Patent Application
20080238116
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for connecting and adapting a grapple assembly and, more particularly, to systems and methods for interconnecting components of a grapple assembly and for adapting the grapple assembly for connection to a linkage system.
A grapple is a generally well known type of work tool that is often attached to heavy machinery (e.g., grapples are often attached to the arm of an excavator). Such grapples are hereinafter referred to as “grapple assemblies.” One primary use for a grapple assembly is to provide an excavator with gripping and handling capability. This gripping and handling capability makes the excavator suitable for a variety of operations. For example, excavators employing grapple assemblies are often used in primary and secondary demolition. In primary demolition, excavators employing grapple assemblies are used to tear down lightweight structures made of wood or brick. In secondary demolition, excavators employing grapple assemblies are used for sorting, picking, placing, and loading materials.
Typically, grapple assemblies include an upper and lower jaw, the jaws being oppositely arranged, where an end of each jaw is connected to a first pin. A known way to secure the first pin to the grapple assembly, yet allow the grapple assembly to open and close, is to fixedly attach the first pin to the lower jaw and to rotatably attach the upper jaw to the first pin. This enables the upper jaw to rotate about the pin, in a first and second direction, for opening and closing the grapple assembly. Because the first pin is fixedly attached to the lower jaw, the lower jaw cannot rotate independent of the first pin. Similarly, the first pin cannot rotate independent of the lower jaw.
Linkage systems connect the grapple assembly to the arm of an excavator. A typical linkage system is permanently fixed on the arm of an excavator and connects to the first pin and a second pin of the grapple assembly, where the second pin is typically located on the upper jaw. These linkage systems are often non-adjustable and manufactured for connection to specific types and sizes of pins. That is, the linkage systems are not adjustable for connecting to different types and sizes of first and second pins. Similarly, the first and second pins of known grapple assemblies cannot be adjusted for connecting to different types and sizes of linkages systems. If the first and second pins of the grapple assembly are not compatible with the particular linkage system, then the grapple assembly cannot be connected to the excavator. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a grapple assembly that is adaptable for connecting to a multiplicity of sizes and types of linkage systems.
A quick coupler is a type of linkage system that grabs the first and second pins located on the jaws of a grapple for quickly connecting the grapple assembly to the arm of the excavator. This connection between the quick coupler and the pins is one in which the pins should not move, e.g., rotate, inside of the quick coupler because such movement could cause the pins to slip out of the quick coupler. To open and close the grapple assembly, the quick coupler rotates about an axis located proximate to the first pin, thereby moving the upper jaw, in a first and second direction, relative to the lower jaw. However, and as previously described, the first pin of a typical grapple assembly is fixedly attached to the lower jaw and unable rotate independent of the lower jaw. Accordingly, typical grapple assemblies are not well suited for use with a quick coupler because, when the quick coupler rotates for opening and closing the grapple assembly, the first pin, because it is fixedly attached to the lower jaw, will rotate inside of the quick coupler. This can cause the grapple assembly to unexpectedly disconnect from the quick coupler. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a grapple assembly better suited for use with a quick coupler.
This disclosure describes, in one aspect, a grapple assembly including a connecting and adapting system. The grapple assembly includes first and second opposed jaws, each jaw has a connected end and a free end, each connected end includes a projection that has first and second sides and at least one aperture, the aperture of the first jaw is axially aligned with the aperture of the second jaw. The grapple assembly further includes a bearing that has a first end and a second end. The bearing comprises: an elongated section extending between the first and second ends of the bearing, the elongated section is positioned in the aperture of each jaw for connecting the jaws together; a flange that has an outer rim with a locking surface thereon, the flange is positioned proximate to the first end of the bearing for abutting the first side of the projection of the first jaw; and a bore extending through the bearing. The grapple assembly also includes a pin positioned in the bore of the bearing; a collar positioned on the second end of the bearing for abutting the first side of the projection of the second jaw such that the second sides of the first and second jaws are in face-to-face relation and the projections are located between the flange and the collar; and an element located on the first side of the projection of the first jaw, the element engages the locking surface of the outer rim of the flange for locking the bearing to the first jaw such that the bearing and the first jaw rotate together.
