Having Quick-connect Coupling Patents (Class 37/468)
  • Publication number: 20030131505
    Abstract: An assembly mountable on a dipper stick operatively connected to a machine, having a fluid actuated assembly, and connectable to an implement having at least one pair of opposed, connecting pin receiving recesses generally consisting of at least one spacer link including a pair of segments pivotally connected together and angularly displaceable relative to each other between retracted, inoperable and extended, operable positions, one of said link segments having a pin portion connectable to the dipper stick for pivotal open about its axis and receivable in one of the implement recesses and the other of the link segments having a pin portion operatively connectable to the fluid actuating assembly for pivotal movement about its axis and receivable in the other of the implement recesses, and a latch mounted thereon and cooperable with the one link segment when the segments are disposed in their extended, operative positions for releasably securing the link segments in their extended, operative positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Ashley Heiple
  • Patent number: 6579024
    Abstract: An apparatus to connect an implement to a first apparatus, the apparatus including a first part adapted for attachment to the first apparatus, a second part adapted for attachment to a second apparatus. The first and second parts are articulated one with the other about an articulation axis. The parts are actuable between modes whereby, in one mode, the first and second parts can articulate relative to each other, and, in the second mode, the first and second parts cannot articulate relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: JB Sales International Limited
    Inventor: Greg Douglas Trowbridge
  • Publication number: 20030074813
    Abstract: A rear-mounted implement mounting system includes semi-cylindrical seats open upwardly and mounted on a lower back portion of a utility vehicle chassis that receive bar members located on a facing lower part of the rear-mounted implement. The utility vehicle chassis further includes semi-cylindrical receivers open in a rearward direction and adjacent cylinder portions open laterally. The receivers guide cylindrical bosses, located on an upper portion of the rear-mounted implement, into alignment with the cylinder portions, when the rear-mounted implement is pivoted upwardly by extending the boom cylinder of the rear-mounted implement. Connecting pins can be slipped through the cylindrical bosses and cylinder portions to lock the rear-mounted implement to the utility vehicle chassis. An operator remaining in the vehicle cab or operator station can easily operate the mounting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: David Laverne Sprinkle, Daniel R. Fuzzen
  • Patent number: 6539650
    Abstract: A swivel connection for quick attachment bracket equipped excavator booms. The swivel connection has a frame that mounts onto a quick attachment bracket on an excavator or backhoe boom, and the frame pivotally mounts a second attachment bracket about a swivel axis. The second attachment bracket is adapted to fit into a frame on an implement that also is connectable to the bracket on the boom. An implement attached to the second bracket this can be pivoted relative to the frame of the swivel connection. A linear hydraulic actuator is used for controlling the pivoting movement of the second bracket relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Craig A. Berard
  • Patent number: 6513268
    Abstract: A quick coupler for an excavator includes a cylinder tube fixed to each lower end of an excavator arm and a link, and having fixing bolt holes formed on one side thereof; a piston housing fitted into the cylinder tube to be fixed by fixing bolts inserted into the fixing bolt holes, and joined with a rod cover at both ends thereof, respectively; a pair of pistons inserted into each side of the piston housing with a spring interposed therebetween, each piston having a mechanical seal formed at its inner end; the pair of rod covers inserted between an outer circumference of the piston and an inner circumference of the piston housing on each side of the piston housing for preventing leakage of hydraulic fluid; and a pair of coupler pins inserted between an outer circumference of the piston housing and an inner circumference of the cylinder tube on each side of the cylinder tube, each coupler pin formed in a cap-shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials
    Inventors: Yong Bum Lee, Hyoung Eui Kim
  • Patent number: 6508616
    Abstract: A bucket fastener for a hydraulic shovel is assembled between an arm of the hydraulic shovel and a dipper bucket. The bucket fastener has a body pivotally mounted with the arm and a vertical link. A fixed hook is formed at a front end of the body. A movable seat is provided in the body and has a movable hook formed thereon. By the fixed hook attaching a first axle, and the movable hook attaching a second axle, the dipper bucket is securely fastened on the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Bing-Wen Hung
  • Publication number: 20030009920
