WO2010002274A1

WO2010002274A1 - A spray tank assembly for all terrain vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2010002274A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2009/000013
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig Mchardy Bryant
Original assignee: Craig Mchardy Bryant
Priority date: 2008-02-11
Filing date: 2009-02-10
Publication date: 2010-01-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spray tank assembly for an ATV including a pair of tanks, mounting means for mounting a tank to each side of the ATV toward the rear thereof, and a transfer conduit extending between the tanks and connectable to a pump. Preferably each tank includes a pair of valves plumbed to the transfer conduit, one of the valves being located towards a forward part of the tank and the other located toward a rearward part of the tank.

Description

A SPRAY TANK ASSEMBLY FOR ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES

This invention relates to a spray tank assembly Intended for use with al! terrain vehicles.

The all terrain vehicle or more commonly "AlY', is a commonly used "Workhorse" on not oniy New Zealand farms but in other outdoor applications such as in public parks, reserves, lifestyle properties, forestry, horticultural operations and many other situations. Commonly, the ATV can have mounted on the rear or front carriers (or both) a spray tank in which spraying fluid can be held and then dispensed, by a pump, through a spray wand, spray boom, or the like. Typically, the spray tank will be removably moutabJe to the ATV so that it can be lifted off and onto the ATV as and when required.

A recognised problem with the mounting of spray tanks to the carriers of an ATV is instability of the ATV₁. especially when traversing rough or slopping ground. This instability arises out of the effective raising of the centre of gravity of the ATV due to the weight of the spray tank assembly and more particularly the content of the tank(s). The user of the ATV with one or more spray tanks mounted thereon, therefore, needs to be particularly careful especially fn situations where the lack of stability in the vehicle can give rise to the vehicle rolling over, which can result in injury or in extreme cases death to the operator using the ATV.

This raising of the centre of gravity of the ATV due to the mounting of the tank(s) on the spray carrier(s) can give rise to an operator (especially an inexperienced operator) tending to loose faith in the stability of the' vehicle and therefore be reluctant to use the vehicle in sloping or adverse ground conditions (e.g. wet or slippery conditions).

An object of the present invention is to provide a spray tank assembly which is mountable to an ATV yet does not adversely impact on the stability of the vehicle. The inventive concept embodied in the present invention is a spray tank assembly for an ATV which incorporates a pair of tanks, which are suspended one either side of the ATV.

Therefore, according to one broad aspect of the invention there is provided a spray tank assembly for an ATV including a pair of tanks, mounting means for mounting a tank to each side of the ATV toward the rear thereof, and a transfer conduit extending between the tanks and connectable to a pump.

In the preferred embodiment each tank includes a pair of valves plumbed to the transfer pipe, one of the valves being located toward a forward part of the tank (relative to the forward direction of travel of an ATV) and the other located toward a rearward part αf the tank.

Preferable each tank is mounted by the mounting means to the rear carrier of the ATV and coupled at a lower position to the frame of the ATV. The lower position can be a mounting coupling the tank to a footrest of the ATV.

The invention according to preferred embodiments will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings Fn whϊch:-

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of the spray tank assembly according to the present invention when mounted to an ATV, the view being an elevation view lookinq toward the rear end of the ATV,

Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a detailed view of a valve suitable for use with the tank assembly, the view showing the vaive in an open position. Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showinq the valve in a closed position,

Figure 5 is a side elevation schematic view of one fluid container portion of the tank assembly when the container is disposed at an aπgte corresponding to, for example, an ATV traversing down a slope,

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 but showing the fluid container in when an ATV is, for example, traversing an upward slope,

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of two fluid containers of the tank assembly with different fluid levels therein,

Figure 8 is yet a further schematic illustration corresponding to that shown in Figure 7 but with one fluid container shown empty,

Figure 9 is a side elevation view of one tank of the tank assembly in a proposed commercial form,

Figure 10 is a rear elevation view of the tank assembly in the form of Figure 9,

Figure 1 1 is an elevation view of an ATV with the tank assembly of Figures 9 an 1 0, and

Figure 12 is a rear elevation view of the ATV and tank assembly as shown in

Figure 11.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2 the tank assembly in its basic form includes a pair of fluid containers or tanks 3 1 and 12. one being mounted to each side of the ATV A. As shown more particularly in Figure 2, the tanks 1 1 , 1 2 are each mounted fay a suitable mounting 14 to the carrier 13 of the ATV A. in the illustrated arrangement, the mounting point 14 is toward the rearward end of the carrier 13.

A forward lower mount pofnt 1 5 is provided. This mounting is, according to a preferred form of the invention, one which engages with the footrest (not shown) of the ATV A. This lower mounting 1 5, therefore, ties the tank 1 2 into the frame of the ATV A.

As is shown in Figure 2, the sϊdewail 16 of the tank 11 , 1 2 \s of a contour which provides a somewhat L-shape when viewed in side elevation, so as to provide a clearance for the leg of a person sitting on the ATV A. This contoured sidewail 1 6 can take on different forms, more in the interest of aesthetics rather than function, the key point being the providing of a clearance for the leg of the rider, yet maintaining as much as possible a maximum volume in the tank 1 1 , 1 2.

