Pin grab adaptor

Abstract

The invention relates to an attachment adaptor designed to connect an interchangeable attachment to a coupler on the arm of an earth working machine. The adaptor features a body with two parallel pins that fit into the coupler's pin receptacles. It includes a lock mechanism and a latch, which engage with the attachment's catch regions. The lock mechanism and latch are spaced to allow simultaneous engagement, ensuring secure attachment. This adaptor enables the use of attachments that are otherwise incompatible with the coupler's pin receptacles, enhancing the machine's versatility.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pin grab adaptor. In particular, but not solely, the invention may relate to a pin grab adaptor to adapt an attachment for an excavator to allow it to be grabbed and secured to a pin grab of or attached to the distal end of the excavator arm.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Australian patent application 2025900542 filed on Feb. 25, 2025, the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.BACKGROUND

[0003] Excavators or other types of earth working machines are often designed to support a range of interchangeable attachments for the end of their arms, such as buckets, augers, grapples, hammers, and the like. Quick couplers may include a mechanism that can attach to the end of an excavator arm to then allow the quick interchange of such attachments with the arm. Many attachments are designed to industry norms, comprising a pair of pins that can be received by a quick coupler. These attachments may have varying pin diameters and / or pin spacing, depending on the size and load rating of the attachment. The quick couplers are generally configured to support a range of attachments with said variations.

[0004] Some excavators and their attachments are designed to be interoperable with their own proprietary quick coupler system, such as the John Deere 35 P-Tier Compact Excavator. These attachments are therefore not compatible with industry norm pin-grab couplers. This restricts users from sharing attachments between excavator brands and forces those committed to a certain brand of excavator for their fleet to continue to do so.

[0005] Accordingly, a need exists for an adaptor for proprietary attachments that allow traditional pin grab coupler systems to connect to the previously incompatible attachment.

[0006] In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0007] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a pin grab adapter which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In a first aspect the present invention may be said to broadly consist in an attachment adaptor to be used intermediate of and to attach (i) an interchangeable attachment to (ii) a coupler secured to the end of an arm of an earth working machine by which other attachments can be releasably secured to the arm at a first pin receptacle and at a second pin receptacle that is spaced apart from the first pin receptacle of the coupler, wherein the interchangeable attachment includes a first catch region and a second catch region that is spaced apart from the first catch region wherein the first and second catch regions are not compatible for securing the attachment to the coupler using both the first and second pin receptacles of the coupler respectively, the adaptor comprising:

[0010] an adaptor body, and

[0011] a first pin and a second pin both secured to and held in a parallel and spaced apart condition to each other by the adaptor body at a distance to allow the first pin to register at the first pin receptacle of the coupler and the second pin to register at the second pin receptacle and thereat become selective coupled to the coupler, and

[0012] a lock mechanism moveably secured to the adaptor body and to register with the interchangeable attachment at the first catch region, and

[0013] a latch selected from one of (i) the second pin and (ii) a keeper latch, secured to the adaptor body to latch at the second catch region of and with the interchangeable attachment,

[0014] wherein the lock mechanism and latch are spaced apart from each other at a distance so that when the latch is latched at the second catch region of the interchangeable attachment, the lock mechanism can simultaneously latch with the first catch region and be caused to move relative to the adaptor body, to selectively lock the adaptor to the interchangeable attachment.

[0015] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a an attachment adaptor to be used intermediate of and attach (i) an interchangeable attachment to (ii) a coupler secured to the end of an arm of an earth working machine by which an attachment can be releasably secured to the arm at a first pin receptacle and at a second pin receptacle that is spaced apart from the first pin receptacle of the coupler, wherein the interchangeable attachment is not compatible for securing the interchangeable attachment to the coupler using at least one of the first and second pin receptacles of the coupler, the adaptor comprising:

[0016] an adaptor body,

[0017] a first pin and a second pin both secured to and held in a parallel and spaced apart condition by the adaptor body at a distance to allow the first pin to register at the first pin receptacle of the coupler and the second pin to register at the second pin receptacle and thereat become selective secured to the coupler,

[0018] a lock mechanism able to be moveably secured to the adaptor body and to register with the interchangeable attachment at a first location of the interchangeable attachment, and

[0019] a latch selected from one of (i) the second pin and (ii) a keeper latch, secured to the adaptor body to latch at a second location of the interchangeable attachment that is spaced apart from the first location,

[0020] wherein the lock mechanism and latch are spaced apart from each other at a distance so that when the latch is latched at the second catch region of the interchangeable attachment, the lock mechanism can simultaneously latch with the first catch region and be caused to move to selectively lock the adaptor to the interchangeable attachment.

