TOOL MOUNT FOR A SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLE

Abstract

A method of manipulating a tool mounted on a self-propelled vehicle includes removably mounting a tool in a pivotal relationship relative to a mounting plate of a hydraulic loader assembly of a self-propelled vehicle. The tool is moved via selectively controlled rotational movement of the mounting plate between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the tool remains in releasable contact against the mounting plate and in the second position, the tool is freely pivotally movable relative to the mounting plate.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of the filing date of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/771,205 entitled “TOOL CARRIER FOR A SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLE,” having Attorney Docket Number K396.103.101 and having a filing date of Feb. 7, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional self-propelled vehicles enable an operator to sit on, walk behind, ride on a platform behind the vehicle, while operating a hydraulic loader assembly to perform various tasks. These self-propelled vehicles, such as full-size skid steer loaders or compact utility loaders, are capable of using a variety of attachable tools, such as a bucket, auger, or a trencher, etc. The loader assembly of a conventional self propelled vehicle is equipped with a loader arm that extends a length of the vehicle and is movable into a variable number of up and down positions. A separate lift cylinder mounted at a front end of the vehicle causes an end plate (i.e., a mounting plate) at an end of the loader arm to tilt relative to the end of the loader arm. A load bucket or other tool is attached to the end plate. With this arrangement, the loader assembly is used to fill and empty a loader bucket, and/or maneuver the many other different tools that are also attachable to the loader assembly of the self-propelled vehicle.

Despite the many tools available for use with a self propelled vehicle, their effectiveness is greatly determined by the skill of the operator in manipulating the loader assembly of the self propelled vehicle, and by the power and weight of the vehicle. In particular, the ability to control a position and direction of movement of the end plate of the loader assembly, as well as the loader arm itself, determines the effectiveness of an attachable tool. However, despite the skill of the operator and the power of the loader assembly, some movements of the loader assembly are too awkward and lack fine control in certain positions. Accordingly, while the loader assembly of the conventional self-propelled vehicle excels at many tasks, it underperforms on other tasks requiring finer movements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a self-propelled vehicle including a removably attachable tool system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial side plan view of the removably attachable tool system, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tool mount and a removably attachable shovel, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the tool mount and the removably attachable shovel, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the tool mount and the removably attachable shovel, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a side view schematically illustrating a method of digging via the tool mount and the removably attachable shovel in a first position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B is a side view schematically illustrating a method of digging via the tool mount and the removably attachable shovel in a second position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tool mount and a trencher tool, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the tool mount and the trencher tool, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9A is a side view schematically illustrating a method of digging via the tool mount and the trencher tool in a first position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9B is a side view schematically illustrating a method of digging with the tool mount and the trencher tool in a second position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9C is a side view schematically illustrating a method of digging via the tool mount and the trencher tool in a third position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9D is a side view schematically illustrating a method of digging via the tool mount and the trencher tool in a fourth position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9E is a side view schematically illustrating a method of digging via the tool mount and the trencher tool in a fifth position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9F is a side view schematically illustrating a method of digging via the tool mount and the trencher tool in a second mounting position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front end plan view of a self-propelled vehicle in a method of trenching via the tool mount and the trencher tool, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11A is a side plan view of a tool mount and a removably attachable wheel barrow in a first position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is an end plan view of the tool mount and the removably attachable wheel barrow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a side plan view of the tool mount and the removably attachable wheel barrow in a second position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a removably attachable rake, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the removably attachable rake, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the removably attachable rake, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15A is a side view schematically illustrating a method of leveling via a tool mount and the rake in a first position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15B is a side view schematically illustrating a method of leveling via the tool mount and the rake in a second position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a tool mount securable to a loader assembly of a self-propelled vehicle, such as a fall size skid steer loader or compact utility loader. In one embodiment, the tool mount includes a base and a receiver pivotally movable relative to the base. The base is permanently or removably securable relative to an end plate of the loader assembly of the self-propelled vehicle while a tool is removably attachable to the receiver. A pivoting action of the receiver of the tool mount relative to its base, and therefore relative to the end plate of the loader assembly, adds a third degree of motion (or freedom) to the familiar two degrees of motion (or freedom) of a conventional loader assembly.

In one aspect, the pivoting receiver of the tool mount enables more graceful and fluid movements of a tool maneuvered via the loader assembly by limiting pivoting of the attached tool a first rotational direction at the end plate of the loader assembly while permitting pivoting of the attached tool in a second rotational direction (opposite the first direction) away from the end plate of the loader assembly. Gravitational forces place a natural limit on the range of pivoting in the second rotational direction.

The pivoting action of the tool mount provides more versatility in operating a tool via the loader assembly of the self-propelled vehicle, enabling the operator to achieve more fluid and finer movements previously not attainable with a conventional loader assembly.

These embodiments, and additional embodiments, are further described and illustrated in association with FIGS. 1-15B.

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of a self-propelled vehicle system 10, according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, vehicle system 10 comprises a vehicle 12 and a tool mount 14 carrying a tool 90. Vehicle 12 comprises a frame 20 having a back end 21 and a front end 22, as well as locomotion mechanism 23 and platform 24. In another aspect, vehicle 12 comprises controls 26 at back end 21.

