With Means To Facilitate Attachment Of Boom To Vehicle Patents (Class 414/686)
  • Patent number: 12091840
    Abstract: A work machine includes a work implement, a rotating body to which the work implement is attached, a topography sensor configured to measure a topography, and a controller. The controller determines a digging start point of the work implement based on topographical data indicative of the topography measured by the topography sensor. The controller moves the work implement from a current position of the work implement to the digging start point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori Aizawa, Kenjiro Shimada, Tomoki Konda
  • Patent number: 11382279
    Abstract: A field-configurable apparatus for different aerial applications is provided. The field-configurable apparatus attaches to an aerial boom on a mobile carrier. The apparatus can perform rapid semi-precise cutting of vegetation. Additionally, the apparatus can perform more precise trimming of one or more areas (e.g., limbs) and optionally use a limb clamp to prevent cut limbs/vegetation from arbitrarily falling on objects below the cutting area. Still further, the apparatus can have a grapple or similar device attached to the end of the boom for use in relocating debris or for loading debris. Other industrial applications are also possible (e.g., commercial water blasting, deicing of planes, etc.). In each configuration, the apparatus comprises one or more rotatable or pivoting couplings to allow for rotation about one or more axis and therefore allow precise manipulation of an aerial tool assembly from an operator in the vehicle or on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Steven J Terrell
  • Patent number: 11193252
    Abstract: A structure of a detachable front loader includes: a main frame; a boom; and a subframe unit that supports the boom. The subframe unit includes: a subframe; a guide that is disposed on the subframe and engages with the main frame; a lock bar that includes a pivot shaft disposed on the subframe, and a pivot shaft part; an operation tool that moves the lock bar from the restriction position to the release position against a first biasing force; and a locking tool that is supported by the subframe, moves between a locking position and an unlocking position, is biased in a locking direction, and once the operation tool moves the lock bar to the release position, moves to the locking position by a second biasing force, and engages with a cutout formed in the pivot shaft part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Shin Torii
  • Patent number: 11035096
    Abstract: Construction equipment is provided that can include: a transport assembly operably supporting a platform, the platform having a leading edge opposing a rearward edge, the leading edge associated with a first direction of the transport assembly, and the rearward edge associated with a second direction of the transportation assembly; an operator cab above the platform and aligned closer to the leading edge than the rearward edge; an engine above the platform and aligned closer to the rearward edge than the leading edge; and a boom pivotably attached above the platform closer to the rearward edge than the leading edge, the boom being movable between a first position fully extended and a second position fully raised. Utility line pole placement and/or removal construction methods are provided that can include extending an extension assembly having a banana boom from a transport assembly to couple with a utility line pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: Nathan Bunting, Nate Stephens
  • Patent number: 11001990
    Abstract: A working machine includes a branched tube connected to a branched portion branching from an operation fluid tube, a plurality of input tubes connected to the second actuator valves, a plurality of output tubes connected to a pressure receiver portion of the second hydraulic device, a main tube connected to the third actuator valve, and a relay device, and the relay device includes a plurality of input ports connected to the plurality of input tubes, a plurality of output ports connected to the plurality of output tubes, a plurality of first flow lines connecting between the plurality of input ports and the plurality of input ports, a main port connected to the main tube, a branched port connected to the branched tube, and a second flow line arranged between the plurality of first fluid lines to connect between the main port and the branched port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Fukuda, Keigo Honda, Takahiro Usami
  • Patent number: 10851518
    Abstract: A front loader includes a boom, a main frame attached to a vehicle body, and a sub frame supporting the boom. The sub frame is attached to the main frame and configured to be detached from the main frame. The front loader includes a first engaging portion provided on the main frame, a second engaging portion provided on the sub frame and configured to be engaged with the first engaging portion when the sub frame is attached to the main frame, a guide portion provided on the main frame and configured to guide the second engaging portion to be engaged with the first engaging portion, and an opening member provided on the sub frame and provided with an opening portion to which the guide portion is inserted when the second engaging portion is engaged with the first engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Stewart Boyd, Erik Baker