[0021] Preferably the first catch region is defined by a first hook of the interchangeable attachment and the second catch region is defined by a second hook of the interchangeable attachment that preferably operatively faces away from the first hook, wherein the lock mechanism of the adaptor is, when the latch is latched at the second catch region, able to be moved relative the adaptor body between (a) a locked condition where the lock mechanism is registered at the first hook of the first catch region to lock the adaptor to the interchangeable attachment and (b) an unlocked condition where the lock mechanism allows the adaptor be freed from the interchangeable attachment.

[0022] Preferably in the locked condition, the lock mechanism is securely engaged to the adaptor body to prevent its movement relative to the adaptor body.

[0023] Preferably in the unlocked condition, the lock mechanism is able to be removed and / or move to the adaptor body.

[0024] Preferably the first catch region is defined by a first hook of the interchangeable attachment and the second catch region is defined by a second hook of the interchangeable attachment that operatively faces away from the first hook, wherein the lock mechanism of the adaptor is, when the latch is latched at the second catch region, able to be moved between (a) a locked condition where the first hook is in interference with the lock mechanism to prevent the lock mechanism from removal from the first hook and (b) an unlocked condition where the lock mechanism is in a position prevent to the first hook from interfering with the removal of the lock mechanism from the first hook.

[0025] Preferably the lock mechanism is moveably secured to the adaptor body in a rotational manner.

[0026] Preferably the lock mechanism is removably secured to the adaptor body.

[0027] Preferably the lock mechanism comprises of a lock pawl that is moveably secured to the adaptor body in a rotational manner about a rotational axis that is parallel to the first and second pins.

[0028] Preferably the lock pawl that is moveably secured to the adaptor body in a rotational manner about a rotational axis that is parallel to the first and second pins.

[0029] Preferably the lock pawl is mounted by a shaft in a rotational manner to the adaptor body.

[0030] Preferably the shaft includes a thread at where a thread fastener is mounted that can be caused to move along the thread and the shaft for the purposes of selectively clamping the adaptor body between the lock pawl and the threaded fastener so that when clamped, the lock pawl is prevented from rotating relative to the adaptor body.

[0031] Preferably the shaft includes a thread at where a thread fastener is mounted that can be caused to move along the thread and the shaft for the purposes of electively clamping the adaptor body between the lock pawl and the threaded fastener so that when clamped, the lock pawl is prevented from rotating relative to the adaptor body.

[0032] Preferably the lock pawl, in a first rotational condition relative to the adaptor body, establishes and interference fit of the attachment adaptor with the interchangeable attachment when the latch is secured at the second catch region, to prevent removal of the attachment adaptor from the interchangeable attachment, and in a second rotational condition relative to the adaptor body allows the attachment adaptor to be removed from the interchangeable attachment.

[0033] Preferably the lock pawl when its first rotational condition relative to the adaptor body can be selectively secured to the adaptor body to prevent the lock pawl from adopting its second rotational condition.

[0034] Preferably the lock pawl when its first rotational condition relative to the adaptor body can be selectively secured by being clamped to the adaptor body to prevent the lock pawl from adopting its second rotational condition.

[0035] Preferably the lock pawl can be driven to rotate relative to the adaptor body, the lock pawl being adapted and configured to be able to push against a surface of the interchangeable attachment preferably at the first catch region, to draw the attachment adaptor and the interchangeable attachment together into a tight relationship with each other.

[0036] Preferably the lock pawl can be driven to rotate relative to the adaptor body, the lock pawl being adapted and configured to be able to push against a surface of the interchangeable attachment preferably at the first catch region, to draw the attachment adaptor and the interchangeable attachment together from a loose and into a tight relationship with each other.

[0037] Preferably the lock pawl can be driven to rotate relative to the adaptor body, the lock pawl being adapted and configured to be able to push against a surface of the interchangeable attachment preferably at the first catch region, to draw the attachment adaptor and the interchangeable attachment together from a loose and into a tight relationship with each other by virtue of the lock pawl being eccentrically mounted to the adaptor body by the shaft.

[0038] Preferably the lock pawl comprising of a driver by which the lock pawl can be driven to rotate relative to the adaptor body, by a hand held lever tool that can releasably engage the driver to lever the lock pawl and cause it to rotate relative to the adaptor body.

[0039] Preferably a chock is presented by the adaptor body adapted and configured to contact a part of the interchangeable attachment and reduce or eliminate slack or looseness between the adaptor and the interchangeable attachment when the interchangeable attachment and the attachment adaptor are locked together.

[0040] Preferably a chock is presented by the adaptor body adapted and configured to contact a part of the interchangeable attachment to reduce or eliminate slack or looseness between the adaptor and the interchangeable attachment when the lock pawl is in a condition to lock the adaptor and the interchangeable attachment together.