In one aspect, vehicle 12 also comprises hydraulic loader assembly 40 including loader arm 41 comprising main arm 42A and outer arm 42B, and with a load cylinder 44 supporting and controlling movement of main arm 42A. Loader assembly 40 also comprises a generally vertical arm 48 supporting a hydraulic lift cylinder 50 that supports extendible lift arm 52.

In another aspect, an end plate 53 is mounted to an end of outer arm 42B via pivot mechanism 56B and to an end of lift arm 52 via pivot mechanism 56A. In use, an operator manipulates controls 26 of vehicle 12 to extend and retract, respectively, the lift arm 52 to selectively pivot end plate 53 relative to outer arm 42B of loader assembly 40 via pivot mechanisms 56A and 56B.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 1, main arm 42A is generally vertically movable relative to vehicle frame 20 (as represented by directional arrow A) to provide a first degree of motion (or freedom) for loader assembly 40 while end plate 53 is generally rotatable relative to outer arm 42B of loader assembly 40 (as represented by directional arrow B) to provide a second degree of motion (or freedom) for loader assembly 40.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a tool mount 14 additionally forms part of, or is attached to, end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 to provide a third degree of motion in controlling a tool mounted on loader assembly. In other words, tool mount 14 is interposed between a conventional end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 and an attachable tool to enhance manipulation of the tool via the loader assembly 40.

In one aspect, tool mount 14 comprises base 70, receiver 80 and tool 90. In one aspect, base 70 is secured permanently or removably) to end plate 53 of vehicle 12 and receiver 80 is pivotally mounted relative to base 70 via pivot mechanism 74. In one embodiment, receiver 80 includes arm 85 which removably receives mounting arm 92 of tool 90.

In one aspect, base 70 and/or end plate 53 limits pivotal movement of receiver 80 of tool mount 14 in a first rotational direction (as represented by directional arrow 1) upon releasable contact of arm 85 of receiver 80 against base 70 and/or end plate 53. On the other hand, receiver 80 of tool mount 14 and tool 90 are capable of free pivotal movement in the second rotational direction opposite the first direction (as represented by directional arrow 2), which moves arm 85 of receiver 80 of tool mount 14 away from base 70 of tool mount 14 and/or away from end plate 53 of loader assembly 40.

However, while the range of motion in the second rotational direction (as represented by directional arrow 2) extends up to 180 degrees, this range of motion is practically limited to a smaller range because of the gravitational forces acting on the tool 90 attached to tool mount 14. In most positions of the tool mount 14, these gravitational forces tend to cause the tool 90 to pivot toward the end plate 53 of the loader assembly 40 unless an end of tool 90 is somehow in temporarily fixed position, such as engaging the soil, or when the end plate 53 is in a generally horizontal position.

Accordingly, pivotal movement of receiver 80 of tool mount 14 relative to end plate 53 of vehicle 12 (as represented generally by directional arrow C, and specifically by directional arrows 1 and 2) provides a third degree of motion to loader assembly 40 in addition to the previously described conventional first and second degrees of motion. This third degree of motion enables more fluid and graceful control of a tool by providing greater flexibility in the manipulation of various tools attachable to a loader assembly of a self-propelled vehicle.

In one embodiment, the pivoting action of receiver 80 of tool mount 14 operate along a single plane of motion, unlike a universal joint which can permit pivoting or rotational action in multiple planes or axes of movement. Accordingly, this single-plane-of-movement insures that forces directed by the end plate 53 of the loader assembly 40 are directly translated into motion or force of a tool 90 (attached to tool mount 14) along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 12 and/or tool mount 14.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial view of the tool mount 14 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, base 70 comprises mount plate 71 and a wing 72. Wing 72 extends generally outward from mount plate 71 and supports a pivot mechanism 74 for pivotal mounting of receiver 80 relative to the base 70.

In one embodiment, receiver 80 includes a pivot member 83 and an arm 85. Pivot member 83 pivotally connects receiver 80 to base 70 via pivot mechanism 74 while arm 85 of receiver 80 extends from pivot member 83 to be positioned vertically below pivot mechanism 74. In this arrangement, receiver arm 85 is set “off-axis” relative to pivot mechanism 74. In one aspect, arm 85 of receiver 80 includes first portion 87 and second portion 88 oriented in an opposite direction to the first portion 87. In one embodiment, second portion 88 comprises a hollow sleeve (represented by dashed lines 89 since the sleeve is hidden from view) for removably receiving a slidably insertable mounting arm 92 of tool 90.

In one embodiment, mounting plate 71 of base 70 has a relatively large footprint on end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 so that first portion 87 of receiver arm 85 releasably contacts mounting plate 71. In another embodiment, mounting plate 71 has a relatively small footprint on end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 so that first portion 87 of receiver arm 85 directly contacts end plate 53 instead of mounting plate 71. As previously mentioned, mount plate 71 is permanently or removable secured relative to end plate 53 of loader assembly 40.

