Adjustable vehicle accessory support

Abstract

An adjustable mount for a vehicle can include a fixed frame and a movable frame that is configured to receive / support a vehicle accessory. A first ball joint can be connected to the frames, a second ball joint may be between the fixed frame and a first end of an elongate linkage arm and can be offset from the first ball joint in a primary direction. A third ball joint may be connected between the movable frame and a second end of the elongate linkage arm and can be offset from the first ball joint in a secondary direction. A first actuator and a second actuator can be connected between the fixed frame and the movable frame and can be independently moveable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration to cause the movable frame to pivot about both the primary axis and secondary axis.

Description

ADJUSTABLE VEHICLE ACCESSORY SUPPORTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 584,707, filed on September 22, 2023 and entitled “ADJUSTABLE VEHICLE ACCESSORY SUPPORT”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an accessory support for a vehicle (which may also be characterized as a vehicle accessory support) and, more particularly, to an adjustable vehicle accessory support.BACKGROUND

[0003] Vehicles may have any manner of accessories such as mirrors or lights. Vehicles, such as trucks, typically have adjustable side-view mirrors positioned on either side of the truck cab to provide a view of the environment at the sides of the truck rearwards of the cab. Such side-view mirrors are angularly adjustable to provide an optimal view for the driver. In some applications, the mirror may be of considerable size and weight, with the support mechanism that provides the angular adjustment bearing the weight of the mirror.SUMMARY

[0004] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the detailed description, but not to define or delimit any invention.

[0005] In at least one broad aspect of the teachings described herein an adjustable mount (such as an accessory mount) for a vehicle may include a fixed frame that is attachable to the vehicle. A movable frame that may be configured to receive / support a vehicle accessory. A first ball joint may be connected between the fixed frame and the movable frame and may define a first centre of rotation. A second ball joint may be connected between the fixed frame and a first end of an elongate linkage arm and may define a second centre of rotation. The second ball joint may be offset from the first ball joint in a primary direction and the first centre of rotation and the second centre of rotation may be disposed on a primary axis. A third ball joint may be connected between the movable frame and a second end of the elongate linkage arm and maydefine a third centre of rotation. The third ball joint may be offset from the first ball joint in a secondary direction and the first centre of rotation and the third centre of rotation may be disposed on a secondary axis that is co-planar with and intersects the primary axis. A first actuator may be connected between the fixed frame and the movable frame. The first actuator may be moveable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. A second actuator may be spaced apart from first actuator and may be connected between the fixed frame and the movable frame. The second actuator may be moveable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration independently of the first actuator. The first actuator and the second actuator may be configurable to cause the movable frame to pivot about both the primary axis and secondary axis.

[0006] The first actuator may be on a first side of the primary axis and the second actuator may be one of on and on a second side of the primary axis.

[0007] The first actuator may be on a first side of the secondary axis and the second actuator may be one of on and on a second side of the secondary axis.

[0008] When the first actuator and second actuator are both extending or are both retracting then the movable frame may rotate about the primary axis relative to the fixed frame. When the first actuator is extending and the second actuator is retracting then the movable frame may rotate about the secondary axis.

[0009] The first actuator may extend at a first speed and the second actuator may extend at a second speed that is different from the first speed. The movable frame may simultaneously rotate about both the first axis and the second axis.

[0010] When the first actuator retracts at the first speed and the second actuator extends at the second speed, the movable frame may simultaneously rotate about both the first axis and the second axis.

[0011] The primary axis and the secondary axis may meet at an angle between 80 and 100 degrees.

[0012] The primary axis and the second axis may meet at an angle of 90 degrees.

[0013] The elongate linkage arm may extend along a linkage axis which is coplanar with and intersects both the primary axis and the secondary axis.

[0014] The movable frame may have a first actuator anchor and a second actuator anchor that is in a common plane with the first ball joint, the second ball joint and the third ball joint. The first actuator anchor may be disposed on the first side of the secondary axis. The second actuator anchor may be spaced apart from first actuator anchor in the primary direction and may be disposed at one of on the secondary axis and on the second side of the secondary axis.

[0015] The first actuator may be connected to the first actuator anchor using a first flexible connection. The second actuator may be connected to the second actuator anchor using a second flexible connection to accommodate tilting between the movable frame and a respective end of the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0016] The first flexible connection and the second flexible connection may include ball joints.

[0017] The first actuator anchor and the second actuator anchor may be disposed on one of a first side of the primary axis and a second side of the primary axis.

[0018] The first actuator and the second actuator may be powered by one of an electric power source and a hydraulic power source.

[0019] The first actuator and the second actuator may be controlled by a controller positionable in a cab of the vehicle.

[0020] In one broad aspect, there is provided an adjustable mount for a vehicle, the adjustable mount comprising: a fixed frame, attachable to the vehicle; a movable frame that is configured to receive / support a vehicle accessory; a first ball joint connected between the fixed frame and the movable frame and defining a first center of rotation; a second ball joint connected between the fixed frame and a first end of an elongate linkage arm and defining a second center of rotation, the second ball joint being offset from the first ball joint in a primary direction, the first center of rotation and the second center of rotation being disposed on a primary axis; a third ball joint connected between the movable frame and a second end of the elongate linkage arm and defining a third center of rotation, the third ball joint being offset from the first ball joint in a secondary direction, the first center of rotation and the third center of rotation being disposed on a secondary axis that is co-planar with and intersects the primary axis; a first actuator connected between the fixed frame and the movable frame, the first actuator being moveable between an extended configuration and a retractedconfiguration; a second actuator spaced apart from first actuator and connected between the fixed frame and the movable frame, the second actuator being moveable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration independently of the first actuator; wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to selectively pivot the movable frame about one or both of the primary axis and the secondary axis.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first actuator and the second actuator are on the same side of the primary axis.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first actuator is on a first side of the secondary axis and the second actuator is one of on and on a second side of the secondary axis.

