LUBE SKID MOUNTING SYSTEM
20260015956 ยท 2026-01-15
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
F16N2037/006
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F01M11/04
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F16N37/00
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
B60S5/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
F01M11/04
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
B60S5/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
F16N31/00
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
A lube skid apparatus is configured to be moveable and transportable. The lube skid can have one or more tanks carried by a scaffold of the lube skid. The skid carries a plurality of service devices such as a motor, an air compressor, a tank to hold compressed air, pumps to move fluid with associated filters and hoses, and one or more service storage drawers. A mounting system can enable easy and efficient securement of the lube skid within the cargo area of a transport vehicle.
Claims
1. A system to mount a mobile lubrication system in a vehicle, comprising: a pair of mounting guides to be mounted in a cargo area of a transport vehicle and to extend upward from a top surface of the cargo area, the pair of mounting guides separated by a distance corresponding to a width dimension of a lube skid housing a mobile lubrication system, the pair of mounting guides to guide lateral positioning of the lube skid within the cargo area of the transport vehicle and to limit lateral movement of the lube skid within the cargo area of the transport vehicle; a securement mechanism disposed to secure the lube skid within the cargo area of the transport vehicle, the securement mechanism comprising: a securement pin disposed within a mounting guide of the pair of mounting guides and oriented to extend laterally, the securement pin configured to move between an open position with an end of the securement pin retracted into the mounting guide and a securement position with the end of the securement pin protruding from the mounting guide to engage the lube skid to limit longitudinal movement of the lube skid within the cargo area of the transport vehicle and to secure the lube skid between the guides; a handle mechanically coupled to the securement pin to effectuate translation of the securement pin between the open position and the securement position, wherein the handle moves between a first position corresponding to the open position of the securement pin and a second position corresponding to the securement position of the securement pin; a safety pin to secure the handle in one of the first position and the second position and thereby fix the securement pin in one of the open position and the closed position, respectively.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the securement pin is configured to protrude from the mounting guide toward a longitudinal centerline of the cargo area of the transport vehicle.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a safety pin bracket to one of support and engage the safety pin in one or more of the first position and the second position.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the safety pin engages the safety pin bracket and the mounting guide.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the safety pin secures the handle by limiting movement of the handle.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising mounting guide plates to facilitate mounting the mounting guides to a cargo area.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting guides have a tapered surface tapering downward toward a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting guides comprise rails that extend in a longitudinal direction of the transport vehicle within the cargo area.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the handle rotates between the first position and the second position about a pivot point.
10. A system to mount a mobile lubrication system in a cargo area of a transport vehicle, comprising: a lube skid including a scaffold to house a mobile lubrication system, the scaffold defining dimensions of the lube skid; a pair of mounting rails to be mounted in the cargo area of the transport vehicle to extend upward from a top surface of the cargo area, each separated from the other by a distance corresponding to a width dimension of the lube skid, the pair of mounting rails to guide lateral positioning of the lube skid within the cargo area of the transport vehicle during loading and to limit lateral movement of the lube skid within the cargo area of the transport vehicle during transport; a securement mechanism disposed to secure the lube skid within the cargo area of the transport vehicle, the securement mechanism comprising: a securement pin disposed within a mounting rail of the pair of mounting rails and oriented to extend horizontally with respect to the cargo area of the transport vehicle and toward a longitudinal axis of the transport vehicle, the securement pin configured to translate between an open position with an end of the securement pin retracted into the mounting rail and a securement position with the end of the securement pin protruding from the mounting rail to engage the scaffold of the lube skid to limit forward and rearward movement of the lube skid within the cargo area of the transport vehicle and to secure the lube skid between the guides; a handle mechanically coupled to the securement pin to effectuate translation of the securement pin between the open position and the securement position, wherein the handle moves between a first position corresponding to the open position of the securement pin and a second position corresponding to the securement position of the securement pin, wherein the open position allows loading of the lube skid into the transport vehicle and the closed position secures the lube skid to the transport vehicle; a safety pin to secure the handle in one of the first position and the second position and thereby fix the securement pin in one of the open position and the closed position, respectively.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the handle rotates between the first position and the second position about a pivot point.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the handle protrudes rearward from the mounting rail.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the safety pin engages the mounting guide and the handle.
14. The system of claim 10, further comprising a safety pin bracket to one of support and engage the safety pin in one or more of the first position and the second position.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the safety pin engages the safety pin bracket, the handle, and the mounting guide.
