Material or article handling – Vertically swinging load support – Grab
Patent
1980-12-04
1983-04-12
Spar, Robert J.
Material or article handling
Vertically swinging load support
Grab
294 86R, 414735, B66C 100
Patent
active
043796753
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
This application relates generally to grapples and more particularly to dampened grapple assemblies for log skidders.
2. Background Art
In certain classes of hauling operations, such as moving harvested trees from their felling point to a collection point, there is often no feasible way of transporting a load other than by dragging it behind a vehicle. This is typically accomplished by grasping the load with a grapple suspended from an elevated support boom borne by the vehicle. Basic examples of grapple assemblies suitable for use in skidding loads are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,907,137 issued Sept. 23, 1975 to Korbel et al and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,882 issued Mar. 30, 1976 to Koch.
Typically, a log skidder will have a boom assembly with a grapple assembly depending from it. It is structurally advantageous to mount the grapple assembly so that it is pivotable about the boom assembly. Commonly, grapple assemblies are pivotable about two mutually perpendicular, horizontal axes.
Such pivotability is, however, to a certain degree disadvantageous. If not somehow restrained the pivotable grapple assembly is freely swingable. Such uncontrolled movement of the grapple assembly about its pivot points may under some circumstances be sufficiently severe as to permit the grapple to periodically contact rear portions of the vehicle, occasionally resulting in damage. Damage to the pivot mountings themselves can also be caused by loadings resulting from this unrestrained swinging. It would be highly advantageous if this swinging could simply, inexpensively and automatically be controlled.
Most commonly this difficulty is overcome by snubbing the grapple to the log skidder with a cable and winch assembly. Such an arrangement is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,907,137, cited previously. This solution is, however, disadvantageous in that it is relatively expensive and produces an impediment to controlled grapple rotatability owing to the attached cable. This scheme also requires operator action to effect the snubbing, resulting in the possibility of this action not being taken due to forgetfulness or neglect.
Another manner of preventing free pivotability of the grapple is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,137 issued to Rultershoff on Mar. 23, 1976. This reference discloses a pivot assembly having pivot pins rotatable in elastomeric bushings for resisting rotation of the pivot pins. The force which the bushing applies to the pivot pin is manually adjustable for controlling the extent of dampening for the grapple depending from the pivot pin. This dampening device is disadvantageous in that wear of its components, particularly the bushing, necessitates frequent adjustment and/or replacement to maintain an adequate degree of dampening.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
A dampened pivoting hanger for grapples and the like is disclosed in the present application. A main mounting member fixably attachable to a rotator or some other supportive member has pivotally connected thereto and depending therefrom a first load bearing means. A first jack means is connected between said main mounting member and said first load bearing means for dampening the pivotability of said first means. A second load bearing means is pivotally connected to said first load bearing means.
The prime objects of the present invention include: the provision of a hanger for grapples and the like which is pivotable about two skew axes; the provision for grapples and the like of a hanger through which hydraulic lines may protectively be run; the provision of a pivotable hanger for grapples and the like which is dampened in a manner not requiring significant maintenance or adjustment; and, the provision of a dampened pivotable hanger for grapples and the like which is easily disconnected and mounted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a log skidding vehicle incorporating an embodiment of the
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Day Dennis M.
Muntjanoff John R.
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Keen Joseph W.
Siemens Terrance L.
Spar Robert J.
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