GB2589538A

GB2589538A - Bucket storage and transportation arrangements

Info

Publication number: GB2589538A
Application number: GB1910513.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harrison Mitchell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-23
Filing date: 2019-07-23
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Also published as: GB201910513D0

Abstract

The arrangement 30 is provided with a pair of end plates 32, both of the same profile and interconnected by three parallel elongate cross members 34 arranged to support the base and rear of buckets 40 when carried by the arrangement. Grab bucket 20 may be used to lift and transport the arrangement as required. The end plates 32 have notches 36 to accommodate the blades 26 of the jaws 22, 24 of the grab bucket 20. Towards the upper end of the side of the end plates 62 on the open front of the arrangement 60 there may be provided a hook 64 (fig 3) which may engageable by the upper edge of a dozer blade 54 to provide additional or alternative lifting.

Description

Bucket Storage and Transportation Arrangements Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to bucket storage and transportation arrangements, especially but not exclusively arrangements for the transportation and storage of buckets for earth-moving machines.

Background to the Invention

Earth moving machines, for example, 3600 diggers and loaders mounted with back hoes are provided with earth digging buckets of varying sizes. The machine operator can choose an appropriately sized bucket depending upon the earth to be removed. For example, a narrow bucket would be chosen to dig a trench for the foundation of an internal wall of a building, whereas a wider bucket would be chosen for the trench for the foundation of an outer wall, and an even wider bucket for a roadway or mass excavation.

Buckets can be readily changed by the machine operator. For example, the clamping mechanism by which the bucket is attached to the digger may be remotely hydraulically operated so that when a bucket has to be changed, the operator manipulates the boom to rest the bucket on the ground and then disconnects this bucket using the hydraulic clamping mechanism. The operator may then position the boom end against an attachment arrangement of the next bucket and operates the clamping mechanism to attach the next bucket ready for continued digging. In other examples the clamping mechanism can be manually operated.

Typically, for our more buckets can be used during a digging operation and these are often scattered around the site making retrieval of an appropriate bucket and changing it with the existing bucket time-consuming and non-productive It is therefore an aim of embodiments of the invention to overcome or at least partially mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a bucket storage and transportation arrangement comprising a framework defining an open-topped, open fronted receptacle adapted to store a plurality of buckets, the framework including mounting means by which the framework is removably attachable to a digging apparatus of an earth-moving machine.

In embodiments the receptacle comprises a base. The base of the receptacle may be spaced above a ground engaging base of the framework.

The mounting means of the framework may correspond to mounting means of one or more of the buckets storable within the receptacle. For example, the mounting means of the framework may be identical to the mounting means of one or more of the buckets storable within the receptacle. In this way, complementary means provided on the earth moving machine may be used to removably attach a component of the machine (e.g. a boom) to either the framework or to one or more of the buckets, as required.

In other embodiments, the mounting means of the framework may be arranged to be removably engageable with a clam jaw arrangement provided by a grab bucket of an earth-moving machine. In embodiments, the mounting means of the framework may be arrangement to be removably engageable with a boom (e.g. a rear boom) of an earth moving machine -e.g. a rear boom of a back hoe loader.

Preferably the framework is arranged such that the plurality of buckets may be stored within the receptacle in a side-by-side relationship.

Preferably the framework includes two end plates. The two end plates may be interconnected by one or more elongate transverse members. In some embodiments the two end plates may be interconnected by a plurality of elongate transverse members. In presently preferred embodiments the two end plates are interconnected by at least three elongate transverse members.

Preferably the mounting means of the framework is positioned substantially midway along at least one elongate transverse member.

In embodiments, one or more fixing means may be provided along at least one of the one or more elongate transverse members. In use, the fixing means may be configured to receive one or more buckets hung therefrom. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the one or more elongate members may be configured to receive at least one bucket hung therefrom, in use. The at least one elongate member may comprise an upper elongate member.

In some embodiments the end plates may define one or more downwardly directed hooks. The one or more downwardly directed hooks may be configured such that they are engageable by a corresponding blade (e.g. a dozer blade) of an earth-moving machine.

In embodiments, the framework may include one or more partitions. The one or more partitions may define one or more sections of the framework for receiving correspondingly sized buckets. The one or more partitions may be configured such that the one or more defined sections of the framework are configured to receive buckets without teeth or surface modifications.

The framework may include a bucket stop. The bucket stop may be configured to define a position and/or orientation of one or more buckets received within the framework of the arrangement The bucket stop may provide additional support for holding the one or more buckets within the framework of the arrangement.

