WO2000061485A1

WO2000061485A1 - Grapple with universal attachment

Info

Publication number: WO2000061485A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/007922
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert H. Wolin; William E. Wolin
Original assignee: Wolin Robert H; Wolin William E
Priority date: 1999-04-09
Filing date: 1999-04-09
Publication date: 2000-10-19
Also published as: AU3639599A

Abstract

An attachment device for releasably attaching a grapple (10) to the end of a boom (12) includes a grapple body (34, 36) which mounts main and linkage pins (138, 140) which releasably couple with double pin mounting structures (148, 150) of different sizes and configurations. Hydraulic actuators (80, 82) within the housing (46, 54) on either side of the grapple are operated to open and close the jaws of the grapple. Adapter blocks (178, 180) are provided for mounting the ends of the linkage pins to the housings walls. A fastening arrangement for securing the adapter block enables the linkage pin to be mounted at different separation distances from the main pin to accommodate different types of pin mounting systems. A pin retention mechanism (310) prevents longitudinal and/or rotational movement of a mounting pin (318) and provides quick and easy removal. The pin retention mechanism comprises a housing (315) having an opening (317) in which an end of a mounting pin is located, and a removable member (316) which is inserted into the housing adjacent the end of the pin. The removable member may be provided with a protruding section (329) which extends through a groove (337) in the end of the pin for preventing rotation thereof.

Description

GRAPPLE WITH UNIVERSAL ATTACHMENT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to grapples for use in grasping, raking, lifting or moving objects in logging operations, construction, demolition and other industrial fields. In particular, the invention relates to grapples carried on booms which are mounted on equipment such as off-road vehicles and the like.

2. Background of the Invention

Grapples carried on the booms of wheeled or endless track type tractors are commonly used in logging operations to hoist and move logs or trees . Grapples are also used in a wise variety of construction and demolition activities, such as for moving concrete dividers, rails, large rocks, stumps, trees, chunks of broken concrete or asphalt, debris and other material or objects .

A typical prior art grapple arrangement employs a main boom pivotally mounted on a vehicle, a dipper stick mounted on the end of the main boom and a grapple mounted on a the end of the dipper stick. Hydraulic actuators pivot the main boom relative to the vehicle and also pivot the dipper stick relative to the main boom. The typical grapple has two jaws which are pivotally connected to the end of the boom. An hydraulic actuator carried on the dipper stick operates through a linkage to pivot one jaw of the grapple for grasping and releasing objects, such as disclosed in U.S. patent nos . 4,248,471 and 4,907,356. However, the equipment operators of these prior art configurations have a limited degree of control of movement for the grapples. The typical control setup comprises one lever for raising and lowering the main boom, another level for controlling pitch of the dipper stick and another liver for controlling pitch of the grapple relative to the dipper stick. In the case where the boom is mounted to the vehicle or structure by . a swivel, another lever controls movement of the boom about a vertical axis . After the grapple is holding the load, the operator can only control its pitch attitude by means of the controls for the main boom and dipper stick; there is no independent control for the pitch of the grapple relative to the dipper stick. It would be desirable to provide apparatus in which the grapple can be independently controlled like the wrist joint of the human arm and thereby provide greater versatility in grasping, lifting and moving, and raking ground surface for the clearing of objects.

The prior art also includes grapple configurations in which the grapple is carried through a vertical swivel on the end of a boom or dipper stick, and in which a pair of jaws below the swivel joint are pivoted to open and close by a pair of extensible actuators, such as in U.S. patent 3,877,743.

Configurations of this type also have the drawback of the inability to independently control the pitch of the pair of jaws relative to the boom. In addition, the provision of a single hydraulic actuator for each jaw means that, to provide the requisite thrust forces on the jaws, relatively large movement arms must be provided from the pivot center of the jaws to the thrust line of the actuator. This results in a relatively large change in the length of the movement arm, and therefore a large change in the mechanical advantage, throughout the actuator stroke. It would be desirable to provide a grapple apparatus by which the actuators can apply the requisite thrust forces to the jaws or other tools without an unduly large change in mechanical advantage throughout the stroke.

Quick couple devices have been provided in the prior art for releasably coupling grapples, buckets and the like to the end of booms . These quick couple devices employ hooks which are operated to engage sets of pins provided on the grapples or buckets. However, such a quick couple device employs an hydraulic actuator to engage or release a hook with one of the pins, and this entails the use of hydraulic lines into the pressurized fluid circuit as well as a separate control . Such an arrangement increases the complexity and cost of the configuration.

The need has therefore been recognized for a grapple apparatus which obviates the foregoing and other limitations and disadvantages of prior art grapple devices . Despite the various grapple devices in the prior art, there has heretofore not been provided a suitable and attractive solution to these problems.

