Extensions to excavator & accessory arms

Abstract

A reach extension attachment for use on machinery such as excavators and loaders having machine support arms for mounting accessories such as buckets is described. Preferred embodiments mount to the machine support arms connection and bucket control linkage, and an accessory such as a bucket attaches to the alternate end of the reach extension attachment. In operation, control of the machine support arm and its bucket control linkage allows the reach extension attachment to vary between folded and extended configurations, thereby extending the overall reach of the combination and an attached accessory.

Description

[0001] EXTENSIONS TO EXCAVATOR & ACCESSORY ARMS

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is directed to method and apparatus to extend the reach of arms on machinery such as excavators and loaders. Fields of application include ground contouring, construction, landscaping, and where excavators or vehicles with support arms for accessories are used.

[0004] BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION

[0005] While embodiments of the present invention is able to be used on a variety of accessory supporting arms and vehicles, such as tractors, cranes, trucks with lifting arms, and back hoes etc., it was developed with considerations associated with excavators in mind. Hence we will focus on excavators as an example in the art, and issues associated with them, for simplicity of description.

[0006] Excavators come in a variety of sizes and configurations, though the majority comprise a track or wheel base for mobility, a motor to propel it and provide power or hydraulic pressure (etc.) to various associated components. On top of this typically sits a swivelling cab assembly for the operator, and extending forwardly a boom arm, a concatenated dipper arm, means for attaching an accessory, and various control actuators. In this example let’s consider a typical attached assembly - the bucket.

[0007] The bucket is used for a variety of operations, including lifting and moving / loading, levelling, scraping, and so on. This makes them quite versatile machines, even though movement of the boom arm, dipper arm, and bucket is typically restricted to rotation within a forwardly directed, typically longitudinal, vertical saggital plane (using standard anatomical nomenclature). What can be done depends largely on the skill of the operator, as well as the size of the excavator.

[0008] Reach influences what can be done within an operation, as well as the capacity of the motors and load bearing elements. Larger excavators generally have longer reach, and a greater lifting or scraping capacity. However, the cost of excavators tends to rise steeply with size and users will tend to purchase excavators whose size is a match to a variety of their needs, as well as their ability to transport them. Typical size ranges include under 1 tonne, 1-2 tonne, 3-5 tonne, 6-10 tonne, and larger.

[0009] For smaller operators, or those working in regions where transporting large excavators is difficult, they will typically purchase the smallest excavator that will do the job. This usually means that the reach is limited, as reach increases along with size. For instance, a small contractor may require a small portable excavator capable of performing a variety of roles fairly well - e.g. loading trucks, moving materials on site, and levelling. A farmer might do all of this, but additionally move animal feed and bales, lift heavy items onto a utility vehicle or trailer, dig drains, and clear drains. A large excavator may be reserved for large reading and construction projects. There is no typical profile, especially for a piece of apparatus which is essentially a multirole piece of equipment which is often used in applications as broad as from forestry to construction.

[0010] For owners of smaller excavators, one common limitation is often reach. Longer reach typically means less movement of the excavator itself - allowing operations to ideally be performed purely by cab and boom rotation rather than relocating the excavator between different positions. Additionally there are applications, such as clearing drains and ditches, where a longer reach enables the bucket or accessory to extend to positions when it is difficult to get the main body of the excavator close enough. One example is clearing ditches and drainage areas on roadsides. Here the excavator may be on the road and reaching away to pull material towards it, and perhaps swivelling to put that material on the back of a dump truck. If the reach is not enough it has to keep moving forward onto the cleared area, which adds a significant amount of extra effort and time. This may also be an issue if the roadside is too soft for the excavator to move onto it - an example is clearing debris after flooding.

[0011] As another example, such as in demolition type scenarios, extra reach may be an advantage also for safety as well as convenience. Also, longer reach can speed up clearing rubble for loading onto a truck as the excavator doesn’t have to keep moving forward and back (like a loader) if the reach is adequate.

[0012] Hence there are situations where currently the need for extra reach can only be addressed by hiring or buying a larger excavator, and purchasing may result in a little used piece of equipment that is hard to transport between sites.

[0013] Consequently, there is a need in the field and industry for a viable solution which can address extending the reach of an existing excavator or other piece of equipment with a support arm. An option which interacts simply with existing equipment would also be of potential value to the field and industry.

[0014] It would also be useful and desirable for users for there to be an option to address the above issues that could fold to a compact form or size, to avoid the need to remove it for transport and allow the accessory to remain on an excavator / loader arm for extended periods of use and transport. It is therefore an object of the present invention to address at least some of the above problems and needs in the industry.

