ARCHLESS TAPERED DRAGLINE BUCKET

Abstract

Archless tapered dragline buckets are described, which can include a retrofit kit and method, and a new bucket and construction method of the new bucket.

Description

FIELD

Some implementations relate generally to dragline buckets, and, more particularly, to archless tapered dragline buckets including retrofit methods and kits and new archless tapered dragline buckets.

BACKGROUND

Some conventional dragline buckets may have an arch. The dragline bucket arch can have the function of maintaining the opening on the bucket front (mouth) while helping ensure structural integrity during digging and carrying of dirt. Both of these events can place significant strain on the bucket opening with stresses specifically occurring in the cheek to lip connection—i.e., the two lower corners of the bucket opening. The arch can provide a “spring” like member to support the cheeks during operation.

It may be desirable to remove the arch from the bucket. Removing the arch from a bucket may provide weight reduction which can be converted into capacity, hence increasing the bucket productivity.

Embodiments were conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems and limitations, among other things. The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor(s), to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an example tapered dragline bucket having an arch in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an example archless tapered dragline bucket in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an example archless tapered dragline bucket in accordance with some implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an example tapered dragline bucket having an arch. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a tapered dragline bucket having an arch. Bucket design having an arch such as that shown in FIG. 1 may not require the additional

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an example archless tapered dragline bucket in accordance with some implementations. In some conventional systems, simply removing the arch has not been successful and significant fatigue cracking still occurs in current archless buckets. The presently named inventors have spent considerable effort on this problem and believe that it can be mitigated by an implementation of the disclosed subject matter.

For example, the disclosed tapered archless dragline bucket removes the spreader bar from the bucket rigging and converts some of that weight into capacity. Combining these two features (e.g., no arch and no spreader bar) provides a double weight reduction benefit which can be converted into additional bucket capacity or production. In order to address the structural issue mentioned above, additional modification or construction can be performed to provide support for the bucket opening in the absence of the arch.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an example archless tapered dragline bucket with reinforced portions or supports in accordance with some implementations. In some implementations, the tapered archless dragline bucket can include a retrofit to an existing tapered dragline bucket by removing the arch and reinforcing the bucket as shown. In other implementations, a new tapered archless dragline bucket can be constructed without an arch and including the reinforced support areas as shown in FIG. 3.

While some example implementations have been described in terms of a general embodiment with several specific example modifications, it is recognized that other modifications and variations of the embodiments described above are within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Applicant intends to embrace any and all such modifications, variations and embodiments.

Claims

1. A tapered archless dragline bucket comprising: a bucket having no spreader bar and a configuration to convert a least a portion of the saved weight into capacity,wherein the tapered archless dragline bucket includes no arch and no spreader bar so as to provide a bucket that provides a double weight reduction that can be converted into additional bucket capacity or production.