FIELD
The teaching disclosed herein relates to apparatuses and methods for moving materials such as snow, soil, gravel, etc., and more particularly, to material moving attachments with a deployable back-drag frame to transition from a forward collection mode to a back-drag collection mode.
INTRODUCTION
U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,604 (Foster) purports to disclose a snowplow attachment for mounting to the front end of a vehicle that includes both a push blade operable during forward movement of a vehicle and a pull blade operable during reverse movement of the vehicle. The pull blade drops down in front of the push blade such that pushed snow can then be pulled back. The snowplow can get up close to permanent structures such as buildings and remove snow therefrom. During the push mode, the pull blade is raised to avoid interference with pushed snow. The snowplow can include side plates located on the ends of the blades for containing the snow and preventing snow from escaping out the sides, thereby increasing the volume of snow moved by the plow during one sweep. According to one embodiment, the snowplow includes a push blade assembly that is adapted to mount directly on the vehicle and a movable pull blade carried by the push blade assembly. According to another embodiment, separate push blades and pull blades are arranged at separate locations on the attachment such that the entire attachment pivots to alternatively locate one of the blades close to the ground for selecting between pushing or pulling modes.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,885,160 (Stone) purports to disclose a snow pusher, also known as a box plow that has a blade that is configured to be disposed in a first position for pushing snow forwardly, as is typical of snow pushers, and is further configured to be disposed in a second position for pulling snow rearwardly. The blade of the snow pusher may be contained within a snow plow box that may be reversible, allowing the blade to be disposed at a rear of the box for pushing the snow forwardly and at a front of the box for pulling snow rearwardly.
SUMMARY
The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the applicant's teaching, but not to define any invention.
According to some aspects, a material moving attachment for a vehicle includes (a) a first frame including a bucket bottom wall having a rear edge and a front edge spaced longitudinally forward of the rear edge, a first containment wall extending upward from the rear edge and extending laterally between a left side of the attachment and a right side of the attachment, and a first left sidewall and a first right sidewall extending forward from the first containment wall at the left and right sides, respectively. The first containment wall extends upward from the rear edge of the bottom wall to an abutment edge. The abutment edge extends laterally between the left and right sides. The attachment further includes (b) a second frame pivotable relative to the first frame about a pivot axis between a retracted position and a deployed position. The second frame includes a second containment wall extending laterally between the left side and the right side of the attachment, and a second left sidewall and a second right sidewall extending longitudinally from the second containment wall at the left and right sides, respectively. The second containment wall extends vertically between a proximal edge and a distal edge spaced apart from the proximal edge. Each of the proximal and distal edges extend laterally between the left and right sides. When the second frame is in the retracted position, the first and second containment walls are disposed rearward of the pivot axis and aligned in a vertically stacked arrangement with the proximal edge of the second containment wall bearing against the abutment edge of the first containment wall. The stacked first and second containment walls form a back wall for enclosing a first collection space disposed forward of the back wall for collecting material when operating the attachment in a bucket mode (also referred to as a forward collection mode). When the second frame is in the deployed position, the second containment wall is spaced apart from the first containment wall and disposed forward of the pivot axis for engaging a surface to be cleared, the second containment wall for enclosing a second collection space rearward of the second containment wall for collecting material when operating the attachment in a back-dragging mode.
In some examples, moving the second frame from the retracted position to the deployed position reduces a vertical extent of the attachment for improved visibility over the attachment by an operator inside the vehicle when operating the attachment in the back-dragging mode.
In some examples, the abutment edge of the first containment wall is spaced vertically apart from the rear edge of the bucket bottom wall by a first vertical extent, and the proximal edge and the distal edge of the second containment wall are spaced apart by a second vertical extent, wherein the second vertical extent is at least 25 percent of the first vertical extent.
In some examples, the front edge of the bucket bottom wall includes a first engagement strip for engaging material to be collected in the first collection space when operating the attachment in the bucket mode.
In some examples, the distal edge of the second containment wall includes a second engagement strip for engaging the surface to be cleared when operating the attachment in the back-dragging mode.
In some examples, each of the second left and second right sidewalls includes a side engagement edge aligned parallel to the surface to be cleared when the attachment is in the back-dragging mode.
In some examples, each of the second left and second right sidewalls includes a body panel fixed to the second containment wall and a wear plate secured to the body panel. The wear plate includes the side engagement edge.
In some examples, when the second frame is in the deployed position the second engagement strip is inclined at a second engagement angle relative to the surface to be cleared such that the second engagement strip extends upward and longitudinally forward from the surface to be cleared.
In some examples, the bucket bottom wall is disposed at a higher elevation than the second engagement strip when the attachment is in the back-dragging mode for providing clearance between the bucket bottom wall and the surface to be cleared.
