Patent Application
20210198858
Displacing materials, such as snow on a gravel driveway or the lifting of mulch or cut wood off a lawn using a loader bucket, which has a long, flat leading edge, can quite easily cut into the underlying ground when trying to lift or move material. This can result in a damaged lawn, or driveway stones in a pile of snow while attempting to clear them.
The present inventors have devised an EDGE TAMER, which is a unique skid device that is attachable to loader buckets. See U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599. This skid device, which has a ski-shaped ends, simple to attach, without needing to modify the loader bucket, with a fastener. The skid device also can include a replaceable wear member for improved gliding and longevity. The skid device disclosed in this patent is quite useful for pushing snow, moving mulch or dirt on grass, cut wood, or any similar material with a tractor, skid-loader, or other machine with a loader bucket, in situations where preserving the underlying surface is a priority. For example, it is desirable to leave the stones in a driveway when pushing snow, not damage the grass when lifting a pile or mulch or cut wood, or avoid damaging expansion joints on a concrete surface when clearing it off dirt or snow.
Although the EDGE TAMER is simple to attach to a loader bucket without needing to modify the loader bucket, and is quite useful, the EDGE TAMER uses tension to secure the skid device to a loader bucket. But tension securing is not as practical for large applications, such as wheel loaders. There still remains a need for an improved skid device that is simpler and more economical to manufacture. The present development addresses this need.
One aspect of the present development is a skid device mountable to a loader bucket including a plurality of mounting holes for securing an accessory to a bottom side of the loader bucket at a front side thereof, with a portion of the accessory extending forwardly of a front edge of the loader bucket when the accessory is mounted to the loader bucket. The accessory can be an edge plate.
The skid device includes a base plate, which includes a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section includes a slot extending in a fore and aft direction of the base plate. The second section extends outwardly and angled upwardly from the first section. The third section extends outwardly and angled upwardly from the first section, with the second and third sections extending in opposite directions along the fore and aft direction from the first section.
The width of the slot is dimensioned to permit a threaded shaft of a fastener to pass through and a mounting hole, among the plurality of mounting holes in the loader bucket, from a bottom side of the first section, while preventing a head of the fastener, which is disposed at one end of the threaded shaft and dimensioned larger than the threaded shaft, from passing completely through the slot.
The skid device further includes a stop member disposed at an upper side of the first section adjacent to one of the second or third section and configured to abut a leading end of the loader bucket. When the skid device is mounted to the loader bucket, the stop member abuts the leading end of the loader bucket with or without the accessory mounted to the loader bucket. The skid device can be mounted to the loader bucket with either the second or third section extending forwardly of the leading end of the loader bucket.
The length of the slot provides a fore and aft adjustment that allows the skid device to be mountable to the loader bucket with or without the accessory mounted, so that the stop member abuts the leading end, which is either the front edge of the loader bucket in a case where the accessory is not mounted or a front edge of the accessory extending forwardly of the front edge of the loader bucket in a case where the accessory is mounted.
The base plate can be made of monolithic aluminum or steel. The first section is thicker than each of the second and third sections. Alternatively, a reinforcing section can extend upwardly from an upper side of the first section. The reinforcing section can have a slot that is narrower than the slot in the first section and permit the threaded shaft of the fastener to extend therethrough but prevent the head of the fastener from passing through. The slot can be stepped or countersunk deeper than a thickness of the head of the fastener so that the head is at least flush with a bottom surface of the first section. The stop member can extend upwardly from an upper side of the first section or the reinforcing section.
The skid device can include a wear member removably secured to a lower side of the base plate and configured complementary to a configuration of the base plate and cover a bottom surface of the base plate.
The skid device can include an accessory mount extending from the first section and the stop member. The auxiliary member is removably attachable to the accessory mount. The accessory mount comprises a gusset plate with a notch that prevents the auxiliary member from pivoting upwardly in a state where the auxiliary member is mounted to the accessory mount.
Another aspect of the present development is a loader bucket assembly for moving material. The loader bucket assembly includes the loader bucket as described above and at least two skid devices mounted to the loader bucket. Each of the skid devices can be configured as described above.
Another aspect of the present development is a method of mounting the skid device described above to the loader bucket described above. The method includes providing the skid device as described above, disposing the skid device underneath the load bucket so that the first section is underneath the load bucket and the stop member is disposed close to or abutting the leading end of the loader bucket, aligning the slot with the mount hole, inserting the threaded shaft of the fastener through the slot and into the mount hole, and securing the skid device to the load bucket by fastening the nut on the thread shaft and tightening the nut while the stop member is abutting the leading end.
Generally, two types of loader buckets exist: one type with a single cutting edge and another type with double cutting edges. The single cutting edge loader bucket typically comes with a factory welded-on cutting edge that is not readily replaceable (would require welding to repair or replace the original cutting edge). The double-sided cutting edge loader bucket, which comes with a bolted-on edge plate that has double-sided edges, is attached to the loader bucket using bolts extending through holes already existing in the loader bucket. Thus, the edge plate 12 is replaceable. The edge plate is one of many accessories of the loader bucket.
