U.S. patent application number 11/759259 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for material handling assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to MILLONZI INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTS GROUP, INC.. Invention is credited to Lonnie Riffle.
Application Number | 20070289173 11/759259 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38860178 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070289173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Riffle; Lonnie |
December 20, 2007 |
MATERIAL HANDLING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A material handling assembly is described herein. The material
handling assembly provides an assembly mountable on the articulated
arm of the machine consisting generally of a bucket pivotally
connectable to the articulated arm of the machine and the means for
pivoting the bucket about the pivotal connection of the bucket to
the articulated arm, an arm member pivotally connectable to the
articulated arm and cooperable with the bucket when mounted on the
articulated arm for clamping material being handled therebetween, a
bracket mountable on the articulated arm, a strut having a first
end thereof pivotally connected to the arm member and second end
thereof received within and displaceable along the bracket, and
means for detachably securing the second end of the strut to the
bracket at selected points along the length of the bracket in a
safe and efficient manner.
Inventors: |
Riffle; Lonnie; (Geneva,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCKINGHAM, DOOLITTLE & BURROUGHS, LLP
3800 EMBASSY PARKWAY, SUITE 300
AKRON
OH
44333-8332
US
|
Assignee: |
MILLONZI INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTS
GROUP, INC.
Perry
OH
|
Family ID: |
38860178 |
Appl. No.: |
11/759259 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60811696 |
Jun 7, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
37/403 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/404 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
37/403 |
International
Class: |
E02F 3/96 20060101
E02F003/96 |
Claims
1. A material handling assembly mountable to an articulated arm of
an excavating machine which comprises: a bucket pivotally
connectable to said articulated arm; and a thumb assembly, wherein
said thumb assembly is cooperable with said bucket when mounted on
said articulated arm for clamping material therebetween, and
further wherein said thumb assembly comprises: an arm member
pivotally connectable to said articulated arm; a bracket mounted on
said articulated arm, wherein said bracket comprises at least one
wall section, and wherein said at least one wall section comprises:
at least two generally U-shaped adapters formed therein said at
least one wall section; said U-shaped adapters having a continuous
transverse opening extending through said U-shaped adapters at an
open end of said U-shaped adapters; a locking pin, wherein said
locking pin is sized for insertion into said continuous transverse
opening in said U-shaped adapters; and a strut, wherein said strut
operatively connects said arm member and said bracket, and further
wherein said strut comprises: at least one rigid member; and a pin
transverse to a longitudinal axis of said rigid member at one end
and pivotally connected to said thumb assembly at opposed end, said
pin sized for insertion into said at least two generally U-shaped
openings formed within said at least one wall section of said
bracket.
2. The material handling assembly of claim 1 wherein said arm
member of said thumb assembly comprises: a pair of transversely
spaced-apart side wall sections wherein said pair of side wall
sections are comprised of an inner end and an outer end and further
wherein said pair of wall sections are pivotally connected at said
inner ends by a pin and further wherein said pair of wall sections
are connected at said outer ends by a spacer.
3. The material handling assembly of claim 1 wherein said bracket
of said thumb assembly further comprises: a base section, wherein
said base section is connected to said articulated arm, and further
wherein said at least one wall section having said at least two
generally U-shaped adapters formed therein is connected to said
base section.
4. The material handling assembly of claim 1 wherein said locking
pin of said thumb assembly comprises: a handle; and a shaft
connected to said handle wherein said shaft is sized for insertion
into said continuous transverse opening in said U-shaped
adapters.
5. The material handling assembly of claim 1 wherein said pin
extending outwardly from said at least one rigid member of said
strut extends generally perpendicular from said rigid member.
6. A thumb assembly for connection to a material handling assembly
mountable to an articulated arm of an excavating machine which
comprises: an arm member pivotally connectable to said articulated
arm; a bracket mounted on said articulated arm, wherein said
bracket comprises at least one wall section, and wherein said at
least one wall section comprises: at least two generally U-shaped
adapters formed therein said at least one wall section; said
U-shaped adapters having a continuous transverse opening extending
through said U-shaped adapters at an open end of said U-shaped
adapters; a locking pin, wherein said locking pin is sized for
insertion into said continuous transverse opening in said U-shaped
adapters; and a strut, wherein said strut operatively connects said
arm member and said bracket, and further wherein said strut
comprises: at least one rigid member; and a pin transverse to a
longitudinal axis of said rigid member at one end and pivotally
connected to said thumb assembly at opposed end, said pin sized for
insertion into said at least two generally U-shaped openings formed
within said at least one wall section of said bracket.
