as well as turning (e.g., by actuating the dual levers to differing degrees or twisting the joystick).

[0034] In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 is controlled remotely or autonomously. For example, the vehicle 100 may not have an operator directly engaged with the vehicle 100, but may instead be controlling the vehicle 100 from a distance. Also, for example, the vehicle 100 may be autonomously controlled using sensors and programming (e.g., artificial intelligence) to accomplish tasks without direct control from an operator.

[0035] A front left perspective view of the illustrative work tool 200 of the utility vehicle 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown as a floor scraper, engaged with the frame lock mechanism 250 is shown in FIG. 3. A side view of the work tool of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4. A rear left perspective view of the work tool of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 5. As mentioned above, the work tool 200 may be connected to a mounting structure (e.g., an attachment plate 122) pivotally connected proximate to front or distal ends of the lift arm assemblies 110. To ease the task of removing and installing tools on the attachment plate 122, various quick attachment systems may be used as are known in the art. Such attachment plates may conform to industry standards such as SAE J2513 (2000). The work tool 200 may include a body portion 210 and an implement portion 220 coupled to or extending from the body portion 210. The body portion 210 of the work tool 200 may be configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly 110, such as via the attachment plate 122.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the attachment plate 122 is pivotally connected to the front ends of the lift arm assemblies 110 (e.g., at a connection point 127) so that an orientation (e.g., angle of inclination) of the attachment plate 122 (and thus the work tool 200 itself, or the working angle of the work tool 200) may be adjusted. In one or more embodiments, the connection point 127 may be described as a transverse pivot joint / axis. The tilt actuator 107 may be connected to and extend between the work tool and a body portion of the lift arm assemblies. For example, the tilt actuator 107 may be connected to and extend between the attachment plate 122 and a support between the lift arm assemblies 110, as shown in FIG. 1. As the tilt actuator 107 extends and retracts, the angle of inclination of the attachment plate 122 (about the connection point 127 and relative to the lift arm assemblies 110) may change. Additionally, as the tilt actuators 107 extend and retract, the resulting change in working angle of the work tool 200 may define a curl motion as the work tool 200 pivots about the connection point 127. Thus, by controlling the vertical position, or elevation, of the lift arm assemblies 110 (via the lift actuators 112), and by controlling the angle of inclination of the attachment plate 122 (via the tilt actuator 107) relative to the lift arm assemblies 110, the operator may position the work tool 200 within a wide range of elevations and inclinations. While shown as utilizing one tilt actuator 107, other embodiments may use two or more tilt actuators without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0037] During operation, the operator may stand upon the platform 106 as shown in the figures (or, in other embodiments, walk behind the lift frame 102). The control console 120 may be positioned at a convenient height so that it remains accessible to the operator from a standing or walking position behind the lift frame 102. In combination with the forward location of the lift arm pivot axis 113, the vehicle 100 may provide the operator with desirable sight lines to both the area surrounding the work tool 200 and the areas immediately surrounding the operator.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the frame lock mechanism 250 is configured such that the work tool 200 may selectively engage the frame 102. As used herein, the term “selectively engage” refers to an interaction between components that restricts movement in some directions and permits movement in other directions. For example, in some embodiments, when the work tool 200 is selectively engaged with the frame 102 via the frame lock mechanism 250, translational movement of the work tool 200 upward relative to the frame 102 or the ground surface 103 may be restricted, while translational movement of the work tool 200 downward may be permitted. As another example, in some embodiments, when the work tool 200 is selectively engaged with the frame 102 via the frame lock mechanism 250, forward tilt or curl of the work tool 200 may be restricted, while rearward tilt or curl of the work tool 200 may be permitted. In certain embodiments, when the work tool 200 is selectively engaged with the frame 102 via the frame lock mechanism 250, forward tilt and upward movement of the work tool 200 may be restricted, while rearward tilt and downward movement of the work tool 200 may be permitted.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, selectively engaging the work tool 200 with the frame 102 via the frame lock mechanism 250 restricts movement of the work tool 200 such that the working angle (e.g., relative to the ground surface 103 or relative to a plane defined by the longitudinal axis 101 and the transverse axis 125) of the work tool 200 is based on the position at which the work tool 200 is selectively engaged with the frame lock mechanism 250. Similarly, the frame lock mechanism 250 may be configured such that the work tool 200 defines a predetermined working elevation when selectively engaged with the frame lock mechanism 250. In other words, the frame lock mechanism 250 may be configured to selectively engage the work tool 200 such that the work tool 200, when selectively engaged, adopts a particular or predetermined working angle and a particular or predetermined working elevation, which may advantageously allow a user to repeatedly and reliably position the work tool 200 at the working angle and working elevation (e.g., a repeatable positioning / orientation at each engagement may be due to the geometry of each of the arm assemblies, the work tool 200 and the frame lock mechanism 250).