  • Patent number: 10801185
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a hydraulic fluid line guard, including: a main guard formed with an open bottom and enclosed top and sides; the main guard having a length dimension that is larger than a width dimension; and an arm attached to the main guard; the arm comprising an attachment mechanism that attaches the main guard about a hydraulic fluid line such that a detachable junction point of the hydraulic fluid line is housed within and under the main guard and is accessible from below. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Jason Ramous
  • Patent number: 10465358
    Abstract: A working machine includes: a boom base portion including: an inner side wall; and an outer side wall disposed opposite to the inner side wall; a lift link disposed on a rear portion of the boom base portion; and a boom cylinder disposed in front of the lift link. One end side of the lift link is inserted between the inner side wall and the outer side wall and is pivotally supported on the boom base portion. The other end side of the lift link is pivotally supported on the machine body. One end of the boom cylinder is inserted between the inner side wall and the outer side wall in front of the lift link and is pivotally supported on the boom base portion. The other end of the boom cylinder is pivotally supported on the machine body by below the lift link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihiko Takemura, Shunichiro Mori, Hiroshi Koyamatsu, Hayato Ido, Shigeki Morishita
  • Patent number: 10370819
    Abstract: A link operating mechanism is provided spanning a bucket and a stand. The link operating mechanism causes, using a swing force of the bucket, a bending or stretching link to bend so that propping and supporting of the bending or stretching link are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Stewart Boyd
  • Patent number: 10358789
    Abstract: A loader attachment system is configured so as to detachably attach a loader to a vehicle by detachably attaching a mast of the loader to a loader mount fixed on the vehicle. The loader attachment system includes a support device, a location device, and an engagement device. The support device is configured to support the mast on the loader mount so that the mast is rotatable relative to the loader mount. The location device is configured to locate the mast supported on the loader mount by the support device at an attachment position. The engagement device is configured to engage the mast at the attachment position with the loader mount so as to prevent the mast from rotating in a direction to detach the mast from the loader mount. The support device, the location device and the engagement device are configured independent of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jarrod Hyder
  • Patent number: 10208451
    Abstract: A stand 18 is maintained under a stored posture when the stand 18 is pivoted toward the stored posture side in association with a dumping action of a bucket 13 and a lock mechanism 25 is switched to a locking state. The stand is switched to an in-use posture when the lock mechanism 25 is switched to a releasing state while the stand 18 is maintained under the stored posture by the lock mechanism 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Mori, Masataka Takagi, Takahiro Yonekura, Masaki Abe
  • Patent number: 10119242
    Abstract: A mast coupling arrangement for mounting a front loader to a work vehicle at a mounting frame defining connection points and a load point includes a mounting bracket mounted at an end of a mast of the front loader, and a first mast connector removably coupling the mounting bracket and one of the connection points of the mounting frame when the front loader is attached. The mast coupling arrangement includes a load element mounted to the mast that, when the front loader is attached, is in load transferring contact with the load point of the mounting frame. The mast coupling arrangement includes a second mast connector removably coupling the mounting bracket and another of the connection points of the mounting frame when the front loader is attached to. The second mast connector and the associated connection point of the mounting frame are separable when the front loader is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Damien Faivre, Paul Baulieu, Jerome Bernard
  • Patent number: 10036138
    Abstract: A link operating mechanism is provided spanning a bucket and a stand. The link operating mechanism causes, using a swing force of the bucket, a bending/stretching link to bend so that propping and supporting of the bending/stretching link are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Stewart Boyd
  • Patent number: 10024026
    Abstract: A front loader frame includes a first attachment having a first attachment surface that can be oriented on a first virtual plane and is fixable to one portion a vehicle body. A second attachment has a second attachment surface that can be oriented on a different virtual plane from the first virtual plane and is fixable to another portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Uchijima, Motonari Inaoka