[0041] Preferably a chock is presented by the adaptor body adapted and configured to contact a part of the interchangeable attachment to reduce or eliminate slack or looseness between the adaptor and the interchangeable attachment when the lock pawl is driven to rotate relative to the adaptor body to push against a surface of the interchangeable attachment preferably at the first catch region, to draw the attachment adaptor and the interchangeable attachment together into a tight relationship with each other.

[0042] Preferably the chock is moveably or removably attached to the adaptor body.

[0043] Preferably the chock can assume at least two positions relative to the adaptor body so as to be able to present at least two interchangeable attachment settings.

[0044] Preferably the chock is an eccentric, able to rotate relative to said adaptor body and be selectively secured to prevent rotation relative to the adaptor body, to be able to present at least two interchangeable attachment settings.

[0045] Preferably the chock is replaceable with a like chock able to be secured to the adaptor body in a manner to present a chock setting that is different, to accommodate different shaped interchangeable attachments.

[0046] Preferably the chock is able to be secured to the adaptor body in at least two positions to present at least two geometrical shapes of the adaptor body and the chock combined to allow for the chock to be operative in chocking with two different shaped interchangeable attachments.

[0047] Preferably the chock is able to index with the adaptor body in at least two positions to present at least two geometrical shapes of the adaptor body and the chock combined to allow for the chock to be operative in chocking with two different shaped interchangeable attachments.

[0048] Preferably the latch is the second pin of the adaptor.

[0049] Preferably there is a second opinion and a keeper latch both attached to the adaptor body.

[0050] Preferably the keeper latch is able to move relative to the adaptor body to move between a first condition where the latch is engaged at the second catch region on a manner to clamp the adaptor body at least at the second catch region with the attachment adaptor and in a second condition where the latch does not clamp the adaptor body at least at the second catch region with the attachment adaptor.

[0051] Preferably the coupler is a pin grabber coupler.

[0052] Preferably the coupler is a quick release coupler of a pin grabber type.

[0053] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be said to be a method of modifying an interchangeable attachment that is incompatible with a pin grabber coupler, for use with a pin grabber coupler, the method comprising, when the interchangeable attachment is free, attaching the adaptor as herein defined to the interchangeable attachment by latching the latch to the second catch region and manoeuvring the lock mechanism to the first catch region and moving the lock mechanism relative the adaptor body to selective lock the adaptor to the interchangeable attachment.

[0054] In a further aspect the present invention many be said to be a method of securing an interchangeable attachment to a coupler at an end of an arm of an earth working machine using an attachment adaptor,

[0055] the coupler having first and second spaced-apart pin receptacles and the interchangeable attachment being incompatible with direct attachment to the coupler, the method comprising:

[0056] securing the interchangeable attachment to the attachment adaptor by latching the interchangeable attachment to the adaptor at first and second spaced-apart locations using a lock mechanism and a latch carried by the adaptor,

[0057] wherein latching at one of the first and second locations causes the lock mechanism to move to lock the attachment adaptor to the interchangeable attachment, and securing the attachment adaptor to the coupler using a first pin and a second pin of the adaptor received in the first and second pin receptacles of the coupler.

[0058] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a method of adapting an attachment for use with a coupler on an earth working machine, comprising:

[0059] coupling an adaptor to the coupler; and

[0060] securing the attachment to the adaptor using spaced-apart locking interactions between the adaptor and the attachment,

[0061] wherein engagement of one of the locking interactions causes another of the locking interactions to move into a locked condition.

[0062] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a method of adapting an interchangeable attachment to a coupler secured to an end of an arm of an earth working machine,

[0063] the coupler being configured to releasably secure an attachment at a first pin receptacle and a second pin receptacle spaced apart from the first pin receptacle, wherein the interchangeable attachment is not compatible for securing to the coupler using at least one of the first and second pin receptacles of the coupler, the method comprising:

[0064] 1. providing an attachment adaptor including:

[0065] an adaptor body;

[0066] a first pin and a second pin secured to and held by the adaptor body in a parallel and spaced-apart condition;

[0067] a lock mechanism moveably secured to the adaptor body; and

[0068] a latch selected from one of (i) the second pin and (ii) a keeper latch secured to the adaptor body;

[0069] 2. registering the first pin of the adaptor with the first pin receptacle of the coupler and the second pin of the adaptor with the second pin receptacle of the coupler, such that the adaptor is selectively secured to the coupler;

[0070] 3. positioning the adaptor relative to the interchangeable attachment such that:

[0071] the lock mechanism registers with a first location of the interchangeable attachment; and

[0072] the latch registers with a second location of the interchangeable attachment that is spaced apart from the first location;

[0073] 4. latching the latch at the second location of the interchangeable attachment; and

[0074] 5. simultaneously latching the lock mechanism with the first location of the interchangeable attachment,

[0075] wherein the lock mechanism and the latch are spaced apart from each other at a distance such that latching of the latch causes the lock mechanism to move and selectively lock the adaptor to the interchangeable attachment

[0076] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] As used herein the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

[0078] As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0079] The term “comprising” as used in this specification [and claims] means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification [and claims] which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0080] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0081] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.)BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0083] FIG. 1: shows a side view of an example of an excavator.

