Integrated Foot Pedal Control System for Hydraulic Power Take-Off Assembly for ATV

Abstract

An integrated foot-operated pump control system for a variable-flow hydraulic power take-off assembly for use with an ATV. The integrated foot-operated pump control system simplifies installation, removal, and re-installation of the hydraulic power take-off assembly, eliminates hand fatigue, and enhances safety. The integrated foot-operated pump control system is embodied in a hydraulic power take-off unit having a variable-flow pump with a flow control mechanism and a foot-operated pump control system having a foot pedal and a control cable that remain attached to the hydraulic power take-off unit when it is disconnected from the ATV.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A variable-flow hydraulic power take-off assembly adapted for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) having an engine, comprising:
 a hydraulic power take-off unit comprising a variable-flow pump that has a flow control mechanism and may be connected to and disconnected from the ATV, the pump being rotationally-driven by the engine and adapted for powering hydraulic implements carried by, attached to, or located near the ATV via hydraulic hoses; and   a foot-operated pump control system that comprises a foot pedal, the foot-operated pump control system being integrated with the hydraulic power take-off unit, and controlling the flow control mechanism in correlation with a depression of the foot pedal, operative portions of the foot-operated pump control system remaining with the hydraulic power take-off unit when it is disconnected from the ATV.   
     
     
         2 . The variable-flow power take-off assembly of  claim 1  wherein the foot-operated pump control system comprises:
 a foot pedal; and 
 a control cable operatively connecting the foot pedal to the flow control mechanism of the pump. 
 
     
     
         3 . The variable-flow power take-off assembly of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a bracket that pivotally supports the foot pedal relative to the hydraulic power take-off unit and that supports a proximal end of the control cable near and operatively connected to the foot pedal; and 
 a second bracket that supports a distal end of the control cable near and operatively connected to the flow control mechanism. 
 
     
     
         4 . The variable-flow power take-off assembly of  claim 3  further comprising a pump handle for simultaneously carrying the hydraulic power take-off unit and foot-operated pump control system when not connected to the ATV.