In another aspect, this disclosure describes a connecting and adapting system of components for interconnecting first and second opposed jaws of a grapple assembly and for adapting the grapple assembly for connecting to a plurality of linkages, each jaw of the grapple assembly has a connected end and a free end, each connected end includes a projection that has at least one aperture, the aperture of the first jaw is axially aligned with the aperture of the second jaw. The system includes a bearing that has a first end and a second end and a total length, the second end has first and second securing slots formed therein. The bearing comprises: an elongated section extending between the first and second ends of the bearing, the elongated section is sized for receipt in the aperture of each jaw for connecting the jaws together; a flange that has an outer rim with a locking surface thereon, the flange is positioned proximate to the first end of the bearing, the flange abuts the projection of the first jaw; and a bore extending through the bearing. The system also includes: a pin sized for insertion in the bore, the pin has a securing slot formed therein; a collar sized for receiving the second end of the bearing, the collar has first and second securing slots formed therein, the collar abuts the projection of the second jaw; a first dowel is sized for receipt in the first securing slot of the bearing, the securing slot of the pin, and the first securing slot of the collar, the first dowel interlocks the bearing, the pin, and the collar; and a second dowel is sized for receipt in the second securing slot of the collar and the second securing slot formed in the second end of the bearing, the second dowel interlocks the bearing and the collar.
In yet another aspect, this disclosure describes a method for interconnecting first and second opposed jaws of a grapple assembly and for adapting the grapple assembly for connecting to a plurality of linkages, each jaw of the grapple assembly has a connected end and a free end, each connected end includes a projection that has at least one aperture, the aperture of the first jaw is axially aligned with the aperture of the second jaw, and the projection of the first jaw has an element thereon. The method includes the step of positioning an elongated section of a bearing in the aperture of each jaw for connecting the jaws together. The bearing comprises: a first end and a second end; a flange that has a thickness and an outer rim, the outer rim has a locking surface thereon, the flange is positioned proximate to the first end of the bearing; and a bore extending through the bearing. The method further includes the steps of arranging the flange of the bearing for abutting the projection of the first jaw, arranging a collar for engaging the second end of the bearing and for abutting the projection of the second jaw, locking the securing surface of the flange to the element located on the projection of the first jaw such that the bearing and the first jaw rotate together, and positioning a pin in the bore of the bearing.
The disclosure relates to a system and method for interconnecting the jaws of a grapple assembly and adapting the grapple assembly for connecting to a multiplicity of linkages such as couplers being positioned on the arm of an excavator.
Referring now the drawings,
Each of the first and second jaws 14, 16 has a connected end 15 and a free end 17. The system 12 connects the connected end 15 of the first jaw 14 to the connected end 15 of the second jaw 16. The free ends 17 of the first and second jaws 14, 16 have tines 18 for gripping and handling objects and debris. The tines 18 of the first jaw 14 are in spaced relation to the tines 18 of the second jaw 16 such that, when the grapple assembly 10 closes, the tines 18 interlock, thereby creating an enclosure for securing objects and debris.
The first jaw 14 has projections 19, and the second jaw 16 has projections 22. Projections 19 have outer surfaces 20 and inner surfaces 21, where the outer and inner surfaces 20, 21 are separated by a distance 16. Accordingly, projections 19 have a width 16. Projections 22 have outer surfaces 23 and inner surfaces 24, where the outer and inner surfaces 23, 24 are separated by a distance 27. Accordingly, projections 22 have a width 27. It will be appreciated that the outer and inner surfaces 20, 21, 23, 24 can be interchangeably referred to as first and second surfaces.