  • Patent number: 9845588
    Abstract: A control system for controlling a moveable device includes at least one hydraulic actuator associated with the moveable device, at least one position sensing device to determine the position of the moveable device or the actuator, or both, and a hydraulic control system, including an electronic control unit, for controlling the actuator. For performing a control method, the hydraulic control system is configured to deliver pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator, the hydraulic fluid being pressurized at most to a predetermined maximum pressure, and the control system is adapted to regulate the predetermined maximum pressure based on the determined position. According to an example, the moveable device is a boom of a working machine. According to a further example, the actuator is a hydraulic cylinder or motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: JOHN DEERE FORESTRY OY
    Inventor: Marko Paakkunainen
  • Patent number: 9297143
    Abstract: Provided is a construction machine which is capable of disposing a manually-operated unit at a position where it can be manually operated by a worker located around an upper slewing body, while suppressing an increase in size of the upper slewing body in a horizontal direction. The manually-operated unit comprises a unit body, and a rotary lever attached with respect to the unit body in such a manner as to be rotatable about a preset rotational axis, in a posture where it extends beyond an outer peripheral surface of the unit body in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis. A fuel tank has an undersurface opposed to the bottom plate, and a lower-outer lateral surface extending upwardly from the undersurface in such a manner as to face an outer edge portion side of a bottom plate. The unit body is disposed above the bottom plate and beneath the undersurface of the fuel tank, in a posture where the rotational axis extends approximately horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Murakami, Hideyuki Okura
  • Patent number: 9267263
    Abstract: A front loader arrangement includes a hydraulically sprung lift cylinder arrangement coupled between opposite loader arm sides and respectively mounting masts. In order to permit the masts to pivot freely about their pivotal connections with the loader arm sides to aid the coupling of the masts to respective mounting frames fixed to a carrying vehicle, the hydraulic system in which the lift cylinder arrangement is incorporated includes a device, including a shut-off valve and an accumulator arrangement for establishing a float condition in the lift cylinder arrangement after a source of hydraulic fluid and associated control valve is decoupled by separating a hydraulic quick coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Hugues Bertrand, Damien Faivre
  • Patent number: 9226438
    Abstract: A front loader arrangement (12) includes a mounting frame (16) and a mounting mast (18), wherein the mounting mast (18) can be quickly coupled to, and decoupled from, the mounting frame (16), and wherein a locking device for locking the mast to the frame is provided and includes a pivoting locking bar (54) pivotable between locking and unlocking positions. Simple coupling and decoupling is enabled by a supporting hinge (62) that is pivotally mounted to the locking bar (54) and is configured in such a manner that a pivoting movement of the pivoting locking bar (54) into the locking position is blocked by the supporting hinge upon a relative movement between the mounting mast (18) and the mounting frame (16) for decoupling purposes and is released by the supporting hinge upon a relative movement between the mounting mast (18) and the mounting frame (16) for coupling purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Damien Faivre
  • Patent number: 9169614
    Abstract: A system for mounting a grapple on a loader attachment having a grapple mount structure, and may comprise a grapple attachment structure removably mountable to the mount structure. A mount pin alignment device may have an abutment surface configured to contact a support surface of the grapple mount structure in the mounted condition, with a position of the alignment device being adjustable to facilitate alignment of a second pin aperture of the attachment structure with a first pin aperture on the mount structure. The system may also include a lateral mount alignment element to laterally position the attachment structure with respect to the mount structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Timothy D. Miller
  • Patent number: 9109536
    Abstract: In some aspects, an aircraft engine thrust reverser lock system includes a pin-capturing member. The pin-capturing member includes a body that is rotatable about an axis defined by a pivot extending through the body. The body includes an interior surface that defines a slot. The slot has an opening that is sized to receive a pin into the slot. One side of the slot includes a protruded sidewall surface that protrudes into the slot toward an another sidewall surface of the slot. The protruded sidewall surface defines an apex between the open and closed ends of the slot. Between the apex and the closed end of the slot, the protruded sidewall surface faces the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Woodward HRT, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Willett, John Stephen Mears, George Conway, Brent Michael Ozanich, Michael Alan Stieg, Jesus Anaya, Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 9045882
