Operator platform suspension with lower reaction bumper

Abstract

An apparatus is configured for attachment to a power machine. The apparatus includes first and second side plates, a lower plate, a platform assembly and a first bumper. Each of the first and second side plates is configured for pivotal attachment to the power machine at a first pivot joint. The lower plate has a fixed orientation relative to each of the first and second side plates. The platform assembly comprises a platform and a frame, wherein the frame is attached to each of the first and second side plates at a second pivot joint. The first bumper is disposed between the platform and the lower plate. An exemplary method of supporting a load applied on an apparatus of a power machine includes applying the load onto the platform and compressing the first bumper between the platform and the lower plate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus configured for attachment to a power machine, the apparatus comprising:
 first and second side plates, each of the first and second side plates configured for pivotal attachment to the power machine at a first pivot joint;   a lower plate having a fixed orientation relative to each of the first and second side plates;   a platform assembly comprising a platform and a frame, the frame attached to each of the first and second side plates at a second pivot joint; and   a first bumper disposed between the platform and the lower plate.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  comprising a front plate having a fixed orientation relative to each of the first and second side plates. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  comprising a second bumper attached to the front plate. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lower plate comprises a plurality of attachment features configured for selective attachment of the first bumper. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  comprising an upper plate disposed between the platform and the first bumper. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first bumper is tubular. 
     
     
         7 . A method of supporting a load applied on an apparatus of a power machine, wherein the apparatus comprises:
 first and second side plates, each of the first and second side plates configured for pivotal attachment to the power machine at a first pivot joint;   a lower plate having a fixed orientation relative to each of the first and second side plates;   a platform assembly comprising a platform and a frame, the frame attached to each of the first and second side plates at a second pivot joint; and   a first bumper disposed between the platform and the lower plate;   the method comprising:
 applying the load onto the platform; and 
 compressing the first bumper between the platform and the lower plate. 
   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  comprising pivoting the platform assembly about the second pivot joint relative to the first and second side plates. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the apparatus comprises a second bumper disposed between a front plate and frame of the power machine, the method comprising compressing the second bumper. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the lower plate comprises a plurality of attachment features, the method comprising selectively attaching the first bumper to one of the plurality of attachment features.