The present invention also relates to pin retention mechanisms, particularly to retention mechanisms for mounting pins on heavy equipment attachments, and more particularly to retention mechanisms for preventing longitudinal and/or rotational movement of a mounting pin, but which can be quickly removed to enable removal of the mounting pin. Mounting pins, which have lengths from a few inches to a few feet, have long been used to pivotably interconnect members, such as attachments for heavy equipment. One or more mounting pins are used, for example, to pivotably interconnect relatively large lever arms, such as booms of a tractor, backhoe, etc., with, attachments such as loaders, buckets, etc. In many types of heavy equipment for example, different types of attachments or tools are interchangeably utilized for different applications, and thus require removal and replacement of the mounting pins (short shafts) which are typically retained by a retaining mechanism at one or both ends of the mounting pins . In some applications, the mounting pins are designed to rotate in support mechanisms, such as a bushing, and thus the retaining or securing mechanism needs only to prevent longitudinal movement such that the mounting pins will not move out of the bushing. In other applications, it is desirable to prevent rotational movement as well as longitudinal movement of the mounting pins. In all applications, it is desirable to enable quick release of the mounting pins for removal or exchange of a tool on a boom, for example, or to replace worn mounting pins. Over the years, various types of mounting pins and retaining or securing mechanisms have been developed for various types of equipment or applications. The prior known approaches are exemplified by U.S. Patents No. 2,967,726, No. 3,606,406, No. 4,337,614, No. 5,367,798, No. 5,577,858, and No . 5,791,809. While these prior approaches have provided satisfactory mounting pin retention, there has been a long felt need, particularly in the filed of heavy equipment, for mounting pin retention mechanisms which can prevent longitudinal and/or rotation movement of the mounting pins by quick installation and release mechanisms .

The present invention provides a solution to the above- referenced long felt need by providing a mounting pin retaining mechanism which can prevent longitudinal movement and/or rotation of mounting pins, at one or both ends, and which can be quickly installed and easily removed. The retention mechanism of the present invention utilizes a housing having an opening through which a mounting pin is inserted and in which an end of a mounting pin is adapted to be located, and the housing is provided with a transversely located slot into which a removable member is inserted to prevent longitudinal movement of the mounting pin. In applications where prevention of rotational movement of the mounting pin is desired, the mounting pin is provided with a groove in the end thereof and the removable member is provided with a protruding area adapted to be located in the groove of the mounting pin. The removable member is retained in the transverse slot in the housing by a spring catch arrangement, and in one embodiment a cap screw extends through the removable member to provide additional movement prevention of the removable member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the invention to provide a new and improved grapple device for attachment to the end of a boom for use in grasping or lifting or moving objects.

Another object is to provide a new and improved attachment device for releasably attaching a grapple to the end of a boom.

Another object is to provide a universal device for attaching a grapple to mounting pins carried by the boom in which the device can be adjusted for pins of varying size and of varying center-to-center distances.

The invention in summary provides grapple apparatus comprising paris of hydraulic actuators which are carried within housings which are mounted to pivot when the actuators extend and retract to move tines or other tools carried on the housings toward and away from one another. On of the housings carries a set of main and linage pins for releasably attaching the grapple to a mounting structure carried by the boom. Tapered back bushings are provided on the ends of the main pin for providing a releasable fit into openings provided on the housings on one side of the grapple. Main pins of different diameters can be fitted into the housing openings for matching different size mounting structures that may be encountered on different booms. The linkage pin is mounted at its opposite end to the sockets of adapter blocks which are attached to the housings by fasteners which penetrate through holes provided in the adapter block and housing walls. The circle of fastener holes in the adapter block is offset from the center of the socket so that the separation distance between the main and linkage pins can be varied as required for accommodating different separation distances in mounting structures encountered on different booms.

It is an object of the present invention to provide retention mechanisms for mounting pins .

A further object of the invention is to provide a mounting pin retention mechanism which is easily installed and quickly removed.

Another object is to provide a universal device for attaching a grapple to mounting pins carried by the boom in which the device can be adjusted for pins of varying size and of varying center-to-center distances .