    Abstract: A working machine (10) includes a body (11) having a front end (12) and a rear end (13), and a ground engaging propulsion structure (15) whereby the machine (10) may be driven over the ground, a loading arm assembly (25) which includes a loading arm (26) which is mounted at one end (26a) relative to the body (11) and which extends forwardly at or towards one side of the body (11), beyond the front end (12) of the body (11), to a second end (26b) where there is amounting for a working implement (35), the loading arm assembly (25) including a first link (28) which is pivotally connected at or adjacent the one end (26a) of the loading arm (26) and also to the body (11) at a first mounting position (27), and a second link (32) which is pivotally connected to the arm (26) between the first and second ends (26a, 26b) of the arm (26), and to the body at a second mounting position (36) which is forwards of the first mounting position (27), and the machine (10) including an actuator (40) which acts between the loading
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: J.C. BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Gary Major, Martyn L. Molsom
  • Patent number: 9043098
    Abstract: An display system of an excavating machine includes: a vehicle condition detector detecting information related to a current position and a posture of the excavating machine having a work equipment including a bucket; a memory unit storing position information of a target surface indicating a target shape of an object to be worked; a display unit displaying the bucket and position information of a design surface and the target surface; and a processing unit calculating a position of a blade edge of the bucket based on the information related to the current position and the posture of the excavating machine, and, when at least part of the bucket enters a predetermined range in a periphery of the target surface in a direction orthogonal to the target surface, displaying a trajectory of the blade edge which is calculated based on the position of the blade edge and which exists in the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Azumi Nomura, Takahiro Hashimoto, Etsuo Fujita, Ryo Fukano
  • Publication number: 20150110591
    Abstract: For providing a supporting structure for the excavator changes the fitting height of the backhoe, This invention provides a supporting structure of excavator for attaching the backhoe with variable height which comprising: an attachment mount fixed to a frame, and an adjuster plate fixed to the attachment mount, wherein the backhoe is mounted to an appropriate position of the adjuster plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Jarrod Hyder, Kazuyuki Kotani
  • Publication number: 20150098785
    Abstract: A front loader includes a mechanical posture maintaining mechanism for maintaining the posture of an implement, regardless of swing displacement of a boom. The boom is formed in a curved shape in which a longitudinal central side thereof is located above. The posture maintaining mechanism includes a swing link member having an inner free-end part and an outer free-end part and disposed at a longitudinal center location of the boom so as to be swingable about a third horizontal pivot as a fulcrum. A base-end link member extends between a fixed bracket and the inner free-end part and a free-end link member links the outer free-end part to the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Kosuke OYAMA, Kenzo USHIRO
  • Patent number: 8998256
    Abstract: A front loader (10) for a tractor with a parking stand unit (28) including a parking support (30) pivotably mounted on the front loader arm (12). A locking brace (32) is pivotably seated at one end on the parking support (30) and is movably guided at the other end by a guidance means (50) formed on the locking brace (32) and at least one guide groove (48, 49) formed in the parking support (30). The guidance means (50) can be brought by pivoting the parking support (30) into the parking position (P3) into a locking position in which it comes to rest at a stop (66) formed in the guide groove (48, 49). The guidance means (50) can be pressed against the stop (66) and fixed in the locking position by a support force of the front loader arm (12) acting in the parking position (P3) on the locking brace (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Damien Faivre
  • Publication number: 20150093226
    Abstract: A front loader arrangement (12) with a mounting frame (16) and mounting mast (18) is proposed, wherein the mounting mast (18) can be coupled to the mounting frame (16) and can be decoupled therefrom. Furthermore, a loader arm (20) is connected to the mounting mast (18) for being pivoted vertically by a hydraulic cylinder (24) extending between the loader arm (20) and the mounting mast (18). In order to facilitate coupling of the mounting mast (18) to the mounting frame (16), it is proposed that a hydraulic system (85) be coupled to the hydraulic cylinder working chamber(s) (90, 96) and include adjusting means by which the hydraulic cylinder (24) can be brought into a floating position when the hydraulic fluid supply is decoupled from the hydraulic system (85).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Damien FAIVRE, Diego Adrian VILLARREAL, Hugues BERTRAND