The outer surfaces 20 of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14 are separated by a distance 57. And the inner surfaces 24 of the projections 22 of the second jaw 16 are separated by a distance 33. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance 57 between the outer surfaces 20 of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14 is less than the distance 33 between inner surfaces 24 of the projections 22 of the second jaw 16. Accordingly, when the first and second jaws 14, 16 are oppositely arranged, as shown in
Referring to
Referring again to
The first unit 26 of the system 12 includes a pin 30, bearings 32, and collars 34. The pin 30 has an outer diameter 31 sized to receive the bearings 32. Additionally, the outer diameter 31 of the pin 30 is sized for being received by a coupler positioned on an arm of the excavator. The pin 30 has a connecting location 29 that is also sized for being received by a coupler positioned on an arm of the excavator. The connecting location 29 is of a length that corresponds to a specific coupler and the outer diameter 31 is of a diameter that corresponds to the same coupler, where the coupler is positioned on the arm of the excavator. The outer diameter 31 and the connecting location 29 of the pin 30 are appropriately sized for operatively associating with the particular coupler positioned on the arm of the excavator.
The outer limits of the connecting location 29 of the pin 30 are defined by the bearings 32, where one bearing 32 as shown is located on one end of the pin 30 and another bearing 32 is located on the other end of that pin. The bearings 32 are oppositely arranged such that their corresponding parts are of equal distance from the respective ends of the pin 30. A collar 34 is located on each bearing 32 such that the collars 34 are positioned proximate to both an end of each bearing 32 and the respective ends of the pin 30. As described in more detail below, each of the pin 30, the bearings 32, and the collars 34 include securing slots for receiving a center dowel pin 36. Additionally, the collars 34 include a securing slot 37 that corresponds to a groove 110 located on the bearings 32. The dowel 36 can be a capscrew that passes through securing holes in the pin 30, the bearing 32, and the collar 34, the capscrew being secured on one end by fastening nuts 38. The center pins 36 interconnect the pin 30, the bearings 32, and the collars 34 such that all of the components of the first unit 26 move in synchronization. For example, if the pin 30 moves in either direction 59, 61, the bearings 32 and the collars 34 will correspondingly move in either direction 59, 61.
The second unit 28 of the system 12 includes a second pin 46, second bearings 48, and a securing bracket 68. The second pin 46 has an outer diameter 47 sized to receive the second bearings 48, and the outer diameter 47 is sized for being received by a coupler positioned on the arm of the excavator. The pin 46 also has a connecting location 49 sized for being received by a coupler positioned on the arm of the excavator. The connecting location 49 is of a length that corresponds to a particular coupler and the outer diameter 47 is of a diameter that corresponds to that same coupler, where the coupler is positioned on the arm of the excavator. The outer diameter 47 and the connecting location 49 of the second pin 46 are appropriately sized for operatively associating with the coupler positioned on the arm of the excavator.
The outer limits of the connecting location 49 of the second pin 46 are defined by the second bearings 48, where one of the second bearings 48 is located on one end of the second pin 46 and another one of the second bearings 48 is located on the other end of that pin. The second bearings 48 are oppositely arranged such that their corresponding parts are of equal distance from the respective ends of the second pin 46. The second bearings 48 each include a flange 52, and each flange 52 includes an inside surface 54, an outside surface 56, and an outer edge 58. The second bearings 48 also include an elongated section 60 extending away from the outside surface 56 of the flange 52.
Referring to
Another mechanism for securing the second unit 28 to the first jaw 14 is a securing bracket 68 that is connected to an end of the second pin 46. The securing bracket 68 includes a securing slot 70 and a securing pin 72, wherein securing pin 72 passes through the securing slot 70 for connection to one of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14. Accordingly, the securing slots and pins 62, 64 combined with the securing bracket, slot, and pin 68, 70, 72 prevent the second unit 28 from moving independently of the first jaw 14.
The exemplary bearing 32 of
Referring to
The second portion 90 of exemplary bearing 32 has an outer diameter 96 that is sized for being received by the apertures 43 formed in the projections 22 of the second jaw 16. The second portion 90 has a length 100, where the length 100 corresponds substantially to the width of the apertures 43 formed in, including the width of the reinforcing rims 44, 45 formed on, the projections 22 of the second jaw 16.
