The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 11, 2002
Filed:
Aug. 16, 1999
Eliseo J. Carmona, Elmhurst, IL (US);
Yon C. Chong, Tiara, SG;
Timothy S. Conroy, Aurora, IL (US);
James K. Mathieu, Plano, IL (US);
Daniel R. Neitzel, Elgin, IL (US);
Craig W. Riediger, Kobe, JP;
Charles F. Sieck, Dunlap, IL (US);
Richard C. Zielie, Yorkville, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
In many types of construction machines, the frame assembly comprises a rear frame that supports the engine and drive train components and a front frame that supports the work implement. In this type of machine, the two frames are normally pinned together and the front frame is articulated with respect to the rear frame by a pair of steering cylinders to provide steering for the machine. In the area in which the two frames are pinned together it is necessary to provide structural support, especially in the hitch area of the front frame. The present invention provides a front frame assembly ( ) that has an upper and lower hitch plate ( ) that are positioned between and secured to the rear portion of a pair of side plates ( ) defined by the front frame assembly ( ). A first support plate ( ) extends between and is secured to the side plates ( ) and defines an upper and lower end portion ( ) that are secured to the respective upper and lower hitch plates ( ) to provide uninterrupted support therebetween.