    Abstract: A backhoe unit detachably attached to a backhoe mounting frame disposed on a tractor body rearwardly of a driver's seat. The backhoe unit includes a base having engaging portions for connection to the backhoe mounting frame, a driver's footrest and a control column disposed on the base, a vertical swing axis supported by the base, a boom bracket supported to be swingable about the vertical swing axis, and a boom assembly attached to the boom bracket. The boom bracket is swung horizontally by a single swing cylinder having one end thereof connected to the base through a first cylinder connecting portion, and the other end connected to the boom bracket through a second cylinder connecting portion. The swing cylinder is disposed in a lateral position of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tuyoshi Aoki, Eiji Miyazaki
  • Publication number: 20030005605
    Abstract: A bucket for a prime mover such as a skid steer loader has a mounting plate on its rear wall that is used for coupling to an attachment bracket on the prime mover or loader. The mounting plate is a unitary plate has a unitarily formed upper channel extending transversely across the bucket at an upper end of the mounting plate, and a unitarily formed second channel extending transversely across the bucket at the mounting plate lower end. The upper channel has a pair of apertures that are of size to receive latch ends of an attachment bracket and have edges that provide for alignment of the mounting plate and the bucket to which it is attached relative to the attachment bracket. The lower channel has apertures to receive vertically moveable wedge lock member on the attachment plate to secure the mounting plate and bucket to the loader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Charles E. Deyo
  • Patent number: 6499934
    Abstract: A mounting plate that is attachable to an attachment plate of a skid steer loader supports a quick attachment bracket on a forward side thereof. The quick attachment bracket has one part forming a nose, and a saddle spaced from the nose. The quick attachment bracket will move into a receptacle portion of a mounting frame on a tool to be driven by the skid steer loader and will receive another portion of the frame in the saddle. The frame and the quick attachment bracket can be held together with a latch arrangement and then the tool manipulated with the skid steer loader lift arms and attachment plate tilt cylinder. The tool is powered from the skid steer loader in a desired manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Craig A. Berard
  • Patent number: 6499904
    Abstract: A quick coupling device for releasably connecting a boom arm to a tool, such as a material handling bucket, including a coupling frame adapted for connection to the boom and having wedge members provided on opposite, vertically extending sides thereof and projecting outwardly in a transverse direction from these sides. The wedge members engage in wedge-shaped channels formed by rigid connecting rails mounted on the top of the bucket. A hydraulic locking mechanism for securing the wedge members in the wedge-shaped channels is mounted at one end of the coupling frame and includes a hydraulic actuator and preferably two locking bars movable by this actuator between a locked position and an unlocked position. During use of this coupling device, in the locking position the two locking bars extend into cooperating openings provided on the connecting rails and thereby prevent the coupling device from detaching from the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Nye Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: John Charles Nye
  • Patent number: 6493967
    Abstract: The apparatus for attaching an accessory to an excavator is a device for attaching a grader blade, brush blade, compactor, or other accessory to the bucket of an excavator. The apparatus has a body to which the accessory is attached which has a pair of hooks which slide between adjacent pairs of teeth on an edge of the excavator bucket and a pair of chains attached to the rear of the bucket and tightened by load binders to retain the apparatus on the excavator bucket. The apparatus provides for pivoting the accessory laterally, and may optionally provide for tilting the accessory in a vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Frederick J. Holmes, David C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6487800
    Abstract: A quick coupler for manually coupling a tool, such as a bucket, to an earth working machine. The latching mechanism of the quick coupler includes a pair of mounting plates, each having a pair of openings therein, affixed between two laterally spaced plates of the coupler, wherein one of the mounting plates include threaded openings therein. A latch bar which is slidably mounted between the plates. A pair of fasteners extending from the latch bar, wherein the fasteners include a first and second threaded region, separated by a non-threaded region. The threaded regions of the fasteners threadedly engage the threaded openings of the one mounting plate, while the non-threaded region bypasses the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Evans, Gary R. Woerman
  • Publication number: 20020174575
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect system for an arm of an axcavator or other machine includes a boom comprising a distal end defining a first yoke structure including first and second yoke members, and each of the yoke members includes an open pin-receiving recess. An arm includes first and second pin-ends projecting outwardly therefrom. The first pin-end is seated in the recess of the first yoke member and said second pin-end is seated in the recess of the second yoke member. First and second arm keepers are located respectively adjacent the first and second recesses and selectively capture the first and second pin-ends. The system optionally includes a second yoke with first and second yoke members that respectively include first and second open pin-receiving recesses. An arm cylinder includes first and second cylinder pin-ends projecting outwardly therefrom. The first cylinder pin-end is seated in the first recess of the second yoke and the second pin-end is seated in the second recess of the second yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: JRB COMPANY , INC
