AU2023203534A1

AU2023203534A1 - A grabber for an earthmoving machine

Info

Publication number: AU2023203534A1
Application number: AU2023203534A
Authority: AU
Inventors: James SCHONKNECHT
Original assignee: Ausmetal Recycling Equipment Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Ausmetal Recycling Equipment Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-17
Filing date: 2023-06-06
Publication date: 2024-01-18

Abstract

The invention of the preferred embodiment is directed to a grabber for a dozer, excavator and backhoe. The grabber has a pair of co-operating and opposing jaws that can move between an open and closed position. On one or both jaws there is attached a rubber or plastics deformable member that can abut against an object and cushion the object while the object is grabbed. 1/6 FG1 FIG.I1

Description

1/6

FG1

FIG.I1

A GRABBER FOR AN EARTHMOVING MACHINE FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a grabber used with a dozer or excavator. Reference in the description to the use of a grabber to make a rock retaining wall is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to a grabber that grabs, lifts and moves a rock to form a retaining wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A grabber is an attachment used on backhoes, dozers and excavators. A grabber has two opposing jaws which are actuated to move the jaws between an open and closed position. Each of the opposing jaws can have one, two or three extending fingers which are used to grip an object. A grabber has been used for grabbing, lifting, and moving rocks, timber logs, concrete blocks, and other large and heavy objects such as demolished concrete structures. When in use, the grabber jaws are actuated to close around an object, pick up and move the object to a desired position. A grabber is typically made from toughened steel. Toughened steel is durable and has a high strength and wear resistance to withstand the heavy duty and robust activities carried out by the grabber.

[0003]When a grabber grabs an object, it can damage the object when the jaws are about the object. The object can be damaged by the toughened steel jaws so that it is not suitable for its intended use. In the circumstances where the object is not fit for purpose, the damaged object will need to be replaced. The replacement of objects adds additional expense to the work in both time and materials.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a grabber that can overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the problems above mentioned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The inventor realized that the hard surface of the grabbers often damaged the outside surface of objects during the process of lifting, holding, or moving the objects. The exterior surface of the objects such as sandstone blocks were often chipped, scratched, or broken during the handling process by the grabbers. The inventor realized that this was due to the surface of the grabbers being hard and resistant to wear. The inventor developed a solution to the identified problem by having a grabber with an engaging surface that will deform or give when grabbing an object.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a grabber for an earthmoving machine, the grabber including

a pair of co-operating and opposing jaws, said pair of jaws can move between an open and closed position;

actuating means to move at least one jaw of said pair of jaws between the open and the closed position; and

a deformable means on at least one jaw of the pair of jaws;

wherein in use the grabber grips about an object, the deformable means abuts against the object and cushions the object while the object is grabbed.

[0007] Preferably, the jaws are pivotally connected with each other. Preferably, each jaw is arcuate shaped.

[0008] Preferably, one jaw of the pair of jaws can move between an open and a closed position. More preferably, each jaw of the pair of jaws co-operate to move between the open and closed positions.

[0009] Preferably, each jaw has at least two spaced apart claws. More preferably, one jaw has two spaced apart claws and the opposing jaw has three spaced apart claws. In the more preferred embodiment, the jaw with the two spaced apart claws can preferably oppose or interlace each of the spacings formed by the spaced apart three claws of the opposing jaw.

[0010] Preferably, the claws are generally triangular shaped. Preferably, the claws have an aperture. The aperture is preferably located adjacent the outer end of the claw. Preferably, the jaws are made of a hard and wear resistant material. Preferably, the jaws are made from metal. More preferably, the jaws are made from steel.

[0011] Preferably, the actuating means are hydraulic cylinders. Preferably, the hydraulic cylinders are single ram hydraulic cylinders.

[0012] Preferably, the deformable means is attachable to at least one jaw of the pair of jaws. In an alternative embodiment, there is deformable means on both jaws of the pair of jaws. The deformable means in one alternate embodiment can be a single member having a deformable outer surface and claw attachment means on the claw facing surface.

[0013] The deformable means in a preferred embodiment includes an attachment member and an operationally associated deformable member. Preferably the deformable member can be replaced because of wear or work purpose suitability. Preferably the deformable member and or attachment member is removable.

[0014] The attachment member preferably extends substantially across the at least one jaw of the pair of jaws. Preferably, the attachment member has an elongate base wall and a plurality of sidewalls. The elongate base wall and plurality of sidewalls define a space for the positioning of the deformable member.

[0015] The base wall preferably has one or more outwardly extending flanges that can be used to attach to the at least one jaw. Preferably, the base wall has two or more flanges with each flange having an aperture for fastening purposes.

[0016] The deformable member is preferably positioned in the space formed by the base wall and the plurality of side walls and secured in position by any suitable fixing means including fastening and gluing.

[0017] The deformable member when positioned and secured to the attachment member extends proud of the side walls of the attachment member. The deformable member is preferably made of a elastic material and more preferably rubber or deformable plastics.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the deformable means is attachable to each jaw of the pair of jaws.

