Combined With Fork Or Rake Patents (Class 37/405)
  • Patent number: 11795655
    Abstract: A work machine is operatively coupled with a bucket attachment. A lift mechanism coupled with the work machine is adjustable to a plurality of Z-axis positions. The bucket attachment includes a bucket rotatably coupled with a frame. The frame is rotatably coupled with a rear end of the work machine and is coupled with the lift mechanism by at least one flexible rigging. The lift mechanism is adjustable to a first position in which the frame is rotated so that the bucket contacts the underlying ground surface and the flexible rigging does not support any of a weight of the frame and to a second position in which the frame is rotated so that the bucket is raised above the underlying ground surface and the flexible rigging supports at least a portion of the weight of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: ABI Attachments, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin V. Keigley
  • Patent number: 10851507
    Abstract: An improved material pusher or containment plow employing a floating vehicle-coupling system, a modular composite scraping edge, a front-pivoting wear shoe with an adjustable angle, as well as water-shedding features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Pro-Tech Manufacturing and Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Guggino, Barry Sherman, Thomas B. Maier, James Maier, David Mack
  • Patent number: 10308491
    Abstract: Shaped sideplates include a portion of the sideplate that is contained within a mast channel such that such portion is at least substantially hidden from the view of an operator located at the operator station of the forklift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: HYSTER-YALE GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Stent
  • Patent number: 10294631
    Abstract: An articulated rake assembly attachable to an excavating vehicle having a bucket. The rake assembly has a rake mechanism adapted and constructed to retain material having a certain size. A reciprocating mechanism operationally connects the rake mechanism to the bucket of the vehicle, and is adapted and constructed to selectively reciprocate the rake mechanism with respect to the bucket, thereby selectively retaining material. The rake mechanism configurable to have either or both a push orientation and a gather orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Justin Haveman
  • Patent number: 10071610
    Abstract: A method for providing improved ride control for a work vehicle when transporting a drawn implement may include monitoring a load applied through a drawbar-related component(s) of the work vehicle while the drawn implement is being transported, wherein the drawn implement is located at a transport position relative to a driving surface of the work vehicle such that a ground engaging tool of the drawn implement is located above the driving surface. The method may also include detecting a variation in the monitored load over time, comparing the detected load variation in the monitored load to a predetermined load variance threshold and controlling an operation of at least one of an implement suspension system of the drawn implement or a vehicle suspension system of the work vehicle so as to reduce the detected load variation in the monitored load when the load variation exceeds the predetermined load variance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Thomas B. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 9822508
    Abstract: An articulated rake assembly attachable to an excavating vehicle having a bucket. The rake assembly has a rake mechanism adapted and constructed to retain material having a certain size. A reciprocating mechanism operationally connects the rake mechanism to the bucket of the vehicle, and is adapted and constructed to selectively reciprocate the rake mechanism with respect to the bucket, thereby selectively retaining material. The rake mechanism configurable to have either or both a push orientation and a gather orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Justin Haveman
  • Patent number: 9719231
    Abstract: An implement system is adapted for use with a machine including an implement and a fork assembly. The fork assembly having one or more loading members includes a first upright portion, a second upright portion, and a crimped portion. Further, the crimped portion interconnects the first upright portion and the second upright portion. A mounting device is configured to support the implement and the fork assembly. Further, the mounting device includes a first side plate and a second side plate. A first transverse member is disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate. A second transverse member is disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate, such that the one or more loading members of the fork assembly are pivotally connected to the second transverse member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: James White
  • Patent number: 9121162
    Abstract: A hybrid male coupler portion for a front-end loader mates selectively and interchangeably with first, second or third different female coupler portions. The coupler portion includes a frame having first and second arm pin-on locations adapted for connection to associated first and second arms, respectively; at least one tilt member pin-on location adapted for connection to an associated tilt member; and first and second coupler halves including first, second and third hook-engaging mounts, first, second and third rib locking locations aligned with the respective hook-engaging mounts, plunger pin(s) slidably connected to the frame, movable between locked and retracted positions possibly moving toward the center line of the frame when locked or in opposing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: TAG Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen E. Kimble, Tracy C. Errera
