U.S. patent application number 16/653368 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-15 for skid device attachable to loader bucket, loader bucket assembly for moving material, and method thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is R2 Manufacturing LLC. Invention is credited to Robert K. HENNING, Ryan G. HENNING.
Application Number | 20210108393 16/653368 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004407276 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-15 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210108393 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HENNING; Ryan G. ; et
al. |
April 15, 2021 |
SKID DEVICE ATTACHABLE TO LOADER BUCKET, LOADER BUCKET ASSEMBLY FOR
MOVING MATERIAL, AND METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A skid device and a loader bucket assembly includes the skid
device, which include a ski-shaped base plate. The skid device is
attachable to a front end of a loader bucket including a plurality
of mounting holes for securing an accessory, such as an edge plate
and a toothbar, to a bottom side of the loader bucket at a front
side thereof, with a portion of the accessory extending forwardly
of a front edge of the loader bucket when the accessory is mounted
to the loader bucket. The skid device is also attachable to the
loader bucket without the accessory mounted thereto. Two or more
skid devices can be attached to the front end of the loading bucket
to enable it to move materials on the ground.
Inventors: |
HENNING; Ryan G.; (Leesburg,
VA) ; HENNING; Robert K.; (Alden, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
R2 Manufacturing LLC |
Point of Rocks |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004407276 |
Appl. No.: |
16/653368 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02F 3/401 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 3/40 20060101
E02F003/40 |
Claims
1. A skid device mountable to a loader bucket including a plurality
of mounting holes for securing an accessory to a bottom side of the
loader bucket at a front side thereof, with a portion of the
accessory extending forwardly of a front edge of the loader bucket
when the accessory is mounted to the loader bucket, the skid device
comprising: a base plate including: a first section with a slot
extending in a fore and aft direction of the base plate; a second
section extending outwardly and angled upwardly from the first
section; and a third section extending outwardly and angled
upwardly from the first section, the second and third sections
extending in opposite directions along the fore and aft direction
from the first section; a stop member disposed at an upper side of
the first section adjacent to one of the second or third section
and configured to abut a leading end of the loader bucket, wherein
a width of the slot is dimensioned to permit a threaded shaft of a
fastener to pass through and a mounting hole, among the plurality
of mounting holes in the loader bucket, from a bottom side of the
first section, while preventing a head of the fastener, which is
disposed at one end of the threaded shaft and dimensioned larger
than the threaded shaft, from passing completely through the slot,
and wherein a length of the slot provides a fore and aft adjustment
that allows the skid device to be mountable to the loader bucket
with or without the accessory mounted, so that the stop member
abuts the leading end, which is either the front edge of the loader
bucket in a state where the accessory is not mounted to the loader
bucket or a front edge of the accessory extending forwardly of the
front edge of the loader bucket in a state where the accessory is
mounted to the loader bucket.
2. The skid device according to claim 1, wherein the accessory is
an edge plate.
3. The skid device according to claim 2, wherein: the base plate is
made of monolithic aluminum or steel, and the first section is
thicker than each of the second and third sections.
4. The skid device according to claim 1, further including a
reinforcing section extending upwardly from an upper side of the
first section.
5. The skid device according to claim 4, wherein the stop member
extends upwardly from an upper side of the reinforcing section.
6. The skid device according to claim 1, wherein the slot is
stepped or countersunk deeper than a thickness of the head of the
fastener so that the head is at least flush with a bottom surface
of the first section.
7. The skid device according to claim 4, wherein the reinforcing
section has a slot that is narrower than the slot in the first
section and permits the threaded shaft of the fastener to extend
therethrough but prevents the head of the fastener from passing
through.
8. The skid device according to claim 1, further comprising a wear
member removably secured to a lower side of the base plate and
configured complementary to a configuration of the base plate and
cover a bottom surface of the base plate.
9. The skid device according to claim 5, wherein skid device is
mountable to the loader bucket with either the second or third
section extending forwardly of the leading end of the loader
bucket.