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the lift arm assembly 110 is restricted from moving the work tool 200 upward relative to an operating direction of the vehicle 100 when the work tool 200 is selectively engaged with the frame 102 via the frame lock mechanism 250. When the work tool 200 is selectively engaged with the frame lock mechanism 250, a longitudinal force applied to the work tool 200 (e.g., when the vehicle 100 is travelling in a forward direction and the work tool 200 encounters resistance, or “bucks”) is transmitted to the frame 102 through the frame lock mechanism 250. By transmitting longitudinal forces to the frame 102 via the frame lock mechanism 250 when the work tool 200 is selectively engaged with the frame lock mechanism 250, the frame lock mechanism 250 may advantageously improve rigidity of the vehicle 100. Improving rigidity of the vehicle100 may be particularly advantageous to improve use of pushing work tools, such as floor scrapers, carpet scrapers, carpet cutters, tile chisels, snow blades, etc. Furthermore, by transmitting longitudinal forces to the frame 102 via the frame lock mechanism 250 when the work tool 200 is selectively engaged with the frame lock mechanism 250, the frame lock mechanism 250 may advantageously reduce or avoid stresses on the boom and components thereof. Reducing or avoiding stresses on the boom and components thereof may be particularly advantageous, for example, to improve the useful lifetime of the boom and components thereof.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the frame lock mechanism 250 may include a frame portion that is part of (e.g., coupled to or at least partially integrally formed with) the frame 102, such as a frame lock bracket 260 coupled to the frame 102 proximate the first end 121 of the vehicle 100. A side view of the illustrative vehicle 100 with the work tool 200 and the frame lock mechanism 250 including the frame lock bracket 260 is shown in FIG. 2. The work tool 200 may selectively engage the frame 102 through the bracket 260. In some embodiments, the frame lock bracket 260 is coupled to a bottom surface of the frame 102. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket 260 may be coupled to a front surface of the frame 102.

[0042] In some embodiments, and as shown, for example, in FIG. 4, the bracket 260 includes one or more vertical plates 268. The one or more vertical plates 268 may include one, two, three, or more vertical plates. For example, the bracket 260 may include two vertical plates spaced apart from one another. In embodiments including the bracket 260 with two vertical plates 268 spaced apart from one another, the tilt actuator 107 may extend within a channel defined between the two vertical plates 268 of the bracket 260 when the lift arm assembly 110 is in a lowermost position.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the bracket 260 defines one or more notches within which the work tool 200 may be selectively engaged. Notches defined by the bracket 260 may be described as recesses in the bracket 260 at an outer edge of the bracket 260. The notches may have any suitable shape. For example, the notches may be U-shaped or V-shaped. The one or more notches defined by the bracket 260 may include one, two, three, four, or more notches. For example, as shown clearly in FIG. 4, the bracket 260 may define a first notch 261, a second notch 262, and a third notch 263.