[0023] In some embodiments, when the first actuator and second actuator are both extending or are both retracting, the movable frame rotates about the primary axis relative to the fixed frame; and wherein when the first actuator is extending and the second actuator is retracting, the movable frame rotates about the secondary axis relative to the fixed frame.

[0024] In some embodiments, when the first actuator extends at a first speed and the second actuator extends at a second speed that is different from the first speed, the movable frame simultaneously rotates about both the first axis and the second axis relative to the fixed frame.

[0025] In some embodiments, when the first actuator retracts at the first speed and the second actuator extends at the second speed, the movable frame simultaneously rotates about both the first axis and the second axis relative to the fixed frame.

[0026] In some embodiments, the primary axis and the secondary axis meet at an angle between 80 and 100 degrees.

[0027] In some embodiments, the primary axis and the second axis meet at an angle of about 90 degrees.

[0028] In some embodiments, the elongate linkage arm extends along a linkage axis which is co-planar with and intersects both the primary axis and the secondary axis.

[0029] In some embodiments, the movable frame has a first actuator anchor and a second actuator anchor that are in a common plane with the first ball joint, the secondball joint, and the third ball joint, and wherein the first actuator anchor is disposed on the first side of the secondary axis and the second actuator anchor is spaced apart from first actuator anchor in the primary direction and disposed on the secondary axis or on the second side of the secondary axis.

[0030] In some embodiments, the movable frame has a first actuator anchor and a second actuator anchor that are offset from a common plane defined by the first ball joint, the second ball joint, and the third ball joint.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first actuator is connected to the first actuator anchor using a first flexible connection, and the second actuator is connected to the second actuator anchor using a second flexible connection, wherein the first and second flexible connections are configured to accommodate tilting between the movable frame and a respective end of the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first flexible connection and the second flexible connection comprise ball joints.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first actuator anchor and the second actuator anchor are disposed on one of a first side of the primary axis and a second side of the primary axis.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first actuator and the second actuator are driven by an electric power source.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first actuator and the second actuator each comprise an extendible actuator arm.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first actuator and the second actuator each comprise a linkage coupled to an electric motor and to the actuator arm, wherein the linkage is configured to translate rotational motion imparted by the electric motor to drive the actuator arm in a substantially linear path.

[0037] In some embodiments, the extendible actuator arm of the first actuator and the extendible actuator arm of the second actuator are substantially parallel.

[0038] In some embodiments, the extendible actuator arm of the first actuator and the extendible actuator arm of the second actuator are arranged in a generally V shape.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first actuator and the second actuator are driven by a hydraulic power source.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first actuator and the second actuator each comprise an extendible actuator arm.

[0041] In some embodiments, the extendible actuator arm of the first actuator and the extendible actuator arm of the second actuator are substantially parallel

[0042] In some embodiments, the first actuator and the second actuator are controlled by a controller positionable in a cab of the vehicle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and systems of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle accessory support attached to a vehicle frame and supporting a mirror;

[0045] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 1 ;

[0046] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 1 with the vehicle frame and mirror removed;

[0047] FIG. 4 is a front view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 3;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a side view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 3;

[0049] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the vehicle accessory support taken along a line 6-6 as shown in FIG. 5;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the vehicle accessory support;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a side view of the vehicle accessory support with the movable frame tilted in a backward direction;

[0052] FIG. 9 is a side view of the vehicle accessory support with the movable frame tilted in a forward direction;

[0053] FIG. 10 is a top view of the vehicle accessory support with the movable frame tilted in a right direction;

[0054] FIG. 11 is a top view of the vehicle accessory support with the movable frame tilted in a left direction;

[0055] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another example of a vehicle accessory support;

[0056] FIG. 13 is a side view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 12;

[0057] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the vehicle accessory support taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13;

[0058] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 12;

[0059] FIG. 16 is a side view of the vehicle accessory support with the movable frame tilted in a backward direction;

[0060] FIG. 17 is a side view of the vehicle accessory support with the movable frame tilted in a forward direction;

[0061] FIG. 18 is a side view of another example of a vehicle accessory support, with the support attached to a vehicle frame and supporting a mirror;

[0062] FIG. 19 is a side view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 18, with the vehicle frame omitted;

[0063] FIG. 20 is a top view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 18;

[0064] FIG. 21 is a top view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 18, with the vehicle frame omitted;

[0065] FIG. 22 is a top view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 18, with the vehicle frame and mirror omitted;

[0066] FIG. 23 is another side view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 18;

[0067] FIG 24 is a front view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 23;

[0068] FIG. 25 is a section view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 23, taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 23; and

[0069] FIG. 26 is a section view of the vehicle accessory support of FIG. 23, taken along line 26-26 in FIG. 23.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus, embodiment, or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors, or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0071] Vehicles, such as mining vehicles, construction vehicles and off-road vehicles can include a variety of external equipment and / or accessories that are connected to the vehicle using a support or mount. Some examples of such accessories include mirrors, such as side-view mirrors, lights, cameras, and the like. In some instances, it can be desirable that the accessory is moveable or repositionable relative to the vehicle so that the orientation of the accessory can be changed. For example, a driver may wish to reposition a side-view mirror, such as by tilting it up, down, left, and / or right to provide a desired field of view relative to the vehicle frame. If the accessory is a light, it may be desirable for the light to be movable so that it can illuminate different areas around the vehicle without requiring repositioning of the entire vehicle (as could be required using a light connected in a fixed orientation relative to the vehicle).