In one aspect, receiver arm 85 has a length (D2) that is substantially greater than a length (D1) of pivot member 83. In another aspect, first portion 87 of arm 85 has a length (D3) while second portion 88 of arm 85 has a length (D4). In another aspect, receiver arm 85 is spaced vertically below pivot mechanism 74 by a distance H1.

In one aspect, the length (D1) of pivot member 83 in combination with the vertical spacing of receiver arm 85 below pivot mechanism 74 (represented by H1) provides the spacing to enable pivotal movement of receiver 80 of tool mount 14 relative to end plate 53 of loader assembly 40. Moreover, the length (D3) of first portion 87 of receiver arm 85 of tool mount 14 further acts to control pivotal movement of receiver 80, by limiting the range of pivoting the first rotational direction (as represented by indicator 1 in FIG. 1).

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, tool mount 14 additionally comprises a vibration-absorbing link 95 that extends between loader assembly 40 and tool mount 14. In one aspect, a first end of the vibration-absorbing link 95 is pivotally connected to the receiver arm 85 of tool mount 14 and a second opposite end of the link 95 is pivotally connected to the end plate 53 of the loader assembly 40. The vibration-absorbing link 95 acts to dampen unwanted pivoting of receiver 80 when the vehicle travels over rough terrain and/or when there is little or no load on tool 90.

These embodiments of tool mount 14, and additional embodiments including specific tool systems, are described and illustrated further in association with FIGS. 3-15B.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tool system 100 including a tool mount 102 and shovel 104, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, tool mount 102 of system 100 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as tool mount 14 of system 10 as previously described in association with FIGS. 1-2. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, tool mount 102 of system 100 is configured for removably mounting shovel 104 and comprises base 106 with wings 110, transverse support 112 with wings 113, and pivot mechanism 114. In one aspect, base 106 extends laterally between spaced apart wings 112 with each respective wing 110 extending outwardly from and generally perpendicular to base 106. Transverse support 112 extends laterally between spaced apart wings 113 with each respective wing 113 extending outwardly from and generally perpendicular to transverse support 112. In this arrangement, transverse support 112 is pivotally linked to base 106 via pivot mechanism 114 which pivotally mounts each respective wing 113 of transverse support 112 to a respective wing 110 of base 106.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, tool mount 102 also comprises receiver arm 120 including first portion 124 and second portion 122. In one embodiment, like the receiver arm 85 of tool mount 14 in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-2, second portion 122 of receiver arm 120 defines a hollow sleeve configured to slidably receive insertion of a mounting arm of a tool, such as a mounting arm 140 of shovel 102.

Receiver arm 120 is mounted at a center portion of transverse support 112 via flanges 126A and 126B to suspend receiver arm 120 vertically below transverse support 112. In one aspect, flanges 126A and 126B are positioned on opposite sides of receiver arm 120 and extend upward from receiver arm 120 to surround transverse support 112 at laterally spaced apart locations to maintain lateral stability of receiver arm 120 relative to transverse support 112. In addition, flanges 126A 126B have a length at their base 128 (also shown in FIG. 4) that generally corresponds to the length (D2) of receiver arm 120 to provide longitudinal stability and support to receiver arm 120 relative to pivoting transverse support 112. As illustrated in FIG. 4, which is a top plan view of the tool mount 102 of FIG. 3, an upper portion 127 of respective flanges 126A and 126B are laterally apart from each other as mounted on transverse support 112. In another aspect, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, in combination with flanges 126A, 126B, transverse support 112 provides lateral stability to receiver 120 and to shovel 104.

In one aspect, shovel 104 comprises mounting arm 140 and spade 142 with mounting arm 140 sized and shaped for slidable insertion into second portion 122 of receiver arm 120. However, in other embodiments, shovel 104 is replaced with another tool, such as a trencher tool, rake, wheelbarrow or other tool adapted for use with tool mount 102.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3, this arrangement anchors receiver arm 120 relative to the pivoting transverse support 112 and also orients first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 to be in releasable contact against end plate 53 and orients second portion 122 of receiver arm 120 to extend outwardly in an opposite direction relative to end plate 53. Upon insertion of mounting arm 140 into second portion 122 of receiver arm 120, spade 142 of shovel 104 extends outwardly (and generally parallel to receiver arm 120) in an opposite direction from end plate 53 when receiver arm 120 is in contact against end plate 53 of loader assembly 40.

FIG. 5 is side plan view of tool mount 102 and shovel 104 of FIGS. 3-4, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, tool mount 102 comprises substantially the same spatial relationships and structural arrangement of tool mount 14 of FIGS. 1-2, as represented by dimensional indicators D1, D2, D3, and D4 in both FIGS. 1-2 and FIG. 5.

FIG. 6A is a side plan view schematically illustrating application of tool system 100 of FIGS. 3-5 in soil, according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, tool system 100 extends from end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 of self-propelled vehicle 12 (FIG. 1) with the rotational position of end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 (as represented by directional arrow B) being controlled via the relationship between outer arm 42B of loader arm 41 and lift arm 52 (as controlled via lift cylinder 50) as pivotally mounted to end plate 53 (via pivot mechanisms 56B and 56A respectively).