[0044] In some embodiments, the frame lock mechanism 250 includes a work tool portion that is part of (e.g., coupled to or at least partially integrally formed with) the work tool 200, such as an engagement member 270 extending from the body portion 210 of the work tool 200, as shown in FIG. 4. The engagement member 270 may be configured to selectively engage the frame 102 of the vehicle 100 through the bracket 260. For example, as shown most clearly in FIG. 5, the engagement member 270 may include a horizontal bar 272 that selectively engages the frame 102 through the bracket 260. For example, in embodiments including a frame lock bracket with one or more notches (e.g., the bracket 260 with the notches 161, 162, 163), the horizontal bar 272 may selectively engage with each notch of the one or more notches.

[0045] As described herein, the work tool 200 may be pivotally coupled to the lift arm assembly 110 and configured to define a curl motion (e.g., resulting from actuation of the tilt actuator 107). The work tool 200 may be selectively engaged and disengaged with the frame 102 using the curl motion of the work tool 200. For example, in embodiments wherein the work tool 200 includes the engagement member 270 having the horizontal bar 272, actuation of the tilt actuator 107 may cause the work tool 200 to pivot about the connection point 127, thereby resulting in a curl motion of the work tool 200, including a curl motion of the horizontal bar 272. In such embodiments, the user may selectively engage and disengage the frame lock mechanism 250 by actuating the tilt actuator 107 to curl the horizontal bar 272 into and out of selective engagement with the bracket 260.

[0046] In some embodiments, the working angle of the work tool 200 may be based on the position at which the engagement member 270 is selectively engaged with the bracket 260. For example, in embodiments including the frame lock bracket 260 with the notches 261, 262, 263, the frame lock mechanism 250 may be configured such that the work tool 200 defines a predetermined working angle (e.g., relative to the ground surface 103 or relative to a plane defined by the longitudinal axis 101 and the transverse axis 125) when the engagement member 270 is selectively engaged with a respective notch of the one or more notches 261, 262, 263. Additionally or alternatively, the frame lock mechanism 250 may be configured such that the work tool 200 defines a predetermined working elevation when the engagement member 270 is selectively engaged with a respective notch of the one or more notches 261, 262, 263.

[0047] Side views of the work tool 200 of FIGS. 3-5 is shown in FIGS. 6A-6B. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the frame lock mechanism 250 may be configured such that the work tool 200 defines one or more predetermined working angles when the work tool 200 is selectively engaged with the frame 102 via the frame lock mechanism 250. One or more predetermined working angles may refer to one, two, three, or more predetermined working angles. For example, the work tool 200 may define a first working angle 201 when the engagement member 270 is selectively engaged with the first notch 261, the work tool 200 may define a second working angle 202 when the engagement member 270 is selectively engaged with the second notch 262, and the work tool 200 may define a third working angle 203 when selectively engaged with the third notch 263. Each of the one or more working angles may be different from the others. For example, the first working angle 201 may be different from the second working angle 202 and the third working angle 203. Further, the second working angle 202 may be different from the third working angle 203.

[0048] Any suitable predetermined working angle or angles may be defined. For example, suitable predetermined working angles may be, or include, between 15 degrees and 35 degrees or between 20 degrees and 30 degrees. As further examples, suitable predetermined working angles may be, or include, 10 degrees or greater, 15 degrees or greater, 20 degrees or greater, 25 degrees or greater, 30 degrees or greater, or 35 degrees or greater, and / or 40 degrees or less, 35 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, 25 degrees or less, 20 degrees or less, or 15 degrees or less. In certain embodiments including two predetermined working angles, a first predetermined working angle is between 15 degrees and 25 degrees and a second predetermined working angle is between 25 degrees and 35 degrees. Similarly, in certain embodiments including three predetermined working angles, a first predetermined working angle is between 15 degrees and 20 degrees, a second predetermined working angle is between 20 degrees and 30 degrees, and a third predetermined working angle is between 30 degrees and 35 degrees. It will be understood in view of this disclosure that any suitable predetermined working angle, or angles, may be defined and the disclosure is not limited in this regard. It will also be understood in view of this disclosure that suitable predetermined working angles may be determined based on factors, such as those discussed herein.