[0015] At the very least it is an object of the present invention to provide the public with a useful alternative choice.

[0016] Aspects of the present invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the ensuing description.

[0017] GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, for a machinery support arm having a control actuator; said reach extension attachment comprising: a primary support arm portion, and an accessory arm portion; and wherein: the primary support arm includes a main mounting portion adapted for connection to a said machinery support arm; said primary support arm portion is pivotably connected to said accessory arm portion; there also being: a linkage arm portion pivotably connected to said accessory arm portion and connectable at its distal end to said machinery support arm; and wherein the end of said accessory arm portion distal said linkage arm portion is intended or adapted to allow the attachment of an accessory.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which the pivotable connection between said primary support arm to accessory arm portion is located between the pivotable connection of said linkage arm portion to accessory arm portion, and the distal end adapted for the attachment of an accessory.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which said pivotable connections existing between various components, lie substantially within a single plane and allow rotation within said plane.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which the end of the linkage arm portion, distal to its connection to the accessory arm portion, is adapted to any one of: connect to a bucket quick connect linkage on said machinery support arm; pivotably connect to either or both a bucket link present on the machinery support arm; pivotably connect directly to the machinery support arm.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described in the preceding paragraph, in which said adaptation to connect to a bucket link also accommodates said control actuator of said machinery support arm to pivotably connect to one or more of: a tipping link on said machinery support arm; a power link on said machinery support arm, and a pivotable connection between a tipping link and power link on said machinery support arm.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which said rotation of the bucket link effects linear relative movement of said linkage arm portion relative to the primary support arm portion.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which the pivotable connection of the linkage arm portion to accessory arm portion is displaced from the pivotable connection of the primary support arm portion to the accessory arm portion by a degree such that linear relative movement of said linkage arm portion relative to the primary support arm portion results in allowed pivotable rotation of the accessory arm portion relative to the primary support arm portion.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which said end of the accessory arm portion intended for the attachment of an accessory includes bucket attachment.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which said end of the accessory arm portion intended for the attachment of an accessory includes a bucket link and a tipping link, as well as an accessory control actuator connected thereto.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which the linkage arm portion comprises two or more linkages. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described in the preceding paragraph, in which there are two substantially parallel linkages configured to emulate a single linkage.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which the linkage arm portion is either: of fixed length, adjustable in length.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described in the preceding paragraph, in which an adjustable length linkage arm portion comprises an actuator.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, claims in which the main mounting portion, for the primary support arm portion, allows said primary arm portion to rotate substantially within the plane of a said machinery support arm with control actuator.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein the main mounting portion, for the primary support arm portion, concatenates the primary support arm portion with a machinery support arm when connected.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein said accessory arm portion pivotable connection allows said accessory support arm portion to rotate substantially within the plane of said primary support arm portion of the attachment arm portion.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein the linkage arm portion is connectable to said machinery support arm at a moveable connection point whose position is controllable by an accessory actuator associated with said machinery support arm.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described in the preceding paragraph, wherein relative movement of the connection point of said linkage arm portion to a said machinery support arm results in rotational movement of the accessory arm portion relative to the primary support arm portion. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which said machinery support arm comprises the dipper arm of an excavator, or the boom arm of a loader.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, attached to the machinery support arm or boom arm, and control actuator, of an excavator or loader.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, attached to a machinery support arm and control actuator of an excavator or loader such that extension of said machinery control actuator, when the linkage arm portion of the reach extension attachment remains at a constant length, results in both: pivoting of the primary support arm relative to machinery support arm by an increasing angle, and pivoting of the accessory support arm relative to the primary support arm by an increasing angle.

[0037] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of extending the reach of an excavator or loader arm by attaching a reach extension attachment, said reach extension attachment comprising: a primary support arm portion, and an accessory arm portion; and wherein: the primary support arm includes a main mounting portion adapted for connection to a said machinery support arm; said primary support arm portion is pivotably connected to said accessory arm portion; there also being: a linkage arm portion pivotably connected to said accessory arm portion and connectable at its distal end to said machinery support arm; and wherein the end of said accessory arm portion distal said linkage arm portion is intended or adapted to allow the attachment of an accessory, said method including attaching an end of the primary support arm portion to the arm of said excavator arm, and an end of the linkage arm portion distal to the accessory arm portion to any one or: the bucket link of the excavator or loader; the tipping link of the excavator or loader; the pivotable connection between the bucket link and tipping link of the excavator or loader.