7. The thumb assembly of claim 6 wherein said arm member comprises:
a pair of transversely spaced-apart side wall sections wherein said
pair of side wall sections are comprised of an inner end and an
outer end and further wherein said pair of wall sections are
pivotally connected at said inner ends by a pin and further wherein
said pair of wall sections are connected at said outer ends by a
spacer.
8. The thumb assembly of claim 6 wherein said bracket further
comprises: a base section, wherein said base section is connected
to said articulated arm, and further wherein said at least one wall
section having said at least two generally U-shaped adapters formed
therein is connected to said base section.
9. The thumb assembly of claim 6 wherein said locking pin
comprises: a handle; and a shaft connected to said handle wherein
said shaft is sized for insertion into said continuous transverse
opening in said U-shaped adapters.
10. The thumb assembly of claim 6 wherein said pin extending
outwardly from said at least one rigid member of said strut extends
generally perpendicular from said rigid member.
11. A conversion kit for conversion of a thumb assembly for
connection to a material handling assembly mountable to an
articulated arm of an excavating machine which comprises: a bracket
mounted on said articulated arm, wherein said bracket comprises at
least one wall section, and wherein said at least one wall section
comprises: at least two generally U-shaped adapters formed therein
said at least one wall section; said U-shaped adapters having a
continuous transverse opening extending through said U-shaped
adapters at an open end of said U-shaped adapters; and a locking
pin, wherein said locking pin is sized for insertion into said
continuous transverse opening in said U-shaped adapters.
12. The conversion kit of claim 11 wherein said bracket further
comprises: a base section, wherein said base section is connected
to said articulated arm, and further wherein said at least one wall
section having said at least two generally U-shaped adapters formed
therein is connected to said base section.
13. The conversion kit of claim 11 wherein said locking pin
comprises: a handle; and a shaft connected to said handle wherein
said shaft is sized for insertion into said continuous transverse
opening in said U-shaped adapters.
14. A material handling assembly mountable to an articulated arm of
an excavating machine which comprises: a bucket pivotally
connectable to said articulated arm; and a thumb assembly, wherein
said thumb assembly is cooperable with said bucket when mounted on
said articulated arm for clamping material therebetween, and
further wherein said thumb assembly comprises: an arm member
pivotally connectable to said articulated arm; at least two
semi-hemispherical structures connected to said articulated arm,
said at least two semi-hemispherical structures having a continuous
transverse opening extending through said semi-hemispherical
structures at an open end of said semi-hemispherical structures; a
locking pin, wherein said locking pin is sized for insertion into
said continuous transverse opening in said semi-hemispherical
structures; and a strut, wherein said strut operatively connects
said arm member and one of said at least two semi-hemispherical
structures, and further wherein said strut comprises: at least one
rigid member; and a pin transverse to a longitudinal axis of said
rigid member at one end and pivotally connected to said thumb
assembly at opposed end, said pin sized for insertion into said at
least two semi-hemispherical structures.
15. The material handling assembly of claim 14 wherein said arm
member of said thumb assembly comprises: a pair of transversely
spaced-apart side wall sections wherein said pair of side wall
sections are comprised of an inner end and an outer end and further
wherein said pair of wall sections are pivotally connected at said
inner ends by a pin and further wherein said pair of wall sections
are connected at said outer ends by a spacer.
16. The material handling assembly of claim 14 wherein said locking
pin of said thumb assembly comprises: a handle; and a shaft
connected to said handle wherein said shaft is sized for insertion
into said continuous transverse opening in said semi-hemispherical
structures.
17. The material handling assembly of claim 14 wherein said pin
extending outwardly from said at least one rigid member of said
strut extends generally perpendicular from said rigid member.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates generally to an improved material
handling assembly for use in connection with earth moving equipment
such as excavators and backhoes and the like. More specifically,
the invention relates to an improved material handling assembly
that is attached to, and easily repositioned relative to an
articulated arm of the earth moving equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Earth moving equipment such as excavators and backhoes are
commonly used by contractors for various construction projects
where it is desirable to move large amounts of materials such as
soil, rocks, tree trunks and stumps and other debris. Such
equipment typically includes a handle or arm-like structure,
referred to herein as the articulated arm, extending from the main
body of the equipment, a bucket pivotally connected to one end of
the articulated arm and a hydraulic cylinder assembly to move or
reposition the bucket relative to the articulated arm.
[0003] It is also known in the art to include an implement or thumb
opposite the bucket to help facilitate the grabbing of objects such
as trees, debris and the like. Typically, the thumb is fixed
relative to the articulated arm and the bucket may be curled and
uncurled to grasp and hold the material being handled. The thumb
also is usually connected to the articulated arm with a strut which
may be either of a fixed or extendable length to permit adjustment
of the angle of the thumb relative to the articulated arm. The
strut may consist of rigid link detachably securable to one of a
number of brackets deposed on the underside of the articulated arm
or a hydraulic cylinder whose length may be varied and locked to
position the thumb at the desired angle. Utilizing a hydraulic
cylinder for adjusting the angle of the thumb has a number of
advantages but is comparatively costly. Utilizing a rigid strut and
a number of connecting brackets also has a number of disadvantages
including increased cost of manufacture and installation and a
certain amount manual labor being required in fixing the desired
angle of the thumb and securing it into position.