[0072] Side-view mirrors for vehicles such as trucks, and in particular relatively large trucks used in mining operations, or other types of heavy equipment, can be of considerable size and weight. In some examples described herein, the accessory that is being supported is a side view mirror for a mining vehicle. Such mirrors may have a height of more than 2, 3, 4, or 5 feet in some examples (and a width of 0.5, 1 , 1 .5, 2 feet, or more), and can weigh 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 pounds or more.

[0073] Also, vehicles of this nature tend to travel over relatively rough surfaces, such as unpaved roads, mine floors, construction sites, and the like. This can lead toa relatively high degree of vibration and bouncing while the vehicle is in use, which can increase the stresses on the mount supporting the accessory. Some conventional mirror supports used in such applications utilize two pin joints (or the like), arranged to rotate about axes that are generally orthogonal to each other. Rotation about one of the pin joints can allow tiling of the accessory in one direction, such as a vertical direction, while rotation about the other pin joint can allow tilting of the accessory in a second direction, such as a horizontal direction. Together, this can provide the accessory with the desired degrees of freedom. However, in these arrangements the pin joints also carry the weight of the accessory which, together with the vibration and stresses during use, can cause the joints to wear over time. This can lead to decreased control over the accessory, increased slack / play in the accessory (i.e., the accessory tends to shake or move slightly when the vehicle is in use when it is intended to be held stationary), and over time can contribute to wear of the pin joints. If wear occurs to the point where a pin, or its associated bushing, are sufficiently deformed then the joint may bind or seize, rendering the accessory unmovable. Other types of accessory supports, such as those used on passenger cars and similar light vehicles utilize different movement mechanisms but the accessories / mirrors are relatively small and light in these applications, and do not tend to exert the same degree of force / stress on the mount structure. Light-duty mechanisms of this type are generally not suitable for use with large, heavy equipment.

[0074] Described herein are examples of an improved mounting mechanism that can be used to support relatively large vehicle accessories while also allowing the accessory to be re-positioned or reoriented relative to the vehicle. In some examples the described embodiments generally provide for an adjustable vehicle accessory support / mount that is configured so that the weight of the attached vehicle accessory can be distributed across multiple adjustment points, and that utilizes ball joints rather than conventional pin joints.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is illustrated an exemplary adjustable mount for a vehicle accessory. In this example, the adjustable mount, referred to generally as mount 100, is shown in the context of being mounted to a vehicle frame 102 designed to accommodate such a mount 100 and with a mirror 104 attached to the mount 100. The frame 102 in this example is a fixed frame that is formed from metal tubes and that is configured to support the weight of a vehicleaccessory, such as a side-view mirror, and would be connected to the vehicle. The rest of the vehicle is not shown in these images for clarity, but it is understood that the frame 102 is intended to be connected to the vehicle in a generally fixed manner (in this example), and may be welded, bolted, or otherwise fastened to a suitable part of the vehicle structure. The shape of the frame 102 in this example is intended to be illustrative of the concepts described herein, but frames that are connected to different types and sizes of vehicles may have shapes, sizes, and / or configurations that differ from frame 102. In such arrangements, the mount 100, and specifically the features of the mount 100 that interface with the frame 102, could have different shapes, sizes, and / or configurations so that the mount 100 can be affixed to any suitable frame.

[0076] In this example, the mount 100 includes a fixed frame 200 that is configured to attached to a vehicle, such as by being attachable to the vehicle frame 102, and a moveable frame 300 that is configured to attach to a vehicle accessory such as the mirror 104 and to the fixed frame 200. The fixed frame 200 may optionally be removably connected to the vehicle, as in the illustrated example, which can allow the mount 100 to be mounted on a vehicle in an aftermarket or retrofit scenario. This may also allow the mount 100 to be removed from one vehicle and attached to a different vehicle if desired. Preferably, the fixed frame 200 remains fixed relative to the vehicle when it is installed (that is, the fixed frame 200 preferably does not translate or rotate relative to the vehicle when it is mounted). Alternatively, the fixed frame 200 may be permanently attached to the vehicle, such as by welding or another type of generally permanent connection, and / or at least some of the functions of the fixed frame 200 may be performed by portions of the vehicle body / assembly itself in some examples. Preferably, the fixed frame 200 provides a relatively stable base for supporting the other components of the mount 100 and to help facilitate the relative movement of the movable frame 300 and mirror 104 relative to the vehicle.

[0077] While a mirror is used as an exemplary accessory in the following examples, the vehicle accessory may include other types of accessories such as lights, cameras, screens, and the like in other examples.

[0078] The mount 100 also includes an actuating system 400 that is connected between the fixed frame 200 and the movable frame 300 for the purpose of driving / actuating the movable frame 300, and the mirror 104 mounted thereon, relative to the fixed frame 200. Preferably, the actuating system 400 is configured, togetherwith the joints as described herein, so that the movable frame 300 can move with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the fixed frame 200. In use, this can help a user selectively position the mirror 104 in a variety of different orientations to help achieve a desired view. The actuating system 400 can include any suitable mechanism, and connection configurations, that can help drive the movable frame 300 in the manner described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, one example of a suitable actuating system 400 includes a pair of actuators 402 that are spaced apart from each other and are positioned / supported within the fixed frame 200. Other arrangements are possible in other examples of a mount.