16. The system of claim 10, wherein the safety pin secures the handle by limiting movement of the handle.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein the securement pin is configured to protrude from the mounting guide toward a longitudinal centerline of the cargo area of the transport vehicle.
18. The system of claim 10, wherein the scaffold defines a width dimension, a height dimension, and a depth dimension of the lube skid.
19. The system of claim 10, wherein the scaffold comprises a base configured to be disposed on a surface of the cargo area of the transport vehicle, wherein the base supports thereon the mobile lubrication system.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the scaffold comprises a plurality of vertical scaffold members extending from the base toward a top of the lube skid and defining a height dimension of the lube skid.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the scaffold comprises a plurality of lateral scaffold members interconnecting the plurality of vertical pillars and defining a width dimension and a depth dimension of the lube skid.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In order that the manner in which the above referenced and other features and advantages of the disclosed technology are achieved, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered through reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that the following descriptions and drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting in scope. Therefore, the disclosed technology is described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
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[0016]
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[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The disclosed technology relates generally to an improved lube skid carrying a combination of a plurality of lube service apparatuses. Lube service apparatuses may comprise a fuel-combustion or electric motor, an air compressor, horizontally stacked tanks providing one or more new product tanks and one or more waste tanks, a grease barrel, corresponding hoses and hose reels, a bi-directional evacuation pump, a sump, spill containment surfaces and structures, storage drawers and an integrated infrastructure to support a plurality of lube skids components, and skid function controls positioned in secure support frame members.
[0025] For purposes of this patent, the term lube service component shall mean a device such as a fuel-combustion or electric motor, an air compressor, horizontally stacked tanks providing one or more new product tanks and one or more waste tanks, a grease barrel, pumps for product or grease with corresponding hoses and hose reels, a bi-directional evacuation pump with corresponding hoses and hose reels, a sump, spill containment surfaces, or skid function controls.
[0026] A lube skid is intended to be a portable assembly which provides certain maintenance, service and/or repair functions for vehicles and equipment. The lube skid is carried by a transport vehicle to provide services to a vehicle or equipment in the field. The lube skid is configured such that it can be moved and placed as one collective unit, that is, the lube skid may be readily moved from one location to another location. For example, when not in the use the lube skid may be placed in a storage location. When the service functions of the lube skid are needed, the lube skid may be retrieved from storage, lifted and placed in or on a transport vehicle. Or, as needed or desired, the lube skid may be transferred from one transport vehicle to another transport vehicle. As a result, the lube skid does not require a dedicated transport vehicle.
[0027]
[0028] Scaffold 20 may also comprise a multi-point lift system including lift bars 22. In one embodiment, lift bars 22 are attached to lateral members 22 as shown in
[0029] A pair of mounting guides 12 or rails can be, or are otherwise configured to be, mounted in a cargo area of a transport vehicle to extend upward from a top surface of the cargo area, each separated from the other by a distance corresponding to a width dimension of the lube skid 10. The pair of mounting guides 12 can guide lateral positioning of the lube skid 10 within the cargo area of the transport vehicle (e.g., during loading) and can limit lateral movement of the lube skid 10 within the cargo area of the transport vehicle (e.g., during transport or operation of the vehicle). Mounting guide plates 13 (or base plates) facilitate affixing the mounting guides 12 to a cargo area. The mounting guides 12 include a tapered surface tapering downward and toward a longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.
[0030] A securement mechanism 14 can secure the lube skid 10 within the cargo area of the transport vehicle. The securement mechanism 14 can include a securement pin 16, a handle 18, and a safety pin 19:
[0031] The securement pin 16 is disposed within a mounting guide 12 and is oriented to extend horizontally (e.g., laterally with respect to the cargo area of the transport vehicle) and perpendicular toward a longitudinal axis of the transport vehicle. The securement pin 16 is configured to translate, slide, or otherwise move between an open position (with one endan engagement endof the securement pin 16 retracted into the mounting guide 12) and a securement position (with the engagement end of the securement pin 16 protruding from the mounting guide 12 to engage the scaffold 20 of the lube skid 10) to limit longitudinal movement (e.g., forward and rearward movement) of the lube skid 10 within the cargo area of the transport vehicle and to secure the lube skid 10 between the mounting guides 12. The open position allows loading of the lube skid 10 into the transport vehicle and the closed position enables securing the lube skid to the transport vehicle. The securement 16 pin may be configured to protrude from the mounting guide 12 toward a longitudinal centerline of the cargo area of the transport vehicle.