An inclined surface 102 is positioned between the first and second portions 88, 90 of the elongated section 82 of the bearing 32. When the connecting and adapting assembly 12 is used in the grapple assembly 10 to, among other things, connect the first jaw 14 to the second jaw 16, as illustrated in
The third portion 92 of exemplary bearing 32 has an outer diameter 104 that is sized for being received by the collar 34, and the outer diameter 104 can be sized such that it is too small for being securely received by the apertures 43 formed in the projections 22 of the second jaw 16. The third portion 92 has a length 106, where the length 106 is sized for substantially corresponding with the width of the collar 34.
An inclined surface 108 is positioned between the second and third portions 90, 92 of the elongated section 82 of the bearing 32. When the connecting and adapting assembly 12 is used in the grapple assembly 10, as illustrated in
Referring now to the flange 84 of the bearing 32, the flange 84 has an outer diameter 120 and a thickness 122. The flange 32 also has an outer surface 124 and an inner surface 126. The flange 84 includes an outer rim 128 being positioned between, and substantially perpendicular to, the inner and outer surfaces 124, 126. Referring to
A locking portion 130 is formed in the outer rim 128 of the flange 32 for engaging the bosses 13 located on the projections 19 of the first jaw 14. Referring to
As previously mentioned with reference to
Because the pin 30 is movable independent of the second jaw 16 and because the pin 30 moves in synchronization with the first jaw 14, the system 12 is well suited for connecting the grapple assembly 10 to a quick coupler, the quick coupler being located on the arm of an excavator. This is because quick couplers are configured for connecting the grapple assembly 10 to the excavator by quickly grabbing the first and second pins 30, 46 of the system 12. This connection between the quick coupler and the pins 30, 46 is one in which the pins cannot move independent of the quick coupler. In other words, the pins 30, 46 cannot rotate, or otherwise move, independent of the quick coupler. To open and close the grapple assembly 10, the quick coupler will rotate in either direction 59, 61 relative to the arm of the excavator, thereby moving the first and second pins 30, 46 in direction 59, 61. Moreover, and despite the lower jaw 16 being fixed to the arm of the excavator, the quick coupler as disclosed can effectively open and close the grapple assembly 10 because the first pin 30 is free to rotate, independent of the lower jaw 16, in synchronization with the moving quick coupler.
Examples of the securing slots formed in the first unit 26 of the system 12 are illustrated in
These interlocked components of the first portion 26 interface with components of the first and second jaws 14, 16 so as to interconnect the jaws 14, 16 and to secure the system 12 within the grapple assembly 10. For example, bearings 32 are positioned in the apertures 40, 43 of the projections 19, 22 of the first and second jaws 14, 16, thereby connecting the first and second jaws. The inside surfaces 126 of the flanges 84 of the bearings 32 abut the inside surfaces 24 of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14 and, in a similar manner, the collars 34 abut the outside surfaces 23 of the projections 22 of the second jaw 16. It follows that, because the pin 30, the bearings 32, and the collars 34 of the first portion 26 are interlocked, the abutting flange 84 of bearings 32 and abutting collars 34 collectively secure the first portion 26 of the connecting and securing system 12 within the grapple assembly 10.
The pin 30 can be removed from the first portion 26 of the connecting and securing system 12 without disconnecting the first and second jaw 14, 16. This feature is facilitated by the securing grooves 110 of the bearings 32 and the securing slots 37 of the collars, combined with the roll dowel pins 35. The roll dowel pins 35 do not secure the pin 30. Accordingly, when the center dowels 36 are removed, thereby permitting removal of the pin 30, the roll dowel pins 35 can remain in the securing slots 37 and grooves 110 for interconnecting the bearings 32 and the collars 34, thereby maintaining the connection between the first and second jaws 14, 16. In other words, the roll dowels 35 can be inserted into the securing slots 37 of the collars 34 and the securing grooves 110 of the bearings 32, thereby interlocking the bearings 32, the collars 34, and the projections 19, 22 of the jaws 14, 16, while leaving the pin 30 free to move independent of the interlocked bearings 32, collars 34 and jaws 14, 16.