[0049] A side view of the frame lock bracket 260 of FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 7. In embodiments including one or more notches (e.g., the notches 261, 262, 263) defined by the frame lock bracket 260, each of the one or more notches may include, or define, a base and an opening, such as a base 281 and an opening 282 of the second notch 262 shown in FIG. 7. The base of each notch may be described as an inner-most portion of the notch (e.g., relative to the edge of the bracket 260 in which the notch is defined). The opening of each notch may be described as an outer-most potion of the notch (e.g., relative to the edge of the bracket 260 in which the notch is defined). Each of the one or more notches (e.g., the notches 261, 262, 263) may include, or define, a taper such that the opening of each notch is wider than the base of the respective notch. Each notch opening may be directed forward and downward relative to an operating direction of the vehicle 100, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7. Each notch opening may define a notch opening axis extending along the notch from the base of the notch to the opening of the notch. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the second notch 262 may define a second opening axis 292 extending along the second notch 262 from the base 281 to the opening 282.

[0050] In some embodiments, each notch defines an opening angle, which may be described as an angle defined by a notch opening axis (e.g., the second opening axis 292) and the longitudinal axis 101. Side views of the work tool 200 selectively engaged with the frame 102 via the engagement member 270 at different notches of the bracket 260 having different opening angles is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. As described herein, the work tool 200 may be pivotally coupled to the lift arm assembly 110 and configured to define a curl motion. As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the curl motion of the work tool 200 (e.g., as the work tool 200 pivots about the connection point 127) may define a curl arc 115. In particular, the curl arc 115 illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B is defined by the horizontal bar 272.

[0051] In some embodiments, each notch opening (e.g., the opening 282 of the second notch 262) is configured to define an opening angle (e.g., the opening angle defined by the second opening axis 292) based on tangency of the curl arc 115 of the work tool 200. In particular, each notch opening may be configured to define an opening angle based on tangency of the curl arc 115 of the work tool 200 when the horizontal bar 272 is selectively engaging and disengaging with the respective notch. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8A, the first notch 261 may define a first opening axis 291 with an opening angle based on tangency of the curl arc 115 when the horizontal bar 272 is positioned to selectively engage and disengage with the first notch 261. This may advantageously improve reliable engagement and disengagement of the frame lock mechanism 250. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the third notch 263 may define a third opening axis 293 with an opening angle based on tangency of the curl arc 115 when the horizontal bar 272 is positioned to selectively engage and disengage with the third notch 263. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the respective angles defined by each of the first opening axis 291 and the third opening axis 293 are different because the curl arc 115 tangency relative to the bracket 260 (and, thus, relative to the notches) is at least partially determined by the position (e.g., the elevation, the horizontal position, etc.) of the work tool 200.

[0052] While the frame lock mechanism (e.g., the frame lock mechanism 250) is primarily described herein as including an engagement member (e.g., the horizontal bar 272) as the work tool portion and a bracket (e.g., the bracket 260) as the frame portion, other configurations are possible and certainly contemplated. For example, illustrative frame lock mechanisms may have a work tool portion including a bracket (similar, e.g., to the frame lock bracket 260), which may be configured to selectively engage with a frame portion including an engagement member, which may include a horizontal bar (similar, e.g., to the engagement member 270 including the horizontal bar 272).

[0053] The complete disclosure of the patents, patent documents, and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated. In the event that any inconsistency exists between the disclosure of the present application and the disclosure(s) of any document incorporated herein by reference, the disclosure of the present application shall govern.