    Inventors: Yonezo Inoue, Allen E. Kimble
  • Patent number: 6481124
    Abstract: A coupler (11) for connecting a dipper arm (3) of an excavator to a bucket (1) without the need for the operator of the excavator to leave the cab of the excavator, the coupler (11) having means for connecting it to the end of the dipper arm, and means, including a latching hook (17) for connecting it to one of a plurality of different buckets (1) and wherein locking means (25) is provided to prevent inadvertent unlatching of the latching hook (17), said locking means (25) being operable from the cab. The locking means may be gravity operated and include resiliently deformable means (27), thereon to prevent unlatching when the coupler (11) is inverted. Alternatively, it may be spring (71) operated in which case, further means (73, 75) is provided to move the locking means against the bias of the spring. Preferably, the hook (17) has a special internal profile (56, 57, 61) so that when it is supporting the weight of a bucket, it will tend to move to a latching position, not to an unlatching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventors: Doreen Jacqueline Miller, Gary Miller, Ronald Keith Miller
  • Publication number: 20020157287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick coupling for coupling a tool to the boom of a hydraulic excavator and the like with a quick coupling part at the boom side and a quick coupling part at the tool side which can be latched together via a pair of spaced latching axles and with a power circuit coupling, in particular a hydraulic coupling, for the automatic coupling of a power connector at the tool side to a power connector at the boom side, wherein the power circuit coupling has a power coupling part at the boom side and a power coupling part at the tool side which are arranged at the quick coupling part at the boom side or at the quick coupling part at the tool side such that they automatically couple as soon as the two quick coupling parts are pivoted together into their latching position about a first of the two latching axles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Rolf Mieger, Thomas Zitterbart
  • Patent number: 6438875
    Abstract: An arm assembly for an excavator or the like includes a quick coupler integrated into an arm member and an implement link member, thus eliminating the need to connect a separate quick coupler to the arm. The arm member includes: (i) a proximal end adapted for connection to an associated boom for pivoting movement about a transverse pivot axis; (ii) a distal end, spaced from the proximal end along a first longitudinal axis; and, (iii) a first recess defined in the distal end. The first recess is defined about a first transverse axis that lies parallel to the transverse pivot axis and includes an open mouth and a closed inner end. The implement link member includes: (i) a first end; and, (ii) a second end spaced from the first end along a second longitudinal axis and defining a second recess about a second transverse axis parallel to the first transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: JRB Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen E. Kimble, Yonezo Inoue
  • Patent number: 6428265
    Abstract: A power coupling mounting for a quick-disconnect coupling between the boom and stick on a heavy-duty machine having coupling elements to connect a power supply from the machine to the stick that eliminates the need for one or more persons to manually connect or disconnect the coupling elements when the quick-disconnect coupling is coupled or uncoupled. The quick-disconnect coupling includes a coupling member mounted on the boom of the machine and a coupling member mounted on the stick. The power coupling includes a male coupling element mounted on the stick coupling member and a female coupling element mounted on the boom coupling member. The female coupling element is slidably mounted on a plate extending from the boom coupling member for orbital movement and the male coupling element is gimbally mounted on a plate extending from the stick coupling member to facilitate alignment of the coupling elements along the X, Y and Z axes during coupling and decoupling of the coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Gilmore Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles P. Gilmore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6425730
    Abstract: An improved load bearing pivot assembly for connecting the boom arm of a power machine to the main frame, or the implement (e.g., adapter plate) or both. The load bearing pivot assembly provides a fluid path therethrough in order to eliminate fluid lines at the pivot point which are otherwise susceptible to failure due to repeated flexure and due to being exposed to an abusive environment. Both portions of the pivot assembly preferably include a coupler for connection to a fluid line. One of the fluid lines is connected to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and the other line is adapted for connection to an attachment requiring pressurized hydraulic fluid for operation. Such attachments include, but are not limited to, grapples, rotary brooms, augers, tree spades, jack hammers, etc. The fluid lines are preferably at least partially contained within the boom and/or the implement to protect the lines from exposure to the abusive environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Wally L. Kaczmarski