[0084] FIG. 2A: shows a side cross sectional view of an example of a pin grab coupler, with attachment pins of an adaptor registered within its catch regions and secured.

[0085] FIG. 2B: shows a side cross sectional view of an example of a pin grab coupler, with attachment pins of an adaptor registered within its catch regions but not secured.

[0086] FIG. 3: shows a perspective view of an example of an interchangeable attachment.

[0087] FIG. 4A: shows a perspective view of a first example of an attachment adaptor of the invention.

[0088] FIG. 4B: shows a top view of said first example of an attachment adaptor.

[0089] FIG. 4C: shows a perspective exploded view of said first example of an attachment adaptor.

[0090] FIG. 5A: shows a perspective view of a lock pawl of the lock mechanism of the first example of an attachment adaptor.

[0091] FIG. 5B: shows a front view of said lock pawl.

[0092] FIG. 5C: shows a side view of said lock pawl.

[0093] FIG. 6: shows a perspective view of a pin grab coupler configured to register with the first example of an attachment adaptor.

[0094] FIG. 7: shows a perspective view of the first example of the invention secured to an attachment and received by a pin grab coupler.

[0095] FIG. 8: shows an example of an attachment adaptor with a latch independent from the second attachment pin.

[0096] FIG. 9: shows an example of an attachment adaptor comprising two lock mechanisms.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] The invention relates to an attachment adaptor designed to connect an interchangeable attachment to a coupler on the arm of an earth working machine. The adaptor features a body with two parallel pins that fit into the coupler's pin receptacles. It includes a lock mechanism and a latch, which engage with the attachment's catch regions. The lock mechanism and latch are spaced to allow simultaneous engagement, ensuring secure attachment of the adaptor to the attachment. This adaptor enables the use of attachments that are otherwise incompatible with the coupler's pin receptacles, enhancing the machine's versatility.

[0098] With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally indicated by similar numerals, and according to a first aspect of the invention the attachment adaptor is generally indicated by the numeral 401 as seen in FIG. 4A.

[0099] FIG. 1 (prior art) shows an example of an earth working machine in the form of an excavator 101, that has an arm or boom 102 at the end of which a coupler 103 is provided. The coupler 103 may be used for releasably connecting attachments to the arm 102. Excavator operators may utilise a number of different attachments during the day. For example, for landscaping, an excavator operator may use a digger bucket 104 to move soil around and a rock grabber to place rocks such as landscape rocks where soils had been adjusted by the digger bucket.

[0100] A common type of coupler is a pin grab coupler so called because it includes features that allow the coupler to connect to an attachment at two spaced apart parallel pins of the attachment. FIGS. 2A-B (prior art) shows more detail of a pin grab coupler 201 in the form of what is often called a quick coupler so called because it is able to quickly and conveniently connect to an attachment that has two spaced apart pins. Quick coupling can often be achieved by remotely activating a driver or drivers of the coupler by the excavator operator without their needing to leave the cab of the excavator.

[0101] Some attachments such as the attachment 301 shown in FIG. 3, do not present pins for a pin grab coupler 601 to latch onto.

[0102] FIGS. 4A-C show an example attachment adaptor 401 for securing to an attachment 301 for use with an earth working machine, where the attachment adaptor 401 is configured to be received by a pin grab coupler 601 of an earth working machine. The example attachment adaptor shown comprises an adaptor body 402 and components including a locking mechanism 405 and a first pin 403 and a second pin 404 or supplementing latch 406. It may be preferable that some examples of attachment adaptors of the present may comprise additional components, such as, as shown in the example in FIGS. 4A-C, a chock 407 that will hereinafter be described. Said components of the invention may vary in form and / or implementation and each of said components and their variations will now be descried below.Attachment Pins

[0103] The attachment adaptor of the present invention comprises pins configured to provide means for a pin grab coupler of an earth working machine to selectively attach to. The attachment pins are secured to the body of the adaptor, thus a pin grab coupler, via pin receptacles, can selectively attach to the adaptor via the attachment pins.

[0104] The example shown in FIGS. 4A-C shows the adaptor 401 comprising a first pin 403 and a second pin 404. The first pin 403 and second pin 404 are each secured to the body 402 of the adaptor parallel to, and spaced apart from, the other. The pins 403, 404 are shown to extend and span between the two plates 402a 402b of the adaptor body 402 from their inner sides. The pins may be of a varying diameters, such as the pins may have a flange butting against the inner surfaces of the adaptor body.