[0079] In this example, each actuator 402 has one portion connected to the fixed frame 200 and one portion connected to the movable frame 300. The actuators 402 are spaced apart from each other, in this example, so that they act on different, spaced apart locations on the fixed frame 200 and movable frame 300, which can help facilitate the desired range of motion. As described herein, the actuators 402 are preferably usable independently of each other, such that one actuator 402 can be driven while the other is not, for example, or the actuators 402 may be driven in different directions and / or at different speeds, etc. Preferably, both actuators 402 are communicably linked to a suitable controller, such as a computer, programmable logic controller (PLC), or the like, which can coordinate the operation of the actuators 402. The controller may be included as part of the mount 100, may be part of the vehicle to which the mount 100 is attached, or a combination thereof. For example, the vehicle may include a mirror control input device (such as a joystick, button(s) or lever) that can be engaged by a user, and control signals from the mirror control input device can be related to a mount controller that can then convert the desired control signals into commands for the actuators 402.

[0080] The actuators 402 are attached to the movable frame 300 by way of actuator anchor points 360 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) on the moveable frame 300. As described herein, the location of the anchor points 360 on the movable frame 300 may differ in different embodiments of the support, and they may be of any suitable configuration that can allow the actuators 402 to attach to the movable frame 300 while also allowing a relatively small degree of flexion or pivoting at the anchor point 360 to help accommodate movement (e.g. tilting) of the moveable frame 300.

[0081] In this example, the actuators 402 may be electrically driven and can include suitable gearboxes, connections, linkages, and the like, such as including an extendable arm (see arm 420), the extension and retraction of which moves the moveable frame 300 relative to the fixed frame 200.

[0082] Referring also to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in which the mount 100 is shown in isolation, with the truck frame 102 and the mirror 104 removed from the image to help illustrate the features of the mount 100 that would be visually obscured by the frame 102 and / or mirror 104.

[0083] As can be seen from these drawings, and others, the connection assembly that is used to couple the movable frame 300 to the fixed frame 200 includes ball joints, arranged as described herein, to both support the movable frame 300 and facilitate its movement, rather than using a pair of pin joints as is known in the art. Referring also to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in the illustrated embodiment the connection assembly for the mount 100 utilizes three ball joints: a first ball joint 310 that attaches the moveable frame 300 to the fixed frame 200, a second ball joint 320 that attaches the fixed frame 200 to a first end 352 of an elongated linkage arm 350, and a third ball joint 330 that attaches a second end 354 of the elongated linkage arm 350 to the moveable frame 300. In this arrangement, the moveable frame 300 is directly attached to the fixed frame 200 by the first ball joint 310, and indirectly attached to the fixed frame by the elongated linkage arm 350. The first ball joint 310 is directly connected to both the fixed frame 200 and movable frame 300, the second ball joint 320 is connected between the fixed frame 200 and the linkage arm 350, and the third ball joint 330 is connected between the movable frame 300 and the linkage arm 350 and is movable with the movable frame 300 relative to the fixed frame.

[0084] To facilitate connection between the actuators 402 and the movable frame 300, the moveable frame 300 has a pair of actuator anchors 360, configured to be complimentary to the end fittings on the associated actuator 402. In this example, each actuator 402 has a flexible joint 410 for connecting the actuator 402 to the moveable frame 300. Each flexible joint 410 connects to a respective actuator anchor 360. While the flexible joint 410 in the illustrated example include additional ball joints, other connection hardware can be used in other embodiments to help provide the desired degree of mechanical connection while still permitting the required movement of the elements.

[0085] Referring also to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, in this example each actuator 402 is an electrically driven actuator that includes an electric motor 404 that is connectable to a suitable power source and controller using wires 406, and also includes a gear assembly 416. The gear assembly 416 includes a rotatable shaft 408 supporting a linkage member 430 that rotates with the shaft 408 about an axis 412 and is shaped and configured to convert such rotation into a generally linear translation of extendable arm 420, along its respective axis 411 .

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the first ball joint 310 defines a first center of rotation 312 about which its ball rotates, and the second ball joint 320 defines a second center of rotation 322 about which its ball rotates. In this embodiment, a primary axis 500 is defined by and intersects the first and second centers of rotation 312 and 322. In this arrangement the second ball joint 320 is offset from the first ball joint 310 in a primary direction, along the primary axis 500.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 6, the third ball joint 330 defines a third center rotation 332 about which its ball rotates. A secondary axis 600 is defined by and intersects the first and third centers of rotation 312 and 332. In this arrangement, the third ball joint 330 is offset from the first ball joint 310 in a secondary direction, along the secondary axis 600.

[0088] The primary axis 500 and the secondary axis 600 intersect each other at an angle that is preferably at or about 90 degrees, and in some examples can be between 80 and 100 degrees. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the primary axis 500 and the secondary axis 600 are substantially orthogonal to each other and intersect at an angle that is, or is functionally equivalent to, 90 degrees. In addition to intersecting each other, the primary axis 500 and the secondary axis 600 cooperate to define a support plane 120. That is, in this example the primary axis 500 and the secondary axis 600 are substantially orthogonal to each other and intersect at an angle that is, or is functionally equivalent to, 90 degrees. In addition to intersecting each other, the primary axis 500 and the secondary axis 600 cooperate to define a support plane 120.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, an axis 700 also lies in the support plane 120, and intersects both the primary axis 500 and the secondary axis 600. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the elongate linkage arm 350 (that extends between and attaches to the second ball joint 320 and the third ball joint 330) extends along alinkage axis 700 which is co-planar with and intersects both the primary axis 500 and the secondary axis 600. In the illustrated configuration, the first ball joint 310, the second ball joint 320, and the third ball joint 330 form a triangle, that may preferably be a right-angled triangle. When the mount 100 is in use the orientation of the support plane 120 can change relative to the fixed frame 200 (see, for example, FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0090] As described herein, the moveable frame 300 has a pair of actuator anchors 360 for connecting the extendable arms 420 to the movable frame 300. The extendable arms 420 attach to the movable frame 300 by the flexible joints 410 which attach to the actuator anchors 360. The actuator anchors 360 are optionally in a common plane with the first ball joint 310, the second ball joint 320, and the third ball joint 330, and in this example also lie in the support plane 120. To help provide the desired range of motion for the movable frame 300, the actuator anchors 360 are positioned on opposite sides of the secondary axis 600, and may be both positioned on the same side (e.g., below as illustrated) of the primary axis 500. Alternatively, one of the anchors 360 may be intersected by the secondary axis 600. In other arrangements, the actuator anchors 360 may be positioned in other locations, provided that both anchors 360 are not located in a single quadrant as defined by the primary and secondary axes 500 and 600.