The invention in summary provides grapple apparatus comprising paris of hydraulic actuators which are carried within housings which are mounted to pivot when the actuators extend and retract to move tines or other tools carried on the housings toward and away from one another. One of the housings carries a set of main and linkage pins for releasably attaching the grapple to a mounting structure carried by the boom. Tapered back bushings are provided on the ends of the main pin for providing a releasable fit into openings provided on the housings on one side of the grapple. Main pins of different diameters can be fitted into the housing openings for matching different size mounting structures that may be encountered on different booms. The linkage pin is mounted at its opposite end to the sockets of adapter blocks which are attached to the housings by fasteners which penetrate through holes provided in the adapter block and housing walls. The circle of fastener holes in the adapter block is offset from the center of the socket so that the separation distance between the main and linkage pins can be varied as required for accommodating different separation distances in mounting structures encountered on different booms.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a retention mechanism for mounting pins .

A further object of the invention is to provide a mounting pin retention mechanism which prevents longitudinal and/or rotational movement of a mounting pin.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting pin retention mechanism which is easily installed and quickly removed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a retention mechanism for mounting pins which include a removable member having a spring catch.

Another object of the invention is to provide a retention mechanism for mounting pins having a housing with an opening and a transverse slot therein, and a removable member adapted to be retained in said slot and block passage of a mounting pin through the opening, said removable member being retained by a spring catch to enable quick removal from the slot of the removable member.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Basically, the invention involves a mechanism for preventing longitudinal and/or rotational movement of a mounting pin, such as used for pivotable attachment of a tool (bucket) to a piece of equipment (backhoe) . The retention mechanism includes a housing having an opening through which a mounting pin passes for placement within an apparatus, the housing includes a slot which is transverse to the opening and extends at least through the opening, a removable member is positioned in the slot so as to block passage through the opening, and the removable member is retained in the slot by a spring catch which enables quick removal of the removable member. In applications where rotational movement of the mounting pin is also desired, an end of the mounting pin is provided with a groove, and the removable member is provided with a protruding area which fits into the groove of the mounting pin. If desired, the same removable member can be used for either rotational prevention or longitudinal movement prevention of a mounting pin, in which case if longitudinal movement only was desired, a shortened mounting pin (shortened by the depth of the groove at the end thereof) may be used wherein the end of the mounting pin butts the protruding area of the removable member. In addition, to ensure that the spring retained removable member is not dislodged during use, a removable cap screw may be inserted through the removable member to prevent it from moving in the slot in the housing. The retention mechanism may be located at both ends of a mounting pin, or only at one end, depending on the type of mounting pin support structure being utilized in the apparatus utilizing mounting pins .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a side elevation view of grapple apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention shown coupled to the end of a dipper stick which forms a part of a boom.

Fig. 2 is a partially broken away and partially exploded top plan view, to an enlarged scale, of the grapple apparatus taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a partially broken away and partially exploded perspective view, to an enlarged scale, illustrating details of the grapple apparatus of Fig. 1.

Figs. 4A and 4B show details of a fragmentary side elevation view of one of the adaptor plates and housing walls for the grapple shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the grapple apparatus of Fig. 1 showing the jaws in their fully retracted positions. Fig. 6 is a partially cut away view of the grapple apparatus of Fig. 5 showing the jaws in their fully extended positions.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary and partially broken-away perspective view, to an enlarged scale, of component parts of the grapple apparatus of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit for the hydraulic actuators which form components of the grapple of Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a side elevation view of grapple apparatus in accordance with another embodiment.

Figure 10 is a partial view of a backhoe utilizing a pair of mounting pins with a retention mechanism for each pin made in accordance with the present invention. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of a mounting pin retention mechanism of Figure 1.

Figures 12-14 illustrate the separate components of the retention mechanism of Figure 11.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6- 6 of Figure 12 showing the slot and groove within the housing of Figure 12 in which the removable member (Figure 13) is positioned.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate end sections of mounting pins which can be utilized with the retention mechanism of Figure 11. Figures 18, 19, 20A and 20B illustrate another embodiment of a retention mechanism made in accordance with the present invention, with Figure 20B showing the opposite side of the removable member of Figure 20A.

Figures 21A, 21B, 22 and 23 illustrate the same embodiment as Figures 18-20B, but with Figures 21A and 21B showing an exploded cross-section of the housing into which the mounting pin (Figure 22) and the removable member (Figure 23) extend.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the drawings Fig. 1 illustrates generally at 10 grapple apparatus in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention. Apparatus 10 is adapted for releasable coupling on the end of a boom assembly 12 which is comprised of a dipper stick 14 and a main boom, not shown. The main boom is pivotally connected at its distal end to the upper end of the dipper stick. The boom assembly is mounted on a support structure, not shown, such as an excavator or backhoe type vehicle, which can be a wheeled or endless track type tractor.