In some examples, the pivot axis extends laterally between the left and right sides, proximate the front edge of the bucket bottom wall.
In some examples, a longitudinal spacing between the pivot axis and the front edge of the bucket bottom wall is less than 33 percent of a longitudinal spacing between the rear edge and the front edge of the bucket bottom wall.
In some examples, when the second frame is in the deployed position, the distal edge of the second containment wall is spaced forward of the front edge of the bucket bottom wall by a forward offset.
In some examples, the forward offset is at least 50 percent of the longitudinal spacing between the rear edge and the front edge of the bucket bottom wall.
In some examples, the attachment further includes a mount fixed to the first containment wall for releasably mounting the attachment to the vehicle.
According to some aspects, a material moving attachment for a vehicle includes (a) a first frame including a first containment wall extending laterally between a left side of the attachment and a right side of the attachment. The first containment wall has a first vertical extent terminating at an abutment edge. The abutment edge extends laterally between the left and right sides. The attachment further includes (b) a second frame pivotably coupled to the first frame at a pivot axis and pivotable relative to the first frame about the pivot axis between a retracted position and a deployed position. The second frame includes a second containment wall extending laterally between the left side and the right side. The second containment wall has a second vertical extent bounded by a proximal edge and a distal edge spaced apart from the proximal edge. Each of the proximal and distal edges extend laterally between the left and right sides. When the second frame is in the retracted position, the first and second containment walls are disposed rearward of the pivot axis and aligned in a vertically stacked arrangement with the proximal edge of the second containment wall bearing against the abutment edge of the first containment wall. The stacked first and second containment walls form a back wall for enclosing a first collection space disposed forward of the back wall for collecting material when operating the attachment in a forward collection mode. When the second frame is in the deployed position, the second containment wall is disposed forward of the pivot axis and configured to engage a surface to be cleared, the second containment wall for enclosing a second collection space located rearward of the second containment wall for collecting material when operating the attachment in a back-dragging mode.
In some examples, moving the second frame from the retracted position to the deployed position reduces a vertical extent of the attachment for improved visibility over the attachment by an operator inside the vehicle when operating the attachment in the back-dragging mode.
In some examples, the first frame further includes a first left sidewall and first right sidewall extending forward from respective first sidewall rear ends adjoining the first containment wall to respective first sidewall front ends spaced apart from the first sidewall rear ends by a first sidewall longitudinal extent.
In some examples, the pivot axis is disposed proximate the first sidewall front ends.
In some examples, when the second frame is in the deployed position, the second containment wall is spaced forward of the first sidewall front ends by a longitudinal reach that is at least 50 percent of the first sidewall longitudinal extent.
In some examples, the second frame further includes a second left sidewall and a second right sidewall at the left and right sides, respectively. The second left and right sidewalls cooperate with the first left and right sidewalls to laterally enclose the first collection space when the second frame is in the retracted position.
In some examples, the second left and right sidewalls project forward from the second containment wall and are in vertically stacked arrangement with the respective first left and right sidewalls of the first frame when the second frame is in the retracted position.
In some examples, the second left and right sidewalls project rearward from the second containment wall when the second frame is in the deployed position for laterally enclosing the second collection space when operating the attachment in the back-dragging mode.
In some examples, the attachment further includes a bucket bottom wall extending forward from the first containment wall and laterally between the first left and right sidewalls for enclosing the first collection space from below.
DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the described examples and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle with a traditional bucket attachment mounted thereto;
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle with a material moving attachment according to aspects of the teaching disclosed herein mounted thereto;
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an example material moving attachment in a bucket mode;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the example material moving attachment of FIG. 3 in the bucket mode;
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the material moving attachment of FIG. 3 in a back-dragging mode;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the material moving attachment of FIG. 3 in the back-dragging mode;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the material moving attachment taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the structure shown at box 8 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the structure shown at box 9 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another example material moving attachment in a forward collection mode;
FIG. 11 is a side view of the material moving attachment of FIG. 10 in the forward collection mode;
FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the material moving attachment of FIG. 8 in a back-dragging mode; and
FIG. 13 is a side view of the material moving attachment of FIG. 10 in the back-dragging mode.
The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of apparatuses and methods of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXAMPLES
Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of each claimed invention. No example described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an example of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors, or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
Moving granular material, such as snow, soil, gravel, etc., typically involves pushing the material forward with a wall member, such as a board or blade. In some examples, the wall can be a rear wall of a box plow, a bucket, or other attachment. The wall typically has a height and a width sized to efficiently move a significant amount of material.