[0091] The flexible joints 410 that attach the actuators 402 (by way of the extendable arms 420) may be ball joints or another type of flexible joint, to accommodate a limited tilting and / or flexing of the flexible joints 410 when the extendable arms 420 are extending and / or retracting.

[0092] Referring also to FIG. 7, in which portions of the mount 100 are shown, with the fixed frame 200 removed from the view to help illustrate the underlying features. As shown in this example, the linkage member 430 drives the extendable arm 420 so that it translates in a substantially linearly manner. The linkage member 430 rotates about the axis 412 with rotation in a first direction extending the extendable arm 420 toward the movable frame 300, and rotation in a second direction retracting the extendable arm 420 away from the movable frame 300 along the axis 412. The linkage member 430 connects to a first end of the extendable arm 430 and a flexible joint 410 is at a second end of the extendable arm 420. Each actuator 402 may include, forexample, an electric motor 404 to drive the linkage member 430 and the extendable arm 420.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 , various positions of the movable frame 300 that can be achieved using the mount 100 as described herein are shown. In FIG. 8, the moveable frame 300 is shown with an upward tilt relative to the fixed frame 200. To achieve this, each actuator 402 extends their respective extendable arm 420 away from the fixed frame 200, such that the lower end of the movable frame 300 is moved away from the fixed frame 200 and the movable frame 300 pivots about the primary axis 500. The flexible joint 410 accommodates the tilt at the point of connection between extendable arm 420 and the actuator anchor 360. Each linkage member 430 has rotated in the first direction to extend the respective extendable arm 420. As the actuators 402, flexible joints 410, and actuator anchors 360 are situated below the primary axis 500, extending the extendable arms 420 pushes a lower portion of the movable frame 300 outwardly, resulting in an upward tilt of the movable frame 300.

[0094] In FIG. 9, the moveable frame 300 is shown with a downward tilt relative to the fixed frame 200. To achieve this, each actuator 402 retracts their respective extendable arm 420. The flexible joint 410 accommodates the tilt at the point of connection with the actuator anchor 360. Each linkage member 430 has rotated in the second direction to retract the respective extendable arm 420. As the actuators 402, flexible joints 410, and actuator anchors 360 are situated below the primary axis 500, retracting the extendable arms 420 pulls the lower portion of the movable frame 300 inwardly, resulting in a downward tilt of the movable frame 300.

[0095] By triggering the actuators 402 in opposite directions relative to each other, rotation about the secondary axis 600 can be achieved. Referring to FIG. 10, the moveable frame 300 is shown having been pivoted to the right, i.e. having a right tilt relative to the fixed frame 200. To achieve this orientation, the actuator 402 on the left side, as viewed in FIG. 10 is directed to extend its arm 420 farther than the arm 420 of the right side actuator 402. In general, when the actuator 402 on the left extends its extendable arm 420 it tends to push a left side of the moveable frame 300 outwardly away from the fixed frame 200, contributing to a right facing tilt of the moveable frame 300. If required, retraction of the extendable arm 420 of the left side actuator 420 pulls a right side of the moveable frame 300 inwardly to promote a right facing tilt of the moveable frame 300. By manipulating individual actuator speeds, directions, and / orextension distances it is possible to create rotations about axis 600 alone, axis 500 alone, or compound rotations about both axes 500 and 600.

[0096] The actuation of the mount 100 can be reversed to achieve tilting / pivoting in the left direction. That is, referring to FIG. 11 , the moveable frame 300 is shown with a left tilt relative to the fixed frame 200. To achieve this orientation, the actuator 402 on the right side, as viewed in FIG. 10 is triggered to extend its arm 420 while the arm 420 of the left side actuator 402 is retracted. When the actuator 402 on the right extends its extendable arm 420 relatively more than the actuator 402 on the left, the extension of the extendable arm 420 on the right pushes the right side of the moveable frame 300 outwardly resulting in a generally leftward tilt of the moveable frame 300, but may also include some simultaneous up / down rotation (i.e. rotation about axis 500). If required, the retraction of the extendable arm 420 on the left pulls the left side of the moveable frame 300 inwardly to promote a left facing tilt of the moveable frame 300.

[0097] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, by triggering the actuators 402 oppositely of each other - e.g. extending one arm while retracting the other - rotation about only the secondary axis 600 can be achieved. . Moving both actuators in the same direction as each other (both extending or both retracting) and at substantially the same speed can lead to rotation about only the primary axis 500. Alternatively, by triggering only a single actuator while the other is fixed results in a hybrid movement of the movable frame 300 (e.g., rotation about both axis 500 and axis 600) as does triggering the actuators to travel at different speeds and / or directions.

[0098] In summary, the moveable frame 300 rotates about the primary axis 500 to provide upward and downward tilt. The moveable frame 300 rotates about the secondary axis 600 to provide left and right tilt. By combining these actions, the movable frame 300 can be selectively moved into a variety of desired orientations relative to the fixed frame. The orientations shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 are exemplary and it is appreciated that the actuators 402 may extend and retract the extendable arms 420 by varying amounts resulting a range of orientations. The moveable frame 300 is therefore not limited to only the orientations illustrated in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 .