The loader bucket is typically configured to have an inner volume sufficient to hold loose materials, such as dirt, sand, rocks, and even snow. Specifically, referring to
Referring to
Still referring to
The skid device 20 is provided with a universal fitment. Specifically, aligned slots 22s, 24s are provided to give the operator the flexibility to slide the device longitudinally in a fore and aft direction FA on the loader bucket 10 to accommodate the loader bucket 10 either with or without the edge plate 12 installed using an existing bolt hole, as well as to fit differently dimensioned loader buckets. Whereas the universal fitment arrangement disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599 uses a clamp type, the present skid device 20 uses a simpler direct bolt-on fitting, which is more secure and economical to produce than the tension fitment arrangement set forth in the skid device of U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599.
The present skid device 20 has an improved attachment mechanism. Specifically, the universal fitment arrangement included in the present skid device 20 allows to be installed in any loader bucket with pre-drilled holes in the front edge for accommodating accessories, such as the edge plate 12, which also can be configured in a form of a toothbar (not illustrated). Specifically, the edge plate 12 can either receive a toothbar assembly or secure individual tooth thereto. The present fitting arrangement accommodates loader buckets with no accessories installed, as well as different edges of various sizes, and therefore can function as a primary or secondary edge-attached device. Mounting at least two skid devices 20 to the leading end of the loader bucket 10 allows the loader bucket to move material with minimal disturbance to the ground. Each skid device 20 can slide under the leading end (front edge 10e of the loader bucket if the edge plate is not mounted or the front edge 12fe (or back edge 12be if reversely mounted) of the edge plate 12 if the edge plate 12 is mounted. By extending a bolt through the skid device 20, and up through the hole provided in the front side of the loader bucket, the skid device 20 can be secured in place using a fastener, namely a nut threaded to the bolt.
Referring to
Referring to
The base section 22b, which contacts the ground, can be made from steel, namely a flat single steel plate, such as ⅜″ thick steel or stainless steel. The size of the base plate 22 can vary according to the size of the loader bucket to be used. As an example, the base plate 22 can be approximately 12″ long and 3″ wide, with both the leading end section 22a and the trailing end section 22c angled up or bent at about 20 degrees. The above length refers to the length before the leading and trailing end sections 22a, 22c are angled/bent upwardly.
The base section 22b includes a slot 22s sized for passage of a bolt 12B, which can typically be sized ½,″ ⅝,″ ¾,″ or 1″ in diameter, and sized to seat the bolt head and prevent a hex or plow bolt head from rotating when tightening or loosening torque is applied by the nut to the bolt when securing or loosening the skid device 20 to the loader bucket 10. For example, the slot can be ¾″ in width for accommodating a ½″ diameter bolt, centrally located (both width and length of the middle section 22b), extending longitudinally fore and aft. The slot can have a length ranging from 2″-6.″ The slot can be dimensioned to accept the head of a hex or plow bolt, allowing the bolt to slide to fit appropriately to the underside of the loader bucket. The bolt is insert up through one of the holes in the loader bucket, which is used for holding accessories, such as the edge plate 12 corresponding to a removable cutting edge. The base plate 22 is also dimensioned to fit underneath the loader bucket without the edge plate installed as previously explained.
In an alternative embodiment, the leading end and trailing end sections 22a, 22c can have a symmetrical angle and length to allow the skid device to be installed from either end to increase useful life by reversely installing the skid device after long use. In this respect, the stop member 26 can be removably mounted, such as using bolts to the reinforcing plate 24, to either end portion of the reinforcing plate 24.
The reinforcing plate 24, which is for reinforcing the base plate, in particular the base section 22b (flat portion) of the base plate 22 where the contact is made to the ground, can be attached to upper surface of the base section 22b extending between the sloped ends. The stop member 26 can be attached to the front end or top side of the reinforcing plate 24 either using bolts or by welding to the reinforcing plate 24 and/or the base section 22b. For example, the reinforcing plate 24 can be made of 2″ wide by 6″ long by ⅜″ thick steel. The reinforcing plate 24 also includes a slot 24s that is aligned with the slot 22s in the base section 22s. For example, the slot can be ½″ wide, which is narrower than the slot 22s to allow the shaft of the bolt to pass through, while preventing the head from passing through. The reinforcing plate 24 and the stop member 26 also can be formed integrally with the base plate 22, such as via casting, forging, or machining from a metal block.
It should be noted that the combination of the base plate 22 and the reinforcing plate 24 can be accomplished by milling a thicker plate base plate to form angled leading and trailing sections 22a, 22c, the stop member 26, the base section 22b having the desired thickness, and with a stepped slot having a recessed surface where the bolt head rests, namely with a wider bottom opening (e.g., ¾″) and a narrower top opening (e.g., ½″). In this respect, skid device can be made of a single piece of steel or aluminum with a wear plate that can be steel and/or high density synthetic material. See
The stop plate 26 can abut against the front edge 12fe of the edge 12 or the front edge 10e of the loader bucket 10 for added security against the skid device 20 from moving backward when the bolt becomes loose, as well as preventing it from twisting on the bucket. The stop member 26 can be made of, for instance, a steel bar, such as ⅜″×⅜″×3,″ secured to the upper side of the reinforcing plate 24, such as by using bolts or welded to the front of and/or the top of the reinforcing plate 24, or integrally formed with the reinforcing plate 24. This serves as a pressure point against the leading edge 10e, 12fe, or 12be of the loader bucket 20.