Pushing the material forward can be undesirable in some cases, for example, when moving material away from an obstacle such as a wall or garage door that could be damaged by the material, the attachment, and/or forces exerted thereby. In such instances, pulling the material away from the obstacle can be helpful, in a process generally referred to as “back-dragging”. However, using the same attachment for the pushing and back-dragging operations presents some challenges.
For example, with reference to FIG. 1, a vehicle 10, in the form of a track loader, has a known bucket 12 mounted thereto. To drag material 14 away from the obstacle 16, an operator 18 of the vehicle 10 must tilt a rear portion of the bucket upward and away from the surface being cleared (e.g., the ground), and lower the bucket so the front edge of the bottom wall of the bucket engages the ground near the obstacle, all while ensuring the upper portion of the bucket does not bump into the obstacle. The task is further complicated by the lack of visibility of the target workspace for the operator since the tilted bucket 12 interferes with the operator's line of sight (depicted by dashed line in FIG. 1). Raising the arms of the vehicle to use the bucket in a back-dragging mode can also block side visibility for the operator, which can create safety concerns.
Furthermore, the known bucket 12 has an engagement edge 20 that is typically configured to facilitate forward movement of the bucket 12 through the material 14, e.g., for digging, scraping, etc., but the engagement edge is not optimized for movement through the material in the reverse direction during back-dragging. As well, when the bucket 12 is being used to back-drag material 14, the outer surface of the bucket bottom wall is moved toward and through the material 14, but it has no lateral material containment features. As a result, the dragged material 14 can easily spill out past the lateral side edges of the bucket bottom wall, resulting in less efficient material collection and requiring multiple passes to move or clear away the material.
According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a reconfigurable material moving attachment is disclosed that can help address some of the shortcomings of existing material moving systems, and provide for reduced cost and complexity relative to some existing systems.
Referring to FIGS. 2-7, an example of a reconfigurable material moving attachment 1100 in accordance with aspects of the present teaching includes a first frame 1102 and a second frame 1104 pivotably coupled to the first frame 1102 at a pivot axis 1106. The second frame 1104 is pivotable relative to the first frame 1102 about the pivot axis 1106, between a retracted position (FIGS. 3 and 4) and a deployed position (FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and 7). In the illustrated example, the pivot axis 1106 extends laterally between left and right sides 1110, 1112 of the attachment 1100.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the first frame 1102 includes a first containment wall 1108 extending laterally between the left and right sides 1110, 1112 of the attachment 1100. In the illustrated example, the first frame 1102 further includes a first left sidewall 1114 and a first right sidewall 1116 extending forward from the first containment wall 1108 at the left and right sides 1110, 1112, respectively. In the illustrated example, the first left and right sidewalls 1114, 1116 are in fixed position relative to the containment wall. In the illustrated example, the first containment wall 1108 has a first vertical extent 1118 that terminates at an abutment edge 1122 of the first containment wall 1108. The abutment edge 1122 extends laterally between the left and right sides 1110, 1112 of the attachment.
The second frame 1104 includes a second containment wall 1124 extending laterally between the left and right sides 1110, 1112 of the attachment 1100. In the illustrated example, the second frame 1104 further includes a second left sidewall 1126 and a second right sidewall 1128, each extending longitudinally from the second containment wall 1124 at the left and right sides 1110, 1112, respectively. The second left and ride sidewalls 1126, 1128 are, in the example illustrated, in fixed position relative to the second containment wall 1124.
The second containment wall 1124 has a second vertical extent 1130 bounded by a proximal edge 1132 of the second containment wall 1124 and a distal edge 1134 of the second containment wall 1124 spaced apart from the proximal edge 1132. In the illustrated example, the proximal and distal edges 1132, 1134 both extend laterally between the left and right sides 1110, 1112 of the attachment 1100.
In the illustrated example, the first frame 1102 further includes a bucket bottom wall 1180 having a rear edge 1182 and a front edge 1184 spaced longitudinally forward of the rear edge 1182. The first containment wall 1108 extends upward from the rear edge 1182 of the bucket bottom wall 1180. In the illustrated example, the first containment wall 1108 extends upward from the rear edge 1182 of the bucket bottom wall 1180 to the abutment edge 1122. The pivot axis 1106 extends, in the illustrated example, laterally between the left and right sides of the attachment 1100, proximate the front edge 1184 of the bucket bottom wall 1180.
The first containment wall 1108 need not be planar along the entirety of its vertical extent, but can be provided with, for example, a first curved profile along at least a portion of the first vertical extent. In the example illustrated (e.g., FIG. 4), the first containment wall 1108 includes a lower portion that extends upward and rearward from the rear edge 1182 of the bucket bottom wall 1180, an intermediate portion that extends upward from an upper edge of the lower portion, and an upper portion that extends upward and forward from an upper edge of the intermediate portion to the abutment edge 1122.