  • Patent number: 9015967
    Abstract: An adjustable blade rake includes a mounting plate configured to mount to a machine. A backup plate is coupled to the mounting plate and includes a plurality of slots. A moldboard is attached to the backup plate. A plurality of tines are slidably located in the plurality of slots adjacent the rear side of the moldboard. A crossbar couples the plurality of tines together and a lifting device is operatively coupled to the plurality of tines and is configured to slide the plurality of tines in the plurality of slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. May
  • Patent number: 8991079
    Abstract: Machines are often used to collect and transport materials in a work environment. One of the more common methods of collecting and transporting materials is with a fork having tines. Another common instrument attached to a machine for collecting and transporting materials is a bucket. The present disclosure describes a bucket that engages the tines of a fork, and therefore can be used with a machine that already has a fork attached. The present disclosure also engages with tines of multiple lengths, meaning that the same bucket will engage with forks from different machines. The bucket has first and second side members; a collecting member extending between the first and second side members; and an engagement portion having an engagement surface and a pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy L. Stewart, Wayne M. Castegnaro, Jr., Ryan P. Shea
  • Patent number: 8939701
    Abstract: Machines are often used to collect and transport materials in a work environment. One of the more common methods of collecting and transporting materials is with a fork. The tines of a conventional fork may damage the materials being collected by the machine. Tines are also difficult to attach other work implements to. The disclosed apparatus facilitates collecting material with less resultant damage to the material. The disclosed apparatus also simplifies the connection of other work implements to the machine, in particular, a bucket, by not requiring that the fork first be removed from the machine to attach the bucket. The tine has a base member with a distal end; a roller rotatably coupled to the base member proximate to the distal end; and a part of the roller is elevated above the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy L. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20140317968
    Abstract: A clamp-on bucket attachment having hinged fork arms, which prevent the fork arms from being bent or damaged when the loader bucket is lowered while tilted downward. The clamp-on bucket attachment of this invention includes a pivoting fork arm and a separate clamping member detachably mounted to the loader bucket. The fork arm is pivotally connected to the clamp member for free movement between a tilt position where the fork arm is angled with respect to the bottom of the loader bucket and a lift position where the fork arm is parallel to the bottom of the loader bucket. In the lift position, the fork arm abuts against the clamp member to hold it parallel to the bottom of the loader bucket under load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Robert E. Payne
  • Publication number: 20140150304
    Abstract: A hydraulic management system and method are provided that account for auxiliary work tool usage. The hydraulic management system automatically calculates an effective use time of a hydraulic element, such as a hydraulic fluid or hydraulic filters, by multiplying work tool usage by a desired gain factor, where the gain factor may exceed 1 for auxiliary work tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Lance R. Sherlock, Richard Pugh, Kristen Dawn Cadman
  • Patent number: 8641357
    Abstract: A track hoe bucket attachment for purposes of loading and unloading pipe comprising two tines connected at one end by a pipe. The pipe has an opening that is capable of receiving the teeth of the track hoe bucket. The two tines are further connected by a support bar which has eyelets at its two ends. The eyelets of the support bar receive a chain that is connected to the track hoe to further secure the attachment to the track hoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Charles David Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130160334
    Abstract: An adjustable blade rake according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mounting plate configured to mount to a machine. A backup plate is coupled to the mounting plate and includes a plurality of slots. A moldboard is attached to the backup plate. A plurality of tines are slidably located in the plurality of slots adjacent the rear side of the moldboard. A crossbar couples the plurality of tines together and a lifting device is operatively coupled to the plurality of tines and is configured to slide the plurality of tines in the plurality slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. MAY
  • Patent number: 8449241
    Abstract: A hydraulically-operated grapple attachment for the scoop bucket of a skid steer loader comprises a mounting bar running the length dimension of the bucket along a top rear edge thereof and pivotally attached to the mounting bar by tubular steel arms is a crossbar member having perpendicularly oriented tines projecting downward therefrom where at least one of the tines is hydraulically displaceable in a direction forward from the crossbar. Actuation of the hydraulically-movable tine serves to prevent the skid steer loader from becoming mired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald M. Fritsch
  • Patent number: 8374755