Preferably the framework is provided with securing means for lifting tackle In embodiments the framework may include a lockable member for locking and/or securing one or more earth-moving buckets in the receptacle. In some embodiments the lockable member comprises an elongate member which may extend across the receptacle -e.g. over the open top or open front of the receptacle.

Preferably the framework defines one or more recesses configured to receive one or more tines of an earth moving machine -e.g. one or more tines of a forklift. In embodiments, the one or more recesses may be provided below the receptacle.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a back hoe loader illustrating the operational use of an embodiment of a bucket storage and transportation arrangement in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a detailed isometric view of the bucket storage and transportation arrangement illustrated in Figure 1, and Figure 3 shows a side view of a 3600 digger illustrating the operational use of a further embodiment of a bucket transportation and storage arrangement in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1 shows an earth-moving apparatus in the form of a back hoe loader 10. The loader 10 is provided with an attachment 12 having an earth digging bucket 16 removably mounted by releasable bucket attachment means (not visible in Fig 1) to the end of its back actor 18. The back actor 18 comprises a boom 19 rotatably mounted to the loader and a clipper (not shown in Fig 1) pivotally mounted to the free end of the boom 19. The loader 10 includes a front attachment 14 which includes a grab bucket 20 mounted at its outer end, the grab bucket 20 comprises pivotally mounted clam jaws 22, 24, each having a blade 26 along its opening edges. These components are standard in currently available back hoe loaders, as will be appreciated.

Many on-site operations require the use of several different sized earth-moving buckets and a bucket transportation and storage arrangement 30 is shown in Figures 1 and 2. In 20 Figure 2, one of several additional buckets 40 is shown which can be accommodated in side-by-side relationship in the arrangement 30.

The arrangement 30 is provided with a pair of end plates 32, both of the same profile. The end plates 32 are interconnected by three parallel elongate cross members 34 arranged in such a way that they can support the base and rear of buckets 40 when carried by the arrangement 30. In other words, the arrangement is open-fronted and open-topped. The end plates 32 are preferably spaced apart by a distance which is just less than the width of the grab bucket 20 such that the grab bucket 20 may be used to lift and transport the arrangement 30 as required.

The lowermost of the elongate members 34 is located above a ground engaging base 31 of the end plates 32. The end plates 32 each have notches 36 formed in at their front and rear edges to accommodate the blades 26 of the grab bucket 20. Specifically, with the jaws 22, 24 of the grab bucket 20 in an open condition, the grab bucket 20 may be positioned over the arrangement 30 before being moved towards a closed condition wherein the blades 26 of the jaws 22, 24 become engaged within the notches 36 so that the arrangement 30. By virtue of this engagement, the grab bucket 20 may be used to lift and transport the arrangement 30, and hence any buckets 40 stored therein. The end plates, at least in the region of the notches, are formed of hardened steel such that they may withstand any forces exerted on the arrangement 30 by closing the jaws 22, 24 of the grab bucket 20 thereon.

In use, the loader 10 fitted it with a first bucket 16 on its back actor 18 can commence an on-site task with its grab bucket 20 carrying a transportation and storage arrangement 30 having, perhaps, one, two, three or more other differently sized buckets 40 stored therein. The operator may use the first bucket 16 on the boom 19 to carry out a first operation until a differently sized bucket 40 is required. The operator may then, without leaving the cabin, lower the arrangement 30 to the ground, release it and drive around it so that, after he has approached the rear of the arrangement 30, he can use the standard hydraulically or manually operated bucket attachment means at the end of the back actor 18 to release the first bucket 16. Using the same bucket attachment means he may then pick up a differently sized bucket 40 for use during the next stage of the operation.

If desired, the removed first bucket 16 can be placed in the arrangement 30.

Figure 3 shows a modified bucket transport and storage arrangement 60 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is mounted to the end of a boom 52 of an earth moving machine in the form of a 360° digger 50. The design of the modified arrangement 60 is similar to that of the arrangement 30 shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that it comprises two similarly profiled end plates 62 spaced apart by three parallel, spaced elongate members 63 to provide an open fronted, open topped receptacle or container. The lowermost member 63 is located above a ground engaging base 61 of the end plates 62. The arrangement 60 includes mounting means 66 for removably attaching the arrangement 60 to the boom 52 of the digger 50 and in the illustrated embodiment the mounting means 66 comprises a standard bucket mounting means, identical to that provided on the buckets such that complementary means provided on the digger 50 may be used to removably attach the boom 52 of the digger 50 to either the arrangement 60 or the bucket 40. In this embodiment, the mounting means 66 are fixed to the transverse members 63 and positioned midway along their length.