[0054] Illustrative embodiments are described, and reference has been made to possible variations of the same. These and other variations, combinations, and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that the claims are not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.ILLUSTRATIVE ASPECTS

[0055] Aspect 1 is a utility vehicle comprising:

[0056] a frame carrying a prime mover and extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis;

[0057] a lift arm assembly pivotally attached to the frame and extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is pivotally attached to the frame at a transverse lift arm pivot axis;

[0058] a work tool configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly proximate the distal end of the lift arm assembly; and

[0059] a bracket coupled to the frame proximate the first end, wherein the work tool selectively engages the frame through the bracket.

[0060] Aspect 2 is the vehicle according to aspect 1, wherein the work tool comprises a body portion and an engagement member extending from the body portion, wherein the engagement member selectively engages the frame through the bracket.

[0061] Aspect 3 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 1 and 2, wherein the body portion of the work tool is configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly.

[0062] Aspect 4 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 1-3, wherein the bracket defines one or more notches within which the work tool is selectively engaged.

[0063] Aspect 5 is the vehicle according to aspect 4, wherein the work tool comprises an engagement member extending from a body portion of the work tool, and wherein the engagement member defines a horizontal bar that selectively engages with a notch of the one or more notches.

[0064] Aspect 6 is the vehicle according to aspect 5, wherein the one or more notches comprises three notches.

[0065] Aspect 7 is the vehicle according to aspect 6, wherein the work tool defines a first working angle when selectively engaged with a first notch of the one or more notches and a second working angle when selectively engaged with a second notch of the one or more notches, wherein the first working angle is different than the second working angle.

[0066] Aspect 8 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 4-7, wherein each of the one or more notches comprises an opening directed forward and downward relative to an operating direction of the vehicle, and wherein each opening defines an opening angle based on tangency of a curl arc of the work tool.

[0067] Aspect 9 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 4-8, wherein each of the one or more notches defines a taper such that an opening of each notch is wider than a base of the respective notch.

[0068] Aspect 10 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 4-9, wherein the work tool is pivotally coupled to the lift arm assembly and configured to define a curl motion, wherein the work tool is selectively engaged and disengaged with the frame via the curl motion of the work tool.

[0069] Aspect 11 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 1-10, wherein a working angle of the work tool is based on a position at which the work tool is selectively engaged with the frame via the bracket.

[0070] Aspect 12 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 1-11, wherein the lift arm assembly is restricted from moving the work tool upward relative to an operating direction of the vehicle when the work tool is selectively engaged with the frame via the bracket.

[0071] Aspect 13 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 1-12, wherein the bracket comprises two vertical plates spaced apart from one another.

[0072] Aspect 14 is the vehicle according to aspect 13, wherein the lift arm assembly comprises a tilt actuator connected to and extending between the work tool and a body portion of the lift arm assembly, wherein the tilt actuator extends within a channel defined between the two vertical plates of the bracket when the lift arm assembly is in a lowermost position.

[0073] Aspect 15 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 1-14, wherein the work tool comprises a floor scraper, a carpet scraper, a carpet cutter, a tile chisel, a snow blade, a plow blade, a grader, or any combination thereof.

[0074] Aspect 16 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 1-15, wherein a longitudinal force applied to the work tool is transmitted to the frame through the bracket when the work tool is selectively engaged with the bracket.

[0075] Aspect 17 is the vehicle according to any one of aspects 1-16, wherein the bracket is coupled to a bottom surface of the frame.

[0076] Aspect 18 is a utility vehicle comprising:

[0077] a frame carrying a prime mover and extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis;

[0078] a lift arm assembly pivotally attached to the frame and extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is pivotally attached to the frame at a transverse lift arm pivot axis;

[0079] a work tool configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly proximate the distal end of the lift arm assembly; and

[0080] a bracket coupled to the frame proximate the first end, wherein the work tool selectively engages the frame through the bracket, wherein a working angle of the work tool is based on a position at which the work tool is selectively engaged with the frame via the bracket.