[0032] The handle 18 can be mechanically coupled to the securement pin 16 to effectuate translation of the securement pin 16 between the open position and the securement position. The handle 18 can move between a first position corresponding to the open position of the securement pin 16 and a second position corresponding to the securement position of the securement pin 16. The handle 18 may rotate between the first position and the second position about a pivot point. The handle 16 may protrude rearward from the mounting guide 12.
[0033] The safety pin 19 can engage the mounting guide 12 to limit any movement of the handle 18, so as to secure the handle 18 in one of the first position and the second position and thereby fix the securement pin 16 in one of the open position and the closed position, respectively. A safety pin bracket 191 can support the safety pin 19 and secure it in place, whether in the first position or the second position.
[0034] As shown in
[0035] Manifold 23 may further comprise one or more sloped members 25. Sloped member 25 may carry an overlying tank, such as tank 40 discussed below. The angle of sloped member 25 is configured to substantially correspond to a sloped bottom wall 45 of tank 40. Manifold 23 may further define one or more pockets 26 configured to receive a fork of a forklift for lifting and moving skid 10. The portion of manifold 23 defining the upper horizontal portion 26 of pocket 26 may also carry tank 40.
[0036] Manifold members 27 may also define a trough cavity 29, see
[0037] Manifold 23 may be constructed by joining a number of shaped portions together. In the alternative, manifold 23 may be formed by an extrusion process. Scaffold 20 may be constructed of aluminum, steel, or other metal or composite materials, or a combination of aluminum, steel, other metal and/or composite materials depending on the desired weight of lube skid 10 and/or on the carrying strength required of components of scaffold 20.
[0038] As shown in
[0039] As shown in the Figures, lube skid 10 may further comprise one or more containers and/or tanks. Skid 10 may comprise first tank 40. Tank 40, or multiple tanks, may serve as a waste receptable to receive fouled, used and/or waste fluid evacuated from the vehicle or equipment serviced using skid 10 or from sump 60.
[0040] As illustrated in
[0041] If desired, tank 40 could be partitioned into two receptacles for receiving different waste fluid. The location of a partition in tank 40 could be selected to configure at least a portion of each partitioned receptable to include a similarly functioning trough. Separate drainage hardware for each of the partitioned receptacles could be installed in in the lowest areas of each receptacle to drain waste fluid from each partitioned receptable. Or, separate drainage hardware for each partitioned receptable may be attached on rear wall 43 of tank 40 the corresponding trough. In this way, upon draining waste fluid from each partitioned receptable the amount of residual waste fluid left in either receptable is minimized.
[0042] As illustrated
[0043] As shown in the Figures, lube skid 10 may comprise second tank 50. Tank 50 may serve as a reservoir of new fluid product such as motor or engine oil needed for the service functions of skid 10. As illustrated in
[0044] As illustrated in
[0045] A raised edge or bead along rear and side peripheries of top wall 42 and top wall 52 (not shown), as needed, may serve to contain any spills onto top wall 42 or top wall 52 from running off the sides of tank 40 and tank 50. In the alternative, a mounting bar 47 may be attached to top wall 42 and/or 52. Bar 47 acts to contain the flow of spills to direct any spill toward sump 60. To assist in fixing mounting bar 47 in place, top wall 42 and/or top wall 52 may also comprise an intervening plate of suitable material which plate may be affixed on the upper surface of top wall 42 and/or top wall 52. When an intervening plate is used, the intervening plate serves the same function as the top wall onto which it is affixed.
[0046] As shown in Figures, skid 10 may further comprise a sump 60. Sump 60 is positioned forward of tank 40 and tank 50. Sump 60 may comprise a front wall 61, rear wall portion 69 and top wall 62. In one embodiment, sump 60 is positioned adjacent a side wall of first tank 40 and/or second tank 60. Top wall 62 may comprise top wall 62A and 62B. Sump 60 may define an opening. In one embodiment the opening is in top wall 62A. Sump 60 may also comprise a removeable sump lid 64 which covers the opening in top wall 62A of sump 60. Sump lid 64 may be hingedly attached to top wall 62A using a hinge assembly 65 comprising hinge legs 66. As shown in
[0047] In one embodiment relative to tank 40, a portion of sump 60 may also overlap above tank 40. With an overlap of tank 40 by sump 60 as shown in the Figures, the size of the opening in top wall 62A and sump lid 64 may be selected to accommodate the size of the anticipated filters and objects to be drained into sump 60.