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 12 to FIG. 15, there is illustrated another exemplary mount 1100 for a vehicle accessory is shown. The mount 1100 is similar to mount 100,and like elements are identified with like reference numbers incremented by 1000. Similar to mount 100, the adjustable mount or support 1100 is configured to attach to a vehicle at a vehicle frame 102 (optionally removably) and to attach to and support a vehicle accessory such as a mirror. The mount 1100 includes a fixed frame 1200 that is configured to attach to the vehicle frame 102, and a moveable frame 1300 that is configured to attach to a vehicle accessory (such as a mirror) and to the fixed frame 1200. The support 1100 also includes a pair of actuators 1402 that are positioned within the fixed frame 1200.

[0100] In this example, the actuators 1402 are attached to the movable frame 1300 by way of actuator anchors 1360 on the moveable frame 1300, which are located on opposite sides of the secondary axis 1600 and are both located above the primary axis 1500 (see e.g. FIG. 14). Instead of utilizing electric motors, the actuators 1402 are configured as hydraulic actuators including an extendable arm 1420 that is part of a piston assembly that translates within respective cylinders 1426. Hydraulic pressure can be generated using respective pump assemblies 1428. The extension and retraction of the extendible arms 1420 in this arrangement causes relative movement between the fixed frame 1200 and the moveable frame 1300. In contrast to support 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 , in the illustrated example since the actuators 1402 are located above axis 1500, extension of the arms 1420 causes a downward tilting of the movable frame 1300 (and support plane 1120), while retraction of the arms 1420 causes an upward tilting of the movable frame 1300.

[0101] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the support 1100 taken at line 14- 14 in FIG. 13. In this embodiment, the support 1100 includes: a first ball joint 1310 that attaches the moveable frame 1300 to the fixed frame 1200, a second ball joint 1320 that attaches the fixed frame 1200 to a first end of an elongated linkage arm 1350, and a third ball joint 1330 that attaches a second end of the elongated linkage arm 1350 to the moveable frame 1300. In this arrangement, the moveable frame 1300 is directly attached to the fixed frame 1200 by the first ball joint 1310, and indirectly attached to the fixed frame by the elongated linkage arm 1350.

[0102] The moveable frame 1300 has a pair of actuator anchors 1360. Each actuator 1402 has a flexible joint 1410 for connecting the actuator 1402 to the moveable frame 1300. Each flexible joint 1410 connects to a respective actuator anchor 1360.

[0103] The first ball joint 1310 has a first center of rotation and the second ball joint 1320 has a second center of rotation. A primary axis 1500 intersects the first and second centers of rotation. The second ball joint 1320 is offset from the first ball joint 1310 in a primary direction along the primary axis 1500. The third ball joint 1330 has a third center rotation. A secondary axis 1600 intersects the first and third centers of rotation. The third ball joint 1330 is offset from the first ball joint 1310 in a secondary direction along the secondary axis 1600. In the illustrated example, the primary axis 1500 and the secondary axis 1600 are co-planar. Preferably, the primary axis 1500 and the secondary axis 1600 intersect at an angle of 90 degrees. The elongate linkage arm 1350 (that extends between and attaches to the second ball joint 1320 and the third ball joint 1330) extends along a linkage axis 1700 which, in the illustrated example, is co-planar with and intersects both the primary axis 1500 and the secondary axis 1600. In the illustrated configuration, the first ball joint 1310, the second ball joint 1320, and the third ball joint 1330 form a triangle, that may preferably be a right-angled triangle.

[0104] The moveable frame 1300 has a pair of actuator anchors 1360 for connecting the extendable arms 1420 to the movable frame 1300. The extendable arms 1420 attach to the movable frame 1300 by the flexible joints 1410 which attach to the actuator anchors 1360. In this example, the actuator anchors 1360 are in a common plane with the first ball joint 1310, the second ball joint 1320, and the third ball joint 1330. The actuator anchors 1360 are positioned on either side of the secondary axis 1600 and above the primary axis 1500. The flexible joints 1410 that attach the actuators 1402 (by way of the extendable arms 1420) may be ball joints or another type of flexible joint, to accommodate tilting of the flexible joints 1410 when the extendable arms 1420 are extending and / or retracting.

[0105] Referring now to FIG. 15, the mount 1100 is shown without the fixed frame 1200. The actuators 1402 drive the extendable arms 1420 linearly. Each actuator 1402 is a hydraulic actuator comprising a cylinder 1426 containing a fluid and a piston. When extension of the extendable arm 1420 is required, the actuator 1402 operates to provide linear drive by extending the piston from the cylinder 1426, extending the extendable arm 1420. When retraction of the extendable arm 1420 is required, the actuator 1402 operates to provide linear drive by retracting the piston into the cylinder 1426, retracting the extendable arm 1420. The positioning of the actuator anchors1360 above the secondary axis 1402 provides the same range of motion for the moveable frame 1300 as with the mount 100.

[0106] Referring now to FIG. 16, the moveable frame 1300 is shown with an upward tilt relative to the fixed frame 1200. To achieve this, each actuator 1402 retracts their respective extendable arm 1420. The flexible joint 1410 accommodates the tilt at the point of connection with the actuator anchor 1360. As the actuators 1402, flexible joints 1410, and actuator anchors 1360 are situated above the primary axis 1500, retracting the extendable arms 1420 pulls an upper portion of the movable frame 1300 inwardly, resulting in the upward tilt of the movable frame 1300.