[0038] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an excavator or loader with an extension to its normal arm arrangement comprising a reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 12.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment for a machinery support arm with control actuator, said reach extension attachment comprising an attachment arm portion, pivotably connected to an accessory arm portion; the attachment arm portion in turn comprising: a primary support arm portion; a main mounting portion for said primary support arm portion to said machinery support arm; a linkage arm portion; a pivotable linkage mounting portion for pivotably connecting said linkage arm portion to the control actuator on said machinery support arm, and a pivotable linkage to accessory arm portion pivotably connecting the linkage arm portion to the accessory arm; the arrangement further characterised that the pivot point of the main mounting portion to the machinery support arm is separate and displaced from the pivot point of the linkage arm portion to the control actuator, and further characterised in that when attached to said machinery support arm with control actuator said two pivot points are linked; the accessory arm portion being connected to the attachment arm portion by an accessory arm portion pivotable connection substantially distal said main mounting portion, and comprising: an accessory support arm portion; an accessory mounting portion, and an accessory control actuator.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment for a machinery support arm with control actuator, said reach extension attachment comprising an attachment arm portion, pivotably connected to an accessory arm portion; the attachment arm portion in turn comprising: a primary support arm portion; a main mounting portion for said primary support arm portion to said machinery support arm in a pivotable manner; a linkage arm portion; a pivotable linkage mounting portion for pivotably connecting said linkage arm portion to the control actuator on said machinery support arm, and a pivotable linkage to accessory arm portion pivotably connecting the linkage arm portion to the accessory arm; and wherein said pivotable linkage mounting portion and said main mounting portion for said primary support arm portion to said machinery support arm are not directly linked such that they can be connected to different points on said machinery support arm with control actuator; the accessory arm portion being connected to the attachment arm portion by an accessory arm portion pivotable connection substantially distal said main mounting portion, and comprising: an accessory support arm portion; an accessory mounting portion, and an accessory control actuator.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment for a machinery support arm with control actuator, said reach extension attachment comprising an attachment arm portion, pivotably connected to an accessory arm portion; the attachment arm portion in turn comprising: a primary support arm portion; a main mounting portion for said primary support arm portion to said machinery support arm; a linkage arm portion; a pivotable linkage mounting portion for pivotably connecting said linkage arm portion to the control actuator on said machinery support arm, and a pivotable linkage to accessory arm portion pivotably connecting the linkage arm portion to the accessory arm; and wherein said pivotable linkage mounting portion and said main mounting portion for said primary support arm portion to said machinery support arm are not directly linked such that they can be connected to different points on said machinery support arm with control actuator; the accessory arm portion being connected to the attachment arm portion by an accessory arm portion pivotable connection substantially distal said main mounting portion, and comprising: an accessory support arm portion; an accessory mounting portion, and an accessory control actuator.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein a main mounting portion for said primary support arm portion to said machinery support arm, allows pivoting between said primary support arm portion and machinery support arm once connected.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein the main mounting portion comprises a stand quick hitch connection arrangement, and wherein pivoting of the primary support arm and machinery support arm is provided for by the resultant quick hitch assembly once connected.

[0044] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein the machinery support arm comprises the dipper arm of an excavator

[0045] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein the machinery support arm is mounted on a vehicle

[0046] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, where the control actuator of said machinery support arm is an accessory or bucket control actuator.

[0047] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein the pivot point of the main mounting portion to the machinery and the pivot point of the linkage arm portion to the control actuator, when the reach extension attachment is mounted to a said machinery support arm with control actuator, are connected by a link provided by the machinery support arm with control actuator itself.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein the link provided by the machinery support arm with control actuator itself is the side link of an excavator dipper arm.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which the primary support arm portion, of the attachment arm portion, is a load bearing structural element designed for supporting the weight of the accessory arm portion and any attached accessory thereto in normal allowed working configurations.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which the main mounting portion, for the primary support arm portion, allows said primary arm portion to pivot substantially within the plane of said, machinery support arm with control actuator.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein the main mounting portion, for the primary support arm portion, concatenates the primary support arm portion with the machinery support arm when connected.

[0052] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein said accessory arm portion pivotable connection allows said accessory support arm portion to pivot substantially within the plane of said primary support arm portion of the attachment arm portion.

[0053] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein the accessory arm portion pivotable connection concatenates the accessory support arm portion with the primary support arm portion of the attachment arm portion.

[0054] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein the pivot point of the pivotable linkage to accessory arm portion is displaced in distance from the pivot point of the accessory arm portion pivotable connection.