[0004] Another problem associated with material handling assemblies
of the past, such as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,267
is that it is difficult and time-consuming for the operator to
reposition the strut relative to the openings in the bracket due to
the weight of the components involved. More specifically, to
reposition the strut that connects the thumb to the articulated arm
along the bracket, an operator has to remove the pin connecting the
strut to the bracket, reposition the opening in the strut with the
desired opening in the bracket and reinsert the connecting pin, all
while trying to steady and hold in place the thumb and the strut
which could weigh in excess of 800 lbs. Given the weight of the
strut and thumb and the need to hold it steady, it is often
necessary to involve two or more workers to reposition the strut
which is time consuming, inefficient and dangerous. Moreover, the
lateral forces being applied to the pin by the sidewalls of the
openings in the strut often result in the pin becoming jammed and
makes it even more difficult for the operator to remove the pin to
reposition the thumb assembly relative to the arm.
[0005] The prior art front end assembly of an excavating machine
with a thumb assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,267 is shown
in FIGS. 1 through 4 (Prior Art). Referring to FIG. 1 of the
drawings, there is illustrated a front end assembly of an
excavating machine which generally includes an articulated arm 10
and material handling assembly 12 operatively mounted on the
articulated arm. Articulated arm 10 is of a conventional
construction and is supported on the frame of the machine so that
it may be pivoted about vertical and horizontal axes to position
the material handling assembly in the conventional manner. Material
handling assembly 12 further comprises a bucket assembly 13 and a
thumb assembly 14.
[0006] Bucket assembly 13 is of a conventional construction and
includes a bucket 15 connected to the free end of the articulated
arm by means of a shaft 16, a support link 17 pivotally connected
to the articulated arm by means of a connecting pin 18, a
connecting link 19 interconnecting support link 17 and bucket 15 by
means of connecting pins 20 and 21 and a hydraulic cylinder
assembly 22. Cylinder assembly 22 includes a cylinder member 23
pivotally connected at the base end thereof to a bracket mounted on
the upper side of the articulated arm, and a rod member 24
pivotally connected to connecting pin 20. Cylinder assembly 22 is
adapted to be extended and retracted in the conventional manner to
pivot and thereby curl and uncurl the bucket about the axis of
shaft 16.
[0007] Thumb assembly 14 comprises an arm member 30 pivotally
connected to the underside of the articulated arm adjacent shaft
16, a bracket 31 mounted on the underside of articulated arm 10
rearwardly of the pivotal connection of arm member 30 to the
articulated arm and a rigid strut 32 operatively interconnecting
arm member 30 and bracket 31. Arm member 30 is pivotally connected
to a depending bracket 33 rigidly secured to the underside of the
articulated arm by means of a connecting pin 34. The axes of pin 34
and shaft 16 are disposed parallel and are positioned apart and at
an appropriate angle to permit arm member 30 and bucket 15 to come
together at different angular positions of the arm member to
facilitate the clamping of material being handled therebetween. The
arm member consists of a pair of transversely spaced, side wall
sections 35 pivotally connected at inner ends to connecting pin 34,
secured together and reinforced at the outer ends thereof by means
of a box-shaped spacer 36 and closed along one set of edges by
means of an end wall section 37. As best shown in FIG. 3, the outer
ends of the side wall sections are provided with projecting,
pointed portions 38 interconnected by a spacer and reinforcing
plate 39 which also is secured along its rear edge to box-shaped
spacer 36. A portion of the outer edges of side wall sections 35
project beyond the plane of the outer surface of end wall section
37 and are provided with a jagged or serrated configuration as at
40 for enhancing the gripping capability of arm member 30 when
cooperating with bucket 15 to clamp material being handled
therebetween.
[0008] Bracket 31 includes a base section 41 rigidly secured by
welding or bolts to the underside of articulated arm 10, and a pair
transversely spaced, depending walls sections 42 and 43. As best
seen in FIG. 4, a pair of strips 44 and 45 spaced from base section
41 and projecting inwardly from side wall sections 42 and 43
provide a T-shaped guideway 46 disposed along the length of the
bracket, including a head portion 47 and neck portion 48.