  • Publication number: 20150093225
    Abstract: A front loader arrangement includes a hydraulically sprung lift cylinder arrangement coupled between opposite loader arm sides and respectively mounting masts. In order to permit the masts to pivot freely about their pivotal connections with the loader arm sides to aid the coupling of the masts to respective mounting frames fixed to a carrying vehicle, the hydraulic system in which the lift cylinder arrangement is incorporated includes a device, including a shut-off valve and an accumulator arrangement for establishing a float condition in the lift cylinder arrangement after a source of hydraulic fluid and associated control valve is decoupled by separating a hydraulic quick coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: HUGUES BERTRAND, DAMIEN FAIVRE
  • Publication number: 20150093227
    Abstract: A front loader arrangement (12) with a mounting frame (16) and a mounting mast (18) is proposed, wherein the mounting mast (18) can be coupled to the mounting frame (16) and can be decoupled therefrom, and wherein a locking device for locking the front loader arrangement (12) is provided, which locking device comprises a pivoting locking bar (54) which is pivotable between a locking position and an unlocking position. In order to enable a simple coupling and decoupling, it is proposed that the pivoting locking bar (54) comprises adjusting means which are designed in such a manner that a pivoting movement of the pivoting locking bar (54) into the locking position is blocked upon a relative movement between the mounting mast (18) and the mounting frame (16) for decoupling purposes and is released upon a relative movement between the mounting mast (18) and the mounting frame (16) for coupling purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: DAMIEN FAIVRE
  • Publication number: 20150030425
    Abstract: A front loader arrangement includes a bracket, a mounting mast mounted on upper and lower bearings of the bracket, a loader arm which is articulated to a first pivot pin on the mast, a loader support articulated to a second pivot pin on the mast, and a locking device for locking the mast to the bracket. The locking device is arranged on the loader support. The locking device includes a pivoting locking bar which is mounted on a third pivot pin on the loader support, a pre-tensioning device which pre-tensions the locking bar depending on its position relative to the loader support into an open or a closed position, and an adjusting device arranged on the mast which can be brought into engagement with the locking bar, by which the locking bar can be moved into the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: JODY A. OICKLE, HENRY FRIESEN, RADU T. GUJA
  • Publication number: 20150023771
    Abstract: A work vehicle has a boom assembly for a work implement that provides an improved sightline between the cabin and work implement. The boom assembly can be a dual function boom having a wishbone configuration with an elongated body supporting the work implement and at the other end having branch sections extending outwardly at acute angles with open space therebetween. A boom support arch can provide an elevated boom mount on which the boom can pivot about a boom pivot axis at pivots located on the branches of the boom. The boom support arch can have its own pivotal mounting connection to the work vehicle. Actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, can be coupled to the boom and support arch to independently pivot the boom and the support arch with respect to each other and the work vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert T. Carr, Timothy L. Jerew, Gary R. Fichtinger, Daniel F. Bihl
  • Patent number: 8827625
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a first loader arm portion pivotably connected at one end to a frame of the vehicle and configured to slidably receive a second loader arm portion along an opposed end of the first loader arm portion. A mechanical linkage interconnects the loader arm portions and the frame. A fluid cylinder operatively connected between each of the frame and the loader arm portions is configured to raise and lower the loader arm portions between a retracted (lowered) position and an extended (raised) position. As the fluid cylinder is actuated to urge the loader arm portions toward the extended (raised) position, the mechanical linkage results in slidable movement of the second loader arm portion with respect to the first loader arm portion so that a collective length of the loader arm portions in the extended (raised) position is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Joseph M. Biggerstaff
  • Patent number: 8790063