  • Patent number: 6422805
    Abstract: A coupler for connecting a dipper arm of an excavator to a bucket without the need for the operator of the excavator to leave the cab of the excavator, the coupler having means for connecting it to the end of the dipper arm, and means, including a latching hook for connecting it to one of a plurality of different buckets and wherein locking means is provided to prevent inadvertent unlatching of the latching hook, said locking means being operable from the cab. The locking means may be gravity operated and include resiliently deformable means thereon to prevent unlatching when the coupler is inverted. Alternatively, it may be spring operated in which case, further means is provided to move the locking means against the bias of the spring. Preferably, the hook has a special internal profile so that when it is supporting the weight of a bucket, it will tend to move to a latching position, not to an unlatching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Gary Miller
  • Publication number: 20020066215
    Abstract: A swivel connection for quick attachment bracket equipped excavator booms. The swivel connection has a frame that mounts onto a quick attachment bracket on an excavator or backhoe boom, and the frame pivotally mounts a second attachment bracket about a swivel axis. The second attachment bracket is adapted to fit into a frame on an implement that also is connectable to the bracket on the boom. An implement attached to the second bracket this can be pivoted relative to the frame of the swivel connection. A linear hydraulic actuator is used for controlling the pivoting movement of the second bracket relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Wally L. Kaczmarski, Craig A. Berard
  • Patent number: 6390765
    Abstract: A power operated apparatus to latch an attachment to a loader arm of a skid steer vehicle having an attachment frame with a pair of spaced apart latch pins slidably mounted on the frame to move between a latched and an unlatched position to either lock in place or release a loader attachment to the attachment frame. Each latch pin is operatively connected to an axially slidable piston rod of a hydraulic actuator which moves the latch pin between a latched and an unlatched position in response to manipulation of controls by an operator in the vehicle cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis J Dick
  • Patent number: 6386822
    Abstract: The present invention includes a coupler assembly connected between a standard bucket and a work machine. The coupler assembly converts the standard bucket to a side dump bucket. The conversion is possible through the use of a pivot assembly and actuating device. The pivot assembly includes an interface portion that is releasably connected to the work machine and a base portion. The base portion is pivotably and releasably connected with the interface portion via pins. The actuating device is connected between the interface portion and the base portion. The removal of one of the pins allows for the pivotable movement of the base portion outwardly and laterally via the actuating device to establish an angular relationship between the bucket and the work machine for dumping material within the bucket to one side of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Matthew P. Burr
  • Patent number: 6385872
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rapid coupling for connection of an implement to an operating arm, with at least one pair of lock pins that are movably guided toward each other in alignment and that can be moved toward and away from each other by a drive and that penetrate into an aligned lock hole in the implement in their extended lock position. According to the invention, pre-centering device are provided to pre-center the retracted lock pins on the lock holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Mieger, Thomas Zitterbart
  • Patent number: 6379075
    Abstract: A specially designed quick coupler is representatively used to removably attach an excavation bucket to the outer boom end of an excavator. A top portion of the quick coupler is pinned to the outer boom end and has a bottom portion with spaced apart recesses configured to releasably receive portions of stick and curl pins on the bucket. An arcuate latch hook is translationally drivable by a hydraulic cylinder assembly toward one of the implement pins to releasably lock it in its associated coupler recess in a manner also captively retaining the other implement pin in its associated coupler recess. Stop structures oppose the latch hook and, using a simple shim arrangement, may be translationally shifted toward and away therefrom to easily adjust the coupler for wear and/or changes in the implement pin spacing. A redundant safety system is incorporated in the coupler and serves to hold the latch hook in its locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: GH Hensley Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Shamblin, Edward A. Johnson, Richard L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6375405