[0009] Strut 32 consists of an elongated, rigid member having one
end received between the side wall sections of arm member 30 and
connected by means of a connecting pin 49 to a bracket 50 rigidly
secured to the inner side of end wall section 37. The opposite end
of strut 32 is provided with a narrow shank portion 32a received
through neck portion 48 and a head portion 32b received within and
displaceable along guideway head portion 47. Head portion 32b has a
cylindrical configuration enabling it to slide freely along the
length of head portion 47 of guideway 46 when the arm member is
pivoted. Inwardly projecting strip portions 44 and 45 prevent head
portion 32b of strut 32 from becoming detached, and neck opening 48
freely permits shank portion 32a of strut 32 to displace
longitudinally relative to the bracket and pivot about the axis of
cylindrical head section 32b.
[0010] When arm member 30 is pivoted about the axis of connecting
pin 34 between the positions shown in solid and phantom lines in
FIG. 3, the upper end portion of strut member 32 will be caused to
be displaced along the length of guideway 46 to position arm member
30 at various angles relative to articulated arm 10. The angular
position of arm member 30 relative to articulated arm 10 may be
fixed by means of a locking pin 60 insertable through registerable
openings in the side wall sections of bracket 31 and an opening in
the shank portion of strut 32 side wall sections 42 and 43 are
provided with longitudinally spaced sets 61 through 64 of
transversely aligned openings which are adapted to register with
opening 65 in the shank portion of strut 32. As the arm member is
pivoted about connecting pin 34 causing strut 32 to slidably
displace head portion 32b of strut 32 along portion 47 of guideway
46, locking pin 60 may be inserted through the registered openings
to lock the arm member in the selected angular position relative to
the articulated arm.
[0011] Locking pin 60 is provided with a cylindrical shank portion
60a insertable through registered openings in the side wall
sections of the bracket and the shank portion of the strut, and a
head portion 60b. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the shank portion 60a
of the locking pin is received through registered openings 61b, 65
and 61a with head portion 60b engaging the outer surface of side
wall section 42 to lock the upper end of the strut member relative
to the bracket and thus fix the angle of the arm member relative to
the articulated arm. The free end of shank portion 60a is tapered
as at 60c to facilitate the insertion of the pin, and the free end
of the shank portion of the locking pin is provided with an opening
60d therethrough through which a pin may be inserted to prevent the
locking pin from becoming removed from the registered openings in
the bracket and the strut.
[0012] When the arm member is retracted to its rearmost position as
illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 3, bracket 31 is adapted to be
received within the arm member between side walls 35, 35, and head
portion 32b of the strut will be caused to be displaced to the
rearward end of head portion 47 of guideway 46. The arm member may
be retained in such storage position adjacent the underside of
articulated arm 10 by means of locking pin 60 inserted through a
set 66 of transversely aligned openings in the side wall sections
of the bracket, and opening 65 in the shank portion of the strut.
As best shown in FIG. 3, the lower edges of the side wall sections
of bracket 31 are provided with a set of transversely aligned
recesses 67 which are adapted to receive and thus accommodate
connecting pin 49 when the arm member is retracted to its storage
position as illustrated by the phantom lines in FIG. 3.
[0013] Under normal operating conditions of the excavating machine,
arm member 30 will be retracted and retained in the storage
position as shown in FIG. 2 to permit bucket 15 to be curled and
uncurled in the conventional manner to perform a digging operation.
Under such conditions, arm member 30 being fully retracted and
positioned along the underside of articulated arm 10 will not
interfere with the curling and uncurling action of bucket 15. When
it is desired to perform a material handling function with the use
of thumb assembly 14, bucket 15 is first uncurled so as not to
interfere with the positioning of arm member 30, locking pin 60 is
removed to free arm member 30 and allow it to swing downwardly and
engage the ground, articulated arm 10 is maneuvered while the tip
of arm member 30 engages the ground to cause head portion 32b to
slide along portion 47 of the guideway and position opening 65 in
the shank portion of the strut in registry with a selected one of
sets 61 through 64 and locking pin 60 is inserted in the selected
registered openings to fix the angle of arm member 30 relative to
articulated arm 10 and thus lock it in such position. Articulated
arm 10 may thus be maneuvered and coordinated with the curling and
uncurling of bucket 15 to grasp, transport and release material
being handled.