    Abstract: A control system for a machine is disclosed. The control system may have a power source, an operator input device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a desired mode of power source operation, and a work implement driven by the power source. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the power source and the operator input device. The controller may be configured to classify a currently performed work implement task and select an output map based on the classification of the currently performed work implement task and the first signal. The controller may further be configured to control the power source operation using the output map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Hong-Chin Lin, Yun-Ren Ho, Lucas Adam Knapp
  • Patent number: 8083073
    Abstract: The loader bucket sieve apparatus is clamped between the jaws of the bucket of a bucket loader or the like, without tools or fasteners. Importantly, as the apparatus rests upon a given surface, the loader operator need only place the jaws of the bucket in the appropriate positions and then clamp the jaws together, reversing said procedure when wishing to disengage the apparatus. The apparatus may have straight supports or concave supports, depending upon need and bucket application. The sieves may extend beyond each side of the supports at each side of the apparatus in order to increase work surface beyond the bounds of the jaws. The sieves may be equidistantly spaced and may also be unequally spaced apart. Sieves may be disposed within all the holes or part of the holes of the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Brown
  • Patent number: 8079162
    Abstract: The invention is a rake attachment for use with an excavator arm of heavy machinery. The preferred embodiment has two cross-members that make the invention easily installed with an automated excavator arm. An alternative embodiment provides for mounting hardware for use with a traditional excavator arm, which does not have a hydraulically operated attaching device. The invention is suited for use with the clearing of loose debris in and around a typical construction site. The construction debris may comprise loose wood scraps, tree branches, fencing, and other objects typical of a construction site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Donald C. Sherman
  • Patent number: 8061956
    Abstract: A skid steer bale spear has a single member, or cross tube, to which joins at least one spear and balance spikes. The member then has plates proximate each end welded to the member for connection to a tractor or skid steer loader following the spacing and orientation for the Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach. Additionally, this skid steer bale spear includes a rollback angle to the spear, foot grips, backstops, and detachable spears and spikes. This skid steer bale spear uses less resources, capital, labor, and materials for manufacturing. The member, spear, and balance spikes can be shipped and merchandised in a compact form. At the farm or the ranch, the skid steer bale spear assembles in minutes with hand tools and readily connects to a tractor or loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Worksaver, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas I. Burenga
  • Patent number: 7963053
    Abstract: An excavator provides a frame that includes an undercarriage having a ground engaging propeller (e.g. endless tracks) that enables the undercarriage to move the frame. The frame includes an upper portion that supports an elongated articulating boom having at least two boom sections that are pivotally connected. The frame provides an enclosure having a motor drive and a hydraulic system that powers the boom, and a cab rotatable upon the undercarriage about a generally vertical axis. The boom has a distal end with a bucket that has one or more bucket teeth. A scraper is connected to the boom distal end and provides another end that is extendable to a position generally below the cab and to the vertical axis. A connection joins the boom distal end to the scraper. The connection includes a connection of the bucket to the proximal end of the scraper and to the upper surface of the scraper wherein the bucket tooth connects to the scraper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Courville & Dugas, Inc.
    Inventor: Mickey Courville
  • Patent number: 7950895
    Abstract: A bucket bale spear bolts together upon a frame, that slips upon the cutting edge of a bucket, and then one bolt secures the frame to the bucket. The frame receives a spear and two balance spikes upon a bracket. A centered tube accepts the spear and secures it with a transverse bolt. The tube provides additional bending resistance for the spear at less weight than a proportional length of spear. The balance spikes also bolt to the frame. The frame, spear, and balance spikes can be shipped and merchandised compactly. At the farm or the ranch, the bucket bale spear assembles readily with hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Worksaver, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas I. Burenga
  • Publication number: 20110078930
    Abstract: A multi-purpose attachment for work vehicles comprises a unique bucket shape and tine arrangement permitting the attachment to be used when performing a variety of jobs at a job site. The attachment may also include a thumb that can be extended over the open front of the bucket, retracted and even folded when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Jerauld Dunn
  • Publication number: 20100319225