Grapple apparatus 10 is adapted for attachment to a double pin mounting structure of the type that is commonly employed on excavator or backhoe type vehicles . In such a mounting structure the normal excavating bucket or backhoe would be removed with apparatus 10 then attached to the set of double pins 16 and 18 in the manner described below. In Fig. 1 the distal end of dipper stick has an opening 20 adapted for receiving one of the pins of the normal mounting structure, and the distal end of a pitch control link 22 is provided with an opening 24 for receiving the second pin of the normal mounting structure. A support link 26 is pivotally connected at one end to the proximal end of link 22, and at its other end to the dipper stick. An hydraulic actuator 28 is connected by its extensible rod 30 to the proximal end of link 22 and by its head end to the upper end 32 of the dipper stick.

A suitable control, not shown, in the operator's compartment of the vehicle is used for operating the actuator 28 to control the pitch of grapple apparatus 10 in forward and reverse tilting movements. While the illustrated embodiment shows a mounting structure comprising openings which receive the transverse pins 16 and 18 of the grapple apparatus in the manner explained below, the invention contemplates that the quick couple device 210 of the embodiment of Fig. 9 could alternatively be mounted on the distal ends of the dipper stick 214 and link 22.

Grapple apparatus 10 is comprised of a pair a grapple bodies or supports 34 and 36 which are mounted in side-by side relationship at their proximal ends by means of a pivot pin 42 for pivotal movement about a transverse axis (Fig. 7) . The first support 34 comprises a pair of housings 44, 46 which comprise respective side plates 48, 49 (Fig. 7), top plates 50 and end plates 52. The second support 36 similarly comprises a pair of housings 54, 56 comprising respective side walls 58 (Fig. 7), top plates 60 and end plates 62 (Fig. 6) . The distal ends of the supports carry sets of tools 64 and 66, which are shown in Fig. 7 as comprising a plurality of tines 68, 70 curving toward each other in the manner of jaws and which have replaceable wear caps 71. As used herein, "tool" means tines, teeth, claws, bucket shells or other structures of the type used for grasping or lifting or moving objects, such as logs, concrete abutments, rails, rocks, tree stumps, earth and the like.

The set of five tines 68 carried by first support 34 are offset along the pivot axis from the opposing set of four tines

70 carried by the second support. This enables the tips of the opposing tines to overlap when the grapple is actuated to its fully closed position, as shown in Fig. 5. Sets of transversely extending pipes 72-78 are secured as by welding between adjacent tines to reinforce the tines and hold them in position. The group of five tines combine to form one jaw of the grapple, while the group of four tines combine to form another jaw (Fig. 7) . The jaws are actuated between the fully closed position of

Fig. 5 and the fully extended position of Fig. 6 by means of a pair of extensible hydraulic actuators, one of which is shown at

80, that are carried by first support 34. Another pair of extensible hydraulic actuators, one of which is shown at 82, is carried by second support 36.

Each hydraulic actuator is supported within a respective housing to protect the actuator and its associated hoses and couplings from damage. As best shown in Figs. 6 and 7, actuator 80 is within housing 46 and comprises a cylinder 84 having a piston, not shown, on an extensible rod 86 which is pivotally mounted at pin 87 to a bracket 88 which is turn is secured as by welding to pipe 74 at the distal end of the housing. The head end 90 of cylinder 80 is pivotally mounted by pin 92 to a bell crank 94 which provides a force-resisting element for opposing actuator 82. Bell crank 94 is pivotally mounted about pin 42 which also provides the pivot axis for the jaws of the grapple.

Housing 54 of the second support encloses actuator 82 which comprises a cylinder 96 having a piston, not shown, and extensible rod 100 which is mounted by pivot pin 102 to a bracket 104 that is welded to tube 78 at the distal end of the housing. The head end of cylinder 96 is mounted by pivot pin 106 to a lever arm portion of the bell crank. This arm portion extends radially outwardly from pin at an included angle 0, which preferably is 100°, from the level arm portion which carries pin 92 that mounts the opposing cylinder. This geometry enables each jaw to pivot through an angle of 70° so that the full angular range of travel between fully opened and fully closed positions of the two jaws is 140°.

Fig. 8 shows hydraulic control system 108 which enables control of the grapple jaws by a single control lever in the operator's compartment independent of the controls for the boom dipper stick. Control system 108 includes a source of fluid pressure comprising a fluid reservoir 110 and hydraulic pump

112. Fluid pressurized by the pump is directed into flow control valve 114 having a spool 115 which is moved axially between three positions by a control 116. A first conduit 118 leading from the control valve is coupled with conduits 120, 122 which are connected through parallel conduits into the rod ends of the four actuator cylinders. A second conduit 124 leading from the control valve is directed into conduits 126, 128 which are connected through parallel conduits to the head ends of the actuators. The control 116 can be operated by a push button on a control stick, not shown, in the operator's compartment used to control actuator 28 on the dipper stick. To close the grapple jaws, control 116 is operated to move spool sector 130 into alignment with conduits 118 and 124 so that fluid is directed into the cylinder head ends for extending the rods. Return fluid from the rod ends is directed back to the reservoir through conduits 120 and 122 into conduit 118. When control 116 is actuated to bring spool sector 132 into alignment with conduits 118 and 124, pressurized fluid is directed into the rod ends for retracting the actuators while return fluid from the head ends is directed back to the reservoir by conduits 126 and

128 through conduit 124. The neutral position is when the control moves spool, sector 134 into alignment with the conduits so that pressurized fluid is recycled back to the reservoir.