[0055] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, wherein said pivot points in the preceding paragraph are separated within a general plane in which the attachment arm portion and accessory arm portion he.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which an imaginary line connecting the pivot points of the main mounting portion, pivotable linkage mounting portion, accessory arm portion pivotable connection, and pivotable linkage to accessory arm portion, comprises a quadrilateral.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which the linkage arm portion and primary support arm portion are separated but near each other, and jointly connect the machinery support arm to the accessory arm portion.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which extending the machinery support arm control actuator, when the reach extension attachment is attached thereto, results in one or more of: moving the pivotable linkage to accessory arm portion forwardly; increasing the angle between the machinery support arm and primary support arm portion about their shared pivot point.; increasing the angle between the machinery support arm control actuator and linkage arm portion about their shared pivot point

[0059] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which the linkage arm portion comprises one or more linkages.

[0060] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which said linkages of the linkage arm portion comprises are fixed length.

[0061] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which said linkages of the linkage arm portion comprises are actuators.

[0062] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a machinery support arm with a reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, attached thereto.

[0063] According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a machinery support arm with an attached reach extension attachment, substantially as described above, in which the machinery support arm is part of an excavator.

[0064] For the purpose of clarity “fixed length” means not remotely changeable during operation.

[0065] For the purpose of clarity “linkage arm portion” may comprise one or more linkages and components.

[0066] For the purpose of clarity “pivotable” may comprise “rotatable” or pivoting about a single axis. The specific context with which it is used in relation to the operation of the invention will define the breadth of the meaning of pivotable. For the purpose of clarity “attachment” may include a separate mechanism attachable to a machine support arm, as well as an integrated mechanism designed and fabricated into a machine support arm.

[0067] The present invention was developed with the thought of problems and limitations of excavators largely in mind, though it is envisaged the present invention may be applied to any mechanical support arm attached to machinery and / or a vehicle. For simplicity of description it is noted that the present invention will primarily focus on excavators (typically with boom and dipper arms) as this provides a description platform which will enable the nominal skilled reader to understand the principles, and how they apply to simpler or more complex machinery arms to which the present invention is to be attached. Hence, the primary focus in the description is not intended to be limited in scope.

[0068] If the reader refers to figure 1 for the purpose of an overview of the invention and one embodiment of its application, the boom arm (1) and dipper arm (2) of machinery such as an excavator is shown. In this figure the cab of the excavator would be at the right of the figure. The bucket control actuator (3), side-link (4), and bucket link (6) commonly also associated with an excavator dipper arm (2), are also shown. In the illustrated embodiment a commonly used quick hitch connector (5) is also present on the dipper arm (2). Another type of connector (not shown) in use is the pull pin hitch. In common embodiments in use the main body portion of the connector which attaches to a dipper arm and bucket link is the same as the quick hitch and differs only in having a manual connection for locking an accessory to the hitch, rather than an actuator based locking arrangement. Various types of hitch connection are contemplated and envisaged for use with the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates one common type of bucket linkage on excavators and loader arms, and the description herein (for simplicity) shall refer to this type of linkage. It is assumed that the skilled reader, in light of the description given here in, will be able to adapt the principles of the present invention to other connection types.

[0069] In the preferred embodiments of the present invention there is typically an attachment arm portion and an accessory arm portion.

[0070] Both the attachment arm portion and accessory support arm portions have main (typically load bearing) support arm portions, which we shall call the primary support arm portion and the accessory support arm portion respectively. Like the boom and dipper arms on an excavator, these will be the main load bearing elements of the two arm portions. These may be fabricated in accordance with standard engineering manufacturing techniques, and may utilise suitable and common materials. The primary support arm portion and the accessory support arm portions are pivotably (rotatably) connected to each other with an accessory arm portion pivotable connection. Typically the pivot point of this connection is positioned near an end of each arm portion, though the accessory arm portion preferably has the pivotable linkage connection inwardly of an end to allow a pivoting linkage to accessory arm portion to be positioned outwardly of the pivotable connection with the primary support arm portion. The pivoting connection typically allows rotational pivoting within a single plane, such that during rotation both the primary support arm portion and accessory support arm portion move substantially within the same plane, in what might be described in a concatenated manner.

[0071] The attachment arm portion also includes a linkage arm portion, which is of similar length to the primary support arm portion, and runs above and distanced from the primary support arm portion. It may comprise a single linkage, or multiple linkages. In preferred embodiments a pair of identical linkages are used to form the linkage arm portion. These are substantially parallel to each other, at least when viewed from the side, and act as a single linkage. This arrangement can also make it easier to accommodate various other components present by straddling the outside of them.