[0014] When the material handling operation has been completed and
it is desired to reposition arm member 30 to its storage position,
bucket 15 is first uncurled to remove it from the vicinity of arm
member 30, arm member 30 is manipulated to dig the end of arm
member 30 into the ground to relieve the force on locking pin 60,
locking pin 60 is manually removed, articulated arm 10 is further
manipulated to cause arm member 30 to pivot and be positioned
against the underside of articulated arm 10 and locking pin 60 is
then reinserted in a set of registered openings adjacent the rear
end of the bracket to secure arm member 30 along the underside of
articulated arm 10.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention relates to a material handling
assembly. The present invention solves the above-described problems
of prior art material handling assemblies by providing an assembly
mountable on the articulated arm of the machine consisting
generally of a bucket pivotally connectable to the articulated arm
of the machine and the means for pivoting the bucket about the
pivotal connection of the bucket to the articulated arm, an arm
member pivotally connectable to the articulated arm and cooperable
with the bucket when mounted on the articulated arm for clamping
material being handled therebetween, a bracket mountable on the
underside of the articulated arm, a strut having a first end
thereof pivotally connected to the arm member and second end
thereof received within and displaceable along the bracket, and
means for detachably securing the second end of the strut to the
bracket at selected points along the length of the bracket in a
safe and efficient manner. A conversion kit is also foreseen to
allow a previously existing machine to be converted to use the
material handling assembly described herein.
[0016] It is the principal object of the present invention to
provide a material handling assembly of the type described having a
thumb component which is simple in construction, comparatively easy
to install and readily adjustable. It is a further object of the
invention to provide a thumb which may be easily set at a desired
angle for operational purposes.
[0017] Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains
upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed
specification.
[0018] These and other objects of the present invention will become
more readily apparent from a reading of the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein like reference numerals indicate similar parts, and with
further reference to the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principals is set forth in the following description and is shown
in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and
set forth in the appended claims. The invention may take physical
form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, numerous
embodiments of which will be described in detail in the
specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which
form a part hereof, and wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a front end assembly of an excavating
machine of Prior Art;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a front end assembly of an excavating
machine of Prior Art with the arm member retracted and retained in
the storage position;
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates the thumb assembly of a front end
assembly of an excavating machine of Prior Art;
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates the strut assembly of the thumb assembly
of a front end assembly of an excavating machine of Prior Art;
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a front end assembly of an excavating
machine of an embodiment of the present invention having three
generally U-shaped openings;
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates the bracket of a front end assembly of an
excavating machine of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a front end assembly of an excavating
machine of an embodiment of the present invention having two
generally U-shaped openings;
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a front end assembly of an excavating
machine of an embodiment of the present invention having the side
wall directly attached to the articulated arm without use of a
base; and
[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates a front end assembly of an excavating
machine of an embodiment of the present invention having two
hemi-semispherical structures with no support walls or base.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating various embodiments of the invention only
and not for purposes of limiting the same, the figures illustrate
the novel idea of a material handling assembly. The material
handling assembly is an assembly mountable on the articulated arm
of the machine consisting generally of a bucket pivotally
connectable to the articulated arm of the machine and the means for
pivoting the bucket about the pivotal connection of the bucket to
the articulated arm, an arm member pivotally connectable to the
articulated arm and cooperable with the bucket when mounted on the
articulated arm for clamping material being handled therebetween, a
bracket mountable on the underside of the articulated arm, having a
guideway therealong, a strut having a first end thereof pivotally
connected to the arm member and second end thereof received within
and displaceable along the guideway, and means for detachably
securing the second end of the strut to the bracket at selected
points along the length of the guideway in a safe and efficient
manner.
[0030] Having described the prior art material handling assembly
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,267 above and, more particularly,
bracket 31, and the problems associated therewith of having to
manually dislodge, disengage and then engage locking pin 60 each
time the operator desires to reposition thumb assembly 14, the
material handling assembly of the present invention will now be
described. The environment in which the material handling assembly
of the present invention operates is generally identical to that
described above for prior art material handling assembly 12, with
any differences in structure and operation between the environment
adapted for use with the present invention and that of the prior
art being particularly described below.
[0031] Specifically, a front end assembly of an excavating machine
is shown generally at FIG. 5 and includes an articulated arm 80 and
material handling assembly 82 operatively mounted on the
articulated arm. Articulated arm 80 is of a conventional
construction and is supported on the frame of the machine (not
shown) so that it may be pivoted about vertical and horizontal axes
to position the material handling assembly in the conventional
manner. Material handling assembly 82 further comprises a bucket
assembly 83 and a thumb assembly 84.
[0032] Bucket assembly 83 is of a conventional construction and
includes a bucket 85 connected to the free end of the articulated
arm by means of a shaft 86, a support link 87 pivotally connected
to articulated arm 80 by means of a connecting pin 88, a connecting
link 89 interconnecting support link 87 and bucket 85 by means of
connecting pins 90, 91 and a cylinder assembly 92. Cylinder
assembly 92 includes a cylinder member 93 pivotally connected at
the base end thereof to a bracket mounted on the upper side of
articulated arm 80 (not shown), and a rod member 94 pivotally
connected to connecting pin 90. Cylinder assembly 92 is adapted to
be extended and retracted in the conventional manner to pivot and
thereby curl and uncurl bucket 85 about the axis of shaft 86.