    Abstract: The invention, a horizontally moveable digging/trenching bucket attachment with boom, for machines (tractor, skid steer . . . ) with pivoting front end loader allows for a machine with limited capabilities to be used for various operations through simple detaching of the standard large, wide bucket and attaching the invention. This invention is unique and desirable in that it eliminates the need for multiple machines and or multiple attachments to complete operations that can be accomplished by a single machine with the attached invention. The invention is comprised of a horizontally movable digging bucket with steel teeth having a fixed or adjustable trenching plow and an attachable/detachable boom. Due to the limitations of a front end loader's motion, the unique design of the invention will add the capability of horizontal motion for maximum efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Richard Namon, II, Marta de Tuya
  • Publication number: 20100212193
    Abstract: A landscaping tool for attachment to the bucket of a landscaping vehicle with the use of removable load securing devices. Installation of the landscaping apparatus is accomplished quickly and without the need for any preexisting mounting holes to be present in the bucket or in the landscaping tool. The tool generally comprises an elongated plate having two opposite longitudinal working edges and a plurality of integrally formed tapered teeth protruding from each working edge. The two longitudinal surfaces also contain a series of connection brackets which enable the landscaping tool to securely engage the bucket. Load securing devices are routed around the back of the bucket to provide tension to the connection brackets in turn securely attaching the landscaping apparatus to the bucket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Bradley Wayne Kostyak
  • Patent number: 7726052
    Abstract: A tined implement coupled to front arms of a front end loader includes a hitch quick-coupler mechanism, a body, at least one tine and a plurality of arm coupling brackets. The body is coupled to the quick-coupler mechanism and defines a plurality of apertures each having tine bearing surfaces. The at least one tine is coupled to the body and positioned within one of the tine bearing surfaces. The plurality of arm coupling brackets are coupled to the quick-coupler mechanism. The brackets are rotatably coupled to the front arms of the front end loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel M. Zettel
  • Publication number: 20100058622
    Abstract: A mounting for a tooth bar to a mounting surface of a thumb sub-assembly, the mounting including one or more inwardly narrowing slots located adjacent the mounting surface and into which a part of a mounting portion of the tooth bar can be wedgingly engaged, there being fixing means for fixing the tooth bar into engagement with the mounting surface following the mounting portion being wedgingly engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: WEDGELOCK EQUIPMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthew James Calvert, Aaron Tempelaere
  • Patent number: 7654018
    Abstract: An excavation tool having a lever with an end adapted for receiving force from a user's foot, an excavation head mounted to the other end of the lever, and a fulcrum mounted on the lever at the upper end of the excavation head for resting against the soil surface. The excavation tool may also have an excavation head for insertion into the soil with an upper end adapted for receiving a user's foot along the centerline of the excavation head, and a lever fixedly mounted to the excavation head, having an end adapted for receiving force from a user's foot. The excavation tool may have an opening above the upper end of the excavation head for receiving a user's foot on the upper end of the excavation head along the centerline of the excavation head. A fulcrum may be mounted on the lever at the upper end of the excavation head for resting against the soil surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Robert G. Lancaster
  • Patent number: 7641436
    Abstract: A bale tote implement for a skid steer vehicle including an elongated body having a plurality of openings. Each opening is configured to receive one or more fasteners and at least one of the openings is configured to receive a fastener to retain the implement in position on a bucket of the skid steer vehicle. The implement also includes a plurality of substantially hollow gathering teeth having a first end and a second end. The first end is substantially flattened and the second end includes a support dowel inserted therein. Slots are configured to receive the second end of the gathering teeth. U-shaped fasteners are positioned adjacent the second end and through at least two of the openings in the elongated body. The U-shaped fasteners apply a retention force on the second end and the support dowel to retain the teeth in position within the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick V. Wippel, Mary E. Wippel
  • Publication number: 20080307681
    Abstract: A landscape rake attachment for an excavation machine. An exemplary attachment may have a grasping plate with a back surface sized to rest against a teeth edge of the machine bucket and a front surface to make contact with a machine thumb. An anti-slip plate may extend along a top edge of the grasping plate with a width greater than the depth of the grasping plate. A finger mounting plate may be coupled to a lower edge of the grasping plate and extend horizontally from each side of the lower edge. A plurality of fingers may be coupled to the finger mounting plate and extending downward from the finger mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: William Duane McNeil
  • Patent number: 7086184