The first and second units 26, 28 of the system 12 can include pins 30, 46, bearings 32, 48, and collars 34 of different sizes, thereby providing multiple sizes of pin diameters 31, 47 and connecting locations 29, 49 for connecting the grapple assembly 10 to multiple sizes and types of linkages, e.g., couplers, where the linkages connect the grapple assembly 10 to the arm of the excavator. For example, if a coupler located on the arm of an excavator is connectable only to a pin 30 having a specific pin diameter 31 and connection location 29, the system 12 can be, for example, adapted to include bearings 32 having an appropriate flange thickness 122 to provide the specified connecting location 29, and the bearings can have a bore 80 having an appropriate inner diameter 86 for receiving the pin 30 having the specific out diameter 31. The system 12 can be further adapted to include a pin 30 having the appropriate outer diameter 31 for connecting to the coupler, and the pin 30 can be positioned in the adapted bore 80. Additionally, the system 12 can be adapted to include collars 34 sized for fitting around the third portion 92 of the adapted bearings 32. Exemplary methods for adapting the system 12 are described in detail below.
The exemplary coupler 162 of
An example of this latching hook is shown in
Referring now to
The embodiment of the connecting and adapting system 12 shown in
To move the jaws 14, 16 of the grapple assembly 10 from the open position, as illustrated in
Referring to
Exemplary methods will be now be described for using the system 12. The system 12 can be used for: adapting grapple assemblies for connecting to a multiplicity of linkages, e.g., couplers positioned on the arm of an excavator; interconnecting the jaws of grapple assemblies; and connecting grapple assemblies to linkages of different types and sizes. For convenience, the following exemplary methods describe using the system 12 to adapt the grapple assembly 10 for connecting to the coupler 162 of
Using the system 12 for adapting the grapple assembly 10 for connecting to the coupler 162 includes the step of providing the system 12 with appropriately sized first and second units 26, 28. This includes, among other things, providing appropriately sized pins 30, 46, bearings 32, 48, collars 34, and hardware such as the bracket 68 and securing pins 35, 36, 64, 72. The respective pins 30, 46 of each unit 26, 28 should be sized for being received by the coupler 162. The respective bearings 32, 48 of each unit 26, 28 should be sized for being received by the apertures 40, 43 of the grapple assembly 10. Additionally, the bores 86, 53 of the bearings 32, 48 should be sized for receiving the respective pins 30, 46. Related methods are described in detail below.
Using the system 12 for adapting the grapple assembly 10 for connecting to the coupler 162 includes the step of providing an appropriately sized pin 30. The pin 30 of the system 12 should be sized to be received by the opening of the first hook-like aperture 167 of the coupler 162. Additionally, the pin 30 should be sized for extending across the distance between outer surfaces 23 of the projections 22 of the second jaw 16. This distance should include any distance associated with the reinforcing rings 44 and collars 34. Based on these determinations regarding the size of the opening of the first hook-like aperture 167 and the distance between outer surfaces 23 of the projections 22, the system 12 should be adapted by providing a pin 30 having a diameter 31 that corresponds to the size of the opening of the first hook-like aperture 167 and a length that corresponds to the distance between outer surfaces 23 of the projections 22 of the second jaw 16, including any distance added by the reinforcing rings 44 and the collars 34. It should be appreciated that the length of the provided pin 30 can marginally exceed the distance between outer surfaces 23 of the projections 22 of the second jaw 16, including any distance added by the reinforcing rings 44 and the collars 34.
Using the system 12 for adapting the grapple assembly 10 for connecting to the coupler 162 can also include the step of providing an appropriately sized second pin 46. The second pin 46 of the system 12 should be sized for being received by the opening of the second opening recess 168 of the coupler 162. Additionally, the second pin 46 should be sized for extending across the distance between outer surfaces 20 of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14. This distance should include any distance associated with reinforcing mount 63. Based on these determinations regarding the size of the opening of the second opening recess 168 and the distance between outer surfaces 20 of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14, the system 12 should be adapted by providing a second pin 46 having a diameter 47 that corresponds to the size of the opening of the second opening recess 168 and a length that corresponds to the distance between outer surfaces 20 of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14, including any distance added by the reinforcing mount 63. It should be appreciated that the length of the provided second pin 46 can marginally exceed the distance between outer surfaces 20 of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14, including any distance added by the reinforcing mount 63.