[0033] Thumb assembly 84 comprises an arm member 96 pivotally
connected to the underside of articulated arm 80 adjacent shaft 86,
a bracket 100 mounted on the underside of articulated arm 80
rearwardly of the pivotal connection of arm member 96 to
articulated arm 80, and a rigid strut 102 operatively
interconnecting arm member 96 and bracket 100. Arm member 96 is
pivotally connected to a depending bracket 104 rigidly secured to
the underside of articulated arm 80 by means of a connecting pin
106. The axes of pin 106 and shaft 86 are disposed parallel and are
positioned apart and at an appropriate angle to permit arm member
86 and bucket 85 to come together at different angular positions of
the arm member to facilitate the clamping of material being handled
therebetween. Arm member 96 is comprised of at least one wall
section. In a preferred embodiment arm member 96 is comprised of a
pair of transversely spaced, side wall sections 108 pivotally
connected at inner ends to connecting pin 106, secured together and
reinforced at the outer ends thereof by means of a generally
box-shaped spacer 110 and closed along one set of edges by means of
an end wall section 112. As best shown in FIG. 5, the outer ends of
the side wall sections 108 are provided with projecting, pointed
portions 114 interconnected by a spacer and reinforcing plate 116
which also is secured along its rear edge to box-shaped spacer 110.
A portion of the outer edges of side wall sections 108 project
beyond the plane of the outer surface of end wall section 112 and
are provided with a jagged or serrated configuration as at 118 for
enhancing the gripping capability of the arm member when
cooperating with the bucket to clamp material being handled
therebetween. Notwithstanding the forgoing, it is contemplated that
different shaped thumbs and thumb configurations already known in
the art could also be utilized without affecting the overall
concept of the present invention.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, bracket 100
includes a base section 121 which is fixedly attached to the
underside of articulated arm 80 by welding or bolts or some other
method of attachment known in the art, and a pair of spaced-apart,
parallel wall sections 122, 123. In the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, wall sections 122, 123 extend outwardly from
base section 121 and articulated arm 80, and each of said wall
sections further comprise a plurality of corresponding generally
U-shaped openings or adapters 124 formed therein, as best shown in
FIG. 6, for receipt of a pin as described more fully below.
Preferably, each of wall sections 122, 123 are fixedly attached to
base section 121 by welding though it is contemplated that base
section 121 and wall sections 122, 123 can be forged as a single
unit without affecting the overall concept of the present
invention. The plurality of generally U-shaped adapters 124 are not
limited to any number, as long as at least two generally U-shaped
adapters 124 are provided, as is shown in FIG. 7.
[0035] In further embodiments of the invention, however, different
configurations may be utilized to provide the at least two
generally U-shaped adapters 124. In certain embodiments of the
invention base section 121 is not a necessary element of the
invention, as an at least one wall section 122 can be attached
directly to the underside of articulated arm 80, as shown in FIG.
8. Furthermore, at least one wall section 122 is also not a
necessary element of the invention, as it is foreseen that in yet
further embodiments of the invention at least two U-shaped adapters
or semi-hemispherical structures may be directly attached to the
underside of articulated arm 80 without the support of at least one
wall section 122 or base section 121. It is foreseen that at least
two semi-hemispherical structures 134, as shown in FIG. 9, such as
cylinder halves, may be directly attached to the underside of
articulated arm 80 with no additional supporting wall or base.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a generally U-shaped support 126 is also
fixedly attached to, and extends outwardly from, each of wall
sections 122, 123 adjacent to each of generally U-shaped openings
124 to add additional structural support to each of wall sections
122, 123. Preferably, there are three U-shaped openings 124 and
corresponding generally U-shaped supports on each of wall sections
122, 123, and each corresponds to a different orientation or
positioning of arm member 96 relative to articulated arm 80.
Notwithstanding, it is contemplated that additional or fewer
U-shaped openings 124 and corresponding generally U-shaped supports
126 could be used depending on the desired number of different
positions or orientations of arm member 96, relative to articulated
arm 80. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, generally U-shaped supports
126 are spaced apart along, and fixedly attached to, wall sections
122 and 123, by any conventional means such as welding. Each of
generally U-shaped supports 126 further comprise an inner surface
127 for receipt of a pin as described more fully below, and an
outer surface 128. Each of inner surfaces 127 is sized and shaped
so as to correspond to the shape of openings 124 so that inner
surface 127 is generally flush or even with the surface of opening
124, as best illustrated in FIG. 6. Notwithstanding the forgoing,
it is contemplated that openings 124 and supports 126 can be of
different geometric configurations including, without limitation,
semi-cylindrical, rectangular or square without affecting the
overall concept of the present invention. Supports 126 serve
multiple functions including, without limitation, adding additional
structural support to each of wall sections 122, 123. Supports 126
also provide additional surface area for contact with a locking
pin, as described more fully below, thereby adding additional
strength and durability.