    Abstract: An automatic attachment adapter adapted for coupling attachments to and uncoupling attachments from loader lift arms without the need for the operator to exit the equipment or employ a helper. The automatic attachment adapter employs a compact, lightweight, high strength latching device to make connection between the attachment plate of the loader and mounting plate of the attachment. By making use of interlocking rotating clevises the latching device is self-centering, requiring only approximate alignment to operate. Additionally, the latching mechanism is self cleaning of debris which may interfere with its operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Kaltec of Minnesota
    Inventor: Bruce E. Kallevig
  • Patent number: 6371683
    Abstract: A coupler for a horizontal directional drill for quickly and easily attaching and detaching a stakedown assembly from the drill. The coupler includes a first coupler member and a second coupler member with matching angular front and Fear ends so that the first member fits within the second member. A lever operated locking mechanism releasably locks the two coupler members together in attached relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Draney, Jeffrey S. Volden
  • Patent number: 6364561
    Abstract: A system is described for connecting a working tool (e.g. a bucket, compactor tool, chisel, etc.) to the outer end of a working arm of a machine. The system includes a pair of spaced-apart upstanding flanges secured to the upper surface of the tool. Each flange includes an elongated slot. A pair of inserts sized to fit in the elongated slots are detachably secured to the flanges. Each insert includes a pair of transverse openings to receive the pins which are used for attaching the tool to the machine. The system enables any tool to be connected to the end of a working arm of any machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: David Scribner Droegemueller
  • Patent number: 6350079
    Abstract: A quick coupler assembly connects an implement to a work machine. The coupler assembly includes a cylindrical catcher rotatably mounted between a pair of plates. During coupling of the implement with the coupler assembly, the catcher is rotated at a cam surface by an implement coupling pin which allows a latch member mounted to the pair of plates to slidingly engage automatically with the catcher for locking the catcher in a closed position. The closed position of the catcher locates a jaw thereof in a position which retains the implement coupling pin within a receiving notch of the catcher thereby coupling the implement to the work machine. The ability to couple an implement to a work machine with ease and simplicity in conjunction with the utilization of durable components, increases usability and reliability while reducing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Craig D. Williams
  • Patent number: 6336785
    Abstract: A quick coupler for mounting implements on excavators has an upwardly facing set of recesses for engaging one mounting pin and a laterally facing set of recesses for engaging the other mounting pin on the implement. A freely rotatable latch closing the lateral recesses is provided with two locking mechanisms, both of which provide positive metal to metal lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Pneumatic Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Kunzman
  • Patent number: 6332748
    Abstract: A latching device is provided for coupling a vehicle tool carrier with a variety of tools such as a bucket. The device serves to releasably secure the tool with the carrier once the carrier has been positioned with the tool. The latch includes a handle-actuated pawl and an over center linkage to retain the latching device in either its latched or unlatched position. A spring serves to hold the link in its over-center position. The pawl swings laterally to minimize interference with the carrier and tool structures and simplify activation by the operator from his seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Arthur Doering, Donald Rodney Flatau
  • Patent number: 6332747
    Abstract: A coupling device for automatically coupling an excavating device or a hammer device to an excavator includes an arm coupler fixed to one end of an arm of the excavator and a link coupler fixed to an operation link of the arm of the excavator. The excavating device includes a pair of brackets having a pair of the assembling holes. Piston rods, contained in the arm coupler and the link coupler and inserted into the assembling holes, connect the brackets of the excavating device to the excavator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Daemo Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won-Hae Lee
  • Publication number: 20010053323
    Abstract: A method of verifying proper coupling of an implement assembly to a lift arm assembly by an operator who is located in a cab of a work machine is disclosed. The work machine includes the implement assembly and the lift arm assembly. The implement assembly includes a hinge plate. The hinge plate has a first coupling aperture extending therethrough. The lift arm assembly has a lift arm and a cylinder. The cylinder is secured to the lift arm. The method includes the step of actuating the cylinder so as to move a pin from a first pin position to a second pin position. The pin is spaced apart from the first coupling aperture when the pin is located in the first pin position. The pin extends through the first coupling aperture when the pin is located in the second pin position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: D. MICHAEL GODWIN, RONALD MARK GINN, ALLEN F. BOYER
  • Publication number: 20010046434