The individual tanks 1 1 , 12 are connected toqether by a transfer pipe or tube 1 7. This connects, via connection 1 8, to a pump (not shown). The pump is of a type typically used with spray tank arrangements produced by a number of manufacturers and widely used in connection with ATV vehicles.

The transfer pipe 1 7 connects into a valve 19 in each of the tanks 1 1 and 12. In fact, in the preferred form of the invention, a pair of valves 1 9 are provided in the floor of each tank 1 1 and 12 and connected by a connecting pipe or tube 20, which is effectively an extension of the transfer pipe 1 7 or connected into the transfer pipe 1 7.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that valve 19 can take different forms. However, I have devised a valve 19 which is particularly suited for the tank assembly of the present invention and has the advantage of being simple in construction, yet effective. Indeed, this novel valve T 9 could be used in existing known tanks intended for ATV mounting.

in the floor 21 of the tank 1 1 , 12 is formed a sump 22 for the valve 19. The sump 22 is essentially a downwardly projecting dished portion in the floor 21.

Sitting in the sump 22 and held therein by a suitable fastener (not shown) which extends through the wall of the sump and into the lower end is a ferrei 23. This ferrel 23 has a serrated or similar form 24 at its upper end so that a tube or pipe 25 connecting into the transfer pipe 17/cσnπecting pipe 20 can fit.

Beneath this serrated or connecting portion 24 is a float 26 which is slidingly eπgageable on a body portion 27 of the ferrel. The float 26 can thus move from an upper position {see Figure 3) where it is limited in its upward movement by the end of the tube 25 to a lower position (see Figure 4), which is the position in which the vaive is "closed". In the closed position, the float 26 engages on the surface of floor 21 surrounding the upper end of the sump 22.

In the preferred form of the invention a flange 28 is formed on the body 27 of the ferrel 23 so as to prevent the float 26 from being sucked down into the sump 22.

An axial bore 29 extends through the ferrel 23 from an open end which communicates into the tube 25 to a cross-bore 30 which is located within the confines of the sump 22.

In the preferred form of the invention the float 26 ?s formed from a closed cell foam. Such afloat is found to be effective yet is economical to produce. It also enables the float 26 to be inexpensively replaced If it becomes damaged or worn. The float 26 is circular in form and has a central opening which enables it to slide up and down on the body 27 of the ferrei 23. The central opening couid include a sleeve to ensure good slidiπq contact between the float 26 and body 27. The float thus provides a large surface area to sealingly engage with the floor 21 in the immediate vicinity of the open top of the sump 22.

The float can also be made sufficiently thin that it can adjust to irregularities in the floor 21 of the tank 1 1 , 1 2 to further ensure a good seal between the float 26 and the floor 21 when the valve is in the closed position. The flanqe 28 further provides a seal about the opening in the float 26.

Figure 3 shows the tank 1 1 , 12 when a fluid level is such that the float 26 moves upwardly to its open position against the lower end of the tube 25. As illustrated by the arrows in Figure 3, fluid can thus flow into the sump 22 and via the cross-bore 30, move into the axial bore 29 and hence into the plumbed connections via tube 25 (connecting pipe 20 and' transfer pipe 17) to the pump.

As the fluid level lowers the float 26 moves down until, as shown in Figure 4, it engages with the floor 21 of the tank I I , 12 so as to close the valve 19.

In the preferred form of the invention, as illustrated, a vaive 1 9 is provided toward the front and rear (relative to the direction of travel when the tank is mounted on a vehicle A) of the tank 1 1 , 12. Thus, as the vehicle A traverses uneven ground and may move down a slope or up a slope, as shown in Figures 5 and 6 respectively, the respective valves 1 9 can close when the fluid level changes.

Equally, when there is an imbalance of fluid level in the respective tanks 1 1 and 1 2, the valves 19 can be opened or closed as is illustrated in Figures 7 or 8. Figure 7 shows the tanks with different fluid ievels while Figure 8 shows one tank empty. In this way fluid can always be in one or both of the tanks 1 1 , 1 2. Also, the valves 1 9 provide a means of ensuring that each of the tanks 1 1 , 12 can be fully exhausted of fluid.

By having the tanks 1 1 and 12 suspended from the sides of the ATV A, a low centre of gravity is maintained. Therefore, the mounting of the tanks 1 1 , 12 on the vehicle A does not adversely impact on the centre of gravity of the vehicle and hence adversely impact on the stability of the vehicle. The mounting points 14 and 1 5 distribute weight between the centre and back of the ATV. This together with maintaining of the low centre of gravity greatly increases the stabiffty in ai! axes and therefore maintains or can increase the stability. Hence the safety of the vehicle is maintained during normal spraying operations.