10. A loader bucket assembly for moving material, the bucket
assembly comprising: a loader bucket including a plurality of
mounting holes for securing an accessory to a bottom side of the
loader bucket at a front side thereof, with a portion of the
accessory extending forwardly of a front edge of the loader bucket
when the accessory is mounted to the loader bucket; and at least
two skid devices each mounted to the loader bucket using a fastener
through a mounting hole, among the plurality of mounting holes in
the loader bucket, wherein each of the two skid devices includes: a
base plate including: a first section with a slot extending in a
fore and aft direction of the base plate; a second section
extending outwardly and angled upwardly from the first section; and
a third section extending outwardly and angled upwardly from the
first section, the second and third sections extending in opposite
directions along the fore and aft direction from the first section;
a stop member disposed at an upper side of the first section
adjacent to one of the second or third section and configured to
abut a leading end of the loader bucket, wherein a width of the
slot is dimensioned to permit a threaded shaft of the fastener to
pass through and a mounting hole, among the plurality of mounting
holes in the loader bucket, from a bottom side of the first
section, while preventing a head of the fastener, which is disposed
at one end of the threaded shaft and dimensioned larger than the
threaded shaft, from passing completely through the slot, and
wherein a length of the slot provides a fore and aft adjustment
that allows the skid device to be mounted to the loader bucket with
or without the accessory mounted, so that the stop member abuts the
leading end, which is either the front edge of the loader bucket in
a state where the accessory is not mounted to the loader bucket or
a front edge of the accessory extending forwardly of the front edge
of the loader bucket in a state where the accessory is mounted to
the loader bucket.
11. The loader bucket assembly according to claim 10, wherein the
accessory is an edge plate.
12. The loader bucket assembly according to claim 10, wherein: the
base plate is made of monolithic aluminum or steel, and the first
section is thicker than each of the second and third sections.
13. The loader bucket assembly according to claim 10, further
including a reinforcing section extending upwardly from an upper
side of the first section.
14. The loader bucket assembly according to claim 10, wherein the
stop member extends upwardly from an upper side of the first
section.
15. The loader bucket assembly according to claim 10, wherein the
slot is stepped or countersunk deeper than a thickness of the head
of the fastener so that the head is at least flush with a bottom
surface of the first section.
16. The loader bucket assembly according to claim 13, wherein the
reinforcing section has a slot that is narrower than the slot in
the first section and permits the threaded shaft of the fastener to
extend therethrough but prevents the head of the fastener from
passing through.
17. The loader bucket assembly according to claim 10, further
comprising a wear member removably secured to a lower side of the
base plate and configured complementary to a configuration of the
base plate and cover a bottom surface of the base plate.
18. The loader bucket assembly according to claim 14, wherein skid
device is mountable to the loader bucket with either the second or
third section extending forwardly of the leading end of the loader
bucket.
19. The loader bucket assembly according to claim 13, wherein the
stop member extends upwardly from an upper side of the reinforcing
section.
20. A method of mounting a skid device to a loader bucket including
a plurality of mounting holes for securing an accessory to a bottom
side of the loader bucket at a front side thereof, with a portion
of the accessory extending forwardly of a front edge of the loader
bucket when the accessory is mounted to the loader bucket, the
method comprising the steps of: providing the skid device, which
comprises: a base plate including: a first section with a slot
extending in a fore and aft direction of the base plate; a second
section extending outwardly and angled upwardly from the first
section; and a third section extending outwardly and angled
upwardly from the first section, the second and third sections
extending in opposite directions along the fore and aft direction
from the first section; a stop member disposed at an upper side of
the first section adjacent to one of the second or third section
and configured to abut a leading end of the loader bucket, wherein
a width of the slot is dimensioned to permit a threaded shaft of a
fastener to pass through and a mounting hole, among the plurality
of mounting holes in the loader bucket, from a bottom side of the
first section, while preventing a head of the fastener, which is
disposed at one end of the threaded shaft and dimensioned larger
than the threaded shaft, from passing completely through the slot,
and wherein a length of the slot provides a fore and aft adjustment
that allows the skid device to be mountable to the loader bucket
with or without the accessory mounted, so that the stop member
abuts the leading end, which is either the front edge of the loader
bucket in a state where the accessory is not mounted to the loader
bucket or a front edge of the accessory extending forwardly of the
front edge of the loader bucket in a state where the accessory is
mounted to the loader bucket; disposing the skid device underneath
the load bucket so that the first section is underneath the load
bucket and the stop member is disposed close to or abutting the
leading end of the loader bucket; aligning the slot with the mount
hole; inserting the threaded shaft of the fastener through the slot
and into the mount hole; and securing the skid device to the load
bucket by fastening a nut on the thread shaft and tightening the
bolt while the stop member is abutting the leading end.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Displacing materials, such as snow on a gravel driveway or
the lifting of mulch or cut wood off a lawn using a loader bucket,
which has a long, flat leading edge, can quite easily cut into the
underlying ground when trying to lift or move material. This can
result in a damaged lawn, or driveway stones in a pile of snow
while attempting to clear them.