[0072] When viewed in plan, typically the accessory arm portion, primary support arm portion, and linkage arm portion, all exist substantially within a nominal single imaginary plane. As the various components have width, they may extend outwardly of the plane but are substantially aligned with the plane - in the same manner as the boom and dipper arms are substantially aligned within a plane. For the purposes of description, we shall refer to this plane as the saggital plane in accordance with anatomical geometry. When an excavator is on level ground the boom and dipper arms are typically aligned and pivot within the vertical saggital plane. When preferred embodiments of the present invention are attached to this nominal excavator on level ground, the primary support arm portion, accessory support arm portion, and linkage arm portion, are also aligned and pivot and / or concatenate within the saggital plane. The saggital plane shall use the operator (facing forwardly) in the typical cab of this nominal excavator as the reference point of the saggital plane.

[0073] In preferred embodiments the linkage arm portion may comprise a plurality of linkage elements or a single linkage. In figures 5 and 6 dual parallel linkages are more readily visible, and this separation of two linkages helps avoid problems with a single central linkage interfering with the primary support arm, and associated features. It can also increase load bearing ability and / or reduce requirements on each individual linkage and connection as opposed to just one. Both the free ends of the linkage arm portion and primary support arm portion, both distal to their connections to the accessory arm portion, are intended to be connected to the machinery support arm and control actuator. Different means of attachment are possible, just as there are different accessory connection types on excavators and other support arms. Fortunately the industry has largely gravitated toward the ubiquitous quick hitch, which are generally the same in dimensions and operation for a particular size of arm and accessory, and allow the operator in a cab to easily release and replace accessories. For simplicity of description we shall refer primarily to machinery support arms with a quick hitch attachment mechanisms, such as shown in figure 4.

[0074] A main mounting portion is provided to attach the primary support arm portion to a machinery support arm. In the preferred example this main mounting portion shall be a mechanism able to connect to a quick hitch attachment. Where the machinery support arm lacks a quick hitch mechanism, the skilled reader will be able to substitute an alternative pivoting attachment mechanism to match the attachment means provided or allowed for on the machinery support arm.

[0075] It is noted that in an attached arrangement to a machinery support arm, there needs to be rotation / pivoting allowed between the primary support arm and machinery support arm (e.g. dipper arm). In the typical arrangement (see figure 4) of a quick hitch attachment on a dipper arm, this pivoting is provided for by the geometry of the quick hitch, bucket link, side link, and machinery support arm - after all typically an attached bucket is required to rotate in the plane of the dipper arm in a standard arrangement. Hence the present invention may make use of the existing geometry to effect rotation / pivoting and may merely include a quick hitch attachment to mate with the quick hitch attachment commonly used on dipper arms.

[0076] Expanding this description, in the case of a bucket as an accessory for an excavator arm, a second point on the bucket also attaches to an end of the bucket link distal the bucket link’s connection to the control / bucket cylinder / actuator. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, such as in the attached drawings, only the primary support arm portion connects to these two points via the quick hitch mechanism. This still leaves the linkage arm portion which needs to be pivotably connected to the machinery support arm with control actuator assembly (such as of the nominal imaginary excavator). The preferred connection point of the linkage arm portion, i.e. the pivotable linkage mounting portion, in preferred embodiments is at or near the end of the control / bucket actuator. A preferred mounting point is at the pivot at the union of the side link, control / bucket actuator, and bucket link. In a simple arrangement a yoke and longer pivot pin may be used, though other arrangements are possible and such substitutes would be apparent to the nominal skilled reader in light of the description herein. In the resulting preferred embodiment arrangement the mounting points at the ends of the primary support portion and linkage arm portion (with the other components) form a quadrilateral when viewed from the side. The result is that extension and contraction of the control / bucket cylinder of the machinery support arm translates movement through the linkage arm portion to the pivotable linkage to accessory arm portion connection. This translation movement results in pivoting of the accessory arm portion about the accessory arm portion pivotable connection. Hence operation of the control / bucket cylinder / actuator effects pivoting of the accessory arm portion.

[0077] Additionally, in the arrangements of preferred embodiments, pivots at each end of the side link, and of the bucket link, and the two pivot points on the quick hitch (to the bucket link and dipper arm), also describe a quadrilateral when viewed from the side. Extending the bucket / control actuator on the support / dipper arm translates also into a downward movement of the bucket link. Just as this movement causes a pivoting of an attached bucket, when the present invention is attached the primary support arm acts in the manner of the bucket and pivots counterclockwise in the attached figure 1. Retracting the control / bucket actuator results in clockwise pivoting / rotation in figure 1.