    Abstract: A grapple rake adapted for receiving subsoiler shanks is useful for multiple post-timber harvest management activities. A pair of downwardly-depending, forward-oriented subsoiling shanks is mounted on the underside of the rake, allowing the implement to accomplish the tasks of (1) grapple piling to deal with post-timber harvest fuels reduction and (2) subsoiling to improve soil productivity by reducing soil compaction. The implement is optionally equipped with a coulter blade. This invention will be useful for decommissioning forest roads, skid trails, landings, and harvest units with new and/or legacy compaction without the need for multiple pieces of heavy equipment or for multiple entries into the treatment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: James G. Archuleta, Jr., Michael W. Karr
  • Patent number: 7080469
    Abstract: A multiple-tool attachment for vehicles having a front subassembly and a rear subassembly. The front subassembly and rear subassembly are connected with a slip joint so that the attachment can be placed upon vehicles of varying size. A variety of tools can be connected to the front subassembly. Preferably the front subassembly has one or more support wheels, and one embodiment of the rear subassembly has one or more rear support wheels. Such wheels can support the weight of the attachment and tools to minimize the added load on a vehicle. In another embodiment, the rear subassembly is replaced with an adapter so that the front subassembly can be connected to a truck or utility vehicle. And a still further embodiment, in order to facilitate towing, adds tow wheels to the embodiment having the front subassembly but with an adapter replacing the rear subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: William G. Ganswich
  • Patent number: 6996925
    Abstract: A combination plow and claw assembly is provided which is attached to a vehicle. The assembly is used for plowing a surface and/or for clawing a surface wherein the function of the combination plow and claw assembly can be easily changed by an operator of the vehicle during operation of the assembly so that a plowing function can be obtained when the vehicle is moved forward and a clawing function obtained when the vehicle is moved backward. In a preferred aspect, a rotating plate (which can be a flexible rake tine or a serrated plate) is fixedly connected to a rotating shaft. A drive shaft is axially disposed in the rotating shaft and secured to the rotating shaft. The drive shaft extends through openings in support plates and is fixedly connected to rotating means. The rotating plate in combination with a stationary plate converts the assembly into a plow or claw depending on the rotation of the rotating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Woodward D. Harding
  • Patent number: 6990758
    Abstract: A heavy-duty scraping and rake attachment for excavator buckets for clearing brush-covered earth. The attachment is easily mountable to the bucket, thus avoiding the work and expense of removing the bucket from the arm. The scraper portion provides for offset toothed scrapers, a combination of toothed scraper and blade, and blade only use and is used in conjunction with a heavy-duty rake and power-operated thumb to grasp and remove the material rooted or scraped up from the earth by the scraper. The scraper portion and rake are included in a single unit, attachable and detachable from the excavator bucket. Scraper and blade attachments either detachably connected to the unit with bolts or permanently welded in place as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: David C. Holmes, Frederick J. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6988866
    Abstract: A fork lift attachment for multi-purpose buckets that is easily installed and secured. The mechanism fits under the bucket and is supported by a slot on the top side of the tine and a latch at the heel of the tine. The latch is tightened causing the fork lift attachment to be cinched onto the bucket. A security chain readily and visibly secures the latch so as to prevent the fork lift attachments from being dislodged even if the hydraulics open the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Construction Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Friedland, Charles Leroy Welch, Donna Kelleen Darnell
  • Patent number: 6910290
    Abstract: A device providing a combined bucket and scarifier includes a bucket having a bottom wall, a rear wall, and two side walls coupled to the bottom wall and the rear wall to define an interior space. The bucket has an open front end and the rear wall is generally rectangular having a long axis. A scarifier is operatively associated with the bucket. The scarifier has a plurality of teeth constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to the bucket between a stored, inoperative position, and an operative position with portions of the teeth extending outwardly with respect to a portion of the bottom wall of the bucket. Actuating structure is mounted with respect to the bucket. The actuating structure includes a cylinder unit having a piston, and linkages coupled between the piston and teeth such that movement of the piston causes movement of the linkages thereby causing movement of the teeth between the inoperative and operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Meurer
  • Patent number: 6892482
    Abstract: A combination plow and claw assembly is provided which is attached to a vehicle. The assembly is used for plowing a surface and/or for clawing a surface wherein the function of the combination plow and claw assembly can be easily changed by an operator of the vehicle during operation of the assembly so that a plowing function can be obtained when the vehicle is moved forward and a clawing function obtained when the vehicle is moved backward. In one aspect, the assembly employs a rotatable pipe support member axially disposed within a first elongated horizontal support member wherein a plow and claw plate is fixedly secured to the rotatable member. In use, the plow and claw plate is rotated upward or downward depending on the function desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Woodward D. Harding