FIG. 6A illustrates a first position (represented by indicator I) in which spade 142 of shovel 140, as supported by tool mount 102 and end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 of vehicle 12, is inserted into soil 175 for digging. In this position, first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 is in contact with end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 to provide a generally rigid axial support for shovel 140 as the vehicle 12 moves forward to cause penetration of spade 142 into soil 175, as represented by directional arrow 1 in soil 175. In one aspect, the operator also manipulates end plate 53 to achieve a tilt (second degree of motion B) suitable for a desired angle (α₁) of entry of spade 142 into soil 175 to facilitate digging action.

Once spade 142 is inserted into soil 175, and with vehicle 12 in a generally stationary position, end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 is tilted forward (i.e., rotated in the second degree of motion as shown in FIG. 6B) via extension of lift arm 52 as represented by directional arrow E to place tool mount 102 and shovel 104 in a second position II. Accordingly, with spade 142 firmly situated in soil 175, this forward tilting of end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 causes receiver arm 120 of tool mount 102 to pivot away from end plate 53 via pivot mechanism 114. This pivoting action of tool mount 102 causes a corresponding uplifting action on spade 142 against soil 175 (as represented by directional arrow 2), which pushes soil portion 177 out of the bed of soil 175 while mounting arm 140 becomes closer to top surface 178 of soil 175 (as represented by angle α₂, which is smaller than angle α₁).

In another aspect, a rearward tilting of end plate 53 via retraction of lift arm 52, as represented by directional arrow R, causes the tool mount 102 and shovel 104 to move downward in soil 175 (as represented by directional arrow 3 in soil 175) toward or into the first position (I) in which first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 is in contact with end plate 53 of loader assembly 40, as previously shown in FIG. 6A.

In use, an operator manipulates controls 26 of vehicle 12 to control loader assembly 40 to pivot the tool mount 102 alternately between the first position (I) and the second position (II) (or positions in between the first and second positions). This pivoting action of tool mount 102, in turn, causes a wiggling action or digging action of the spade 142 in the soil so that the spade 142 can penetrate deeper into soil 175 and/or more easily loosen soil 175.

In one aspect, this digging action is accomplished via extension and retraction of lift arm 52 of loader assembly 40, in combination with pivoting action of tool mount 102, which causes alternate up-and-down tilting of spade in soil 175 (represented by directional arrows 2 and 3 in soil 175).

Without the pivoting action of tool mount 102 to add a third degree of motion, the operator would be limited to the conventional mechanisms of directly lifting soil solely through action of loader arm 41 or solely through action of tilt arm 52.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tool system 200 including tool mount 102 and trenching tool 202, and FIG. 8 is a side plan view of trenching tool 202, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, tool mount 102 of system 100 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as tool mount 102 of system 100 as previously described in association with FIGS. 1-6B, except with trenching tool 202 removably secured on tool mount 102 instead of shovel 104.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, tool mount 102 of system 100 is configured for removably mounting trenching tool 202. In one embodiment, trenching tool 202 comprises an open ended scoop 201 and dual mounting arms 204 and 206. Scoop 201 includes a front end 210 and a second end 212, as well as a pair of side walls 220A, 220B that are laterally spaced apart, and generally parallel to each other. Each side wall 220A, 220B includes an upper portion 228. Scoop 201 also comprises a bottom wall 222 interposed between and extending from side wall 220A to side wall 220B.

In one embodiment, scoop 201 defines a hollow sleeve including an open top extending between side walls 220A, 220B, as well as open ends at both front end 210 and back end 212 (represented by indicator 230). However, in another embodiment, back end 212 is closed.

In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 7, trenching tool 202 includes a bracket 226 mounted at rear end 212 of scoop 201. Bracket 226 extends transversely across scoop 201 between side walls 220A, 220B and is secured to the upper portions 228 of the respective side walls 220A, 220B. First mounting arm 206 of trenching tool 202 extends rearward from bracket 226 in a first direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of scoop 201 and opposite to front end 210 of scoop 201. Second mounting arm 204 of trenching tool 202 extends rearward from bracket 226 at an acute angle (α₄) relative to first mounting arm 206 to orient the second mounting arm 204 to extend generally upwards and away from the upper portions 228 of side walls 220A, 220B of scoop 201 of trenching tool 202. In one embodiment, angle α₄ is about 45 degrees, although in other embodiments this angle falls within a range between about 30 to 60 degrees.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, front end 210 of scoop 201 forms a beveled contour 240 extending from bottom wall 220 toward upper portions 228 of side walls 220A, 220B and is configured to facilitate a cutting action through soil 175 as scoop 201 of trenching tool 202 is advanced through soil 175.