[0037] In certain embodiments of the invention, each of supports
126 further comprise a pair of corresponding continuous openings
129 contained therein for receipt of a locking pin 130. In certain
embodiments of the invention, locking pin 130 commonly comprises a
handle 131 and a shaft 132 for insertion into each of openings 129,
as best illustrated in FIG. 6 and described more fully below.
Locking pin 130 is preferably formed of a durable metal such as
steel, though it is also contemplated that any other durable
material could be used without affecting the overall concept of the
present invention. In further embodiments of the invention wherein
base 121 and at least one wall section 122 are not utilized, each
of semi-hemispherical structures 134 have a continuous opening 129
contained therein for receipt of locking pin 130, as shown in FIG.
9.
[0038] In certain embodiments of the invention, strut 102 is
comprised of a pair of parallel, spaced apart, rigid members 103
and a pin 133 fixedly attached to one end of each of said pair of
members 103 as best illustrated in FIG. 6. However, in certain
other embodiments of the invention, only at least one rigid member
103 is required for the proper functioning of strut 102. Pin 133
extends outwardly from, and is roughly perpendicular to, at least
one rigid member 103, and is generally cylindrical in shape for
insertion into opening 124, and in certain embodiments for mating
contact with inner surface 127 of a selected pair of U-shaped
supports 126.
[0039] The ends of members 103 opposite pin 133 are received
between side wall sections 108 of arm member 96 and are rotatably
connected by means of a connecting pin 140 to a bracket 142 rigidly
secured to the inner side of end wall section 112, as best
illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0040] The improved material handling assembly of the present
invention may be implemented with a new material handling machine,
applied to the machine during the original manufacture of the
machine. It is further foreseen that the material handling assembly
including the entire thumb assembly with corresponding parts may be
applied to a pre-existing material handling machine that previously
only included the pivotal bucket. It is yet further foreseen that
the improved material handling machine may be implemented as a
conversion kit, providing solely the bracket portion of the
invention to be applied to a material handling machine that already
included a pivotal bucket as well as a thumb assembly. The
conversion kit would provide the improved bracket assembly
described herein to allow for improved use of the thumb assembly
with the material handling machine.
[0041] Having described generally the structure of the improved
material handling assembly of the present invention, the
repositioning of thumb assembly 84 relative to articulated arm 80
will now be described. As previously stated, in the past when an
operator wanted to reposition a prior art thumb assembly relative
to the articulated arm to complete a particular task, the operator
was required to remove the pin connecting the strut to the bracket,
reposition the opening in the strut with the desired opening in the
bracket and reinsert the connecting pin, all while trying to steady
and hold in place the thumb and the strut which could weigh in
excess of 800 lbs. Given the weight of the strut and thumb and the
need to hold it steady to insert the pin into the opening, it was
often necessary to involve two or more workers to reposition the
strut, which is time consuming, inefficient, and dangerous.
Moreover, the lateral forces being applied to the pin by the
sidewalls of the openings in the strut often resulted in the pin
becoming jammed thereby making it even more difficult for the
operator to remove the pin to reposition the thumb assembly
relative to the articulated arm.
[0042] However, to reposition thumb assembly 84 of the present
invention relative to articulated arm 80, the operator simply
removes each of pins 130 from each of openings 129 in each of
supports 126, repositions pin 133 of rigid strut 102 into the
desired openings 124 and supports 126, and reinserts each of pins
130 into each of openings 129 thus securely attaching rigid strut
102 to bracket 100 and articulated arm 80. Therefore, the present
invention eliminates the need for the operator to overcome the
lateral forces acting upon locking pin 60 of the prior art device
by pounding on the locking pin to remove it from the openings in
the bracket mounted to the articulated arm. The present invention
also eliminates the need for additional workers to steady the prior
art thumb assembly, which could weigh in excess of 800 lbs., while
the operator or another worker aligns the various openings for
insertion of the locking pin.
[0043] Unless otherwise indicated, all components of material
handling assembly 82 are preferably made of a high strength steel,
though it is contemplated that other durable methods can also be
used. The brackets to which the arm member and strut member are
connected are preferably welded or bolted to the underside of the
articulated arm, though it is contemplated that other means of
attachment known in the art can also be used without affecting the
overall concept of the invention. The components of the thumb
assembly further may be assembled and sold as a kit, enabling
purchasers to install such assemblies in the field.
[0044] Accordingly, the improved thumb assembly is simplified, and
provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient mechanism
which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for
eliminating difficulties encountered with prior devices, and solves
problems and obtains new results in the art.