[0078] The two quadrilateral geometries in figure 1 allows the control / bucket cylinder / actuator to effect extension of the primary support arm away from the cab, as well as retraction. Depending on the parameters of geometry chosen by the user, the degree of pivoting of the accessory support arm portion relative to the vertical can be set. By substituting an actuator for a fixed length linkage arm portion, additional control of accessory support arm pivoting may be effected during operation, or set to a preferred length prior to operation. The practical considerations here are that adding two additional actuators with the present invention may make it too complicated for an excavator user, and require additional joysticks, levers, or foot pedals. On the other side, actuators in the linkage arm portion, can improve gentler rotational movement of the accessory portion at some geometries and potentially greater load / force capacity during operation. Accordingly there is some design flexibility to accommodate different uses, situations, and applications and thus there is a degree of user choice available for different applications they envisage

[0079] Manually length adjustable linkages may also be used to set up a particular arrangement to operator preferences. However it is envisaged that actuators may be substituted for fixed length linkages in the linkage arm portion if the potential advantages outweigh the added cost, complexity, and control issues.

[0080] At the end of the accessory arm portion distal the connection to the attachment arm portion may be provided a quick hitch attachment, or an accessory may be provided or mounted directly to the accessory support arm portion. A link geometry similar to on an excavator’s dipper arm (see figure 4) may be provided, along with an accessory control actuator which mimics the operation of the bucket / control actuator on an excavator’s dipper arm when a bucket or other accessory is attached.

[0081] As should also be envisaged, the preferred embodiments of the invention allow for compact folding of the extension arm accessory (see for instance figure 2), usually tight against the loader / excavator arms when brought up in a tight folded configuration for transport. Despite a significant increase in reach, the folding of the reach extension attachment adds only a little extra length to the folded (for transport) excavator / loader arm assembly. In most cases the excavator / loader / vehicle can be transported in the same manner as when the reach extension attachment is removed. This can be a significant advantage where the excavator / loader needs to be routinely moved between different work sites, and back to the yard at the end of the day. It also avoids having to remove the attachment for transport - which can create a problem of how to transport that in addition to the excavator / loader.

[0082] As can be appreciated multiple variations of embodiments employing the principles of the present invention are envisaged, and fall within the scope of the present invention

[0083] The nature and operation of the embodiment described above will be better described with reference to the drawings.

[0084] DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0085] Figure 1 is a side diagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a partially unfolded configuration,

[0086] Figure 2 is a side diagrammatic view of the embodiment of the figure 1 in a folded configuration,

[0087] Figure 3 is a side diagrammatic view of the embodiment of the figure 1 in an extended configuration,

[0088] Figure 4 is a schematic side diagrammatic view of a typical bucket linkage configuration,

[0089] Figure 5 is a perspective front side diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the invention with dual linkages in the linkage arm portion, in a folded compact configuration, Figure 6 is a perspective front side diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the invention with dual linkages in the linkage arm portion, in an extended configuration, and

[0090] Figure 7 is a side diagrammatic view of an embodiment where the linkage arm portion comprises dual parallel actuators instead of fixed links.

[0091] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0092] With reference to the drawings and by way of example only there is provided an embodiment of a reach extension attachment for a machinery support arm (2) with control actuator (3), said reach extension attachment comprising an attachment arm portion (10), pivotably connected to an accessory arm portion (18); the attachment arm portion (10) in turn comprising: a primary support arm portion (12); a main mounting portion for said primary support arm portion to said machinery support arm (14); a linkage arm portion (15); a pivotable linkage mounting portion (16) for pivotably connecting said linkage arm portion (15) to the control actuator (3) on said machinery support arm (2), and a pivotable linkage to accessory arm portion (17) pivotably connecting the linkage arm portion (15) to the accessory arm portion (18); the arrangement further characterised that the pivot point of rotation (31) of the main mounting portion (14) to the machinery support arm (2) is separated and displaced from the pivot point (16) of the linkage arm portion (15) to the control actuator (3), and further characterised in that when the reach extension attachment is attached to said machinery support arm (2) with control actuator (3) said two pivot points (16, 20) are mechanically linked; the accessory arm portion (12) being connected to the attachment arm portion (18) by an accessory arm portion pivotable connection (21) substantially distal said main mounting portion (14), and comprising: an accessory support arm portion (18); an accessory mounting portion (24) or accessory (26), and an accessory control actuator (25).

[0093] In figure 1 the arm assembly of an excavator is shown, with the cab (not shown) being at the right of the figure. Shown is the boom arm (1) and dipper arm (2) along with the control / bucket actuator (3). It is typical on most excavators for there to be a side link (4) connecting the actuator (3) to the dipper arm (2) and keeping them apart. Also normally present is a bucket link (6) between the actuator (3) and accessory. Virtually all excavators in normal use rely on the presence of a quick hitch connection (5) to allow swapping of accessories if the operator wishes to use an accessory other than a bucket.