FIG. 9A is a side plan view schematically illustrating application of tool system 200 of FIGS. 7-8 in soil 175, according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, tool system 200 extends from end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 of self-propelled vehicle 12 (FIG. 1) with the rotational position of end plate 53 being controlled via loader assembly 40, as previously described and illustrated in association with FIGS. 1-6B

FIG. 9A illustrates a method 250 of trenching via trenching tool 200, including maneuvering trenching tool 202 into a first position (represented by indicator I) in which scoop 201 of trenching tool 202, as supported by tool mount 102 and end plate 53 of vehicle 12, is inserted into soil 175. In this position, first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 is in contact with end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 to provide a generally rigid axial support for scoop 201 as the vehicle 12 moves forward to cause penetration of front end 210 of scoop 201 into soil 175, as shown in FIG. 9A. Prior to entry of spade 142, the operator also manipulates end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 to achieve a tilt (second degree of motion B) suitable for a desired angle of entry front end 210 of spade scoop 201 into soil 175 to facilitate the desired digging action.

Once scoop 201 is inserted into soil 175, and with vehicle 12 in a generally stationary position, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, end plate 53 is tilted forward (i.e., rotated in the second degree of motion as represented by directional arrow R) to place tool mount 102 and shovel 104 in a second position II. Accordingly, with scoop 201 at least partially inserted into soil 175, this forward tilting of end plate 53 causes receiver arm 120 to pivot away from end plate 53, via action of pivot mechanism 114, in the third degree of motion. This action causes a corresponding deeper penetration and slight upward tilting of scoop 201, as illustrated in FIG. 9B as compared with the depth of penetration of scoop 201 shown in FIG. 9B. As further illustrated in FIG. 9B, the scoop 201 is advanced until the upper portion 228 of scoop 201 is near the top edge 178 of soil 175.

FIG. 9C illustrates further advancement of the penetration of scoop 201 into a trenching position within soil 175, which is achieved via lowering of loader arm 41 of vehicle 12 (FIG. 1) toward soil 175, which causes a corresponding lowering of end plate 53 toward soil 175. While loader arm 41 of loader assembly 40 is being lowered, end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 tilts backward (as represented by directional arrow R) while the pivoting action of tool mount 102 in the third degree of motion advances the position of scoop 201 into soil 175.

FIG. 9D is a side view of tool mount 102 and scoop 201 that illustrates the completion of lowering of end plate 53 to a position close to top surface 178 of soil 175 and a corresponding tilting of end plate 52 (as represented by directional arrow R) into a generally vertical position so that end plate 53 is oriented generally perpendicular to and in contact against first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 of tool mount 102. With end plate 53 in this position and the upper portions 228 of scoop 201 oriented generally parallel to top surface 178 of soil 175, end plate 53 of loader arm 42 and receiver arm 120 of tool mount 102 together provide generally rigid axial support to scoop 201 to facilitate forward advancement of scoop 201 through soil 175 (upon locomotion of vehicle 12 as represented by directional arrow F). Once scoop 201 is full of soil 175 or when the scoop 201 has passed through a desired amount of soil 175, end plate 53 of loader arm 41 is rotated backward to cause front end 210 of scoop 201 to be slightly raised and then loader arm 41 is manipulated to raise end plate 53 of loader assembly 40, tool mount 102, and scoop 201 together out of the soil 175 with a load 183 of soil 175 within scoop 201.

FIG. 9E is a side view of tool mount 102 and scoop 201 that illustrates emptying the load 183 of soil 175 from scoop 201, according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 9E, end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 is tilted rearward (as represented by directional arrow K) which maintains contact between end plate 53 and first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 (of tool mount 102) to enable lifting of scoop 201 via end plate 53. However, because scoop 201 includes an open back end 212, load 183 of soil 175 slides out of the back end 212 of scoop 201 (as represented by directional arrow D) rather than front end 210 of scoop 201. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, vehicle 12 is maneuvered via rotation or other motion to move scoop 201 away from the working zone of soil 175 prior to dumping soil from scoop 201.

In one aspect, by providing scoop 201 with an open back end 212, an operator at controls 26 of vehicle 12 (FIG. 1) can see the load 183 of soil 175 as it exits scoop 201. This arrangement provides substantially more feedback to the operator than a conventional loader bucket, in which the contents of the loader bucket are dumped out of the front end of the conventional loader bucket and the operator is relatively blind to the progression of the exiting of the contents of the loader bucket.

In one aspect, the dual open-ended construction of scoop 201 enables moving scoop 201 through soil 175 despite the presence of large rocks because the scoop 201 has a width and a height that is substantially larger than many common rocks or debris found in soil 175. This scoop arrangement is unlike conventional ditch trenching equipment, which uses a blade-like configuration to cut through soil and therefore is unable to swallow rocks and debris like the trenching tool 202 of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9F is a side view of tool mount 102 and scoop 201, according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 9F, mounting arm 204 of trenching tool 202 is removably secured (e.g., slidably inserted) relative to second portion 122 of receiver arm 120 so that the upper portions 228 of respective side walls 220A, 220B of scoop 201 are positionable generally parallel to a plane of the top surface 178 of soil 175, even though receiver arm 120 is oriented at an acute angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to top surface 178 of soil 175. Moreover, in this position, first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 is in pressing contact against end plate 53 of loader arm 41 to enable driving the scoop 201 forward through soil 175 (upon locomotion of vehicle 12). In another aspect, the angled mounting arm 204 enables positioning scoop 201 substantially completely within soil 175 but without having to place end plate 53 immediately adjacent top surface 178 of soil 175. In addition, this arrangement enables scoop 201 to be used within generally deeper trenches than with mounting arm 206 because the angle mounting arm 204 permits scoop 201 to extend lower within soil 175 for a given position of end plate 53 of loader assembly 40.