Other advantages of the tank assembly is that a larger voJume capacity can be achieved up to the 80kg weight as warranted by the manufacturer on the back carrier 1 3 of most ATV¹S. This provides an advantage over carrier mounted ATV's where there is a practical limit on the weight.

A further advantage of the tank assembly of the present invention is that it provides an uncluttered carrier/seat area on the ATV.

The valve 1 9 provides an effective, yet simple means of providing cfosure when fluid levels are low in the tanks 1 1 , 12. This is achieved with no exposed connection hoses other than the transfer hose 17, though in a practical application (see hereafter) of the invention this hose is afso not exposed. The valve 19 thus compensates for uneven fluid levels between the tanks 1 1 and 1 2 and within each tank 1 1 , 12.

In Figures 9 and 10 there is shown a proposed commercial form of the tank assembiv. Figures 1 1 and 12 show the tank assembly in this form of the invention mounted to a typical ATV. The features of construction already described herein carry the same reference numerals in Figures 9 and 1 0.

In this form of the invention the tank 1 1 /12 preferably incudes vertical baffle 30 which preferably is positioned more toward what, in use, is the rear wall of the tank and projecting upwardly for a portion of the height of the tank. A through baffle hole 31 is provided to one side of the sump 22 (see Figure 10).

The tank 1 1 /12 also includes a horizontal baffle 32 which in the preferred form of the invention extends above and parallel to the floor 21 and extends from the rear wait of the tank forward to adjacent the sump 22.

The vertical baffle 30 is primarily provided to prevent fEuϊd from slopping around in the tank during movement of the ATV. The through hole 31 allows flow of fluid through the baffle. The horizontal baffle 32 reduces the fiat surface in the bottom/floor 21 of the tank and thus the amount of the fluid in the bottom of the tank. The baffle effectively creates a sump 33 at the bottom front of the tank.

One of the tanks e.g. tank 1 1 includes a switch console 34. This is preferably provided in an upper surface of the tank and is forward facing as is apparent from Figure 9. This switch console allows for placement of pump and accessory control switches in a user friendly location (beside the leg of the ATV rider). The switch/ stroke controls are thus accessible to the rider without the need to turn around.

In the upper portion of the tank 1 1 /12 the filler cap 35 is provided-

To permit the tank assembly to be fitted to different sized ATV vehicles a telescopic support beam 36 is connected between the tanks 1 1 and 12. This telescoping support beam is detachable from the ATV to permit ready removal and fitting of the tank assembly to the ATV. As is evident from Figure 10 the telescoping support beam 36 can, according to one form of the invention, be provided by a pair of convergent beam members 37 which extend from the inner side of the tank 1 1 / 1 2. These are coupled to a tubular eiemerrt 38 which slidingly engage onto a central mounting member 39. The mounting member 39 can thus be engaged with the ATV and because of the elements 38 being abie to slidingly adjust in position thereon the distance between the tanks 1 1 and 1 2 can be adjusted.

It will be readiiy apparent to those skilled in the art that different forms of support beam can be employed. Also, construction elements not illustrated in the drawings can form part of the support beam. For example, other parts of the support beam could be detachabfy fixed to the ATV. Also, fixing means could be provided to fix the relative position of the elements 38 on the centra! element 39 once the adjusted position has been ascertained.

A top mounting beam 40 which can afso be attachably mounted to the ATV e.g. the carrier of the ATV extends between the upper parts 41 of the tanks 1 1 /1 2. The upper support beam 40 is connected to these upper portfons 41 by mounting pins 42. As can be seen in Figures 9 and 1 0 a plurality of pin mountϊnq holes 43 cart be provided in the upper portion 41. Thus, with the front mounting 15 being in the form of a pivoted mount <to the footrest of the ATV) ϊhe appropriate hole 43 can be selected for engagement of the mounting pin 42 to connect the upper ends 41 to the top mounting beam 40. In this way adjustment at the back of the tank allows the tank to be mounted so as to slope forward such as to ensure that fluid flows to the front of the tank where the valves 19 are located.

According to the preferred form of the invention the pump 44 is located at a relatively low point on one of the tanks 1 1 /12 so as to allow for positive priming of the pump. The pump can be located in a cavity formed in the tank e.g. tank 1 1 as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The tank assembly as shown in Figures 9 and 10 is shown as mounted to an ATV in Figures 1 1 and 12. Once again as with the schematic form of tank shown in the preceding drawings the tanks 1 1 and 1 2 are suspended from the sides of the ATV so that a low centre of gravity is maintained. The mounting of the tank assembly therefore does not adversely impact on the centre of gravity of the vehicle. Weight is also distributed between the centre and the back of the ATV. Therefore, good stability characteristics of the vehicle are exhibited during normal spraying operations.

A further advantage of the spray tank assembiy is that when not required it can be simply disconnected and lowered directly onto the ground. The ATV can then be driven away. Equally, the ATV can be backed into the tank assembly and with minimal lifting the tank assembly can be tnstaEIed on the ATV. The extent of physical lifting and manoeuvring experienced with carrier mounted tanks is thus reduced.

Claims

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