    Abstract: A removable hitch attachment configured to couple a towable vehicle to the bucket of a piece of earth-moving equipment, the bucket having wall portions terminating in edges that define an opening of the bucket. The removable hitch attachment includes a hitch mount configured to permit mounting of a hitch onto the removable hitch attachment. The removable hitch attachment further includes an edge engaging structure configured to receive one of the edges of the bucket to secure the hitch mount to the bucket. The edge engaging structure is further configured to secure the removable hitch attachment to the bucket independent of engagement with the other edges of the bucket and free of any structural modification of the bucket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Darrell Burk
  • Patent number: 6312212
    Abstract: The present invention includes a coupler assembly for attaching a work implement to a work machine. The coupler assembly includes an attachment hook which has an upper jaw with an adjustment surface and a lower jaw with a locating surface. The adjustment surface of the upper jaw includes a plurality of interconnected arcuate notches therealong so that a pin receiving opening is defined between the adjustment surface and the locating surface. The plurality of arcuate notches in the adjustment surface in cooperation with the locating surface allow for a plurality of various pins to be aligned and seated automatically within a seating position correspondent to the diameter of the pin. The automatic alignment and seating virtually eliminates operator involvement during the alignment process, thereby reducing time and costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Charles K. Burlew, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6308442
    Abstract: A device which includes a first member rotatable around the forward end of a working machine arm by a hydraulic cylinder and a second member hanging down at the forward end of the first member. A third cross-pin of an attachment is freely engaged in the vicinity of a basic end of the first member, and a fourth cross-pin of an attachment is freely engaged at a forward end of the second member. The second member includes a hook, which is connected near its center, between a pair of plates, each having a recessed portion, by a fifth cross-pin. The hook is formed into an almost L-shape, divided from the position of the fifth cross-pin into an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is a spindle portion having a second horizontal through-hole for inserting a stop pin, the lower portion is a hook body opening to both the recessed portions. The hook is formed in such a manner that the lower face of the spindle portion partly protrudes into both the recessed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadahiro Naka, Naoyuki Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6305106
    Abstract: A quick, reliable and safe coupling device that is not mechanically complex is required for excavation equipment and more particularly, for coupling an attachment to a mounting bracket on an operating arm of an excavating machine. The present invention addresses the above needs by providing, a wedge member movable between a locked position and a released position; an extendable actuator that is movable between a collapsed position and an extended position to move the wedge member between the locked and released positions, respectively; and at least one guide member cooperating with the wedge member to guide movement of the wedge member between the locked and released positions. The wedge member may have opposed wedge end portions engageable with the attachment and the mounting bracket to define the locked position and an intermediate portion connected to a distal end of the actuator, the intermediate portion being shaped to provide clearance for the extendable actuator to move to the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Robin S. McLellan
  • Patent number: 6301811
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a quick-connect/disconnect coupling for a heavy-duty machine including a boom and a stick to facilitate the interexchangeability of work tools wherein the locking mechanism can be remotely controlled to lock and unlock the coupling members when they are in mating engagement. The coupling includes a male member attachable to the boom of the machine and a female member attachable to the stick. The locking mechanism includes a pair of planetary gear assemblies, a motor and a brake that drive and maintain a pair of wedge shaped bars within their respective sockets. The coupling also includes proximity sensors to facilitate the proper engagement of the coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Gilmore Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles P. Gilmore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6302611
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting piece which can be pivotally connected both to the jib of an excavator and to a setting cylinder connected to a jib, and which is intended for linking up a tool, such as an excavator bucket, for example, to the end of the jib. A connecting wedge is connected to the connecting piece, in which two pins extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the wedge and being guided in the connecting piece are mounted. An adjusting element is connected to the connecting piece, by means of which the connecting wedge can be moved in a direction transversely to its longitudinal direction. The connecting piece comprises a screw spindle, which is journalled in the connecting wedge and which is screw into a nut-shaped member connected to the connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Metaalwarenfabriek A.P. Verachtert B.V.