[0019] In another embodiment, the deformable means is a plurality of deformable members where each deformable member extends partway across the jaw. Preferably, each deformable member attaches to a claw of the jaw.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the deformable means is a deformable section which is integral with the at least one jaw of the pair of jaws. Preferably, a deformable section is integral with each jaw of the pair of jaws.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the jaws of the grabber are pivotally connected with each other and each jaw of the pair of jaws co-operate to move between the open and closed positions. Preferably each jaw has an arcuate shape and each jaw has at least two spaced apart claws that together can grip about an object.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment, the deformable means includes an attachment member and a removably attachable deformable member. The attachment member preferably has an elongate rectangular shape that defines an internal recess in which the deformable member is positioned and extends outwardly proud of the attachment member.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment, the attachment member and attached deformable member extend transversely partly or fully across one or both jaws. The deformable member is preferably attached to the attachment member by one or more fasteners.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment, the attachment member has one or more rearwardly extending flanges that can be used to attach and position the attachment member to one of the jaws. The attachment member is preferably attached to the jaw so that the deformable member abuts and grabs an object when the jaws of the grabber close about the object.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment, each attachment member has two spaced apart rearwardly extending flanges that can allow the attachment member to be positioned between a claw and retained in the position by securing one or more fasteners through an opening in each flanges and aligned respective apertures in the claw.

[0026] Preferably the size of the flanges and the position of the flange openings provides sufficient space for the jaws to open and close without the deformable members attached to each of the jaws abutting each other.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the attachment member can be rotated relative to the jaw, between a soft jaw position and a hard jaw position without removing the attachment member and deformable member from attachment to the claw, wherein the soft jaw position is when the deformable member can abut against an object and the hard jaw position is when the outer end of the claw can abut against an object.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a deformable means for attaching to a grabber of an earth moving machine, the deformable means including

an attachment member attachable to the grabber; and

a deformable member positionable and securable to the attachment member;

wherein in use the deformable member is positioned and secured to the attachment member and is positioned proud of the attachment member, the attachment member is attached to a jaw so that the deformable member faces the opposing jaw.

[0029] The attachment member is preferably attached to the jaw so that the deformable member abuts and grabs an object when the jaws of a grabber close about the object.

[0030] The different features described with reference to the first aspect of the invention also apply to this aspect of the invention.

[0031] In a further aspect, the invention broadly resides in a kit for the attachment of a deformable means to a grabber of an earth moving machine. The kit can be sold and purchased when the grabbers are sold or as an aftermarket kit. The features of the kit for the deformable means are described in the first and second aspects of the invention and also apply to this aspect of the invention.

[0032] The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein

Figure 1 is a side perspective view of the grabber with the deformable means according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention attached to each jaw of the grabber.

Figure 2 is a top view of the deformable means of the grabber of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the front and rear jaws of the grabber of Figure 1 with the deformable means attached to each jaw of the grabber.

Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the front jaw of the grabber of Figure 1 with the deformable means attached to the jaw.

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the rear jaw of the grabber of Figure 1 with the deformable means attached to the jaw.

Figure 6 is a back view of the rear jaw of the grabber of Figure 1 with the deformable means attached to the jaw.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] With reference to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown a grabber 10 for an excavator or other earthmoving machine. The grabber 10 has a pair of pivotally connected, co-operating and opposing, front and rear steel jaws 12, 14. The jaws 12, 14 are arcuate shaped and each are moved by a hydraulic means 16 between an open and a closed position. Front jaw 12 has three spaced apart claws 18 and rear jaw 14 has two spaced apart claws 18. The jaws cooperate to grab on to an object to lift and move the object. The claws 18 are substantially triangular shaped. Each outside claw of the claws 18 of the jaws 12, 14 has an aperture extending transversely across the claw. The aperture are located adjacent the free end of the claws 18.

[0035] A deformable means 20 is removably attached adjacent the outer ends of the outer claws 18. The deformable means 20 extends transversely across the width of the jaws 12, 14. The deformable means 20 comprises an attachment member 22 and a deformable member 24. The attachment member 22 has a base wall with four upwardly extending sidewalls which defines a recess for inserting the deformable member 24 therein.

[0036] The deformable member 24 is a block of rubber which is inserted inside the recess of the attachment member 22. Fasteners 26 are used to fix the block of rubber 24 inside the recess.

[0037] The height of the sidewalls of the attachment member 22 is lower than the height of the rubber block 24. When the rubber block 24 is inserted and fixed inside the recess, a portion of the block 24 protrudes above the sidewalls of the attachment member 22.

[0038] Two pairs of spaced apart, generally triangular shaped flanges 28 project outwardly from the base of the attachment member 22 with the outer end of the flange being the free end. The flanges 28 in each pair are also spaced apart. The gap between adjacent flanges 28 in each pair is such that an claw 18 can be inserted therebetween. The gap between adjacent flanges 28 in each pair is slightly wider than the width of a claw 18. Each flange 28 has a bolt opening 30 adjacent its outer end. The size of the flanges 28 and the position of the bolt opening 30 forms a gap that provides space for the claws 18 to freely expand and contract without abutting against the attached deformable means 20.