Like the first containment wall 1108, the second containment wall 1124 need not be planar along the entirety of its vertical extent, but can be provided with, for example, a second curved profile along at least a portion of the second vertical extent. In the example illustrated (e.g., FIG. 6), the second containment wall 1108 includes a second wall lower portion that, when the second frame is in the deployed position, extends upward and forward from the distal edge 1134, a second wall intermediate portion that extends upward from an upper edge of the lower portion, and an upper portion that extends upward and rearward from an upper edge of the intermediate portion to the proximal edge 1132.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the attachment 1100 further includes a mount 1136 for removably mounting the attachment 1100 to a vehicle 10 (e.g., see FIG. 2). In the illustrated example, the mount 1136 is fixed to the first containment wall 1108. The mount 1136 can include, for example, a coupling for connection to a universal skid steer attachment plate.
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the second frame 1104 in the retracted position. When the second frame 1104 is in the retracted position, the first and second containment walls 1108, 1124 are disposed rearward of the pivot axis 1106 and aligned in a vertically stacked arrangement with the proximal edge 1132 of the second containment wall 1124 bearing against the abutment edge 1122 of the first containment wall 1108. The stacked first and second containment walls 1108, 1124 form a back wall 1138 (FIG. 3) having a back wall vertical extent that also defines a vertical extent 1144 (FIG. 4) of the attachment 1100 when the attachment is in a bucket mode (also called “forward collection” mode). The back wall 1138 extends, in the example illustrated, upward from the rear edge 1182 of the bucket bottom wall 1180 to the distal edge 1134 of the second frame 1104. In the example illustrated, the back wall 1138 with its increased vertical extent (relative to the first and second vertical extents 1118, 1130) facilitates enclosing (and increasing the volume of) a first collection space 1140 disposed forward of the back wall 1138 for collecting material when operating the attachment 1100 in the forward collection mode.
Referring to FIG. 3, when the second frame 1104 is in the retracted position, the second left and right sidewalls 1126, 1128 project forward from the second containment wall 1124 and are in vertically stacked arrangement with the respective first left and right sidewalls 1114, 1116 of the first frame 1102. The second left and right sidewalls 1126, 1128 cooperate with the first left and right sidewalls 1114, 1116 to laterally enclose the first collection space 1140 (e.g., an interior volume of the bucket) when the second frame 1104 is in the retracted position. In the illustrated example, the bucket bottom wall 1180 extends forward from the first containment wall 1108 and laterally between the first left and right sidewalls 1114, 1116 for enclosing the first collection space 1140 from below. Furthermore, in the example illustrated, the axis 1106 passes through respective pivot joints in the first left and right sidewalls 1114, 1116, proximate forward ends thereof.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when the second frame 1104 is in the deployed position, the second containment wall 1124 is spaced apart from the first containment wall 1108 and disposed forward of the pivot axis 1106 for engaging a surface to be cleared. The second containment wall 1124 serves to enclose a second collection space 1142 located rearward of the second containment wall 1124 for collecting material when operating the attachment 1100 in a back-dragging mode. In the example illustrated, the second curved profile of the second containment wall 1124 facilitates rolling the material 14 over behind the wall 1124 as the second containment wall 1124 is dragged backward through the material.
Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 5, when operating the attachment 1100 in the back-dragging mode, the second left and right sidewalls 1126, 1128 project rearward from the second containment wall 1124 when the second frame 1104 is in the deployed position for laterally enclosing the second collection space 1142. Laterally enclosing the second collection space 1142 helps to reduce material spilling out laterally beyond the left and right sides of the second containment wall 1124, which can facilitate reducing the number of passes required to complete a clearing operation.
Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 6, the attachment 1100 has a vertical extent 1144 generally spanning a distance from a lowest point of the attachment 1100 to a highest point of the attachment 1100. In the example illustrated, the vertical extent of the attachment 1144 is greater when the second frame is in the retracted position than when in the deployed position. More particularly, when the second frame 1104 is in the retracted position (FIG. 4), the vertical extent 1144 is bounded by the distal edge 1134 of the second containment wall 1124 and the rear edge 1182 of the bucket bottom wall 1180. When the second frame 1104 is in the deployed position (FIG. 6), the vertical extent 1144 is bounded by the distal edge 1134 of the second containment wall 1124 and the abutment edge 1122 of the first containment wall 1108. Comparing FIGS. 4 and 6, moving the second frame 1104 from the retracted position to the deployed position reduces the vertical extent 1144 of the attachment 1100. The reduced vertical extent 1144 provides improved visibility over the attachment 1100 by an operator inside the vehicle when operating the attachment 1100 in the back-dragging mode. By improving visibility forward of the attachment 1100, an operator can approach obstacles more safely and efficiently with less risk of collision or damage.