[0002] The present inventors have devised an EDGE TAMER, which is a
unique skid device that is attachable to commercial loader buckets.
See U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599. This skid device, which has a
ski-shaped ends, simple to attach, without needing to modify the
loader bucket, with a fastener. The skid device also can include a
replaceable wear member for improved gliding and longevity. The
skid device disclosed in this patent is quite useful for pushing
snow, moving mulch or dirt on grass, cut wood, or any similar
material with a tractor, skid-loader, or other machine with a
loader bucket, in situations where preserving the underlying
surface is a priority. For example, it is desirable to leave the
stones in a driveway when pushing snow, not damage the grass when
lifting a pile or mulch or cut wood, or avoid damaging expansion
joints on a concrete surface when clearing it off dirt or snow.
[0003] Although the EDGE TAMER is simple to attach to a loader
bucket without needing to modify the loader bucket, and is quite
useful, the EDGE TAMER uses tension to secure the skid device to a
loader bucket. But tension securing is not as practical for large
applications, such as wheel loaders. There still remains a need for
an improved skid device that is simpler and more economical to
manufacture. The present development addresses this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One aspect of the present development is a skid device
mountable to a loader bucket including a plurality of mounting
holes for securing an accessory to a bottom side of the loader
bucket at a front side thereof, with a portion of the accessory
extending forwardly of a front edge of the loader bucket when the
accessory is mounted to the loader bucket. The accessory can be an
edge plate.
[0005] The skid device includes a base plate, which includes a
first section, a second section, and a third section. The first
section includes a slot extending in a fore and aft direction of
the base plate. The second section extends outwardly and angled
upwardly from the first section. The third section extends
outwardly and angled upwardly from the first section, with the
second and third sections extending in opposite directions along
the fore and aft direction from the first section.
[0006] The width of the slot is dimensioned to permit a threaded
shaft of a fastener to pass through and a mounting hole, among the
plurality of mounting holes in the loader bucket, from a bottom
side of the first section, while preventing a head of the fastener,
which is disposed at one end of the threaded shaft and dimensioned
larger than the threaded shaft, from passing completely through the
slot.
[0007] The skid device further includes a stop member disposed at
an upper side of the first section adjacent to one of the second or
third section and configured to abut a leading end of the loader
bucket. When the skid device is mounted to the loader bucket, the
stop member abuts the leading end of the loader bucket with or
without the accessory mounted to the loader bucket. The skid device
can be mounted to the loader bucket with either the second or third
section extending forwardly of the leading end of the loader
bucket.
[0008] The length of the slot provides a fore and aft adjustment
that allows the skid device to be mountable to the loader bucket
with or without the accessory mounted, so that the stop member
abuts the leading end, which is either the front edge of the loader
bucket in a case where the accessory is not mounted or a front edge
of the accessory extending forwardly of the front edge of the
loader bucket in a case where the accessory is mounted.
[0009] The base plate can be made of monolithic aluminum or steel.
The first section is thicker than each of the second and third
sections. Alternatively, a reinforcing section can extend upwardly
from an upper side of the first section. The reinforcing section
can have a slot that is narrower than the slot in the first section
and permit the threaded shaft of the fastener to extend
therethrough but prevent the head of the fastener from passing
through. The slot can be stepped or countersunk deeper than a
thickness of the head of the fastener so that the head is at least
flush with a bottom surface of the first section. The stop member
can extend upwardly from an upper side of first section or the
reinforcing section.
[0010] The skid device can include a wear member removably secured
to a lower side of the base plate and configured complementary to a
configuration of the base plate and cover a bottom surface of the
base plate.
[0011] Another aspect of the present development is a loader bucket
assembly for moving material. The loader bucket assembly includes
the loader bucket as described above and at least two skid devices
mounted to the loader bucket. Each of the skid devices can be
configured as described above.
