Material or article handling – Vertically swinging load support – Shovel or fork type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-01
2001-07-31
Fischetti, Joseph A. (Department: 3652)
Material or article handling
Vertically swinging load support
Shovel or fork type
C414S724000, C414S704000, C414S739000, C294S068100, C294S006000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06267547
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of attachments for skid steer loaders that enable them to accomplish a number of functions. One attachment mechanism is a clamping mechanism known as a “grapple”. A grapple is typically an hydraulically operated clamp which includes pivotal jaws extending across the front of the skids steer loader. Typically, a grapple is wider than the skid steer loader, so that the jaws protect the wheels of the loader against obstructions. In most such grapples the jaws are opened by a pair of spaced hydraulic cylinders. A problem with grapples of this nature is that they are expensive and sometimes are too wide when access space is limited. Also, a wide jaw constriction complicates picking up certain types of load.
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved grapple that fits through narrow openings and has improved jaw construction for picking up a variety of objects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a grapple assembly that is particularly suited for use as an attachment to a skid steer loader. The grapple is operated by a single hydraulic drive cylinder that is inexpensive and easily replaceable. The grapple jaws are narrower than the wheels of the loader and are lightweight and rigid. The lower jaw is formed of spaced vertical ribs having a bar extending across the tips of the ribs. This is lighter and stronger than a flat plate, which is commonly used. The bar at the ends of the tips improves rigidity and improves the clamping capabilities of the grapple. The upper jaw of the grapple also has vertically spaced ribs which are interconnected by a bar adjacent the tips of the ribs. An intermediate bar reinforces the upper jaw and provides an attachment point for the drive cylinder at the center thereof.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention are described in more detail in connection with the preferred embodiment of the present invention described below.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2652939 (1953-09-01), Burch
patent: 2798627 (1957-07-01), Kucera
patent: 2993608 (1961-07-01), Womble
patent: 3048288 (1962-08-01), Dwyer
patent: 3152706 (1964-10-01), Conrad
patent: 3362554 (1968-01-01), Fortier
patent: 3384409 (1968-05-01), Guinot
patent: 3595416 (1971-07-01), Perrotti
patent: 3651966 (1972-03-01), Willett
patent: 3706388 (1972-12-01), Westendorf
patent: 3802731 (1974-04-01), La Bounty
patent: 4012069 (1977-03-01), Carson
patent: 4030626 (1977-06-01), Durham
patent: 4125952 (1978-11-01), Jennings
patent: 4372063 (1983-02-01), Work
patent: 4407080 (1983-10-01), Mann
patent: 4907356 (1990-03-01), Labounty
patent: 4928410 (1990-05-01), Walters et al.
patent: 5150936 (1992-09-01), Avery
patent: 5209536 (1993-05-01), Rogers, Sr. et al.
patent: 5472249 (1995-12-01), Fieldler
patent: 5564885 (1996-10-01), Staben, Jr.
Fischetti Joseph A.
Waters John A.
Waters & Morse P.C.
LandOfFree
Grapple assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Grapple assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Grapple assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2553247