[0045] Described herein is a material handling assembly mountable
to an articulated arm of an excavating machine which includes a
bucket pivotally connectable to said articulated arm and a thumb
assembly. The thumb assembly is cooperable with the bucket when
mounted on the articulated arm for clamping material therebetween.
The thumb assembly includes an arm member pivotally connectable to
the articulated arm and a bracket mounted on the articulated arm.
The bracket includes at least one wall section, which in turn
includes at least two generally U-shaped adapters formed therein
the at least one wall section; the U-shaped adapters having a
continuous transverse opening extending through the U-shaped
adapters at an open end of the U-shaped adapters. The thumb
assembly also includes a locking pin, wherein the locking pin is
sized for insertion into the c continuous transverse opening in
said U-shaped adapters. The thumb assembly further includes a
strut, wherein the strut operatively connects the arm member and
the bracket. The strut includes at least one rigid member; and a
pin. The pin is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rigid
member at one end and pivotally connected to the thumb assembly at
the opposed end.
[0046] Also described herein is a thumb assembly for connection to
a material handling assembly mountable to an articulated arm of an
excavating machine which includes an arm member pivotally
connectable to the articulated arm and a bracket mounted on the
articulated arm. The bracket includes at least one wall section.
The at least one wall section includes at least two generally
U-shaped adapters formed therein the at least one wall section; the
U-shaped adapters having a continuous transverse opening extending
through the U-shaped adapters at an open end of the U-shaped
adapters. The thumb assembly further includes a locking pin,
wherein the locking pin is sized for insertion into the continuous
transverse opening in the U-shaped adapters. The thumb assembly
also includes a strut, wherein the strut operatively connects the
arm member and the bracket. The strut includes at least one rigid
member; and a pin transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rigid
member at one end and pivotally connected to the thumb assembly at
opposed end, the pin sized for insertion into the at least two
generally U-shaped openings formed within the at least one wall
section of the bracket.
[0047] Also described herein is a conversion kit for conversion of
a thumb assembly for connection to a material handling assembly
mountable to an articulated arm of an excavating machine which
includes a bracket mounted on the articulated arm. The bracket
includes at least one wall section. The at least one wall section
includes at least two generally U-shaped adapters formed therein
the at least one wall section; the U-shaped adapters having a
continuous transverse opening extending through the U-shaped
adapters at an open end of the U-shaped adapters. The conversion
kit further includes a locking pin, wherein the locking pin is
sized for insertion into the continuous transverse opening in the
U-shaped adapters.
[0048] Further described herein is a material handling assembly
mountable to an articulated arm of an excavating machine which
includes a bucket pivotally connectable to the articulated arm and
a thumb assembly. The thumb assembly is cooperable with the bucket
when mounted on the articulated arm for clamping material
therebetween. The thumb assembly includes an arm member pivotally
connectable to the articulated arm, and at least two
semi-hemispherical structures connected to the articulated arm. The
at least two semi-hemispherical structures have a continuous
transverse opening extending through the semi-hemispherical
structures at an open end of the semi-hemispherical structures. The
thumb assembly also includes a locking pin, wherein the locking pin
is sized for insertion into the continuous transverse opening in
said semi-hemispherical structures. The thumb assembly further
includes a strut, wherein the strut operatively connects the arm
member and one of the at least two semi-hemispherical structures.
The strut includes at least one rigid member; and a pin transverse
to a longitudinal axis of the rigid member at one end and pivotally
connected to the thumb assembly at opposed end, the pin sized for
insertion into the at least two semi-hemispherical structures.
[0049] In certain embodiments described herein the arm member of
the thumb assembly includes a pair of transversely spaced side wall
sections. The pair of side wall sections include an inner end and
an outer end and the pair of wall sections are pivotally connected
at the inner ends by a pin and further wherein the pair of wall
sections are connected at said outer ends by a spacer. In other
embodiments the bracket of the thumb assembly further includes a
base section. The base section is connected to the articulated arm,
and the at least one wall section of the base section includes the
at least two generally U-shaped adapters formed therein is
connected to the base section. In other embodiments the locking pin
of the thumb assembly includes a handle and a shaft connected to
the handle. The shaft is sized for insertion into the transverse
continuous opening of the at least one wall section of the bracket.
In yet further embodiments, the pin extending outwardly from the at
least one rigid member of the strut extends generally perpendicular
from the rigid member.
[0050] The invention has been described with reference to at least
one embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur
to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification.
It is intended to include all such modifications and alternatives
in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or
the equivalence thereof.
[0051] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, illustration and understanding; but no
unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the
requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for
descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, this invention has been described in detail with
reference to specific embodiments thereof, including the respective
best modes for carrying out each embodiment. It shall be understood
that these illustrations are by way of example and not by way of
limitation.
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