[0107] In FIG. 17, the moveable frame 1300 is shown with a downward tilt relative to the fixed frame 1200. To achieve this, each actuator 1402 extends their respective extendable arm 1420. The flexible joint 1410 accommodates the tilt at the point of connection with the actuator anchor 1360. As the actuators 1402, flexible joints 1410, and actuator anchors 1360 are situated above the primary axis 1500, extending the extendable arms 1420 pushes the upper portion of the movable frame 1300 outwardly, resulting in a downward tilt of the movable frame 1300.

[0108] In the embodiments described herein, if one of the actuators, or anchor therefore, is located on a first side of either the primary or secondary axis 500 or 600, the other actuator, or anchor, is preferably located on the opposite side of, or on, the respective axis 500 or 600. Preferably, the mounts 100 and 1100 are configured so that the anchors 360 and 1360 do not lie on a common axis with the first ball joint 310 or 1310. That is, both anchors and the first ball joint are not intersected by a common axis.

[0109] The mount 1100 tilts left and right in generally the same manner as mount 100 in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. In summary, the moveable frame 1300 rotates about the primary axis 1500 to provide upward and downward tilt. The moveable frame 1300 rotates about the secondary axis 1600 to provide left and right tilt. The orientations shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are exemplary and it is appreciated that the actuators 1402 may extend and retract the extendable arms 1420 by varying amounts resulting in a range of orientations. The moveable frame 1300 is therefore not limited to only the orientations illustrated in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17.

[0110] Referring now to FIG. 18 to FIG. 26, another example embodiment of a mount 2100 for a vehicle accessory is shown. The mount 2100 is similar to mount 100, and like elements are identified with like reference numbers incremented by 2000. Similar to mount 100, the adjustable mount or support 2100 is configured to attach to a vehicle at a vehicle frame 102 (optionally removably) and to attach to and support a vehicle accessory such as a mirror. The mount 2100 includes a fixed frame 2200 that is configured to attach to the vehicle frame 102, and a moveable frame 2300 that is configured to attach to a vehicle accessory (such as a mirror) and to the fixed frame 2200. The support 2100 also includes a pair of actuators 2402 that are positioned within the fixed frame 2200.

[0111] In this example, the first ball joint 2310, the second ball joint 2320, and the third ball joint2330 define a support plane 2120. FIG. 25 is a section view of this plane. In contrast to mount 100, the flexible joints 2410 and actuator anchors 2360 are not positioned in this plane. As perhaps best seen in FIG. 23, flexible joints 2410 and actuator anchors 2360 are positioned out of plane and closer to an outer end of moveable frame 2300, i.e., closer to a location where a mirror 104 or other will be mounted to frame 2300. Such an arrangement may have one or more advantages. For example, mount 2100 may be considered more compact than mount 100, which may allow mount 2100 to be lighter and / or less expensive to manufacture.

[0112] Also, as perhaps best ween in FIG. 22, the extendible arms 2420 of the actuators 2402 are arranged in a generally V shape. Such an arrangement may have one or more advantages. For example, mount 2100 may be considered more compact than mount 100.

[0113] The mounts 100, 1100, 2100 may be remotely controlled via a controller provided in a cab of the vehicle, allowing a driver or operator of the vehicle to adjust the position of the accessory, e.g. mirror 104, to a preferred and / or optimal position. The mounts 100, 1100, 2100 may have an onboard power supply or may draw power from the vehicle.

[0114] Although the embodiments described above show the first ball joint 310, 1310, 2130, the second ball joint 320, 1320, 2320, and the third ball joint 330, 1330, 2330 forming a triangle, that may preferably be a right-angled triangle (i.e. with at least two of the axes 500, 600, and 700, 1500, 1600, 1 nd 1700, and 2500, 2600, and 2700,respectively, intersecting orthogonally), other configurations are possible. For example, the first ball joint 310, 1310, 2130 may not be positioned toward the center of the movable frame 300, 1300, 2300. Instead, the first ball joint 310, 1310, 2310 may be positioned offset from the lateral centerline of the movable frame 300, 1300, 2300.

[0115] Although in the embodiments described above, the configuration of the first ball joint 310, 1310, 2310, the second ball joint 320, 1320, 2320, and the third ball joint 330, 1330, 2330 form a right angled triangle with the third ball joint 330, 1330, 2330 with the first ball joint 310, 1310, 2310 and the second ball joint 320, 1320, 2320 forming the base of the triangle and the third ball joint 330, 1330, 2330 positioned above and in line with the first ball joint 310, 1310, 2310, other configurations are possible. For example, the right-angled triangle may be reflected or inverted from what is shown in the figures. It is also possible that the frame identified as the movable frame 300, 1300, 2300 for convenience in the current description may be mounted to the vehicle in a relatively fixed manner, such that the other frame (referred to as the fixed frame 200, 1200, 2200) could actually be the frame that moves relative to the vehicle. While shown as being supported on the fixed frame 200 (or 1200, or 2200), the actuators 402 (or 1402, or 2402) can be supported on and may move with the movable frame 300 (or 1300, or 2300), but this may increase the weight that is carried by the movable frame 300 (or 1300, or 2300).

[0116] Although the embodiments described above show the actuator anchors 360 positioned below the primary axis 500 and the actuator anchors 1360, 2360 positioned above the primary axis 1500, 2500, other configurations are possible. For example, the actuator anchors 360, 1360, 2360 may be positioned at any point on the movable frame 300, 1300, 2300, provided the line of action through the flexible joints 410, 1410, 2410 and the actuator anchors 360, 1360, 2360 does not intersect the first ball joint 310, 1310, 2310. The actuator anchors 360, 1360, 2360 may be on the primary axis 500, 1500, 2300, or on the secondary axis 600, 1600, 2600.