Referring to FIG. 2, the attachment 1100 is mounted to a vehicle 10 and operating in a back-dragging mode to clear material 14 away from an obstacle 16. In the illustrated example, an operator 18 inside the vehicle 10 is able to see the second containment wall 1124 over the first containment wall 1108. This can help the operator 18 gauge the distance between the second containment wall 1124 and the obstacle 16.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate operator visibility differences when back dragging material 14 with a traditional bucket 12 compared to back dragging material 14 with the attachment 1100. Tilting the known bucket 12 (FIG. 1) to raise the rear end away from the surface to be cleared substantially increases the vertical extent 26 of the bucket 12 when oriented for back-dragging, compared to when oriented for forward collection (in which case the bucket bottom wall would be generally parallel to the surface to be cleared). The tilted bucket 12 presents a significant visual barrier for the operator 18 when trying to position the front edge 20 of the bucket bottom wall at the lower end of the obstacle 16. In contrast, the reduced vertical extent 1144 of the attachment 1100 when operating the attachment 1100 in the back-dragging mode provides the operator 18 of the attachment 1100 with improved visibility when positioning the distal edge 1134 (FIG. 6) of the second containment wall 1124 at the lower end of the obstacle 16.
Referring to FIG. 6, the abutment edge 1122 of the first containment wall 1108 is spaced vertically apart from the rear edge 1182 of the bucket bottom wall 1180 by a first vertical extent 1118 of the first wall 1108. The proximal edge 1132 and the distal edge 1134 of the second containment wall 1124 are spaced apart by a second vertical extent 1130 of the second wall 1124. The second vertical extent 1130 is sized to provide the second containment space with sufficient volume for collecting a desired amount of material 14 during back-dragging. In some examples, the second vertical extent is at least 25 percent of the first vertical extent 1118. In the illustrated example, the second vertical extent 1130 is about 90 percent of the first vertical extent 1118.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the illustrated example, the front edge 1184 of the bucket bottom wall 1180 includes a first engagement strip 1186 for engaging material to be collected in the first collection space 1140 when operating the attachment 1100 in the bucket mode. The first engagement strip 1186 can reduce wear on the front edge 1184 of the bucket bottom wall 1180. In some examples, the first engagement strip 1186 can be removed from the front edge 1184 of the bucket bottom wall 1180 and replaced with a new engagement strip when appropriate (i.e., once a threshold amount of wear is exceeded). In some examples, the first engagement strip 1186 is in the form of a substantially planar metal blade.
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 8, the first engagement strip 1186 is inclined at a first engagement angle 1188 relative to a surface 24 to be cleared such that the first engagement strip 1186 extends upward and longitudinally rearward from the surface to be cleared. The first engagement angle 1188, measured between the leading (forward directed) face of the first engagement strip 1186 and the surface to be cleared 24 forward of the strip 1186, is greater than 90 degrees and, in some examples is in a range from about 120 degrees to about 160 degrees. This configuration can help lift the material upward from the surface to be cleared as the attachment 1100 is urged forward in the forward collection mode.
Referring to FIG. 5, in the illustrated example, the distal edge 1134 of the second containment wall 1124 includes a second engagement strip 1162 for engaging the surface to be cleared when the second frame 1104 is in the deployed position. The second engagement strip 1162 can reduce wear on the distal edge 1134 of the second containment wall 1124. In some examples, the second engagement strip 1162 can be removed from the distal edge 1134 of the second containment wall 1124 and replaced with a new engagement strip when appropriate (i.e., once a threshold amount of wear is exceeded). In some examples, the second engagement strip 1162 is in the form of a substantially planar metal blade.
With reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, when the second frame 1104 is in the deployed position, the second engagement strip 1162 is inclined at a second engagement angle 1190 relative to the surface 24 to be cleared such that the second engagement strip 1162 extends upward and longitudinally forward from the surface 24 to be cleared. The second engagement angle 1190, measured between the leading (rearward directed) face of the second engagement strip 1186 and the surface to be cleared 24 rearward of the strip 1162, is greater than 90 degrees and, in some examples is in a range from about 105 degrees to about 165 degrees. This configuration can help lift the material upward from the surface to be cleared as the attachment 1100 is urged rearward in the back-dragging collection mode.