[0094] The typical quick hitch attachment on the dipper arm also includes two pivot points (30, 31), while the two parts of the quick hitch fit together without allowing rotation between each part. Accordingly, once the primary support arm (12) is connected to the machinery support arm (2) by the quick hitch, pivot (31) on the hitch becomes the main pivot point between the two (2, 12). There is indirect pivoting due to additional pivots and links (16, 20, 4, 6) though this acts more as an influence on pivoting between the arms (2, 12) and the effect of the action of extending or retracting the control actuator (3).

[0095] The linkage arm portion in the illustrated embodiment comprises two side by side fixed length cylinders attached to a yoke type arrangement at each end (16, 17) providing a pivotable connection. A single cylinder, or other element, could be substituted though the pair allow the control actuator (3) to position between them as it (3) is retracted and the arms (12, 18) fold closer to a folded closed position against the dipper arm (3).

[0096] As has been mentioned previously, arms (12, 18) are load bearing / transferring and typically fabricated from steel in a manner sufficient to withstand stresses and loads which may be placed upon them in a particular application.

[0097] In practice the resultant geometry in the illustrated embodiment, shown in a partially unfolded position, is such that retraction of control actuator (3) results in the accessory arm portion (3) and accessory arm portion (18) being drawn closer to the dipper arm and into a folded or closed position.

[0098] Extending the control actuator (3) takes the concatenated arrangement from the folded position, through the intermediate position shown and into an extended position in which ideally the primary support arm (12) and dipper arm (2) are, or close to, co-linear with each other. Depending on the chosen length of the linkage arm portion (15) the accessory arm portion (18) may be substantially vertical, or more preferably pivoted (about connection (21)) slightly forwardly. Substituting actuators or adjustable linkages for the linkage cylinders in the figure, can provide a potentially realisable added feature or advantage by allowing influence over the forward pivoting of arm (18) about connection (21) due to operation of control actuator (3). There is room for fine tuning of the dimensions and geometries in various embodiments to enable a user to adapt the illustrated embodiment to their specific needs. A bucket (26) is provided as an accessory in the illustrated embodiment though other accessories, and / or a quick hitch connection may be substituted in other embodiments.

[0099] Figure 2 is the embodiment of figure 1 when in a folded configuration, with contracted bucket actuator (3), such as for transport or storage. The boom actuator is also employed to move it to an upright position for compact storage.

[0100] It goes without saying that the boom can also be tilted forward, as per normal, during operation of the present invention. This can be seen in figure 3 where the excavator arm and present invention is shown in an extended configuration. This may be in a situation where the extended reach is used for levelling or drain clearing, though many other applications are possible.

[0101] A bucket hitch / connection 24 is also provided on the end of the accessory arm portion (18). In preferred embodiments this just emulates the bucket / accessory hitch on the dipper arm (2) so that an accessory that can mount on one can also mount on the other.

[0102] Figure 4 illustrates schematically in more detail a typical quick hitch arrangement for an accessory, sometime called a bucket hitch or link. The bucket actuator (3) associated with the dipper arm (2) of the excavator (not shown). In preferred embodiments the bucket actuator (3) connects at a pivotable connection (16) also connecting the idler link (4), power link (6) and linkages / actuators associated with the linkage arm portion (15). Additional pivots (30, 31) pivotably connect the bucket quick hitch (5) to the power link (6) and dipper arm (2) respectively. Idler and power link are names used in the industry, along with some other variations depending on region.

[0103] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate perspectively embodiments in folded and extended configurations. They are essentially identical to the embodiments of figures 1 through 3, except dual parallel fixed length linkages (15) can be seen.

[0104] In figure 7, the dual parallel linkages (15) have been substituted with actuators. These can be operated in tandem by an available or extra added control in the cab of the vehicle. This can be used in a number of ways to offer increased user operational flexibility. Apart from reducing the movement load on the excavator bucket actuator (3) and links (4, 6), it can offer extra degrees of coarse and fine control over the attached accessory (26) which an operator may find useful in some situations - for example, a scraping action while reaching over an obstacle.

[0105] It should be noted that, for simplicity, an excavator / loader / vehicle has been omitted from the drawings. The skilled reader will understand that the boom arm (1) is attached to an excavator or other vehicle or platform. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as described herein.

[0106] It should also be understood that the term “comprise” where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, ‘comprise’ does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.