Using the system 12 to adapt the grapple assembly 10 for connecting to the coupler 162 can also include the step of providing appropriately sized bearings 32. The bearings 32 of the system 12 should be sized for being received by: apertures 40 of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14; apertures 43 of the projections 22 of the second jaw 16; and the collars 34. Additionally, the bearings 32 should be sized for receiving the pin 30. To size the bearings 32 for being received by the apertures 40, 43 and the collars 34, the diameters of the respective apertures 40, 43 and collars 34 should be determined. Based on that information, the system 12 can be adapted by providing bearings 32, where: the diameter 94 of the first portion 88 of the elongated section 82 of the bearings 32 is sized for being received by the apertures 40 of the projections 19; the diameter 96 of the second portion 88 of the elongated section 82 of the bearings 32 is sized for being received by the apertures 43 of the projections 22; and the diameter 104 of the third portion 92 of the elongated section 82 of the bearings 32 should be sized for being received by the collar 34. Additionally, the inner diameter 86 of the bore 80 of the bearings 32 is sized for receiving the outer diameter 31 of the pin 30.
Moreover, the step of providing appropriately sized bearings 32 includes providing bearings 32 having appropriately sized flange thicknesses 122. The thickness 122 of the flanges 84 determines the length of the connecting location 29. More particularly, the thickness 122 of the flanges 84 is indirectly proportional to the length of the connecting location 29, i.e., as the thickness 122 of the flanges 84 increases, the length of the connecting location 29 decreases, and as the thickness 122 of the flanges 84 decreases, the length of the connecting location 29 increases. Accordingly, the flange thicknesses 122 should be sized to provide an appropriate length of the connecting location 29, where an appropriate length of the connecting location 29 is a length sized for accommodating the coupler 162. That is, the connecting location 29 should be sized for receiving the horizontal length across the coupler 162. More particularly, the connecting location 29 should be sized for receiving the length across the first hook-like aperture 167. For example, the system 12 should be adapted by providing bearings 32 having a flange thickness 122, where the flange thickness 122 is approximately equal to the distance between the inner surfaces 21 of the projections 19 (including any distance added by reinforcement rings) minus the length across the first hook-like aperture 167 divided by two.
Using the system 12 to adapt the grapple assembly 10 for connecting to the coupler 162 can also include the step of providing appropriately sized second bearings 48. The second bearings 48 of the system 12 should be sized for being received by the apertures 41 of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14, and the second bearings 48 should be sized for receiving the second pin 46. To size the bearings 32 for being received by the apertures 41 of the projections 19 of the first jaw 14, the diameter of the apertures 41 should be determined. Based on that information, the diameter of the elongated section 60 should be sized for being received by the apertures 41. Additionally, the inner diameter of the bore 53 of the second bearings 48 should be sized for receiving the outer diameter 47 of the second pin 46.
Moreover, the step of providing appropriately sized second bearings 48 includes providing second bearings 48 having appropriately sized flange thicknesses 55. The thickness 55 of the flanges 52 determines the length of the connecting location 49. More particularly, the thickness 55 of the flanges 52 is indirectly proportional to the length of the connecting location 49, i.e., as the thickness 55 of the flanges 52 increases, the length of the connecting location 49 decreases; and as the thickness 55 of the flanges 52 decreases, the length of the connecting location 49 increases. Accordingly, the flange thicknesses 55 should be sized to provide a connecting location 49 having an appropriate length, where the appropriate length is a length sized for accommodating the coupler 162. That is, the connecting location 49 should be sized for receiving the length across the coupler 162. More particularly, the connecting location 49 should be sized for receiving the length across the second opening recess 168. For example, the system 12 should be adapted by providing bearings 48 having a flange thickness 55, where the flange thickness 55 is approximately equal to the distance between the inner surfaces 21 of the projections 19 (including any distance added by reinforcement rings) minus the length across the second opening recess 168 divided by two.