In general terms, because different engagement strips 1186, 1162 are used for the different collection modes (forward vs back-dragging), the first and second engagement angles 1188, 1190 can each be greater than 90 degrees, and furthermore, can be customized for each of their intended functions. For example, the first engagement angle 1188 can be customized for forward engagement of material to be cleared and the second engagement angle 1190 can be customized for rearward engagement of material to be cleared. This improves upon prior art bucket attachments (e.g., FIG. 1) in which the same bucket engagement edge is used for both forward collection and back-dragging operations. The result is that in back-dragging with prior bucket designs, the relevant engagement angle is less than 90 degrees, which can impede material collection by tending to pack the material downward and/or exerting a lifting force on the bucket.
Referring to FIG. 7, the bucket bottom wall 1180 is disposed at a higher elevation than the second engagement strip 1162 when the attachment 1100 is operating in the back-dragging mode. This difference in elevation provides clearance between the bucket bottom wall 1180 and the surface 24 to be cleared, which can avoid packing down the material 14 and so facilitate easier back-dragging of the material 14 by the second containment wall 1124.
Referring to FIG. 4, in some examples, a longitudinal spacing (pivot axis offset) 1192 between the pivot axis 1106 and the front edge 1184 of the bucket bottom wall 1180 is less than 35 percent of a longitudinal spacing (bottom axial extent) 1194 between the rear edge 1182 and the front edge 1184 of the bucket bottom wall 1180, thus positioning the pivot axis 1106 proximate to the front edge 1184 of the bucket bottom wall 1180. Positioning the pivot axis 1106 proximate to the front edge 1184 facilitates increasing the distance by which the second containment wall 1124 is spaced forward of the front edge 1184 when the second frame 1104 is in the deployed position, thus providing a longer reach (i.e., longer forward offset 1196, FIG. 6) during back-dragging operations. A longer reach can reduce how close the vehicle must get to the obstacle in order to bring the second wall 1124 into position near the base of the obstacle, which in turn can help reduce packing down of the material 14 near the obstacle (see also FIG. 2). In illustrated example, the pivot axis offset 1192 is about 15 percent of the bottom axial extent 1194.
When the second frame 1104 is in the deployed position (FIG. 6), the distal edge 1134 of the second containment wall 1124 is spaced forward of the front edge 1184 of the bucket bottom wall 1180 by a forward offset 1196. In some examples, the forward offset 1196 is at least 50 percent of the bottom longitudinal extent 1194 (bounded by the rear edge 1182 and the front edge 1184 of the bucket bottom wall 1180). In the illustrated example, the forward offset 1196 is about 65 percent of the bottom longitudinal extent 1194.
In the illustrated example, the attachment 1100 further includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders 1146 for moving the second frame 1104 between the retracted and deployed positions. Each hydraulic cylinder 1146 has a first cylinder end connected to a respective one of the first left and right sidewalls 1114, 1116 of the first frame 1102, and an opposed second cylinder end connected to a respective one of the second left and right sidewalls 1126, 1128 of the second frame 1104. As the hydraulic cylinders 1146 move from a cylinder retracted configuration (FIGS. 3 and 4) to a cylinder extended configuration (FIGS. 5 and 6), the hydraulic cylinders 1146 supply a force to the second frame 1104 where the second cylinder ends connect to the respective one of the second left and right sidewalls 1126, 1128. Since the force to the second frame 1104 is supplied at a location that is offset from the pivot axis 1106, the force acts to pivot the second frame 1104 relative to the first frame 1102 about the pivot axis 1106.
In the illustrated example, movement (i.e., actuation) of the hydraulic cylinders 1146 from the cylinder retracted configuration to the cylinder extended configuration moves the second frame 1104 from the retracted position (FIG. 4) to the deployed position (FIG. 6). Movement of the hydraulic cylinders 1146 from the cylinder extended configuration to the cylinder retracted configuration moves the second frame 1104 from the deployed position to the retracted position. In some examples, actuation of the hydraulic cylinders 1146 can be controlled by an operator inside the vehicle. This may allow the operator to switch between bucket mode and back-dragging mode without having to exit the vehicle.
In alternative examples, other mechanical means may be used to assist or automate movement of the second frame 1104 between the retracted and deployed positions (e.g., chain drives, linkage systems, etc.). In some examples, the second frame 1104 can be moved manually by an operator between the retracted and deployed positions.
Referring to FIG. 5, each of the second left and second right sidewalls 1126, 1128 includes a side engagement edge 1164, 1166 aligned parallel to the surface to be cleared when the attachment 1100 is in the back-dragging mode. As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates the side engagement edge 1164 aligned parallel with surface 24 when the attachment 1100 is in the back-dragging mode.
With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the second left and second right sidewalls 1126, 1128 includes a respective body panel 1168, 1170 fixed to the second containment wall 1124 and a wear plate 1172, 1174 secured to the respective body panel 1168, 1170. In the illustrated example, the wear plate 1172, 1174 includes the respective side engagement edge 1164, 1166. In some examples, the wear plates 1172, 1174 can be removed from the respective body panels 1168, 1170 and replaced with new wear plates when appropriate (i.e., once a threshold amount of wear is exceeded).