[0107] This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being authoritative disclosure on the true state of the prior art but rather as referencing considerations brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:

1. A reach extension attachment, for a machinery support arm having a control actuator; said reach extension attachment comprising: a primary support arm portion, and an accessory arm portion; and wherein: the primary support arm includes a main mounting portion adapted for connection to a said machinery support arm; said primary support arm portion is pivotably connected to said accessory arm portion; there also being: a linkage arm portion pivotably connected to said accessory arm portion and connectable at its distal end to said machinery support arm; and wherein the end of said accessory arm portion distal said linkage arm portion is intended or adapted to allow the attachment of an accessory.

2. A reach extension attachment as claimed in claim 1, in which the pivotable connection between said primary support arm to accessory arm portion is located between the pivotable connection of said linkage arm portion to accessory arm portion, and the distal end adapted for the attachment of an accessory.

3. A reach extension attachment as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 in which said pivotable connections existing between various components, lie substantially within a single plane and allow rotation within said plane.

4. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the end of the linkage arm portion, distal to its connection to the accessory arm portion, is adapted to any one of: connect to a bucket quick connect linkage on said machinery support arm; pivotably connect to either or both a bucket link present on the machinery support arm; pivotably connect directly to the machinery support arm.

5. A reach extension attachment as claimed in claim 4 in which said adaptation to connect to a bucket link also accommodates said control actuator of said machinery support arm to pivotably connect to one or more of: a tipping link on said machinery support arm;a power link on said machinery support arm, and a pivotable connection between a tipping link and power link on said machinery support arm.

6. A reach extension attachment as claimed in claim 5 in which said rotation of the bucket link effects linear relative movement of said linkage arm portion relative to the primary support arm portion.

7. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the pivotable connection of the linkage arm portion to accessory arm portion is displaced from the pivotable connection of the primary support arm portion to the accessory arm portion by a degree such that linear relative movement of said linkage arm portion relative to the primary support arm portion results in allowed pivotable rotation of the accessory arm portion relative to the primary support arm portion.

8. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said end of the accessory arm portion intended for the attachment of an accessory includes bucket attachment.

9. A reach extension attachment as claimed in claim 8 in which said end of the accessory arm portion intended for the attachment of an accessory includes a bucket link and a tipping link, as well as an accessory control actuator connected thereto.

10. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the linkage arm portion comprises two or more linkages.

11. A reach extension attachment as claimed in claim 10, in which there are two substantially parallel linkages configured to emulate a single linkage.

12. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the linkage arm portion is either: of fixed length, adjustable in length.

13. A reach extension attachment as claimed in claim 12 in which an adjustable length linkage arm portion comprises an actuator.

14. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the main mounting portion, for the primary support arm portion, allowssaid primary arm portion to rotate substantially within the plane of a said machinery support arm with control actuator.

15. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the main mounting portion, for the primary support arm portion, concatenates the primary support arm portion with a machinery support arm when connected.

16. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said accessory arm portion pivotable connection allows said accessory support arm portion to rotate substantially within the plane of said primary support arm portion of the attachment arm portion.

17. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the linkage arm portion is connectable to said machinery support arm at a moveable connection point whose position is controllable by an accessory actuator associated with said machinery support arm.

18. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any claim 17 wherein relative movement of the connection point of said linkage arm portion to a said machinery support arm results in rotational movement of the accessory arm portion relative to the primary support arm portion.

19. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said machinery support arm comprises the dipper arm of an excavator, or the boom arm of a loader.

20. A reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims attached to the machinery support arm or boom arm, and control actuator, of an excavator or loader.

21. A reach extension attachment as claimed in claim 18 attached to the machinery support arm and control actuator of an excavator or loader such that extension of said machinery control actuator, when the linkage arm portion of the reach extension attachment remains at a constant length, results in both: pivoting of the primary support arm relative to machinery support arm by an increasing angle, and pivoting of the accessory support arm relative to the primary support arm by an increasing angle.

22. A method of extending the reach of an excavator or loader arm by attaching a reach extension attachment, said reach extension attachment comprising: a primary support arm portion, and an accessory arm portion; and wherein: the primary support arm includes a main mounting portion adapted for connection to a said machinery support arm; said primary support arm portion is pivotably connected to said accessory arm portion; there also being: a linkage arm portion pivotably connected to said accessory arm portion and connectable at its distal end to said machinery support arm; and wherein the end of said accessory arm portion distal said linkage arm portion is intended or adapted to allow the attachment of an accessory, said method including attaching an end of the primary support arm portion to the arm of said excavator arm, and an end of the linkage arm portion distal to the accessory arm portion to any one or: the bucket link of the excavator or loader; the tipping link of the excavator or loader; the pivotable connection between the bucket link and tipping link of the excavator or loader.

23. An excavator or loader with an extension to its normal arm arrangement comprising a reach extension attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 18.

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