[0048] Sump top wall 62B may also define one or more sump access portals 67. Portal 67 is configured to receive a service end of a product or evacuation hose to allow any excess product or waste to drip into sump 60. For example, a metered service end 104 of hose 100 may be disposed in portal 67. Either the shape of portal 67 relative to the end of a hose 100 or the distance between screen 68 and portal 67 will define how far the service end 104 of a hose 100 inserts into sump 60. Portals 67 may serve as the stationary, non-use repository of the ends of hoses.
[0049] Sump top wall 62 may comprise a multi-level top configuration 62A and 62B as shown in the Figures. Disposing sump top wall 62A with sump lid 64 vertically lower offers an ergonomic advantage for the service operator by bringing access to the interior of sump 60 closer to an operator standing on the ground when the operator is draining devices on screen 68. A similar advantage is also provided when sump lid 64 is open because hinge 65 further lowers sump lid 64 for use as a service tray at a lower vertical height convenient for the operator as shown in
[0050] As shown in the Figures, it is contemplated that a plurality of service components or devices are carried by skid 10. As needed, one or more mounting bars 47 may be attached to the upper surface of a tank. Mounting bar 47 may be attached by any suitable means recognized by those of skill in the art. For example, mounting bar 47 may be welded to a tank, or to an intervening plate as discussed above. Mounting bar 47 receives other load-bearing rails or plates 49 which span at least a portion of the top of a tank and to which service devices may be attached. The spanning nature of rails or plates 49 permit any spills onto the tank to flow along the top of the tank toward sump 60.
[0051] As shown in
[0052] Skid 10 may also comprise an air compressor 80. Air compressor 80 may be coupled to one or more compressed air tanks 82. Motor 70 may provide the driving force needed to operate air compressor 80. Skid 10 may further comprise a cooling unit 85 to cool motor 70 and compressor 80, as needed or desired.
[0053] It is also contemplated that skid 10 may comprise an electrical power unit (not shown). Electrical power from an external source may, if necessary to invert voltage, pass through the power unit before the electrical power is made available to services devices, outlets or other power tools or equipment. In the alternative, an electric power generator (not shown) may be a component of motor 70 or compressor 80.
[0054] As shown in
[0055] It contemplated that skid 10 may further comprise a self-supporting shelf system 127 which may be attached to the rear of skid 10 to hold up to twelve 5-gallon barrels 129 of product. Skid 10 may also comprise an evacuation pump 130 as illustrated in the Figures. Pump 130 may be a bi-directional pump to meet the pumping and/or suction needs of the operator when using skid 10. Evacuation pump 130 is coupled to its corresponding valves 132. Valves 132 are coupled with a hose 100 about a hose reel 102 and/or to sump 60. Valves 132 permit the operator to place pump 130 in the desired fluid communication. For example, pump 130 may be used to fill waste tank 40 with waste or other fluids from the vehicle or equipment being serviced through an associated hose 100. Pump 130 may be used to fill waste tank 40 with waste from sump 60 through a fluid coupling between valves 132 and sump 60. Pump 130 may also be used to empty waste from waste tank 40.
[0056] Skid 10 may further comprise one or more filters 122, 128 and 140 for filtering of product as desired. Filter 122 is associated with primary product pump 120. Filter 128 is associated with secondary product pump 126. Filter 140 may be coupled to product tank 50 and may service as a filter for product being input into product tank 50 from an external product supply. When servicing or replacing filters 122, 128, 140 or other devices laden with product or waste, they may be placed on screen 68 for draining into sump 60.
[0057] Skid 10 may further comprise one or more controls 150. Controls 150 may be integrated into or mounted to a vertical support member 21 as shown in
[0058] Electrical power for tank heaters may comprise power from the transport vehicle's electrical system. In one embodiment, the electrical power needed for tank heaters is provided from the transport vehicle while the transport vehicle is traveling to the service site. In this way, the tank heater may be powered from the alternator of the transport vehicle and may require a power inverter to change voltage from the 12V typically provided by a vehicle alternator to the voltage required to power the tank heater(s). In one embodiment, operational power for an electrical outlet may comprise pass-through power from an external power source coupled to skid 10 or power from a generator component associated with motor 70 or compressor 80.
[0059] As shown in
[0060] As shown in
[0061] The disclosed technology may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.