[0081] Aspect 19 is a utility vehicle comprising:

[0082] a frame carrying a prime mover and extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis;

[0083] a lift arm assembly pivotally attached to the frame and extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is pivotally attached to the frame at a transverse lift arm pivot axis, wherein the lift arm assembly comprises a lift actuator configured to raise and lower arms of the lift arm assembly;

[0084] a work tool configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly proximate the distal end of the lift arm assembly; and

[0085] a bracket coupled to the frame proximate the first end, wherein the work tool selectively engages the frame through the bracket, wherein the lift arm assembly is restricted from raising the arms when the work tool is selectively engaged with the frame.

[0086] Aspect 20 is a utility vehicle comprising:

[0087] a frame carrying a prime mover and extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis;

[0088] a lift arm assembly pivotally attached to the frame and extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is pivotally attached to the frame at a transverse lift arm pivot axis;

[0089] a work tool configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly proximate the distal end of the lift arm assembly the work tool comprising a body portion and bracket coupled to the body portion; and

[0090] an engagement member extending from the frame proximate the first end, wherein the bracket selectively engages the frame through the engagement member.

Claims

1. A utility vehicle comprising:a frame carrying a prime mover and extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis;a lift arm assembly pivotally attached to the frame and extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is pivotally attached to the frame at a transverse lift arm pivot axis;a work tool configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly proximate the distal end of the lift arm assembly; anda bracket coupled to the frame proximate the first end, wherein the work tool selectively engages the frame through the bracket.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the work tool comprises a body portion and an engagement member extending from the body portion, wherein the engagement member selectively engages the frame through the bracket.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the body portion of the work tool is configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the bracket defines one or more notches within which the work tool is selectively engaged.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the work tool comprises an engagement member extending from a body portion of the work tool, and wherein the engagement member defines a horizontal bar that selectively engages with a notch of the one or more notches.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the one or more notches comprises three notches.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the work tool defines a first working angle when selectively engaged with a first notch of the one or more notches and a second working angle when selectively engaged with a second notch of the one or more notches, wherein the first working angle is different than the second working angle.

8. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein each of the one or more notches comprises an opening directed forward and downward relative to an operating direction of the vehicle, and wherein each opening defines an opening angle based on tangency of a curl arc of the work tool.

9. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein each of the one or more notches defines a taper such that an opening of each notch is wider than a base of the respective notch.

10. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the work tool is pivotally coupled to the lift arm assembly and configured to define a curl motion, wherein the work tool is selectively engaged and disengaged with the frame via the curl motion of the work tool.

11. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a working angle of the work tool is based on a position at which the work tool is selectively engaged with the frame via the bracket.

12. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lift arm assembly is restricted from moving the work tool upward relative to an operating direction of the vehicle when the work tool is selectively engaged with the frame via the bracket.

13. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises two vertical plates spaced apart from one another.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the lift arm assembly comprises a tilt actuator connected to and extending between the work tool and a body portion of the lift arm assembly, wherein the tilt actuator extends within a channel defined between the two vertical plates of the bracket when the lift arm assembly is in a lowermost position.

15. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the work tool comprises a floor scraper, a carpet scraper, a carpet cutter, a tile chisel, a snow blade, a plow blade, a grader, or any combination thereof.

16. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a longitudinal force applied to the work tool is transmitted to the frame through the bracket when the work tool is selectively engaged with the bracket.

17. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is coupled to a bottom surface of the frame.

18. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a working angle of the work tool is based on a position at which the work tool is selectively engaged with the frame via the bracket.

19. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lift arm assembly is restricted from raising the arms when the work tool is selectively engaged with the frame.

20. A utility vehicle comprising:a frame carrying a prime mover and extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis;a lift arm assembly pivotally attached to the frame and extending between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is pivotally attached to the frame at a transverse lift arm pivot axis;a work tool configured to be coupled to the lift arm assembly proximate the distal end of the lift arm assembly the work tool comprising a body portion and bracket coupled to the body portion; andan engagement member extending from the frame proximate the first end, wherein the bracket selectively engages the frame through the engagement member.

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