FIG. 10 is an end view of a method 350 of trenching with tool mount 102 and trenching tool 202, according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the respective laterally spaced apart locomotion elements 25A, 25B (e.g., treads or wheels) straddle a trench 352 created via tool mount 102 and trenching tool 202. In one aspect, the configuration of trenching tool 202 permits creating a trench 352 at least as wide as scoop 201 via the ability of scoop 201 to extend in a generally horizontal orientation within soil 175, below a bottom portion of vehicle 12 as the vehicle advances over soil 175. In one embodiment, in a method of trenching an operator stands on platform 24 of vehicle 12 (FIG. 1) while vehicle 12 moves over and straddles the trench 352 created by trenching tool 202. The platform 24 enables the operator to remain at back end 21 of vehicle 12 at controls 26 despite the existence of trench 352 below and between locomotion elements 25A, 25B. In one aspect, platform 24 can pivot upwards toward frame 20 of vehicle 12 but does not extend below a generally horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 1. The platform 24, as shown in FIG. 1, is especially adapted to this wide trenching method via trenching tool 202 because the platform 24 is supported in this position without any wheels that roll over the ground as takes place with conventional platform systems. In one embodiment, platform 24 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as the platforms described and illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication 20060103093, titled RIDER PLATFORM FOR SELF-PROPELLED VEHICLE, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 11A is side plan view of a wheelbarrow 400 removably mounted on tool mount 102, according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, tool mount 102 extends from end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 of self-propelled vehicle 12 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, tool mount 102 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as tool mount 102 as previously described and illustrated in association with FIGS. 3-6B. The rotational position of end plate 53 (as represented by directional arrow B) is controlled via loader assembly 40, as previously described and illustrated in association with FIGS. 1-6B.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, wheelbarrow 400 comprises a bucket 402, mounting arm 430, and wheel assembly 421. Bucket 402 comprises back end 404, front end 406, bottom portion 408 and top portion 410 while wheel assembly 421 comprises pivot support 420 and wheel 422. In one aspect, mounting arm 430 extends from back end 404 of bucket 402 for slidable insertion into second portion 122 of receiver arm 120 of tool mount 102. In one embodiment, mounting arm 430 of wheel barrow 400 extends at an obtuse angle relative to top portion 410 of bucket 402 to facilitate placement of tool mount 102 in its first position (in which first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 is in contact against end plate 53 of loader assembly 40). This arrangement helps to maintain a top portion 410 of bucket 402 of wheelbarrow 400 in a generally horizontal position as vehicle 12 moves forward, pushing wheelbarrow 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 is in pressing contact against end plate 53 of vehicle 12 to enable either driving wheelbarrow 400 forward upon forward locomotion of vehicle 12 or backward upon rearward locomotion of vehicle 12.

In another aspect, end plate 53 is tilted upward as represented by directional arrow U to release first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 from contact against end plate 53, thereby enabling tool mount 102 to facilitate an up-and-down range of motion of back end 404 of wheelbarrow 400 as the wheelbarrow 400 travels over terrain having varying elevation.

FIG. 11B is an end plan view of wheelbarrow 400 of FIG. 11A. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, bucket 402 of wheelbarrow 400 comprises a pair of opposed side walls 435A, 435B and defines an open container (as indicated by dashed lines 440) for receiving articles, soil, debris, construction materials or other matter. FIG. 11B also further illustrates wheel assembly 421 as mounted at front end 406 of wheelbarrow 400.

FIG. 11C is side plan view schematically illustrating maneuvering wheelbarrow 400 into a position for emptying the contents of bucket 402, according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 11C, loader arm 41 of vehicle 12 (FIG. 1) is raised to an elevated position with end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 tilted to a generally forward position, thereby maintaining first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 in contact with end plate 53 to cause bucket 402 to tip forward upon rotation of wheel 422 at front end 406 of bucket 402.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of rake 500, according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 12, rake 500 comprises center mast 502 and array 520 of transverse members 522 with center mast 502 including first end 504 and second end 506. The respective transverse members 522 extend generally parallel to each other in a spaced apart relationship (as represented by width W) and extend generally perpendicular to center mast 502. Each respective transverse member 522 includes a bracket 530 for securing the transverse member 522 to center mast 502. Each respective transverse member 522 also comprises a first row of teeth 534A and a second row of teeth 534B (FIGS. 13-14).

FIG. 13 is a front plan view of rake 500 of FIG. 12, further illustrating teeth 534A and 534B. As illustrated in FIG. 13, teeth 534A and teeth 534B extend in a first direction at a generally acute angle (as represented by as) relative to transverse member 522, except with teeth 534A extending in a generally opposite second direction relative to teeth 534B. Accordingly, the respective teeth 534A extend in the first direction that is generally perpendicular to the second direction in which respective teeth 534B extend.