    Inventors: Gertrudis M. G. de Gier, Adrianus M. C. M. Van Doornmalen
  • Publication number: 20010020342
    Abstract: An excavating bucket assembly for excavation apparatus that does not use pins to connect teeth to adaptors on the excavation bucket. Each adaptor includes a receiving portion defined therein that is at least partially defined by an abutment wall. Each tooth includes an interference portion. The connection system includes a biasing portion adjacent the abutment wall and a locking portion adjacent the biasing portion. The locking portion includes a locking section and an interference section that engages the interference portion of its respective tooth. The locking section and the interference section are capable of movement relative to one another to thereby couple the tooth to the adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventor: Robert S. Bierwith
  • Publication number: 20010005950
    Abstract: A bucket assembly is disclosed. The bucket assembly includes a bucket having a base edge. The bucket assembly also includes a base edge protection assembly having (i) a digging plate having a forward edge with a pair of notches defined therein so that a tooth is formed from a portion of the digging plate that is interposed between the notches and (ii) a cover plate secured to the digging plate so that an edge slot is defined between the digging plate and the cover plate. The base edge protection assembly is secured to the bucket such that the base edge of the bucket is positioned within the edge slot of the base edge protection assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: William J. Renski, James E. Reid, Ronald L. Sievers
  • Patent number: 6254331
    Abstract: A rear end hook structure (44, 46) on a coupler (10) presents rearwardly directed hook throats (48, 50) which engage a rear coupler pin (96) on a attachment (94). An initially downwardly angled front end hook structure (52), presenting a forwardly directed hook throat (54), is movable by movement of a coupler (10) to move a forward coupler pin (96) on the attachment (94) into the hook throat (54). Then, the coupler (10) is moved further to swing the front end hook structure (52) upwardly into an up position in which it is against a bottom plate (40) on the coupler (10). Movement of the front end coupler structure (52) into its up position moves a hook tine (60) upwardly through a slot opening (62) in the bottom plate (40) of the coupler (10). The hook tines (60) moves upwardly until its rearwardly directed hook throat (78) is positioned to receive a lock member (66, 116, 180). Then, a spring (84, 190, 192) moves the lock member (66, 116, 180) into the hook throat (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Pacific Services & Mfg.
    Inventors: Walter J. Pisco, Michael D. Hart
  • Patent number: 6241455
    Abstract: An earth-moving machine includes a coupling releasably joining a bucket to an end of a dipper stick. The coupling includes a hook pivotably coupled to the dipper stick about a first axis and configured to engage a pin secured to the bucket. The coupling further includes a pair of pins coaxially disposed along the axis and movable between an extended position in which the pins are received within a pair of spaced openings on the bucket to join the bucket to the dipper stick and a retracted position in which the pins are removed from the openings. The pins are actuated between the extended position and the retracted position by an actuator disposed along the axis between the pins. The actuator preferably includes a cylinder, first and second pistons disposed within the cylinder and coupled to the first and second pins, respectively, and at least one source of hydraulic pressure fluidly coupled to the cylinder to pressurize the cylinder and to move the first and second pistons and the first and second pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse Larry Schupback, Craig A. Callewaert
  • Patent number: 6238130
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided for interconnecting an attachment tool to the loader arm of the skid steer. The coupling device includes handles which are pivotable between unlocking and locking positions. The handles control coupling pins which diverge from each other and which move between a retracted position and an extended position to capture the attachment tool on the coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen A. Youngers
  • Publication number: 20010001352
    Abstract: Coupling for the teeth of excavators and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: METALOGENIA, S.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Fernandez Munoz, Francisco Perez Soria, Lorenzo Navarro Romero, Jose Antonio Laforet Alvarez
  • Patent number: 6233852
    Abstract: A coupler device for adapting a variety of excavator apparatuses to engage a variety of excavating buckets. The coupler device has a mounting plate, a connecting device for connecting the mounting plate to the excavator apparatus, and a device for connecting the mounting plate to the excavating bucket. The device connecting the mounting plate to the excavator apparatus may include a plurality of holes adapted to fit a variety of excavator apparatuses. The device for connecting the mounting plate to the excavating bucket may include a front hook, a rear hook, and a device moving the rear hook with respect to the front hook to adapt to a variety of excavating buckets. The device for moving the rear hook may include a captured bolt threaded through a cast box support that is attached to the slidable plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Pemberton, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Bruce Pemberton