Towards the upper end of the side of the end plates 62 on the open front of the arrangement 60 there is provided a hook 64 As shown, this hook is engageable by the upper edge of a dozer blade 54 of the digger 50 to provide additional or alternative lifting of the arrangement 60 by the digger 50 Operation of the modified arrangement shown in Figure 3 is similar to that of the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2. That is, in the condition shown in Figure 3, the digger 50 may be able to carry the arrangement 60 with several buckets 40 arranged therein in a side by side relationship to a desired location. The operator may then lower the dozer blade 54 of the digger 50 to disengage the hook 64. Where the bucket mounting means 66 are in use and with the arrangement 60 resting on the ground, the operator may then disengage the bucket mounting means 66 to release the arrangement 60. Without moving the digger 50, the operator may then reposition the end of the boom 52 on mounting means 42 of a next selected bucket 40, clamp the mounting means 42 on the boom 52 and use the new bucket 40 to perform a subsequent digging operation. This operation is continued until such times as a change of bucket is required at which time the operator can reposition the bucket 40 in the arrangement 60, disengage the mounting means 42, engage the mounting means in the next selected bucket mounting means and recommence the operation. As discussed herein, the arrangement 60 can be transported by the digger 50 either by engagement of the bucket mounting means 66 and/or by engaging the dozer blade 54 in the hooks 64.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, for example, the bucket transportation and storage arrangement 30 shown in Figures I and 2 can be modified at such that when it is transported in the grab bucket 20, the open front faces towards the loader 10 In another modification only two or four or more transverse members can be employed or the base and back of the receptacle can be formed from sheet steel.

A securing means in the form of a further removable cross member can be fitted between the end plates of the arrangement described with reference to Figs 1 and 2 over the open top or open front thereof Accordingly, when such an arrangement 30, 60 is left unattended, this member may be fitted and locked in place to secure one or more buckets in the arrangement 30, 60. In an arrangement designed for use with a 3600 digger, a ditching bucket may be laid on top of other buckets in the arrangement to secure them therein.

The embodiments described above provide a transportation and storage arrangement for a number of differently configured buckets, which is readily transportable by a digger or loader and which, in use, keeps the buckets at a central location during a digging operation so that downtime of the digger moving to locate and engage a different sized bucket is considerably reduced Presently, buckets are manoeuvred and loaded manually. This is unnecessary with the arrangement described with reference to the drawings so that health and safety considerations are enhanced.

The arrangement is equally applicable in agricultural or industrial applications, for example, for storing agricultural implements taking the general form of buckets.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSA bucket storage and transportation arrangement comprising a framework defining an open-topped, open fronted receptacle adapted to store a plurality of buckets, the framework including mounting means by which the framework is removably attachable to a digging apparatus of an earth-moving machine.
A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 in which the receptacle comprises a base which is spaced above a ground engaging base of the framework.
3. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the mounting means of the framework correspond to the mounting means of one or more buckets storable within the receptacle.
4. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the mounting means of the framework are arranged to be removably engageable with a clam jaw arrangement provided by a grab bucket of an earth-moving machine.
A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, in which the framework is arranged such that the plurality of buckets may be stored within the receptacle in a side-by-side relationship.
6. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, in which the framework includes two end plates interconnected by one or more elongate transverse members A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in Claim 6, in which the two end plates are interconnected by at least three elongate transverse members.8. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, in which the mounting means of the receptacle is provided by the end plates, wherein the end plates are shaped such that they may be engaged by a grab bucket of an earth moving machine A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, in which the mounting means is fixed midway along elongate transverse members.10. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 9, in which the end plates define one or more downwardly directed hooks configured such that they are engageable by a dozer blade of an earth moving machine.11. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, in which the framework is provided with securing means for lifting tackle.12 A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the framework comprises a lockable member for locking and/or securing one or more earth-moving buckets in the receptacle.13. A bucket and transportation arrangement as claim in Claim 13, wherein the lockable member comprises an elongate member which extends across the receptacle 14 A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, in which the framework comprises one or more recesses configured to receive one or more tines of an earth-moving machine.15. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the one or more recesses are provided below the receptacle.16. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the mounting means of the framework are arranged to be removably engageable with a rear boom of an earth moving machine.17. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in claim 6, or any claim dependent thereon, comprising one or more fixing means provided along at least one of the one or more elongate transverse members which, in use are configured to receive one or more buckets hung therefrom. l018. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in claim 6, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein at least one of the one or more elongate members is configured, in use, to receive at least one bucket hung therefrom.19. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the framework includes one or more partitions defining one or more sections of the framework for receiving correspondingly sized buckets.20. A bucket storage and transportation arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a bucket stop configured to: define a position and/or orientation of one or more buckets received within the framework of the arrangement, and/or provide additional support for holding the one or more buckets within the framework of the arrangement.