Bracket and Method for Transport of Articulated Arm Attachment

Abstract

The present invention provides for a bracket assembly mountable to an articulated arm. The mountable bracket assembly allows for efficient transfer of a working end attachment while causing minimal or no incidental environmental damage during the loading / unloading process. The bracket assembly comprises a mounting assembly mounted to the underside side of an articulated arm and a pivot piece assembly pivotally mounted to the mounting assembly. An optional stabilizer is dimensionally fabricated to effectively capture and stabilize a portion of the working end attachment when positioned for transport.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to the transfer to a jobsite of additional attachments for use with hydraulically operated machines and in particular, to a bracket for use with a hydraulically operated articulating arm. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Hydraulically operated machines are used extensively in the excavation and construction industries to efficiently remove, move and replace large or heavy quantities of materials. Commonly used hydraulically operated machines include hydraulic excavators, backhoes-front end loaders, and shovels, both tracked and wheeled. Common to these hydraulically operated machines is an articulating arm attached at a base end to the machine body, the articulating arm having an operating attachment at its opposite or “working” end. [0003] Many types of working end operating attachments have been developed to increase the usefulness of hydraulically operated machines for both excavation and as a way to move material i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] One advantage of the present invention is its minimal number of parts and the minimal increase in the operating weight of the hydraulically operated machine to which it is installed allowing for simple, cost effective and trouble free transport of a working end attachment.

[0014] Still another advantage is the ability to load and unload a working end attachment with minimal damage to the surrounding environment.

[0015] Yet another advantage is the increased safety to surrounding workers.

Problems solved by technology

The loading and unloading of these attachments into the front loader bucket requires considerable assistance and manipulation with concomitant safety issues.

Often the ground upon which the working end attachment lays prior to its loading into the loader bucket is frequently dug up or damaged during the loading process as the working end attachment is scooped off the ground into the loader bucket.

Likewise, the unloading operation often causes similar ground damage.

This problem is particularly acute when work is being done in finished areas such as paved streets, commercial zones and residential neighborhoods.

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