  • Patent number: 6231296
    Abstract: A device for coupling of an implement (1) to the operating arm of an excavator, comprising an operating arm attachment (25) and a locking member (50) with a hydraulic cylinder (51) and a control unit (41) for supplying the cylinder with an operating pressure, the cylinder having double pistons (57, 58) with piston rods (52, 53) forming locking wedges, wherein the pressure area of the piston is greater on the plus side for locking than on the minus side for opening, said device also comprising implement attachment with coupling members (4, 5) and locking elements (80, 81) by means of which the implement attachment is coupled to the operating-arm attachment under the influence of the locking member, which operating-arm attachment is provided with two links (26, 27) having counter-supports (39) for cooperation with counter-supports (16, 17) on the implement attachment, the locking member thus exerting pressure on the links in order to press them against the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Accima AB
    Inventor: Stig Blomgren
  • Patent number: 6227792
    Abstract: In the operation of a construction machine, such as a wheel loader, it is essential to provide load distribution capabilities for improved strength characteristics in the components. Additionally, high visibility is required for an operator to view a work implement during normal operation or coupling. The present invention includes a hydraulic coupler utilizing a pair of separate coupler assemblies which are connected at opposing ends of an upper and lower coupler pin boss at a pair of pin joints including a pair of pins to define a spatial relationship therebetween. The pins each have a cylindrical central portion and rectangular shaped end portions which are fixed within rectangular shaped pin mounting openings in first and second end portions of the coupler assemblies. The separation of the coupler assemblies provides enhanced visibility for an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Sherrie R. Baker, Matthew P. Burr, Jeffrey A. Deneve, Owen S. Loughrin, Charles T. McMillan, Kevin J. Romanchok
  • Patent number: 6202331
    Abstract: In an arm with an attachment removable unit, a reinforcing plate 14 is provided in a space between a pair of bracket portions 12, 12 which are formed by extending the opposite side walls of an arm so as to protrude from the upper and lower walls thereof. An attachment removable unit 100 is housed in the space between the of bracket portions 12, 12. In the state where the attachment 2 is attached to the arm 1, a second hook 7 for engaging a second pin 17 for coupling with the attachment 2 is disposed on a substantially straight line connecting between a pin 19 for connecting with the arm 1 and a first hook 6 for engaging a first pin 18 for connecting with the attachment 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: RE37320
    Abstract: The invention provides a coupling assembly for coupling a tool to a dipperstick, or arm, on an apparatus which has a hydraulic system for moving the tool. The coupling assembly includes a coupler body having a frame that defines a central cavity, and also having link structure for pivotally coupling to the dipperstick. An actuator assembly positioned within the central cavity includes a latch pin that can slide between an engaged position and a retracted position. In the engaged position, an end of the latch pin projects out from a rear end of the frame for engaging a receptacle defined by the tool. In the retracted position, the end of the latch pin does not project out from the frame. A bias structure normally urges the latch pin toward the engaged position with a bias force. A hydraulic latch cylinder has a fixed part and a movable part rigidly coupled to the latch pin such that, when the movable part is extended from the fixed part, the latch pin is urged to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: WEC Co.
    Inventor: Lee A. Horton
  • Patent number: RE37339
    Abstract: The invention provides a coupling assembly and method for coupling a tool to a dipperstick, or arm, on an apparatus which has a hydraulic system for moving the tool. The coupling assembly includes a coupler body having link structure for pivotally coupling to the dipperstick. A latch member is movable between an engaged position for engaging the tool and a disengaged position for disengaging from the tool. A spring is arranged to provide a spring force to urge the latch member to the engaged position. A hydraulic motor has a part that is stationary relative to the coupler body and a movable part that can be extended relative to the stationary part when hydraulic pressure is applied to one end of the hydraulic motor. The movable part is coupled to the latch member such that extension of the movable part urges the latch member to the retracted position in opposition to the spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: WEC Co.
    Inventor: Lee A. Horton