  • Patent number: 6718662
    Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to the bucket of a front end loader, skip loader or any other power-operated bucket. The apparatus comprises a plurality of teeth supported in a frame that attaches to the bucket of a front end loader. The apparatus may be used to sort unwanted material, e.g., small and large pieces of wood, rocks and waste products such as manure, from dirt and then to transfer the unwanted material into the bucket of the loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy Schaff
  • Patent number: 6578297
    Abstract: A unique bucket attachment and sub-attachment adaptable for use with skid steer loaders and other earth moving equipment. The bucket attachment has a much smaller ratio of width to length than conventional loader buckets. It also provides for a much longer reach than conventional loader implements. The bucket attachment is well adapted for use with a skid steer loader or other tractor for trenching, excavation and moving of granular materials such as earth, sand, gravel or crushed rock. The bucket attachment may include a short fork assembly at the distal end. In addition to increasing the reach of the attachment, the fork assembly assists in the manipulation of heavy unit items such as balled and burlapped trees and shrubs, boulders, and blocks of stone or concrete. Sub-attachments, such as a smaller bucket that further extends the reach of the bucket attachment, and a variety of chutes can be removably attached to the distal end of the bucket attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Craig H. Forsberg
  • Patent number: 6572324
    Abstract: A free-floating hydraulic piston cylinder situated in side-to-side orientation in which the piston rod advances from the cylinder which it causes to move in the opposite direction. To the piston rod as well as to the opposite end of the cylinder is connected linkage which changes the direction of force and pushes a moveable frame with attached spears in a forward ready-for-work direction. This arrangement permits the attachment of a great number of the spears because the moving frame can be efficiently acted upon all the way along its length rather than just near its middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Jason Tory Ihm
  • Publication number: 20030079379
    Abstract: A lift arm assembly for a small or “mini” loader is pivotally mounted onto a self propelled frame for movement between a raised and a lowered position. In the raised position, a support strut is provided that fits over an extended rod of the lift arm operating cylinder and will prevent the lift arm assembly from lowering. The support strut is stored in a front tubular cross member of the lift arm assembly. Additionally, the front cross member supports an upright strut that acts as a back stop for material in a bucket, by projecting upwardly beyond the bucket top so that if an object in the bucket tends to roll rearwardly, if the bucket is not leveled, it will be intercepted by the upwardly projecting portion of the back stop and deflected laterally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Mark F. Bares, James H. Page
  • Patent number: 6546650
    Abstract: A combined bucket and scarifier includes a bucket having a bottom wall, a rear wall, and two side walls coupled to the bottom wall and the rear wall to define an interior space. The bucket has an open front end and a generally smooth lower front edge. A scarifier is operatively associated with the bucket. The scarifier has a plurality of teeth constructed and arranged to be rotated with respect to the bucket between an inoperative position so as not to obstruct the lower front edge and the bottom wall of the bucket, and an operative position with portions of the teeth extending outwardly with respect to the bottom wall of the bucket. An actuating structure is mounted with respect to the bucket and is constructed and arranged to move the teeth between the inoperative and operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Meurer
  • Patent number: 6527497
    Abstract: A load bearing lift attachment apparatus for a multipurpose loader bucket including a first jaw and a second jaw movably mounted thereto between an opened condition and a closed condition. The lift attachment apparatus includes a lift member formed and dimensioned to engage an object to be lifted; and a lift support device removably coupling the lift member to the loader bucket. The lift support device is configured to cooperate with the first jaw, and the top surface and the bottom surface of the engaging wall of the second jaw, in the closed condition, to distribute the cantilever forces, caused by the weight of the object acting on the loader bucket, across a substantial transverse portion of a support member of the first jaw and a engaging wall of the second jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Perrybuilt Incorporated
    Inventor: James A. Perry
  • Patent number: 6442921
    Abstract: A method of raking with a tractor having a rear horizontally elongated hydraulic blade. After attachment the rake can be can be lifted, lowered, and pressed down into the soil or gravel etc. being raked with hydraulic power. The method comprises the following steps: providing a horizontally elongate member adapted to be carried adjacent, parallel to, and beneath the bottom portion of the blade, said member having teeth spaced along and extending downwardly therefrom; providing blade attachment devices affixed along the elongate member for releasably attaching the member beneath the bottom portion of the blade; and, releasably attaching the elongate member to the blade on the tractor. In a preferred embodiment of this invention the elongated member comprises a channel, the blade attachment devices comprise arms which extend from opposite side portions of the channel and surround the blade, and the teeth comprise hardened replaceable bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Eamon E. Feeley
