Co-operatively actuating thumb apparatus

Details Co-operatively actuating thumb apparatus Co-operatively actuating thumb apparatus

2007-01-23

2007-01-23

Underwood, Donald (Department: 3652)

Material or article handling

Vertically swinging load support

Grab

C037S406000

Reexamination Certificate

active

11031337

ABSTRACT:
An actuated mechanical thumb apparatus is provided that pivots in compliment to the hinging of a bucket or similar hydraulically actuated attachment, as employed with conventional heavy equipment, such as backhoes and excavators. The thumb co-operatively actuates with the bucket to prevent walking or shifting of the gripped object. The thumb apparatus is unitized, or of a single component, well suited for easy retrofit to conventional material handling and earth moving equipment. The frame of the thumb apparatus mounts to a heavy equipment boom member or arm. The frame can be held in place on the boom member by two pins. The frame includes two frame plates, and the thumb includes two thumb plates. Each frame plate hingably attaches to one of the thumb plates at a separate pivot. This allows the thumb to pivot straddle the bucket's hinge, and pivot on the same axis as the bucket. A thumb link can be used across a pivoting bell crank, actuated by the thumb's hydraulic cylinder to actuate the thumb.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4375345 (1983-03-01), Hanson
patent: 6120237 (2000-09-01), Cummings et al.
patent: 2003/0024138 (2003-02-01), Frigon et al.

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