Patent Application
20250179761
The present disclosure pertains to a tractor attachment accessory designed to facilitate the handling, lifting, and manipulation of a wide array of objects.
Heavy machinery, particularly within agriculture, construction, and materials handling industries, is used for the efficient handling of objects, tools, and materials. As the demands of these sectors continue to grow, so too does the need for versatile, reliable, and adaptable equipment to meet the evolving challenges faced by operators and workers. Whether it is maneuvering loads of varying shapes and sizes, adapting to different operational scenarios, or ensuring the safety of both equipment and personnel, the machinery used in these fields plays an important role in productivity and performance.
One of the fundamental gaps in existing heavy machinery is the capability to interchange and utilize various attachments seamlessly. The adaptability of these machines to accommodate different implements, from loaders and buckets to specialized tools, directly impacts their overall utility. In a landscape where versatility and cost-efficiency are paramount, the need for innovation in heavy machinery attachments and attachment mechanisms and their secure integration into existing machinery becomes increasingly apparent.
Moreover, operators and users in these industries frequently encounter scenarios where specialized attachments are either unavailable for specific tasks, necessitating replacement or customization to meet unique requirements. Additionally, heavy machinery that combines multiple attachments for multifaceted operations is not common. A failure to accommodate these changing needs can result in operational inefficiencies and an inability to meet the diverse demands of the job.
What is needed, therefore, is an adaptable attachment accessory that effectively capitalizes on the existing structure and controls of heavy machinery and obviates the need for additional complex control systems.
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring to
In certain embodiments, the presence of tractor attachment 120 is not required. Operators and users can choose to mount the tractor attachment accessory 140 directly on to the tractor or other agricultural, materials handling, or construction vehicle. This expands the application potential of the invention, accommodating scenarios where attachment replacement or customization is necessary or when no attachment is involved.
Tractor attachment accessory 140 is designed for secure object handling. In the example shown in
Main tube 150 includes opposed longitudinal end portions 152 and 154. End portion 152 is attached to the tractor attachment or the tractor (or other vehicle), while end portion 154 is attached to, or formed with, cross tube 160. The length of the main tube may be adapted such that the tractor attachment accessory spans or substantially spans, for example, across a bucket of a bucket attachment, such as approximately 26 inches. In other embodiments, the length of main tube 150 is adjustable by having two main tubes, one inside the other (not shown). In those embodiments, the length of main tube 150 may be adjusted using, for example, a pin and hole system, a telescopic tube, or any other suitable mechanism.
Main tube 150 is arcuate or has a slight curvature allowing for ease of object manipulation. The curvature of main tube 150 is such that the concave side of the curvature is oriented toward the ground during operation, while the convex side of the curvature is oriented towards the opposite side. This design feature enhances object handling by promoting even weight distribution of the load and ensuring a secure, stable grip on objects.
Cross tube 160 is attached to, or formed with, the main tube. In the example shown in
Prongs 170 are attached to, or formed with, cross tube 160 in a spaced relationship. In the example shown in
In the example shown in
Mounting base 182 includes hole or apertures 183 sized to receive fasteners to attach the mounting base to the tractor attachment or tractor. Walls 184 and 186 define a channel 188 therebetween that is sized to receive an eyebolt 156 of end portion 152 of main tube 150. The mounting assembly also includes a pin 190 that is received in corresponding holes 192 and 194 of walls 184 and 186, respectively and in hole 158 of eyebolt 156 such that main tube 150 is pivotably connected to tractor attachment or tractor. In other embodiments, mounting assembly 180 may include alternative attachment mechanisms, such as quick-release couplings, interlocking teeth or gear mechanism, hitch and receiver system, latching mechanism, etc.
Referring to
The present disclosure effectively capitalizes on the existing controls and movements of the tractor, obviating the need for additional complex control systems. As the tractor's arms or other movable components are manipulated by the user, the fork attachment accessory 140 follows suit, offering precision and ease in object handling.
To substantiate the scope of this disclosure, an extensive array of alternative embodiments can be considered, accommodating various materials, sizes, attachment mechanisms, and methods of attachment. This adaptability ensures the invention can be tailored to meet diverse requirements and applications. In some embodiments, however, the tractor attachment accessories of the present disclosure include only the components described above and/or shown in
The various components of the disclosure can be fabricated from an assortment of materials, including different metals, alloys, or composite materials. The choice of material depends on the desired strength, weight, and environmental considerations, allowing for versatile design options.
In addition to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that various embodiments and modifications of the invention may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
It will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment that has been described, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, as interpreted in accordance with principles of prevailing law, including the doctrine of equivalents or any other principle that enlarges the enforceable scope of a claim beyond its literal scope. Unless the context indicates otherwise, a reference in a claim to the number of instances of an element, be it a reference to one instance or more than one instance, requires at least the stated number of instances of the element but is not intended to exclude from the scope of the claim a structure or method having more instances of that element than stated. The word “comprise” or a derivative thereof, when used in a claim, is used in a nonexclusive sense that is not intended to exclude the presence of other elements or steps in a claimed structure or method.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/606,353 filed on Dec. 5, 2023 and entitled “Multi-Purpose Tractor Fork Attachment And Mounting Mechanism Systems And Methods.” The complete disclosure of the above application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63606353 | Dec 2023 | US |