    Abstract: A loader attachment mounting apparatus for movable work vehicles is provided, which is used for mounting a work attachment, such as a bale gripper, a bucket or a hook, to the front end of a loader that is movably installed on the front surface of the movable work vehicles, such as a tractor. A loader equipped with the loader attachment mounting apparatus is also provided. In the loader attachment mounting apparatus, an attachment can be easily attached to and easily detached from the attachment mounting apparatus and the attachment mounted to the loader can be easily movable to the left and right, thus improving work efficiency and work reliability of the movable work vehicles. The apparatus includes left and right attachment coupling brackets connected to the loader, and an attachment transfer device including left and right attachment coupling units connected to the attachment coupling brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Daeho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joong-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8770908
    Abstract: A support structure for a tilt cylinder of a machine that controls movement of an articulating implement may include a mounting plate, vertical support plates extending outwardly from a top surface of the mounting plate, and a central and side gussets connected to the top surface of the mounting plate and to the outer sides of the vertical support plates. The gussets assist in transitioning lateral or horizontal forces on the vertical support plates to the mounting plate and the end frame of the machine to reduce fatigue cracking at the points of connection of the vertical support plates to the mounting plate. The support structure may further include first and second lower support plates having top edges spaced from each other and connected to the bottom surface of the mounting plate, and bottom edges connected to each other so that the lower support plates and the mounting plate form a triangle in cross-section to further assist in transitioning the forces to the end frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoming Tan, Michael Sekulich, Allen Boyer, Robert Hunter, Sameer Rishipathak
  • Patent number: 8684656
    Abstract: A loader mast-to-mounting frame pin arrangement is provided. The pin arrangement has stops added to a shaft that allow the pin to be held in two positions: the locked position and the parked position. In the locked position, a unique slot cut in the mast plate retains the pin by not allowing an eccentric protrusion on the shaft from passing through the slot when the pin is rotated to place the shaft in the top of the slot. When the pin is rotated so the shaft is towards the bottom of the slot, the eccentric protrusion is allowed to pass through the mast plate and the pin can be pulled out until it hits another protrusion on the shaft. At this point, the pin will stay in the mast but the loader can be removed from the tractor. To prevent the pin from rotating by itself, when in the locked position, and the loader coming unlatched, a spring loaded knob engages in the slot which prevents the shaft from being able to rotate to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Tyler Eugene Hilsden, Scott Robert Jamieson, Henry Friesen
  • Publication number: 20140064899
    Abstract: A loading work apparatus includes booms, attachment tools, an implement tool removably attached to the attachment tools, and implement tool cylinders. The implement tool includes an engaged member on a back surface thereof. The attachment tools include an attachment unit having an engaging member engaged with the engaged member, coupling members supporting the transverse shaft, and lock members locking/unlocking engagement between the engaging member and engaged member. Each coupling member includes brackets on lateral opposite sides of the lock member. The transverse shaft is supported at opposite ends thereof by lower portions of the right and left brackets. The support shaft is supported at opposite ends thereof by intermediate portions of the right and left brackets. The transverse shaft and the support shaft bridge across the lock member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kosuke Oyama, Kenzo Ushiro
  • Publication number: 20130309056
    Abstract: A front loader 3 is connected to a front portion of a tractor 1 having a tractor body. The front loader 3 includes mounting frames 7 arranged at right and left sides of the tractor body, booms 8 pivotally supported by upper ends of the mounting frames 7 to be vertically swingable, and a working implement 9 swingably connected to distal ends of the booms 8. A control valve 45 is disposed outside the tractor body 2 and rearwardly of one of the mounting frames 7 for controlling hydraulic cylinders 17, 29.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Naoya Muramoto, Shusaku Yamaguchi, Kosuke Oyama, Arinobu Ishida
  • Patent number: 8545163
    Abstract: Positional relationship among the first link support shaft (85), the second link support shaft (86), the first arm support shaft (88) and the second arm support shaft (89) is set such that an upper portion of the first lift link (81) comes into substantial agreement with a rear end of the machine body (1), when the upper free end of the first lift link (81) is pivoted maximally rearward in the course of transition of the arm (77) from a lowermost state realized lifting down the arm (77) to an uppermost state realized by lifting up the arm (77).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoaki Yasuda, Masanori Fujino, Toshihiko Takemura, Yasuo Nakata, Yoshitaka Matsubara, Yoshihiro Ueda, Yuuki Takano, Yusuke Kawai, Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Hiroyuki Anami, Naoya Muramoto, Kenji Mitsui, Youhei Kawano, Takeshi Ikumura