[0012] Another aspect of the present development is a method of
mounting the skid device described above to the loader bucket
described above. The method includes providing the skid device as
described above, disposing the skid device underneath the load
bucket so that the first section is underneath the load bucket and
the stop member is disposed close to or abutting the leading end of
the loader bucket, aligning the slot with the mount hole, inserting
the threaded shaft of the fastener through the slot and into the
mount hole, and securing the skid device to the load bucket by
fastening the nut on the thread shaft and tightening the nut while
the stop member is abutting the leading end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a loader bucket
assembly, including a skid device according to an embodiment of the
present development attached close to a left side of a conventional
loader bucket that includes an accessory in a form of an edge plate
attached to the underside thereof using bolts extending through
existing mounting holes in the loader bucket.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the loader
bucket assembly, but with another skid device installed at a
different location (closer to the right side) of the loader bucket
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates yet another perspective view of the
loader bucket assembly illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the skid device
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the skid
device illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the skid
device to better illustrate the relationship between the sizes of
the overlapping slots in the skid device.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the skid device
that includes a replaceable wear plate.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the replaceable
wear plate.
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment similar to FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Generally, two types of loader buckets exist: one type with
a single cutting edge and another type with double cutting edges.
The single cutting edge loader bucket typically comes with a
factory welded-on cutting edge that is not readily replaceable
(would require welding to repair or replace the original cutting
edge). The double-sided cutting edge loader bucket, which comes
with a bolted-on edge plate that has double-sided edges, is
attached to the loader bucket using bolts extending through holes
already existing in the loader bucket. Thus, the edge plate 12 is
replaceable. The edge plate is one of many accessories of the
loader bucket.
[0023] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a loader bucket assembly 30 including a
double-sided cutting edge loader bucket 10 (hereafter simply
"loader bucket") and at least two skid device 20 attached thereto
(only one shown in each figure). The loader bucket 10 can be any
commercial loader bucket of the type with built in mounting holes
for receiving fasteners, namely bolts 12B and nuts 12N, that secure
an edge plate 12 to the underside of the loader bucket. The present
development takes advantage of the existing mount holes to secure
the skid device 20 without requiring any modification to the loader
bucket, although the skid device 20 can be mounted to a single
cutting edge loader bucket by drilling holes or to existing
holes.
[0024] The loader bucket 10 can be any conventional or commercial
loader bucket that is typically associated with tractors or heavy
equipment machines. The loader bucket is typically configured to
have an inner volume sufficient to hold loose materials, such as
dirt, sand, rocks, and even snow. Specifically, referring to FIGS.
1-3, the loader bucket 10 typically can have a bottom portion 10a,
left and right side portions 10b, 10c (from the vantage of the
driver), and a back portion 10d all integrally held together to
form a rigid structure having the inner volume sufficient to hold
materials. Excavator buckets can even have teeth protruding from
the edge plate 12, and configured to disrupt material. The loader
bucket 10 also has a connecting mechanism (not shown) for attaching
to a tractor or the like. The connecting mechanism is also
conventional.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the bottom portion 10a of the loader
bucket is typically flat. The front portion of the underside of the
bottom portion 10a is where the upper side of the accessory (edge
plate) 12 is disposed and secured using fasteners, namely the bolts
12B and nuts 12C (see FIGS. 2-3). The edge plate 12 is typically
flat and includes two edges, namely a front edge 12fe and a back
edge 12be (which can be symmetrical). The front edge 12fe of the
edge plate 12 extends beyond the front edge 10e of the loader
bucket 10. Although the illustrated embodiment shows only the front
edge 12fe with a bevel 12bev, the back edge 12be also can include a
symmetrical bevel, which allows for the edge plate 12 to be
reversely mounted with the back edge 12be forwardly of the front
edge 10e of the loader bucket when the front edge 12fe wears
out.
[0026] Still referring to FIG. 1, the front side of the loader
bucket is typically made thicker, namely reinforced for strength
and durability. The thicker portion can end abruptly or gradually,
leaving an underside wall having some thickness (height) that forms
the lip portion 10f. In other words, the underside of the bottom
portion has a stepped configuration, with the distal side of the
front end being raised from the proximal side of the lip portion
10f.