[0105] In some examples, the adaptor body may be comprised of two sides that may be provided by spaced apart parallel plates that may be made of steel for example. The pins may also be made of steel and may be welded to the plates or secured to the plates such as by the use of mechanical fasteners or by way of an interference fit.

[0106] The second pin 404 in the example shown in FIGS. 4A-C is acting as the supplementing latch 406 of the adaptor, particularly the end lug portions 404a 404b of the second pin 404 that extend through respective holes 408a 408b in the body 402 of the adaptor 401 and out to the outside of the body. The supplementing latch component of the adaptor will be discussed further below. In some examples the latch of the adaptor may be positioned within the outside plates of the body.

[0107] The attachment pins (e.g. the first and second pins) in the present invention may also conveniently provide structure between the sides of the adaptor body, such as via the flanges, however in other examples it may be preferable that the attachment body does not rely on the attachment pins for supporting portions of the attachment body. However, the combination of the pins and the sides of the adaptor body in a connected configuration, define a rigid chassis of the adaptor.

[0108] In some examples, the attachment pins may be discontinuous along their length, such that an attachment pin may be split into a first portion and a co-axial second portion that each can be selectively received by a coupler. The sides of the adaptor body may be connected rigidly to each other by means other than the pins.Supplementing Latch

[0109] The supplementing latch (“latch”) of the present invention functions as a feature that can register with the second catch region 303 of an attachment 301 (described further below). The latch is secured to the adaptor body and fixed thereto, spaced apart from to the lock mechanism, preferably in a manner to at least on part help resolve the force resulting from the locking mechanism in its locked condition when both the lock mechanism and latch are captured by the first and second catch regions 302303 respectively.

[0110] The example shown in FIGS. 4A-C illustrates the second pin 404 acting as the latch 406. The end lug portions 404a 404b extending through the body 402 of the adaptor 401 and out to the outside of the body provide features that can be received by the second catch region 303 of an attachment 301. In other examples, however, the latch 406 may be a separate part, for example a third pin, a hook, a lug, a second lock mechanism, or other features apparent to a skilled person, and may be in a position other than in-line with the second pin.Lock Mechanism

[0111] The lock mechanism of the present invention is purposed to selectively lock the adaptor to an attachment 301. The lock mechanism is moveably (and optionally removably) secured to the adaptor body and can move between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. When both the lock mechanism and the supplementing latch are registered with the attachment's first catch region and second catch region respectively, and the lock mechanism is moved to its locked condition, then the adaptor becomes secured to the attachment.

[0112] In the example shown in FIGS. 4A-C, the lock mechanism 405 comprises a lock pawl 405a that is rotationally secured to the body 402 of the adaptor 401 via a shaft 405b of the lock mechanism, and may be rotationally fixed via a locking nut 405c threaded to the shaft 405b of the lock mechanism 405 along with a washer 405d. The shaft 405b is shown to be integrally formed with the lock pawl 405a, however in other examples the shaft may be a separate component. The lock pawl 405a comprises a cam surface 501 such that when the lock mechanism 405 is registered within the first catch region 302 and the lock mechanism 405 is in the locked condition, the cam surface 501 applies a force against the attachment 301 and is resolved by the supplementing latch 406, such that the attachment 301 is secured to the adaptor 401. As shown in the present example, the lock pawl 405a may also have an interface grip 502, such that a user can rotate lock mechanism 405 between its unlocked condition and locked condition using their hand or an adjustable spanner or the like.

[0113] As mentioned previously, in some examples it may be preferable that the attachment adaptor comprises a second lock mechanism, wherein the second lock mechanism acts as a supplementing latch. In such case, when the first lock mechanism and second lock mechanism are registered with the attachment's first catch region and second catch region respectively, both lock mechanism would need to move to their locked condition to secure the adaptor to the attachment.

[0114] The supplementing latch and lock mechanism has been described as being fixed relative to the lock mechanism, however in some examples the supplementing latch, and / or lock mechanism may be configured to support movement relative to the other, such as for the purposes of shock absorbing or variable spacing.Chock

[0115] A dedicated optional chock may be provided. It may function as a feature that can register with a part of the interchangeable attachment. This contact is configured to reduce or eliminate slack and / or looseness between the adaptor and the attachment, such as when the lock mechanism is in its locked condition. It may provide a datum to, when the latch is registered within the second catch region, position the adaptor such that the lock mechanism can move to its locked condition without substantial misalignment that may impede the securement of the adaptor to the attachment. When the lock is in its locked condition the lock and chock together may act on the attachment in concert to clamp down onto the attachment to substantially remove play between the attachment and the adaptor.