[0117] As used herein, an element or feature introduced in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or features. Further, references to "one example" or “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples or embodiments that also incorporate the described elements or features. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure,element, component, characteristic and / or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment and / or implementation of the subject matter according to the subject disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example” and similar language throughout the subject disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example.

[0118] Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples or embodiments "comprising" or "having" or “including” an element or feature or a plurality of elements or features having a particular property may include additional elements or features not having that property. Also, it will be appreciated that the terms “comprises”, “has”, “includes” means “including but not limited to” and the terms “comprising”, “having” and “including” have equivalent meanings.

[0119] As used herein, the term “and / or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements or features.

[0120] It will be understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “affixed” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc. another element or feature, that element or feature can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or feature or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element or feature is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly affixed” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element of feature, there are no intervening elements or features present.

[0121] It will be understood that spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “above”, “upper”, “front”, “back” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms can however, encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0122] Reference herein to “configured” denotes an actual state of configuration that fundamentally ties the element or feature to the physical characteristics of the element or feature preceding the phrase “configured to.”

[0123] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of a lower-numbered item (e.g., a “first” item) and / or a higher-numbered item (e.g., a “third” item).

[0124] As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately” and “about” may refer to an amount that is within engineering tolerances that would be readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

[0125] While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments.

[0126] All publications, patents and patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . An adjustable mount for a vehicle, the adjustable mount comprising: a fixed frame, attachable to the vehicle; a movable frame that is configured to receive / support a vehicle accessory; a first ball joint connected between the fixed frame and the movable frame and defining a first center of rotation; a second ball joint connected between the fixed frame and a first end of an elongate linkage arm and defining a second center of rotation, the second ball joint being offset from the first ball joint in a primary direction, the first center of rotation and the second center of rotation being disposed on a primary axis; a third ball joint connected between the movable frame and a second end of the elongate linkage arm and defining a third center of rotation, the third ball joint being offset from the first ball joint in a secondary direction, the first center of rotation and the third center of rotation being disposed on a secondary axis that is co-planar with and intersects the primary axis; a first actuator connected between the fixed frame and the movable frame, the first actuator being moveable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration; a second actuator spaced apart from first actuator and connected between the fixed frame and the movable frame, the second actuator being moveable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration independently of the first actuator; wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to selectively pivot the movable frame about one or both of the primary axis and the secondary axis.

2. The adjustable mount of claim 1 , wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are on the same side of the primary axis.

3. The adjustable mount of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first actuator is on a first side of the secondary axis and the second actuator is one of on and on a second side of the secondary axis.

4. The adjustable mount of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the first actuator and second actuator are both extending or are both retracting, the movable frame rotates about the primary axis relative to the fixed frame; and wherein when the first actuator is extending and the second actuator is retracting, the movable frame rotates about the secondary axis relative to the fixed frame.

5. The adjustable mount of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the first actuator extends at a first speed and the second actuator extends at a second speed that is different from the first speed, the movable frame simultaneously rotates about both the first axis and the second axis relative to the fixed frame.

6. The adjustable mount of claim 5, wherein when the first actuator retracts at the first speed and the second actuator extends at the second speed, the movable frame simultaneously rotates about both the first axis and the second axis relative to the fixed frame.

7. The adjustable mount of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the primary axis and the secondary axis meet at an angle between 80 and 100 degrees.

8. The adjustable mount of claim 7, wherein the primary axis and the second axis meet at an angle of about 90 degrees.

9. The adjustable mount of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the elongate linkage arm extends along a linkage axis which is co-planar with and intersects both the primary axis and the secondary axis.

10. The adjustable mount of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the movable frame has a first actuator anchor and a second actuator anchor that are in a common plane with the first ball joint, the second ball joint, and the third ball joint, and wherein the first actuator anchor is disposed on the first side of the secondary axis and the second actuator anchor is spaced apart from first actuator anchor in the primary direction and disposed on the secondary axis or on the second side of the secondary axis.11 . The adjustable mount of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the movable frame has a first actuator anchor and a second actuator anchor that are offset from a common plane defined by the first ball joint, the second ball joint, and the third ball joint.

12. The adjustable mount of claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the first actuator is connected to the first actuator anchor using a first flexible connection, and the second actuator is connected to the second actuator anchor using a second flexible connection, wherein the first and second flexible connections are configured to accommodate tilting between the movable frame and a respective end of the first actuator and the second actuator.

13. The adjustable mount of claim 12, wherein the first flexible connection and the second flexible connection comprise ball joints.

14. The adjustable mount of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first actuator anchor and the second actuator anchor are disposed on one of a first side of the primary axis and a second side of the primary axis.

15. The adjustable mount of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are driven by an electric power source.

16. The adjustable mount of claim 15, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator each comprise an extendible actuator arm.

17. The adjustable mount of claim 16, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator each comprise a linkage coupled to an electric motor and to the actuator arm, wherein the linkage is configured to translate rotational motion imparted by the electric motor to drive the actuator arm in a substantially linear path.

18. The adjustable mount of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the extendible actuator arm of the first actuator and the extendible actuator arm of the second actuator are substantially parallel.

19. The adjustable mount of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the extendible actuator arm of the first actuator and the extendible actuator arm of the second actuator are arranged in a generally V shape.

20. The adjustable mount of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are driven by a hydraulic power source.

21. The adjustable mount of claim 20, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator each comprise an extendible actuator arm.

22. The adjustable mount of claim 21 , wherein the extendible actuator arm of the first actuator and the extendible actuator arm of the second actuator are substantially parallel.

23. The adjustable mount of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are controlled by a controller positionable in a cab of the vehicle.

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