  • Patent number: 6408550
    Abstract: A mounting assembly includes an arm, and a working implement mounting device provided at or towards one end of the arm, the working implement mounting device being adapted releasably to mount on the arm a first working implement, and the invention being characterised in that the working implement mounting device has mounted thereon, a second working implement, the second working implement being mounted such that the second working implement is movable relative to the working implement mounting device between a first position in which the second working implement may be used when the first working implement is de-mounted from the arm, and a second position in which the second working implement is stowed to allow use of the first working implement when mounted on the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: J. C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Roy William Allsopp, David John Brown
  • Patent number: 6405460
    Abstract: This invention, which by design attaches to an excavator bucket (16), latches locking hook arms (10) on the inside of the top of the excavator bucket (16). The invention is comprised of a plurality of specially designed hook arms (10) and at least one specially designed fork (14) both of which are welded in specific locations to opposite sides of a plate (12). Due to the manufacture of different styles, types, and sizes of excavator buckets and construction materials, this invention can be specifically fabricated relative to the intended excavator bucket (16) or construction task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: James A. Whitmire, David Abshire, Gavin Abshire
  • Publication number: 20020044862
    Abstract: A skid-steer loader implement having a hydraulically actuated grapple component that includes an implement having first and second spaced apart pivot support structures and a hydraulically actuated grapple component pivotally secured to the second pivot support structure. A hydraulically actuated cylinder has one end of the cylinder pivotally secured to the first pivot support structure of the implement and is provided with a moveable piston integrally coupled to an output actuation rod that is pivotally secured at an end remote from the piston to the grapple component. The hydraulically actuated cylinder has supply/return ports adjacent the ends of the cylinder adapted to be alternately coupled to a high pressure hydraulic fluid supply or low pressure hydraulic fluid return.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: Farmer@$apos;s Factory Company
    Inventor: Paul Burton
  • Patent number: 6360458
    Abstract: A rake attachment and a bucket attachment incorporating the same, the rake attachment generally comprising a plate, a plurality of apertures in the plate and a plurality of teeth. The elongate plate has a plurality of mounting holes extending therethrough and a plurality of integrally formed teeth projecting therefrom. The entire rake attachment is formed from a unitary plate of material to provide strength and durability. The rake attachment is designed to be fixed to the bucket attachment of a loader. Different bucket attachments are produced by various manufacturers and each have differently spaced apertures extending through a lower lip of the bucket. The rake attachment features a plurality of holes that can be combined into many different sets, each set corresponding with the spaced apertures of a specific manufacturer's bucket attachment. As such, one rake attachment can be used with a variety of different bucket attachments for loaders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Farmers' Factory Company
    Inventor: Randy Dolister
  • Patent number: 6209236
    Abstract: A rock picker and material loader attachment is pivotally mounted to a loader scoop or bucket and extends longitudinally forward therefrom. A plurality of teeth form the leading surface of the attachment during digging and loading operations. Parallel, relatively planar plates form the structural support for the plurality of teeth, will simultaneously acting as a debris catcher and allowing an operator to view the teeth while engaging material through the debris catcher. An adjustable support is used in combination with a small, easy-to-use wedge, to control and adjust the characteristics of rotation of the attachment relative to a scoop or bucket. A two speed hydraulic cylinder may also be used as the primary mover to effect the rotation of the attachment. The attachment is useful for rocks, manure, trash, bales and other materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence F. Omann
  • Patent number: 6168369
    Abstract: When operating a work vehicle such as a backhoe or wheel loader, it is frequently desirable to utilize auxiliary work equipment with the vehicle such as a pallet fork and a loading bucket. In the course of such operation, it is generally necessary to move the vehicle from one site to another, which requires movement of the auxiliary work equipment as well as the vehicle. The present invention provides a convenient coupling system for securely attaching a second work implement, such as a loading bucket, to a first work implement, such as pallet forks, for transportation purposes so that the connected auxiliary work equipment can be readily transported by the work vehicle from site to site, which is especially important when moving the vehicle over uneven and rough ground or surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Erik Bright, Michael R. Gibbons