[0116] In the example of the adaptor 401 shown in FIGS. 4A-C the chock 407 is shown to be positioned on the outer surfaces of the adaptor body 402 and shaped to comprise complimentary surfaces 407a 407b to register with a recess 304 in the attachment. The chock 407 interfaces with the attachment 301 such that translational movement of the adaptor 401 is restricted by the complimentary surfaces 407a 407b of the chock 407 abutting the recess 304 of the attachment 301 and / or the latch 406 being retained by hook features of the second catch region 303 of the attachment 301. The adaptor 401, in a preferred form and as shown in the drawings as an example, is rotated about the latch 406 in order to register and / or remove the chock 407 from the recess 304 of the attachment 301. In the example shown, however, when the adaptor 401 is registered with an interchangeable attachment 301, resting in an upright position on a supporting surface, but not secured via the lock mechanism 405, the adaptor 401 is biased by gravity against a rotation that would remove the chock 407 from the recess 304 of the attachment 301. Accordingly, the chock 407, once positioned and nominally oriented, allows the user to be free to move the lock mechanism 405 to its locked condition without the need to support the adaptor 401 against movement that would otherwise dislodge the latch 406 from the second catch region 303. The chock 407 is shown to be secured to the adaptor inline with the first pin 403 of the adaptor, however in some examples the first pin may comprise a position elsewhere from the chock.

[0117] In some examples, it may be preferable to provide an adaptor without a chock component, such that the alignment and securement of the adaptor to the attachment is achieved via the lock mechanism and latch of the adaptor.

[0118] In some examples, it may be preferable that the chock and / or its alignment functionality is achieved through the chock and / or complimentary surfaces being integrally formed with the adaptor or by components of the adaptor that may not be a dedicated chock although servicing the same purpose, such as the adaptor body or attachment pins.

[0119] In some examples, it may be preferable that the chock is an interchangeable component, such that chocks of varying shapes, sizes, and / or specifications may be swapped to allow the adaptor to select a chock designed for different attachments that for example may be of varying type, brand, and / or size. Such an interchangeable chock may be configured to selectively secure to the adaptor via a connection to the body and / or a component of the adaptor, such as an attachment pin. In an example where an interchangeable chock selectively secures to the adaptor via a component of the adaptor, the chock may act as a means of securing said component to the body of the adaptor.

[0120] In some examples, the chock may at least partially resolve the force applied by one or more lock mechanisms of the adaptor in addition to, or in substitute of the supplementing latch.Catch Regions

[0121] In the example of the adaptor shown in FIGS. 4A-C, the attachment is illustrated to comprise a first catch region 302 in the form of a pair of hooks and a second catch region 303 in the form of a pair of hooks, wherein the hooks of the first catch region 302 are facing in a direction opposite to the hooks of the second catch region 303, such that a force from the lock mechanism 405 registered by the first catch region 302 results in the hooks of the second catch region 303 applying a force toward relatively toward the supplementing latch 406 registered therein,

[0122] In some examples, the catch regions of the attachment may be a form other than a hook shape and each may be the same or different from the other catch region. It should be understood that the form of the supplementing latch and lock mechanism can be adapted accordingly.Additional Examples

[0123] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example of a pin grab coupler 201 selectively coupling to the attachment pins of the example of an adaptor of the invention shown in FIGS. 4A-C, wherein the adaptor is secured to the first and second catch regions of an example attachment. Figure shows the adaptor 401 to be firmly secured to the attachment 301, showing the latch 406 registered with the second catch region 303, the chock 407 registered with the recess 304, and the lock mechanism 405 registered with the first catch region 302 and rotated to its locked condition.

[0124] FIG. 8 shows a further example of an adaptor 401 that does not comprise a chock, wherein the alignment and securement of the adaptor to an attachment is achieved via the lock mechanism 405 and latch 406 of the adaptor 401. Furthermore, the adaptor 401 of the example comprises a latch 406 that is achieved by a component other than the second attachment pin 404 as shown in previous examples. The latch 406 is comprised of two latch lugs 406a 406b extending inward from the inner surfaces of the adaptor body 402.

[0125] FIG. 9 shows a further example of an adaptor 401 in which the supplementing latch 406 is a second lock mechanism, such that to secure the adaptor to an attachment the first and second lock mechanisms 405406 are each positioned within respective catch regions of an attachment and subsequently both moved to their locked conditions. The chock 407 of the adaptor 401 may register with a recess of an adaptor to maintain a position and / or orientation of the adaptor relative to the attachment while one or both of the lock mechanisms are in their unlocked condition. The chock in this example is shown to be positioned independent to the first attachment pin and secured to the adaptor body 402.

[0126] The chock may be of a format that can be positioned in at least two different ways relative to the adaptor body, allowing for at least two interchangeable attachment settings. The chock could for example be designed as an eccentric and be able to rotate relative to the adaptor body and be secured in place to prevent rotation, providing at least two interchangeable attachment settings.

