Material or article handling – Vertically swinging load support – Shovel or fork type
Reexamination Certificate
2001-12-11
2004-03-02
Underwood, Donald W. (Department: 3652)
Material or article handling
Vertically swinging load support
Shovel or fork type
C037S468000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06699001
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved quick-coupler for attaching a bucket or other implement to an excavator, backhoe, tractor, or other machine or apparatus having a boom/arm/dipper-stick to which a bucket or other implement (e.g., a shear, air-hammer, magnet, etc.) is operatively secured.
Quick-couplers are well-known and in widespread use. One such coupler is sold under the trademark Slide-Loc® by JRB Company, Inc., Akron, Ohio, USA and is shown in FIG.
1
. The coupler body
134
is pinned (by pins
137
,
138
) to the distal end
125
of the arm
124
and the distal end
128
b
of the control link
128
. The coupler
134
, in turn, is adapted for selective and convenient interconnection with an associated implement, such as a bucket, shear, etc. Specifically, the coupler
134
includes first and second recesses
140
,
150
adapted for respective direct receipt of the first and second implement pins
152
,
154
without these pins being removed from the associated implement to which they are connected. A wedge lock member
160
is selectively extensible under force of a fluid cylinder
162
(or manually) into the second recess
150
to at least partially obstruct the recess
150
and, thus, capture the second pin
154
therein. To decouple the bucket or other implement from the coupler
134
, the wedge lock member
160
must first be retracted to a position where it does not obstruct the mouth of the recess
150
. The first recess
140
is formed so that, when the second pin
154
is captured in the second recess
150
by the lock
160
, the first pin
152
cannot escape from the first recess
140
. This type of quick coupler is highly effective, safe and has enjoyed widespread commercial success.
Couplers such as that shown in
FIG. 1
include means for preventing the accidental or inadvertent retraction of the wedge lock member
160
that could result in unintended escape of the second pin
154
from the second recess
150
. However, a need has been identified for a new and improved supplemental lock mechanism that does not require an operator to exit the cab of the machine being operated, that is resistant to damage and tampering and that is resistant to operator error.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a coupler includes a body having first and second recesses adapted for respectively receiving first and second associated pins of an associated implement. A first lock member is movably secured to the body and is movable between a retracted position one or more extended positions. The first lock member at least partially obstructs the second recess when it is moved to an extended position so as to capture a second associated pin in the second recess. An actuator is operably coupled to the first lock member and is operable to move the first lock member between its retracted and extended positions. A supplemental lock member is movably secured to the coupler body and is movable between an unlocked position and one or more locked positions. When the supplemental lock member is in its locked position, it engages and prevents movement of the first lock member from the extended position to the retracted position. The supplemental lock member is movable from its locked position to its unlocked position in response to movement of said coupler body to a select angular position relative to the associated arm.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a coupler includes a body with first and second pin-receiving recesses. A main lock member is selectively movable between an extended position where the main lock member at least partially obstructs one of the recesses and a retracted position. A supplemental lock member is connected to the body and is movable between a locked position, where the supplemental lock member blocks movement of the main lock member from the extended position to the retracted position, and an unlocked position. The supplemental lock member includes a portion adapted to engage an associated arm to which the body is connected only when the coupler body is at least substantially curled relative to the associated arm. When the coupler body is at least substantially fully curled, the supplement lock member moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a coupler includes a body having first and second pin-receiving recesses and that is adapted for pivotable connection to an associated arm. A main lock member is selectively movable to a locked position where it at least partially obstructs one of the recesses to capture an associated pin therein. The coupler further includes means for preventing movement of the main lock member out its locked position unless the body of the coupler is at least substantially fully curled relative to the associated arm.
One advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a new and improved coupler that is easy to use and that substantially enhances safety and productivity by minimizing the chance for operator error.
Another advantage of the present invention is found in the provision of a coupler that provides an operator with at least one visual indication that the coupler is in a “locked” condition.
A further advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a coupler with a supplemental pin-lock mechanism that is very robust and resistant to damage and malfunction in harsh environments.
Still another advantage of the present invention is found in the provision of a coupler with improved pin lock wherein an operator need not exit the cab of the excavator or other machine to operate the supplemental lock.
A still further advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a coupler with improved pin lock wherein a bucket or other implement cannot be de-coupled without the coupler first being at least substantially fully curled relative to the arm to which the coupler is attached.
Another advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a coupler with improved pin lock wherein electronic proximity sensors are used to provide an operator with information concerning the state of the coupler.
Still other benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains upon reading and understanding this specification.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2 330 570 (1999-04-01), None
patent: WO 00/14342 (2000-03-01), None
patent: WO 00/14343 (2000-03-01), None
patent: WO 01/59222 (2001-08-01), None
Fay Sharpe Fagan Minnich & McKee LLP
JRB Company, Inc.
Underwood Donald W.
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