Using the system 12 to adapt the grapple assembly 10 for connecting to the coupler 162 can also include the step of providing appropriately sized collars 34. The collars 34 of the system 12 should be sized for receiving the third portion 92 of the elongated section 82 of the bearings 32. Based on the diameter 104 of the third portion 92, the system 12 should be adapted by providing a collar 34 having an inner diameter that corresponds to the diameter 104 of third portion 92 of the bearings 32. It should be appreciated that the inner diameter of the collar 34 can marginally exceed the diameter 104 of third portion 92 of the bearings 32. As previously disclosed herein, it should also be appreciated that the system 12 can be adapted by providing bearings 32 having a third portion 92, where the diameter 104 of the third portion 92 is sized for being received by the inner diameter of the collar 34.
Using the system 12 for interconnecting the jaws 14, 16 of the grapple assembly 10 includes, among others, the steps of: positioning the first and second jaws 14, 16 such that the apertures 40, 43 are axially aligned; positioning the bearings 32 in the apertures 40, 43; and positioning the collars 34 on the bearings 32. These steps will now be described in more detail.
The step of positioning the first and second jaws 14, 16 such that the apertures 40, 43 are axially aligned includes arranging the first and second jaws 14, 16 in an opposing relationship, as illustrated in
As shown in
The step of positioning the collar 34 on the bearing 32 includes positioning the collar 34 around the third portion 92 of the bearing 32. This step further includes aligning the securing slots 37 of the collar with the securing groove 110 of the third portion 92 of the bearing 32 and positioning the collar 34 such that it abuts the outside surface 23 of the projection 22 of the second jaw 16. Next, the roll dowel 35 is positioned in the securing slots 37 and the groove 110, thereby securing the collar 34 onto the bearing 32 while not disturbing the integrity of the bore 80. Accordingly, the first and second jaws 14, 16 are interconnected, and the bores 86 are free to receive the pin 30.
Using the system 12 for connecting the grapple assembly 10 to the coupler 162 includes, among others, the steps of: positioning and securing the pin 30 in the bores 80 of the bearings 32; positioning and securing the second bearings 48 in the apertures 41 of the projections 19; positioning and securing the second pin 46 in the bores 53 of the second bearings 48; connecting the coupler 162 to the pins 30, 46. Before the following steps are executed, the bearings 32 should be positioned in the apertures 40,43 of the projections 19, 22 for connecting the jaws 14, 16 and, optionally, the collars 34 can be positioned on the third portion 92 of the bearings 32.
The step of positioning and securing the pin 30 in the bores 80 of the bearings 32 is illustrated with reference to
The step of positioning and securing the second bearings 48 in the apertures 41 of the projections 19 is illustrated with reference to
The step of positioning and securing the second pin 46 in the bores 53 of the bearings 48 is illustrated with reference to
The step of connecting the coupler 162 to the pins 30, 46 includes engaging the hook-like aperture 167 with the pin 30 engaging the second recess 168 with the second pin 46. The coupler 162 then can be latched in position with latching hook(s) so that the first hook-like aperture 167 and/or the second opening recess 168 are clamped around the respective pins 30, 46. An exemplary method of connecting the coupler 162 to the pins 30, 46 is provided in abovementioned portions of this application with reference to
The industrial applicability of the connecting and adapting system and method described herein will be readily appreciated from the foregoing discussion. The disclosed system and method may be suitable for use in processes where it is desirable to connect and disconnect a grapple assembly to and from a multiplicity of linkages. For example, many large construction companies and municipalities maintain a fleet of excavators, where the fleet consists of multiple sizes and types of excavators having multiple sizes and types of linkages. Most of these excavators are fitted with a bucket for digging and loading soil. However, it is sometimes desirable to the use excavators for operations other than digging and loading soil. For example, excavators are often used for demolition and cleanup.
When converting an excavator from digging-and-loading mode to demolition-and-cleanup mode, the bucket is disconnected from the linkage of the excavator and, in place of the bucket, a grapple assembly is connected to the linkage of the excavator. The present system and method facilitates this converting process by adapting the grapple assembly for connecting a multiplicity of sizes and types of linkages, including quick couplers, located on the excavators within the fleet. The present system and method also facilitates this converting process by maintaining the interconnection between the upper and lower jaws of the grapple assembly while the grapple assembly 10 is disconnected from the excavator.
It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
