Fluid handling – With casing – support – protector or static constructional... – Vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2003-10-21
2004-08-31
Fox, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
With casing, support, protector or static constructional...
Vehicle
C137S343000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06782915
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The principles disclosed relate to the operation of hydraulic controls for vehicle equipment. More particularly, this disclosure concerns a hydraulic valve and tank enclosure for use on a heavy-duty snowplow.
BACKGROUND
A wide variety of arrangements have been utilized to operate hydraulic power units of heavy-duty vehicle equipment. Common arrangements for use on a snowplow include an enclosed valve assembly, including a tank or reservoir for containing hydraulic fluid, that is externally mounted to the frame of the snowplow.
In general, improvement has been sought with respect to such arrangements, generally to: better accommodate ease of maintenance and repair, improve sealing and moisture control aspects, improve structural integrity of the reservoir, and provide adaptability for use on a variety of vehicle sizes.
SUMMARY
In one aspect, the disclosure describes a valve and tank enclosure assembly including a reservoir, a valve assembly, and an enclosure. The enclosure includes a frame and a cover.
In preferred constructions, the enclosure and tank provide a gap or channel therebetween. The channel functions in cooperation with edges of the cover to provide a passive seal or labyrinth for preventing road spray from directly entering the enclosure. Preferably, the valve and tank enclosure also includes a hydraulic line and cabling arrangement that prevents moisture from contacting the valve assembly components.
In another aspect, the disclosure describes a three-point tank-mounting arrangement having a triangular configuration that reduces mechanical stresses due to operation of the vehicle. Preferably the tank-mounting arrangement includes mounting brackets which also provide a space between the bottom surface of the reservoir and the frame.
In yet a further aspect, the disclosure describes a pivoting shelf that provides a user with selective access to the valve assembly components and fittings from a range of directions.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2632262 (1953-03-01), Whittey
patent: 3432946 (1969-03-01), Peitl
patent: 4096878 (1978-06-01), Adams et al.
patent: 4971092 (1990-11-01), Parry et al.
patent: 4999935 (1991-03-01), Simi et al.
patent: 5829174 (1998-11-01), Hadler et al.
patent: 5987785 (1999-11-01), Aguado et al.
patent: 6178669 (2001-01-01), Quenzi et al.
Add-A-Fold™ Valves and Enclosures, Force America Inc., 4 pages (2000).
Self Contained Integral Valve/Reservoir Assembly, Munchie Power Products, Inc., 3 pages, (Date Unknown).
Force America Inc.
Fox John
Merchant & Gould P.C.
LandOfFree
Valve and tank enclosure assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Valve and tank enclosure assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Valve and tank enclosure assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3302533