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the second containment wall 1124 includes a plurality of optional windows 1176. In the illustrated example, two rows of windows 1176 are distributed laterally along the second containment wall 1124. When the attachment 1100 is operating in the back-dragging mode, the windows 1176 may enhance operator visibility of obstacles (particularly obstacles with a height shorter than the second vertical extent 1130 of the second containment wall 1124). For example, an operator of the attachment 1100 may look through the windows 1176 to assess how close the second containment wall 1124 is to an obstacle (e.g., a curb).
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second containment wall 1124 includes an optional marker pole 1178 at each of the left and right sides 1110, 1112 of the attachment 1100. When the second frame 1104 is in the deployed position, the marker poles 1178 extend upwardly from the second containment wall 1124. During back-dragging, the marker poles help the operator to, for example, accurately position the second containment wall 1124 relative to an obstacle (e.g., a vertical wall or door). With reference again to FIG. 6, in the illustrated example, lower ends of the marker poles 1178 are connected to the second containment wall 1124 by a resiliently flexible connection (e.g., a spring). Contact with an object during use can cause the marking poles 1178 to deflect with respect to the second containment wall 1124. The marker poles 1178 are biased to return to their original position when such contact is removed. When operating the attachment in the bucket mode, the poles 1178 project downwardly behind the first containment wall 1108 (FIG. 8).
Referring to FIGS. 10-13, another example of a reconfigurable material moving attachment 2100 in accordance with aspects of the present teaching has some similarity to the attachment 1100, with like features identified by like reference characters, incremented by 1000. One notable difference is that, in the example illustrated, the material moving attachment 2100 omits the bucket bottom wall 1180 of the attachment 1100. Details of the attachment 2100 are explained further as follows.
The material moving attachment 2100 includes a first frame 2102 and a second frame 2104, the second frame 2104 pivotable relative to the first frame 2102, about a pivot axis 2106, between a retracted position (FIGS. 10 and 11) and a deployed position (FIGS. 12 and 13). The first frame 2102 includes a first containment wall 2108, a first left sidewall 2114 and a first right sidewall 2116. The second frame 2104 includes a second containment wall 1124, a second left sidewall 2126 and a second right sidewall 2128. The second containment wall 2124 includes a proximal edge 2132 and the distal edge 2134 spaced vertically apart from the proximal edge 2132 by a second wall vertical extent 2130. In the illustrated example, the distal edge 2134 of the second containment wall 2124 includes an engagement strip 2162 for engaging the surface to be cleared when the second frame 2104 is in the deployed position (e.g., see FIG. 12).
In the illustrated example, the first containment wall 2108 has a lower edge 2120 and an abutment edge 2122 spaced vertically apart from the lower edge 2120 by a first vertical extent 2118. The first containment wall 2108 extends upward from the lower edge 2120 to the abutment edge 2122. In the example illustrated, the lower edge 2120 is disposed at an elevation below that of the abutment edge 2122 when the first frame 2102 is oriented for use in a pushing mode and when oriented for use in a back-dragging mode. Optionally, the lower edge 2120 of the first containment wall 2108 includes an engagement strip.
The first containment wall 2108 need not be planar along the entirety of its vertical extent, but can be provided with, for example, a first curved profile along at least a portion of the first vertical extent 2118. In the example illustrated (e.g., FIG. 11), the first containment wall 2108 includes a lower portion that extends upward and rearward from the lower edge 2120, an intermediate portion that extends upward from an upper edge of the lower portion, and an upper portion that extends upward and forward from and upper edge of the intermediate portion to the abutment edge 2122.
Like the first containment wall 2108, the second containment wall 2124 need not be planar along the entirety of its vertical extent, but can be provided with, for example, a second curved profile along at least a portion of the second vertical extent 2130. In the example illustrated (e.g., FIG. 13), the second containment wall 2124 includes a second wall lower portion that, when the second frame 2104 is in the deployed position, extends upward and forward from the distal edge 2134, a second wall intermediate portion that extends upward from an upper edge of the lower portion, and an upper portion that extends upward and rearward from an upper edge of the intermediate portion to the proximal edge 2132.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, when the second frame 2104 is in the retracted position (i.e., in the forward collection mode), the first and second containment walls 2108, 2124 are disposed rearward of the pivot axis 2106 and aligned in a vertically stacked arrangement with the proximal edge 2132 of the second containment wall 2124 bearing against the abutment edge 2122 of the first containment wall 2108. The stacked first and second containment walls 2108, 2124 form a back wall 2138 (FIG. 10) having a back wall vertical extent that also defines a vertical extent 2144 (FIG. 11) of the attachment 2100 when in the forward collection mode. The back wall 2138 extends, in the example illustrated, upward from the lower edge 2120 of the first frame 2102 to the distal edge 2134 of the second frame 2104. In the example illustrated, the back wall 2138 with its increased vertical extent (relative to the first and second vertical extents 2118, 2130) facilitates enclosing (and increasing the volume of) a first collection space 2140 disposed forward of the back wall 2138 for collecting material when operating the attachment 2100 in the forward collection mode.