FIG. 14 is side plan view of rake 500 of FIGS. 12-13, which further illustrates that on each respective transverse member 522, the first row of teeth 534B is positioned generally parallel to, but spaced apart from, the second row of teeth 534A. This spacing facilitates flow of soil as the respective rows of teeth 534A, 534B break through soil 175 while also providing room for rocks or other debris. FIG. 14 also illustrates that transverse members 522 are generally parallel to each other in a spaced apart relationship to that the rows of teeth 534A, 534B on one respective transverse member 522 are spaced apart from the rows of teeth 534A, 534B on an adjacent, spaced apart respective transverse member 522.

FIG. 15A-15B are side plan views schematically illustrating application of rake 500 to soil 175, upon removable mounting of rake 500, via tool mount 102, on end plate 53 of loader assembly 40 of self-propelled vehicle 12. As illustrated in FIG. 15A, tool mount 102 extends from end plate 53 of self-propelled vehicle 12 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, tool mount 102 comprises substantially the same features and attributes as tool mount 102 as previously described and illustrated in association with FIGS. 3-6B. In one embodiment, the rotational position of end plate 53 is controlled via loader assembly 40, as previously described and illustrated in association with FIGS. 1-6B.

As illustrated in FIG. 15A, end plate 53 is maneuvered to a position immediately adjacent soil 175 (via lowering of loader arm 41 shown in FIGS. 1-3) to place rake 500 onto soil 175 to cause with teeth 534A and 534B of rake 500 to engage soil 175. During this maneuver, first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 of tool mount 102 is in a generally horizontal position and in contact against the generally vertically positioned end plate 53 via action of gravitational forces. While in this position, self-propelled vehicle 12 is advanced forward over soil 175, thereby causing teeth 534A, 534B to move through soil 175.

FIG. 15B illustrates the pivoting action of tool mount 102 that permits rake 500 to pivot upward to accommodate a temporary elevation (e.g. bump) or increased grade of top surface 178 of soil 175. This arrangement generally corresponds to tool mount 102 moving into the second position (represented by indicator II in FIG. 6B) in which first portion 124 of receiver arm 120 pivots away from contact against end plate 53 of loader assembly 40. However, at the same time, tool mount 102 still translates a pushing force from end plate 53 of self-propelled vehicle 12 (FIG. 1) through rake 500, as vehicle 12 advances over soil 175, despite the pivoting of receiver arm 120 because of the gravitational forces acting to keep rake 500 on soil 175.

Embodiments of the invention provide a tool mount including a pivoting action to introduce a third degree of motion in controlled movements of a tool attached to an end of a loader assembly. This pivoting action grants more fluid movement and control over attachable tools that is not possible with conventional loader assemblies providing only two degrees of motion. In one aspect, the tool mount includes a receiver that removably receives a variety of tools that are interchangeably attached to the tool mount. The tool mount offers unique advantages to each type of tool attached to the loader assembly. The tool mount also acts as a universal receiver to the many different tools while still introducing the third degree of motion in operating a loader assembly.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A tool mount for attachment to an end plate of a loader assembly of a self-propelled vehicle, the tool mount comprising:

a base configured for securing onto an end plate of a loader assembly of a self-propelled vehicle; and

a receiver pivotally connected to the base and including a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion, the second portion configured to removably receive a tool,

wherein the receiver is pivotally movable between: (1) a first position in which the first portion of the receiver arm is in pressing contact against the base of the tool mount; and (2) a second position in which the first portion of the receiver arm is spaced apart from, and is freely pivotally movable relative to, the base of the tool mount.

2. The tool mount of claim 1 wherein the receiver includes a pivot member pivotally mounted to the base and an arm extending generally parallel to and spaced apart from the pivot member, wherein the arm includes the first portion and the second portion of the receiver.

3. The tool mount of claim 2 wherein in the first position, the arm of the receiver is prevented from pivotal movement in a first rotational direction, and in the second position, the arm of the receiver is generally pivotally moveable in both the first rotational direction and in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

4. The tool mount of claim 3 wherein the base extends between a pair of wings laterally spaced apart from each other and the receiver comprises a transverse support extending laterally between a pair of wings, wherein each respective wing of the base is pivotally connected, via a pivot mechanism, to each respective wing of the receiver to arrange the transverse support to be pivotal movably relative to the base.

5. The tool mount of claim 4 wherein the arm of the receiver extends downwardly from the transverse support of the receiver and is connected to the transverse support via at least one flange that extends generally upward from the arm of the receiver and generally surrounds the transverse support.

6. The tool mount of claim 1 and further comprising a vibration-absorbing link configured to be interposed between the end plate of the loader assembly of the vehicle and the receiver.

7. The tool mount of claim 1 wherein the tool comprises a shovel including a mounting arm and a spade extending outwardly from the mounting arm, the mounting arm being removably securable relative to the second portion of the receiver to position the spade to extend away from the base of the receiver.

8. The tool mount of claim 1 wherein the tool comprises:

a scoop including an open back end and an open front end opposite the open back end, the scoop including a two opposite sidewalls and a bottom portion interposed and extending laterally between the opposite sidewalls.