In use, the stop member 26 would rest against the front of the loader bucket, ensuring that the entire unit remains aligned with the loader bucket, and serving as a protection to the skid device should the operator strike an object during operation.
The wear member 28, which is replaceable, is shaped complementary to the base plate 22 to cover the exposed bottom surface of the entire base plate 22, including the slot 22s and secured thereto using conventional fasteners 28f. In the illustrated embodiment, two holes are drilled at each end of the base plate 22 and threaded to accept screws 28f to secure the wear member 28. The wear member 28 allows the loader bucket to glide over sensitive surfaces, such as grass or pavement, to prevent potential staining of concrete or paved surface due to paint or rust rubbing off the bottom of the base plate 22. In use, the bolt 12B would be inserted through the slot(s) 22s, 24s and then the wear member 28 would be secured to the base plate 22. This would capture the bolt 12B in place, namely prevent the bolt from falling off, while the bolt head can slide along the slot 22s.
The wear member 28 can be made from any number of materials conventionally used for such purpose, such as ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWE) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PPTFE or otherwise known as TEFLON). The wear member can be cut and form-fitted to the same shape and dimensions as the base plate 22. In this respect, the wear member 28 also can be configured to cover both the lateral side edges of the base member along the full length, as well as the leading edge and the trailing edge thereof, for added protection.
Fasteners 28f are located in the angled portions near the leading and trailing end sections 22a, 22c. Two holes can be drilled through at each end portions of the wear member 28. The corresponding portions of the base plate 22 can be drilled through the base plate 22 and threaded to accept screws 28f to secure the wear member 28 thereto. Each fastener hole can be countersunk at the wear member 28 so that the fasteners, such as stainless steel screws, can be flush with or positioned deeper inside the wear member for added protection. Positioning the fasteners 28f near to the angled tip portion will minimize damage from the ground, enabling the removal of fasteners even if the wear member wears out.
The embodiment of
Alternatively, other methods of fastening the wear member 28 can be contemplated. For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599, the bottom of the base plate 22 can have dove-tail recesses or protrusions or the like and the upper surface of the wear member 28 can have complementary dove-tail protrusions or recesses to allow the wear member to be installed to the base member by sliding it sideways (perpendicular to the fore and aft direction FA) and held with an interference fit. Screws also can be used to retain the wear member from sliding sideways.
The embodiment of
Referring to
At least one removable auxiliary member 50, which can serve as a support for a large item that is longer than the width of the bucket or long article with a hole, such as a large pipe, can be mounted to each skid device mounted to the bucket, similarly as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,133,599, the description thereof being incorporated by reference. For example, each auxiliary member 50 can be formed of steel, such as a bar having 12″ long and 1″ square. The auxiliary member 50 can be connected via a bolt 50B, or the like, extending through a hole formed in the reinforcement member and secured with a nut (not illustrated). In this respect, a proximal end of the auxiliary member can have a yoke configuration 52 that can straddle the accessory mount 40. The yoke configuration has a hole on each arm portion 52a thereof to permit insertion of a fastener, such as a bolt 50B or the like. Although the drawings illustrate the auxiliary member 50 in a form of a bar, it need not be bar shaped. The auxiliary member 50 can have any desired configuration to suit the purpose of carrying objects or other functions that extend the use of the a loader bucket.
In use, at least two skid devices 20, 20A are installed spaced along the leading end of the loader bucket 10 by sliding each skid device over the leading end of the loader bucket and inserting a bolt 12B up through the slots 22s and 24s from the bottom thereof of each skid device 20, 20A, through the edge 12 if used, and through one of the mount holes in the loader bucket 10, and securing it with a nut 12N. The skid device 20, 20A can be loosened and adjusted forward and back (fore and aft) on the loader bucket, to ensure that the stop member 26 rests securely against the front edge 12fe of the edge plate 12 or the front edge 10e of the loader bucket 10. The stop member 26 ensures a square alignment relative to the leading edge of the bucket, and decreases the chance of loader bucket damage, should the operator strike an object driving the tractor forward while the nut 12N becomes loose.
Using at least two skid devices 20, 20A installed to a loader bucket 10 allows snow, mulch, and other such materials to be moved with less disturbance to the underlying ground surface. For example, the movement of snow on a gravel driveway or the lifting of mulch or cut wood off a lawn can be achieved with the present development.
Given the present disclosure, one versed in the art would appreciate that there may be other embodiments and modifications within the scope and spirit of the present development. Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the art from the present disclosure within the scope and spirit of the present development are to be included as further embodiments of the present development. The scope of the present invention accordingly is to be defined as set forth in the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16653368 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 17201603 | US |