[0127] In some forms the chock is replaceable with a similar chock that can be secured to the adaptor body in a different setting to accommodate various shaped interchangeable attachments. Or in some other manner, the chock may be secured to the adaptor body in at least two positions, presenting at least two different geometrical shapes when combined with the adaptor body. This allows the chock to function effectively with two different shaped interchangeable attachments.

[0128] The chock may for example be able to index with the adaptor body in at least two positions, presenting at least two different geometrical shapes when combined with the adaptor body. This ensures that the chock can operate effectively with two different shaped interchangeable attachments.

[0129] It should be understood and clear to a skilled person that while certain features of the invention may be referred to throughout this specification by using singular and / or plural language, it is not described so in a limiting way. It will be apparent to a skilled person that certain features may be achieved by a singular part, and / or discrete, duplicated and / or mirrored parts about a central plane of the attachment adaptor to provide lateral stability. Some features may preferably comprise a singular or multiple parts to conform to an adjoining part Furthermore, some features may comprise a singular or multiple parts contrary to an adjoining part yet remain compatible, wherein a singular part may interface with a discrete, duplicated, and / or mirrored part, and vice versa. Such arrangements described that may deviate from the examples given in this specification should be understood to not deviate from the scope of the present invention.

[0130] Where reference here is made to an excavator, it will be appreciated that other terminology may be used or analogous equipment can be used by which the present invention can provide utility. For example, a tractor may include an excavator arm. Or other earth working machinery may have attached thereto a pin grab coupler that can, via the use of the adaptor, connect to and work with attachments that without the adaptor could not connect to the pin grab coupler.

[0131] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

[0132] Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0133] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Claims

1. An attachment adaptor to be used intermediate of and to attach (i) an interchangeable attachment to (ii) a coupler secured to the end of an arm of an earth working machine by which other attachments can be releasably secured to the arm at a first pin receptacle and at a second pin receptacle that is spaced apart from the first pin receptacle of the coupler, wherein the interchangeable attachment includes a first catch region and a second catch region that is spaced apart from the first catch region wherein the first and second catch regions are not compatible for securing the attachment to the coupler using both the first and second pin receptacles of the coupler respectively, the adaptor comprising:an adaptor body, anda first pin and a second pin both secured to and held in a parallel and spaced apart condition to each other by the adaptor body at a distance to allow the first pin to register at the first pin receptacle of the coupler and the second pin to register at the second pin receptacle and thereat become selective coupled to the coupler, anda lock mechanism moveably secured to the adaptor body and to register with the interchangeable attachment at the first catch region, anda latch selected from one of (i) the second pin and (ii) a keeper latch, secured to the adaptor body to latch at the second catch region of and with the interchangeable attachment,wherein the lock mechanism and latch are spaced apart from each other at a distance so that when the latch is latched at the second catch region of the interchangeable attachment, the lock mechanism can simultaneously latch with the first catch region and be caused to move relative to the adaptor body, to selectively lock the adaptor to the interchangeable attachment.

2. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 1 where the first catch region is defined by a first hook of the interchangeable attachment and the second catch region is defined by a second hook of the interchangeable attachment that preferably operatively faces away from the first hook, wherein the lock mechanism of the adaptor is, when the latch is latched at the second catch region, able to be moved relative the adaptor body between (a) a locked condition where the lock mechanism is registered at the first hook of the first catch region to lock the adaptor to the interchangeable attachment and (b) an unlocked condition where the lock mechanism allows the adaptor be freed from the interchangeable attachment.

3. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 1 where the first catch region is defined by a first hook of the interchangeable attachment and the second catch region is defined by a second hook of the interchangeable attachment that operatively faces away from the first hook, wherein the lock mechanism of the adaptor is, when the latch is latched at the second catch region, able to be moved between (a) a locked condition where the first hook is in interference with the lock mechanism to prevent the lock mechanism from removal from the first hook and (b) an unlocked condition where the lock mechanism is in a position prevent to the first hook from interfering with the removal of the lock mechanism from the first hook.

4. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism is moveably secured to the adaptor body in a rotational manner.

5. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism comprises of a lock pawl that is moveably secured to the adaptor body in a rotational manner about a rotational axis that is parallel to the first and second pins.

6. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 5 wherein the lock pawl that is moveably secured to the adaptor body in a rotational manner about a rotational axis that is parallel to the first and second pins.

7. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 5 wherein the lock pawl is mounted by a shaft in a rotational manner to the adaptor body.

8. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 7 wherein the shaft includes a thread at where a thread fastener is mounted that is adapted to be caused to move along the thread and the shaft for the purposes of selectively clamping the adaptor body between the lock pawl and the threaded fastener so that when clamped, the lock pawl is prevented from rotating relative to the adaptor body.

9. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 7 wherein the shaft includes a thread at where a thread fastener is mounted that is adapted to be moved along the thread and the shaft for the purposes of electively clamping the adaptor body between the lock pawl and the threaded fastener so that when clamped, the lock pawl is prevented from rotating relative to the adaptor body.

10. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 9 wherein the lock pawl, in a first rotational condition relative to the adaptor body, establishes and interference fit of the attachment adaptor with the interchangeable attachment when the latch is secured at the second catch region, to prevent removal of the attachment adaptor from the interchangeable attachment, and in a second rotational condition relative to the adaptor body allows the attachment adaptor to be removed from the interchangeable attachment.

11. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 10 wherein the lock pawl when its first rotational condition relative to the adaptor body can be selectively secured to the adaptor body to prevent the lock pawl from adopting its second rotational condition.

12. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 10 wherein the lock pawl when its first rotational condition relative to the adaptor body can be selectively secured by being clamped to the adaptor body to prevent the lock pawl from adopting its second rotational condition.

13. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 13 wherein the lock pawl can be driven to rotate relative to the adaptor body, the lock pawl being adapted and configured to be able to push against a surface of the interchangeable attachment preferably at the first catch region, to draw the attachment adaptor and the interchangeable attachment together into a tight relationship with each other.

14. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 5 wherein the lock pawl can be driven to rotate relative to the adaptor body, the lock pawl being adapted and configured to be able to push against a surface of the interchangeable attachment preferably at the first catch region, to draw the attachment adaptor and the interchangeable attachment together from a loose and into a tight relationship with each other by virtue of the lock pawl being eccentrically mounted to the adaptor body by the shaft.

15. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 5 wherein the lock pawl comprising of a driver by which the lock pawl can be driven to rotate relative to the adaptor body, by a hand held lever tool that can releasably engage the driver to lever the lock pawl and cause it to rotate relative to the adaptor body.

16. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 1 wherein a chock is presented by the adaptor body adapted and configured to contact a part of the interchangeable attachment and reduce or eliminate slack or looseness between the adaptor and the interchangeable attachment when the interchangeable attachment and the attachment adaptor are locked together.

17. An attachment adaptor as claimed in claim 5 wherein a chock is presented by the adaptor body adapted and configured to contact a part of the interchangeable attachment to reduce or eliminate slack or looseness between the adaptor and the interchangeable attachment when the lock pawl is in a condition to lock the adaptor and the interchangeable attachment together.

18. A method of modifying an interchangeable attachment that is incompatible with a pin grabber coupler, for use with a pin grabber coupler, the method comprising, when the interchangeable attachment is free, attaching the adaptor as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims to the interchangeable attachment by latching the latch to the second catch region and manoeuvring the lock mechanism to the first catch region and moving the lock mechanism relative the adaptor body to selective lock the adaptor to the interchangeable attachment.

19. An attachment adaptor to be used intermediate of and attach (i) an interchangeable attachment to (ii) a coupler secured to the end of an arm of an earth working machine by which an attachment can be releasably secured to the arm at a first pin receptacle and at a second pin receptacle that is spaced apart from the first pin receptacle of the coupler, wherein the interchangeable attachment is not compatible for securing the interchangeable attachment to the coupler using at least one of the first and second pin receptacles of the coupler, the adaptor comprising:an adaptor body,a first pin and a second pin both secured to and held in a parallel and spaced apart condition by the adaptor body at a distance to allow the first pin to register at the first pin receptacle of the coupler and the second pin to register at the second pin receptacle and thereat become selective secured to the coupler,a lock mechanism able to be moveably secured to the adaptor body and to register with the interchangeable attachment at a first location of the interchangeable attachment, anda latch selected from one of (i) the second pin and (ii) a keeper latch, secured to the adaptor body to latch at a second location of the interchangeable attachment that is spaced apart from the first location,wherein the lock mechanism and latch are spaced apart from each other at a distance so that when the latch is latched at the second catch region of the interchangeable attachment, the lock mechanism can simultaneously latch with the first catch region and be caused to move to selectively lock the adaptor to the interchangeable attachment.

20. A method of securing an interchangeable attachment to a coupler at an endof an arm of an earth working machine using an attachment adaptor, the coupler having first and second spaced-apart pin receptacles and the interchangeable attachment being incompatible with direct attachment to the coupler, the method comprising:securing the interchangeable attachment to the attachment adaptor by latching the interchangeable attachment to the adaptor at first and second spaced-apart locations using a lock mechanism and a latch carried by the adaptor,wherein latching at one of the first and second locations causes the lock mechanism to move to lock the attachment adaptor to the interchangeable attachment, andsecuring the attachment adaptor to the coupler using a first pin and a second pin of the adaptor received in the first and second pin receptacles of the coupler.

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