[0027] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate the skid device 20 itself (identified
as EDGE TAMER II or BOLT-ON TAMER), which is removably attachable
to the loader bucket 10, with or without the edge plate 12. The
skid device 20 beneficially can be attached to the loader bucket 10
without the edge plate 12 installed, so that the front edge 10e of
the loader bucket 10 becomes the leading edge. But if the edge
plate 12 is mounted to the loader bucket 10, the edge 12fe or 12be
of the edge plate 12 becomes the leading edge of the loader bucket
10.
[0028] The skid device 20 is provided with a universal fitment.
Specifically, aligned slots 22s, 24s are provided to give the
operator the flexibility to slide the device longitudinally in a
fore and aft direction FA on the loader bucket 10 to accommodate
the loader bucket 10 either with or without the edge plate 12
installed using an existing bolt hole, as well as to fit
differently dimensioned loader buckets. Whereas the universal
fitment arrangement disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599 uses a
clamp type, the present skid device 20 uses a simpler direct
bolt-on fitting, which is more secure and economical to produce
than the tension fitment arrangement set forth in the skid device
of U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599.
[0029] The present skid device 20 has an improved attachment
mechanism. Specifically, the universal fitment arrangement included
in the present skid device 20 allows to be installed in any loader
bucket with pre-drilled holes in the front edge for accommodating
accessories, such as the edge plate 12, which also can be
configured in a form of a toothbar (not illustrated). Specifically,
the edge plate 12 can either receive a toothbar assembly or secure
individual tooth thereto. The present fitting arrangement
accommodates loader buckets with no accessories installed, as well
as different edges of various sizes, and therefore can function as
a primary or secondary edge-attached device. Mounting at least two
skid devices 20 to the leading end of the loader bucket 10 allows
the loader bucket to move material with minimal disturbance to the
ground. Each skid device 20 can slide under the leading end (front
edge 10e of the loader bucket if the edge plate is not mounted or
the front edge 12fe (or back edge 12be if reversely mounted) of the
edge plate 12 if the edge plate 12 is mounted. By extending a bolt
through the skid device 20, and up through the hole provided in the
front side of the loader bucket, the skid device 20 can be secured
in place using a fastener, namely a nut threaded to the bolt.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 4-6 in particular, the skid device 20
includes a base plate 22, a reinforcing plate (section) 24, and a
stop member 26. Although not illustrated, an extension bar can be
attached to the skid device 20 as an auxiliary member, as disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599, the disclosure thereof being herein
incorporated by reference.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, the base plate 22 has an elongated body
with ski shaped ends. Specifically, the base plate 22 includes a
leading end (second) section 22a, a base (first) section 22b
(first), and a trailing end section (third) 22c. Both the leading
end section 22a and the trailing end section 22c can be angled or
bent at any suitable degree, such as 20 degrees, similar to the way
ski tips are raised. The angle, however, can be made different
depending on use, namely higher angle for softer ground and lower
angle for harder ground). That is, the angle can be less than or
greater than 20 degrees. Moreover, the angles, as well as the
length, of the leading end section and the trailing end section can
be different from each other. The base section 22b is the primary
load bearing area. In this respect, the base section 22b can be
reinforced with the reinforcing plate 24, which can be a separate
plate secured to the middle section or integrally or monolithically
formed with the base section 22b.
[0032] The base section 22b, which contacts the ground, can be made
from steel, namely a flat single steel plate, such as 3/8'' thick
steel or stainless steel. The size of the base plate 22 can vary
according to the size of the loader bucket to be used. As an
example, the base plate 22 can be approximately 12'' long and 3''
wide, with both the leading end section 22a and the trailing end
section 22c angled up or bent at about 20 degrees. The above length
refers to the length before the leading and trailing end sections
22a, 22c are angled/bent upwardly.
[0033] The base section 22b includes a slot 22s sized for passage
of a bolt 12B, which can typically be sized 1/2,'' 5/8,'' 3/4,'' or
1'' in diameter, and sized to seat the bolt head and prevent a hex
or plow bolt head from rotating when tightening or loosening torque
is applied by the nut to the bolt when securing or loosening the
skid device 20 to the loader bucket 10. For example, the slot can
be 3/4'' in width for accommodating a 1/2'' diameter bolt,
centrally located (both width and length of the middle section
22b), extending longitudinally fore and aft. The slot can have a
length ranging from 2''-6.'' The slot can be dimensioned to accept
the head of a hex or plow bolt, allowing the bolt to slide to fit
appropriately to the underside of the loader bucket. The bolt is
insert up through one of the holes in the loader bucket, which is
used for holding accessories, such as the edge plate 12
corresponding to a removable cutting edge. The base plate 22 also
dimensioned to fit underneath the loader bucket without the edge
plate installed as previously explained.