9. The tool mount of claim 8 wherein the scoop comprises:

a bracket extending laterally between the two opposite sidewalls and positioned at the open back end of the scoop; and

at least one of a first mounting arm and a second mounting arm with both of the respective first and second mounting arms extending outwardly from the bracket away from the open back end and each respective first and second mounting arm slidably insertable into the second portion of the receiver,

wherein the first mounting arm extends generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the scoop and wherein the second mounting arm extends at an acute angle relative to the first mounting arm.

10. The tool mount of claim 1 wherein the tool comprises a rake including:

a center mast including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end comprising a mounting arm removably securable relative to the second portion of the receiver of the tool mount; and

an array of transverse members extending generally perpendicular to the center mast in a spaced apart relationship, with each transverse member supporting an array of teeth configured to engage soil.

11. The tool mount of claim 10 wherein the array of teeth of each respective transverse member of the rake comprises:

a first array of teeth oriented in a first direction and forming an acute angle relative to the respective transverse member; and

a second array of teeth oriented in a second direction and forming an acute angle relative to the respective transverse member, the second direction being generally perpendicular to, and opposite from, the first direction,

wherein the first array of teeth are generally parallel to the second array of teeth in a spaced apart relationship.

12. The tool mount of claim 1 and further comprising a self-propelled vehicle comprising:

a vehicle frame including a loader assembly including: a hydraulic loader arm pivotally mounted relative to the vehicle frame; a hydraulic lift cylinder mounted relative to vehicle frame; and an end plate pivotally mounted relative to both the loader arm and the lift cylinder, wherein the lift cylinder is configured to extend and retract for controlling selective rotational movement of the end plate.

13. The tool mount of claim 12 wherein the hydraulic loader arm is pivotally movable relative to the vehicle frame to provide a first degree of motion, the hydraulic lift cylinder is extendable and retractable to control pivoting of the end plate relative to the vehicle frame as a second degree of motion, and the receiver of the tool mount is pivotable relative to the end plate of the loader assembly to provide a third degree of motion for the tool.

14. A method of manipulating a tool mounted on a self-propelled vehicle, the method comprising:

removably mounting a tool in a pivotal relationship relative to a mounting plate of a hydraulic loader assembly of a self-propelled vehicle; and

moving the tool, via selectively controlled rotational movement of the mounting plate, between a first position in which the tool is releasably fixed relative to the mounting plate and a second position in which the tool is freely pivotally movable relative to the mounting plate.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein removably mounting a tool comprises:

providing the tool as a shovel and moving the tool comprises wiggling the shovel back and forth in a soil portion via pivotal movement of the tool, relative to the mounting plate of the loader assembly of the vehicle, between the first position and the second position.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein removably mounting a tool comprises:

providing the tool as a scoop that includes an open front end and an open back end, and wherein moving the tool comprises forming a trench via:

forcing an angled entry of the open front end of the scoop in the first position of the scoop relative to the mounting plate;

advancing the scoop through the soil with the scoop in the second position.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein moving the tool comprises:

emptying soil from the scoop via raising the mounting plate of the loader assembly to orient the scoop in the first position and positioning, via rotation of the mounting plate, the open back end of the scoop generally downward to empty the soil from open back end of the scoop.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein moving the tool comprises:

positioning the scoop adjacent a front end of the vehicle between a pair of oppositely positioned locomotion elements of the vehicle; and

riding on a platform of the vehicle at a back end of the vehicle as the vehicle moves over the trench formed via the scoop with the platform passing over the trench.

19. The method of claim 12 wherein removably mounting the tool comprises providing the tool as a rake and moving the tool comprises

forcing the rake, with the receiver in the first portion, generally parallel to a generally horizontal surface of a soil portion to engage an array of teeth of the rake into and through the soil; and

permitting the rake to move into the second portion during forcing of the rake through a generally sloped surface of the soil portion.

20. A self-propelled vehicle comprising:

means for raising and lowering a mounting plate relative to a vehicle frame of the vehicle;

means for pivoting the mounting plate relative to the means for raising and lowering; and

means for removably securing a tool relative to the mounting plate including: means for pivoting the tool in a first rotational direction toward the vehicle frame and in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction away from the vehicle frame; and means for limiting pivoting of the tool in the first rotational direction via contact against the mounting plate.

21. The self-propelled vehicle of claim 20 wherein the means for raising and lowering a mounting plate includes a hydraulically controlled loader arm pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame and pivotally mounted relative to the mounting plate, and

wherein the means for pivoting the mounting plate includes a lift cylinder positioned on the vehicle frame and pivotally mounted relative to the mounting plate.

22. The self-propelled vehicle of claim 21 wherein the means for removably securing comprises a tool mount interposed between the mounting plate and the tool, the tool mount including a base positioned on the mounting plate and a receiver adapted to removably receive the tool, and wherein the means for pivoting comprises a pivot mechanism pivotally connecting the receiver relative to the base, and wherein the means for limiting comprises an arm of the receiver sized and shaped to contact the mounting plate upon pivotal movement of the receiver in the first rotational direction.