  • Patent number: 8544885
    Abstract: A parking stand arrangement for a tractor-mounted front loader includes a parking stand mounted to each of a pair of arm sections which are inclined downwardly and forwardly to a carried implement resting on the ground. Each parking stand includes a support leg and a brace, the latter being about half the length of the former and having a rear end pivotally mounted to a location approximately halfway between opposite ends of the support leg and an forward end pivotally mounted to a lower region of an associated loader arm section. The support leg and brace may be stored on the loader arm section by folding them together with a catch carried by the brace becoming releasably engaged with the support leg. The folded support leg and brace are then pivoted against the loader arm section and secured to it by a releasable latch which secures the top of the support leg to the arm section to establish a stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Henry Albert Lanting, Radu Traian Guja, Scott Robert Jamieson, Henry Friesen
  • Patent number: 8505973
    Abstract: A forward mount is disclosed which is secured to the frame of an off-road vehicle to enable the rearward ends of a push-tube assembly to be secured thereto. The forward mount of this invention may be attached to the main frame of off-road vehicles of different manufacturers in various ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Curt J. Hill
  • Patent number: 8500386
    Abstract: A front-mounted loader includes a pair of loader arms each having a rear end pivotally coupled to a loader mast which, in turn, includes lower and upper cross pins respectively located in an upwardly opening and forwardly opening pin receptacles. The forwardly opening receptacle of each loader mounting frame forms a fixed part of a latch assembly defining an upper region of the mounting frame and including latch member mounted for pivoting about a horizontal axis and having a forward nose provided with a downwardly opening receptacle which engages the upper cross pin when the mast is latched to the mounting frame. An over center biasing spring is connected to each latch member and resists movement either from a latching position or an unlatching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Stephen Griffiths, Radu T. Guja
  • Patent number: 8459927
    Abstract: A skid steer loader having an operator compartment attached to a frame. Lift assemblies are movably mounted to the frame and are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. As the lift assemblies are moved between the retracted position and the extended position, joining plates, first links and second links are positioned behind the operator compartment to provide a better field of vision for the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Mark L. England, David Reyes, Sean Plante, Ed Wagner
  • Publication number: 20130142606
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an implement with a boom, wherein the boom is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis via a bolt connection on a basic unit of the implement, with the bearing of the boom on the basic unit being effected via three bearing plates with corresponding bearing points for the bolt connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH
    Inventor: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH
  • Patent number: 8453785
    Abstract: The application discloses embodiments of a universal pinning system for lift arms of a power machine or vehicle. In embodiments disclosed, the universal pinning system includes a universal shaft. Lift arms are coupled to the universal shaft to provide a common pivot axis for the lift arms. The universal shaft is coupled to a frame or support of the power machine or vehicle via a pinning assembly. As disclosed, the universal pinning system has application for radial lift arms operable along a radial path or vertical lift arms operable along a vertical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Brandon J. Kisse, Mark F. Bares
  • Patent number: 8444367
    Abstract: A mounting frame for attaching a backhoe or other implement to a lift arm of a vehicle, such as a compact loader, includes an upright arm on the mounting frame that is positioned ahead of and adjacent to a forward portion of a lift arm of the loader. The upright arm carries a pivoting locking handle at a first pivot and a locking link is pivotally supported on the locking handle on a first pivot pin. The locking link has a second pivot pin that can be moved to be supported in an existing pin sleeve or bushing on the lift arm. The pivot pins on the locking link are positioned so that when the locking handle is moved to a locked position, the line between the axes of the pivot pins on the locking link goes over center with respect to the pivot axis of the first pivot locking handle, and a hook end of the link latches onto a locking projection on the upright arm. The mounting frame is held in a fixed position relative to the lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Christopher Lougheed