[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the leading end and trailing
end sections 22a, 22c can have a symmetrical angle and length to
allow the skid device to be installed from either end to increase
useful life by reversely installing the skid device after long use.
In this respect, the stop member 26 can be removably mounted, such
as using bolts to the reinforcing plate 24, to either end portion
of the reinforcing plate 24.
[0035] The reinforcing plate 24, which is for reinforcing the base
plate, in particular the base section 22b (flat portion) of the
base plate 22 where the contact is made to the ground, can be
attached to upper surface of the base section 22b extending between
the sloped ends. The stop member 26 can be attached to the front
end or top side of the reinforcing plate 24 either using bolts or
by welding to the reinforcing plate 24 and/or the base section 22a.
For example, the reinforcing plate 24 can be made of 2'' wide by
6'' long by 3/8'' thick steel. The reinforcing plate 24 also
includes a slot 24s that is aligned with the slot 22s in the base
section 22s. For example, the slot can be 1/2'' wide, which is
narrower than the slot 22s to allow the shaft of the bolt to pass
through, while preventing the head from passing through.
[0036] It should be noted that the combination of the base plate 22
and the reinforcing plate 24 can be accomplished by milling a
thicker plate base plate to form angled leading and trailing
sections 22a, 22c, the stop member 26, the base section 22b having
the desired thickness, and with a stepped slot having a recessed
surface where the bolt head rests, namely with a wider bottom
opening (e.g., 3/4'') and a narrower top opening (e.g., 1/2''). In
this respect, skid device can be made of a single piece of steel or
aluminum with a wear plate that can be steel and/or high density
synthetic material. See FIG. 7. A reinforcing section refers to
either a separate plate or the integrally thicker area of the base
section 22a.
[0037] The stop plate 26 can abut against the front edge 12fe of
the edge 12 or the front edge 10e of the loader bucket 10 for added
security against the skid device 20 from moving backward when the
bolt becomes loose, as well as preventing it from twisting on the
bucket. The stop member 26 can be made of, for instance, a steel
bar, such as 3/8''.times.3/8''.times.3.0,'' secured to the upper
side of the reinforcing plate 24, such as by using bolts or welded
to the front of and/or the top of the reinforcing plate 24. This
serves as a pressure point against the leading edge 10e, 12fe, or
12be of the loader bucket 20.
[0038] In use, the stop member 26 would rest against the front of
the loader bucket, ensuring that the entire unit remains aligned
with the loader bucket, and serving as a protection to the skid
device should the operator strike an object during operation.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment that is essentially
identical to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, but including
a replaceable wear member or shoe 28 mounted to the base plate 22
of the skid device 10. In particular, the wear plate 28 is
particularly desirable when the base plate 22 is made of less
durable material, such as aluminum. The aluminum base plate 22
itself can be reinforced with a thin steel plate or shoe.
Alternatively, the wear member 28 itself can be reinforced with a
steel plate to increase strength and wear.
[0040] The wear member 28, which is replaceable, is shaped
complementary to the base plate 22 to cover the exposed bottom
surface of the entire base plate 22, including the slot 22s and
secured thereto using conventional fasteners 28f. In the
illustrated embodiment, two holes are drilled at each end of the
base plate 22 and threaded to accept screws 28f to secure the wear
member 28. The wear member 28 allows the loader bucket to glide
over sensitive surfaces, such as grass or pavement, to prevent
potential staining of concrete or paved surface due to paint or
rust rubbing off the bottom of the base plate 22. In use, the bolt
12B would be inserted through the slot(s) 22s, 24s and then the
wear member 28 would be secured to the base plate 22. This would
capture the bolt 12B in place, namely prevent the bolt from falling
off, while the bolt head can slide along the slot 22s.
[0041] The wear member 28 can be made from any number of materials
conventionally used for such purpose, such as
ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWE) or
polytetrafluoroethylene (PPTFE or otherwise known as TEFLON). The
wear member can be cut and form-fitted to the same shape and
dimensions as the base plate 22. In this respect, the wear member
28 also can be configured to cover both the lateral side edges of
the base member along the full length, as well as the leading edge
and the trailing edge thereof, for added protection.