In the example illustrated, when the attachment 2100 is in the forward collection mode, the back wall 2138 is non-planar along the back wall vertical extent, but rather, is provided with a back wall curved profile to facilitate rolling the material 14 over in front of the back wall 2138 as the back wall 2138 is pushed forward through the material 14. The back wall curved profile is provided at least in part by the first curved profile of the first containment wall 2108 of the first frame 2102. In the example illustrated, the back wall curved profile further includes the second curved profile of the second containment wall 2124 of the second frame 2104. The second curved profile of the second containment wall 2124 extends upward and further forward from the first curved profile of the first containment wall 108 to further enhance collection of the material 14 in the first collection space 2140 as the attachment 2100 is pushed forward through the material 14.
Furthermore, when the second frame 2104 is in the retracted position, the second left and right sidewalls 2126, 2128 project forward from the second containment wall 2124 and are in vertically stacked arrangement with the respective first left and right sidewalls 2114, 2116 of the first frame 2102 (FIG. 10). In the illustrated example, the second left and right sidewalls 2126, 2128 cooperate with the first left and right sidewalls 2114, 2116 to laterally enclose the first collection space 2140 when the second frame 2104 is in the retracted position. The first left and right sidewalls 2114, 2116 and the second left and right sidewalls 2126, 2128 help prevent collected material from escaping laterally when the attachment 2100 is operating in a forward collection mode.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, when the second frame 2104 is in the deployed position, the second containment wall 2124 is spaced apart from the first containment wall 2108 and disposed forward of the pivot axis 2106 for engaging a surface to be cleared. The second containment wall 2124 serves to enclose a second collection space 2142 located rearward of the second containment wall 2124 for collecting material when operating the attachment 2100 in a back-dragging mode. In the example illustrated, the second curved profile of the second containment wall 2124 facilitates rolling the material 14 over behind the second containment wall 2124 as the second containment wall 2124 is dragged backward through the material.
Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 12, when operating the attachment 2100 in the back-dragging mode, the second left and right sidewalls 2126, 2128 project rearward from the second containment wall 2124 when the second frame 2104 is in the deployed position for laterally enclosing the second collection space 2142. Laterally enclosing the second collection space 2142 helps to reduce material spilling out laterally beyond the left and right sides of the second containment wall 2124, which can facilitate reducing the number of passes required to complete a clearing operation.
With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first left sidewall 2114 and the first right sidewall 2116 extend forward from respective first sidewall rear ends 2148, 2150 adjoining the first containment wall 2108 to respective first sidewall front ends 2152, 2154 spaced apart from the first sidewall rear ends 2148, 2150 by a first sidewall longitudinal extent 2156. The pivot axis 2106 is preferably disposed proximate the first sidewall front ends 2152, 2154. The pivot axis 2106 is considered proximate to first sidewall front ends 2152, 2154 when a longitudinal spacing 160 between the pivot axis 2106 and the first sidewall front ends 2152, 2154 is less than about one-third of the first sidewall longitudinal extent 2156. In the illustrated example, the longitudinal spacing 2160 between the pivot axis 2106 and the first sidewall front ends 2152, 2154 is about 15 percent of the first sidewall longitudinal extent 2156. Positioning the pivot axis 2106 proximate the first sidewall front ends 2152, 2154 helps to increase the distance by which the second containment wall 2124 extends forward of the first containment wall when the second frame 2104 is in the deployed position. In effect, positioning the pivot axis 2106 proximate to the first sidewall front ends 2152, 2154 helps give the second containment wall 2124 a longer reach when the attachment 2100 is operating in the back-dragging mode.
With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, in some examples, when the second frame 2104 is in the deployed position, the second containment wall 2124 is spaced forward of the first sidewall front ends 2152, 2154 by a longitudinal reach 2158 that is at least 50 percent of the first sidewall longitudinal extent 2156. In the illustrated example, the longitudinal reach 2158 is about 80 percent of the first sidewall longitudinal extent 2156.
What has been described above is intended to be illustrative of examples of the teaching disclosed herein, without limiting the scope of patent claims granted herefrom. The scope of such claims should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Patent Application
20250223778