[0039] The deformable means 20 are attached to the jaws 12, 14 by aligning the bolt openings 30 in each pair of spaced apart flanges 28 with the aperture openings in each of the respective claws 18. Preferably the spaced apart flanges 28 align with the respective outside claws of each jaw. The bolts 32 are then inserted through bolt openings 30 and through the apertures in the claws 18. Washers 34 and nuts 36 are placed onto bolts 32 to fasten them in position. The deformable means 20 is positioned so that the lower surface of the base wall of the attachment member 22 overlies the upper external surface of the claw 18. Nuts 36 are tightened to inhibit rotation or movement of the deformable means 20 relative to the jaws 12, 14 during use.

[0040] With respect to the preferred embodiment of the grabber 10 with the deformable means 20, the jaws 12,14 close around an object and the rubber block (deformable member) 24 abuts an object and holds it against another deformable member on the opposing jaw. The object can be moved to and positioned at the intended location. Because a portion of the rubber block 24 protrudes beyond the sidewalls of the attachment member 22, the rubber block 24 will always abut against the object during the grabbing process thereby providing a cushioning effect. This effect prevents or at least limits damage or marking of the object during the grabbing process.

ADVANTAGES

[0041] The advantages of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the ability to hold, lift, and move an object without damaging or marking the object.

[0042] A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the grabber for a dozer, excavator and backhoe is that on one or both jaws there is attached a rubber or plastics deformable member that can abut against an object and cushion the object while the object is grabbed.

[0043] Another advantage is that the design of the deformable means enables it to be retrofitted onto existing excavator grabbers.

[0044] Another advantage is that the texture of the deformable member inhibits slippage of objects during the grabbing process whilst requiring less gripping force from the jaws of the grabber than would otherwise have been required in the absence of the deformable means.

[0045] Another advantage is that, due to the manner the deformable means is attached to the jaws of the grabber, it can be rotated relative to the jaws between a soft jaw position and a hard jaw position. The soft jaw position is when the deformable member abuts against an object during the grabbing process to cushion it and inhibit damaging or marking the object. The hard jaw position is when the outer end of the claws abut against an object. This convenient interchange is accomplished without completely removing the deformable means from the jaws.

VARIATIONS

[0046] It will of course be realized that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

[0047] Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A grabber for an earthmoving machine, the grabber including

a deformable means on at least one jaw of the pair of jaws; wherein in use the grabber grips about an object, the deformable means abuts against the object and cushions the object while the object is grabbed.

2. A grabber as claimed in claim 1, wherein the jaws are pivotally connected with each other and each jaw of the pair of jaws co-operate to move between the open and closed positions.

3. A grabber as claimed in claim 1or 2, wherein each jaw is arcuate shaped and each jaw has at least two spaced apart claws that together can grip about an object.

4. A grabber as claimed in any one of the above mentioned claims, wherein the deformable means is a single member having a deformable outer surface and claw attachment means on the claw facing surface of one or both jaws.

5. A grabber as claimed in any one of the above mentioned claims, wherein the deformable means includes an attachment member and a removably attachable deformable member, the attachment member is an elongate rectangular shape that defines an internal recess in which the deformable member is positioned and extends outwardly proud of the attachment member.

6. A grabber as claimed in any one of the above mentioned claims, wherein the attachment member and attached deformable member extend transversely partly or fully across one or both jaws.

7. A grabber as claimed in any one of the above mentioned claims, wherein the deformable member is attached to the attachment member by one or more fasteners.

8. A grabber as claimed in any one of the above mentioned claims, wherein the deformable member is made of rubber or deformable plastics.

9. A grabber as claimed in any one of the above mentioned claims, wherein the attachment member has one or more rearwardly extending flanges that can be used to attach and position the attachment member to one of the jaws.

10. A grabber as claimed in any one of the above mentioned claims, wherein the attachment member is attached to the jaw so that the deformable member abuts and grabs an object when the jaws of the grabber close about the object.

11. A grabber as claimed in claim 9, wherein each attachment member has two spaced apart rearwardly extending flanges that can allow the attachment member to be positioned between a claw and retained in the position by securing one or more fasteners through an opening in each flanges and aligned respective apertures in the claw.

12. A grabber as claimed in claim 11, wherein the size of the flanges and the position of the flange openings provides sufficient space for the jaws to open and close without the deformable members attached to each of the jaws abutting each other.

13. A grabber as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the attachment member can be rotated relative to the jaw between a soft jaw position and a hard jaw position without removing the attachment member and deformable member from attachment to the claw, wherein the soft jaw position is when the deformable member can abut against an object and the hard jaw position is when the outer end of the claw can abut against an object.

14. A kit for the attachment of a deformable means to a grabber as claimed in any one of the above mentioned claims.