[0042] Fasteners 28f are located in the angled portions near the
leading and trailing end sections 22a, 22c. Two holes can be
drilled through at each end portions of the wear member 28. The
corresponding portions of the base plate 22 can be drilled through
the base plate 22 and threaded to accept screws 28f to secure the
wear member 28 thereto. Each fastener hole can be countersunk at
the wear member 28 so that the fasteners, such as stainless steel
screws, can be flush with or positioned deeper inside the wear
member for added protection. Positioning the fasteners 28f near to
the angled tip portion will minimize damage from the ground,
enabling the removal of fasteners even if the wear member wears
out.
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the wear member
28', which is similar to the wear member 28 illustrated in FIG. 7.
In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the wear member 28' is wider than the
wear member 28 of FIG. 7 to accommodate front and rear mounting
brackets 29fb, 29rb for securing the wear member 28' to the base
plate 22. Instead of the fasteners 28f engaging the respective
threaded holes in the base plate 28, the fasteners 28f are secured
to the threaded holes 29a formed in each of the front and rear
mounting brackets 29fb, 29rb in the respective areas of the base
plate 22, namely at the front and rear ends or near those ends. The
mounting brackets 29fb, 29rb secured to the wear member 28' confine
or sandwiched the base plate 22 therebetween. In particular, each
of the front and rear mounting brackets 29fb, 29rb includes a slot
or recess that is less than the thickness of the wear member 28' to
seat the respective front and rear end portions of the base plate
22 therein and permit the front and rear mounting brackets to clamp
down on the front and rear end portions of the base plate 22. Each
of the front and rear mounting brackets 29fb, 29rb can be made of
steel or aluminum or other suitable strong material that can
maintain the wear member 28' secured to the base plate. This
configuration allows the wear member 28' to be mounted to the skid
plate without any drilling holes in the base plate 22.
[0044] The embodiment of FIG. 9 is identical to the embodiment of
FIG. 8 except for the configuration of the mounting bracket 29fb.
In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the wear member 28' uses mounting
brackets 29fb', 29rb. The mounting bracket 29fb' includes a cutout
29c to accommodate different skid plates, including for example the
skid plate disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599, where a
reinforcing gusset is provided to mount an auxiliary member. The
cutout 29c can accommodates the gusset or similar structure. The
present skid plate also can include a similar gusset for mounting a
similar auxiliary member.
[0045] Alternatively, other methods of fastening the wear member 28
can be contemplated. For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No.
9,133,599, the bottom of the base plate 22 can have dove-tail
recesses or protrusions or the like and the upper surface of the
wear member 28 can have complementary dove-tail protrusions or
recesses to allow the wear member to be installed to the base
member by sliding it sideways (perpendicular to the fore and aft
direction FA) and held with an interference fit. Screws also can be
used to retain the wear member from sliding sideways.
[0046] In use, at least two skid devices 20 are installed spaced
along the leading end of the loader bucket 10 by sliding each skid
device over the leading end of the loader bucket and inserting a
bolt 12B up through the slots 22s and 24s from the bottom thereof
of each skid device 20, through the edge 12 if used, and through
one of the mount holes in the loader bucket 10, and securing it
with a nut 12N. The skid device 20 can be loosened and adjusted
forward and back on the loader bucket, to ensure that the stop
member 26 rests securely against the front edge 12fe of the edge
plate 12 or the front edge 10e of the loader bucket 10. The stop
member 26 ensures a square alignment relative to the leading edge
of the bucket, and decreases the chance of loader bucket damage,
should the operator strike an object driving the tractor forward
while the nut 12N becomes loose.
[0047] Using at least two skid devices 20 installed to a loader
bucket 10 allows snow, mulch, and other such materials to be moved
with less disturbance to the underlying ground surface. For
example, the movement of snow on a gravel driveway or the lifting
of mulch or cut wood off a lawn can be achieved with the present
development.
[0048] Given the present disclosure, one versed in the art would
appreciate that there may be other embodiments and modifications
within the scope and spirit of the present development.
Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the art
from the present disclosure within the scope and spirit of the
present development are to be included as further embodiments of
the present development. The scope of the present invention
accordingly is to be defined as set forth in the appended
claims.
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