These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
With reference to
As shown, the truss boom 18 is provided with three truss frame members 22 although more or fewer truss members may be used. In a preferred embodiment, however, the three truss frame members 22 are configured with a first truss member and a second truss member in the bottom position and a third truss member in a top position. That is, the truss frame members 22 are oriented in a triangular configuration with the first and second truss members defining a triangle base and the third truss member defining a triangle apex. In this manner, when the truss boom is loaded with material or the like, the bottom truss members support the load in a state of compression and are thus subject to buckling loads. It is preferable to utilize two truss frame members 22 to resist the buckling loads. The top truss member, however, supports the load in tension, and a single truss frame member 22 is typically suitable for the materials load. Additionally, the truss frame members 22 are preferably further oriented in a pyramidal configuration with the one end of the truss members 22 affixed to the connector frame 20 defining a pyramid base and the opposite end of the truss members 22 affixed to the end bracket 24 defining a pyramid apex.
The end bracket 24 defines an extension opening 28 therein via its internal surfaces as shown. The extension opening 28 is sized to receive an extension member 30. Preferably, the extension member 30 is manually movable in the extension opening in a plurality of positions between a fully retracted position (shown in
Slider pads 34 may be mounted in the extension opening 28 to facilitate extension and retraction of the extension member 30.
With the extendible truss boom of the invention, it is not necessary to acquire multiple varying length truss booms to accommodate differing requirements. Moreover, the truss boom of the invention can be easily adjusted. Additionally, the design is low profile so that it can be placed underneath the materials handling vehicle during shipping and transport to the job site. In this manner, the customer can deliver the truss boom, machine and carriage on a single truck.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.