  • Patent number: 8413828
    Abstract: The hoist attachment for skid steer includes a base frame with a mounting bracket and ball joint brackets to securely mount the hoist attachment to the skid steer. A telescoping boom is pivotally mounted to the top of the base frame. A pipe rack may be disposed adjacent the top of the base frame to store pipes or additional equipment. Pairs of hydraulic and manual support legs are attached to the base frame to stabilize the hoist attachment during working conditions. The power source for the hoist attachment is directly supplied by the hydraulic system in the skid steers. The hoist attachment includes controls operating the primary winch, boom, and hydraulic support legs. The base frame also includes a plug to which a remote may be attached for remote operation, the plug being connected to an electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Mark A. Hockema
  • Patent number: 8353359
    Abstract: A connecting apparatus and method of using the apparatus provide for attaching an implement to a utility vehicle that has a 3-point hitch including lower lift arms and connecting arms attached to rockshaft arms. The attachment apparatus and corresponding method include a lift support attached to the lower lift arms of the 3-point hitch. This combination of the lift support and lower lift arms provides for the hydraulic positioning of the implement, so that the implement (and/or brackets attached to the implement) may be attached to the utility vehicle (and/or brackets attached to the utility vehicle) without removing the lower lift arms and connecting arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Amerequip Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Ray Schwalenberg, Eric James Muehlbauer
  • Patent number: 8342789
    Abstract: A hood for a loader work machine is provided at the rear end of the frame body and downwardly of the transverse connecting member between the pair of right/left support frame members. The transverse connecting member includes a front wall plate and an upper wall plate projecting rearward from an upper end of the front wall plate. The upper wall plate of the transverse connecting member is disposed more downwardly than the vertical center of the cabin. A rear portion of the upper wall plate is inclined downwardly rearward. A hood upper wall is provided for covering a rear upper side between the pair of right/left support frame members. A front end portion of the hood upper wall is connected to the rear portion of the upper wall plate of the transverse connecting member. The hood upper wall is inclined downwardly rearward in correspondence with the rear portion of the upper wall plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoaki Yasuda, Masanori Fujino, Toshihiko Takemura, Yasuo Nakata, Yoshitaka Matsubara, Yoshihiro Ueda, Yuuki Takano, Yusuke Kawai, Ryohei Sumiyoshi, Hiroyuki Anami, Naoya Muramoto, Kenji Mitsui, Youhei Kawano, Takeshi Ikumura
  • Patent number: 8322969
    Abstract: The front end loader and method of the present invention provides front end loader lift arms that may be removed from an implement, such as a bucket, and secured to the bucket in a cantilevered position for storage of the lift arms. Connections on the implement and lift arms allow the lift arms to be securely interconnected with connections on the bucket without the use of tools or pins so that the center of gravity of the lift arms is above the bucket. The lift arms may then be removed from a utility vehicle. In this storage position, the lift arms are stored and maintained in a secure position so that they may later be easily and quickly reattached to the utility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing, Co.
    Inventors: Neal W. Westendorf, Joseph W. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 8287226
    Abstract: A hand-operable connection assembly is described for quickly connecting and disconnecting a vehicle from a boom assembly. The connection assembly includes a tower and a bracket, the tower is rotatably secured to both an actuator and a boom arm while the bracket is secured to a vehicle or construction device. The tower and bracket interconnect via pins that seat in pockets, and the tower is secured or locked to the bracket via a hand-operable locking clevis that rotates about one of the pins and wraps around the curved exterior of one of the pockets. The center point of the exterior curvature is offset from the center point of the clevis rotation such that rotation of the clevis tightens the clevis against the pocket. The pins may be located at the two hinges connecting the boom arm and actuator to the tower, or the pins may be separated from the hinges. The exterior of the pocket may include a grind sheet designed to scrape against and secure a grind bar of the locking clevis in a locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Neal W. Westendorf, Joseph W. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: RE44771
    Abstract: A rear-mounted implement mounting system includes semicylindrical 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 semicylindrical 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: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Laverne Sprinkle, Judith Fuzzen