Figs. 1-4 and 7 illustrate main pin 138 and linkage pin 140 which are releasably mounted through openings 20 and 24 on the dipper stick and pitch control link, as well as details for mounting the main and linkage pins to the grapple apparatus. Main pin 138 is comprised of an elongate shank 142 which extends transversely between the inner walls 48, 49 of the housing on the first support. The opposite ends 144, 146 of the shank are each fitted with tapered lock bushings 148, 150.

Preferably the lock bushings 148 and 150 are of the type known as a Dodge taper lock. Each bushing is split longitudinally on one side by a slot 152 and has an inner bore

154 commensurate with the outer diameter of the end of shank 142. The outer surface 156 of each bushing tapers down to a reduced diameter proximally of its end. A mounting structure comprising openings 158, 160 is formed in respective housing walls 48 and 49, and each opening is formed with a female taper which is commensurate with the bushing taper. A plurality of axially extending semicircular threaded grooves 162, 164, shown as three, are formed at equal spacing about and partially along the periphery of each bushing at their wide diameter ends . A plurality of axially extending semicircular threaded grooves

166, corresponding in number to the grooves of the bushings, are also formed about and partially along the inner periphery of housing openings 158 and 160. Each bushing is inserted into the corresponding openings so that the opposing grooves are aligned to form threaded blind holes, and screws 170, 172 are then turned into these holes . The screws are then turned down sufficient to advance the two bushings into the openings. The tapered geometry causes the sides of the bushing to wedge between the openings and pin shank, thereby tightly capturing the main pin between the openings . The pin can be easily removed by first backing out the screws 170, 172 and then withdrawing the bushings by means of a removal screw, not shown. The removal screw is turned into semicircular threaded grooves 174, 176 which are formed completely along one side of each bushing. A corresponding unthreaded semicircular groove 175 is formed on each opening 158 and 160. This enables replacement with a main pin of a different diameter suitable for use with a mounting system having opening of different diameters . Figs. 5 through 7 illustrate housings 54, 56 and the most outwardly portion of housings 44 and 46 which are fitted with openings 312 and 314 respectively, so located as to have their centers in straight alignment with main pin 138 when the grapple jaws are in their fully open position, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The shape of the bell crank 94 accommodates the removal of the main mounting pin 138 from support structure 34 through openings 312 and 314.

Figs. 2,3, 4A and 4B show details of the system of the invention employing a pair of adaptor blocks 178, 180 for releasably attaching the opposite ends of linkage pin 140 to the first support. Adaptor block 178 is typical of the pair and is of rectangular shape formed with a socket 182 comprised of an opening sized commensurate with the outer diameter of linkage pin shank 184. A plurality of threaded holes 185 (Fig. 4A) , shown as six, are formed through the adaptor block is spaced- apart relationship about a hole cluster center 186. Fig. 4B shows block 178 in phantom view superimposed over the inner face of housing wall 48. The socket has a center 187 which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the linkage pin when the pin end is fitted into the adaptor block.

Socket center 187 is positioned eccentric of the hole cluster center 186, as best shown in Fig. 4A. One side of the adaptor block is cut to form a slot 192. An unthreaded hole 193 is drilled through one side of the block in a direction laterally across the slot, and a threaded blind hole 195 is drilled in the opposite side. A machine screw, not shown, is turned in through holes 193 and 195 to draw the adaptor block together on opposite sides of the slot and tighten it on the end of the linkage pin. A cut-out 194 is provided in the block edge for seating the screw head.

The holes 185 in the adaptor block are threaded for receiving the threaded ends of fastener bolts 315. A first cluster of six unthreaded holes 196-196" are drilled through housing wall 48 at spaced-apart positions, matching the adaptor block holes, about a hole circle having a center at 197. A second cluster of six unthreaded holes 198-198" are drilled through the housing wall at spaced-apart positions which also match the adaptor block holes, but the holes of this cluster are positioned about a circle having a center at 200 which is spaced a predetermined spacing S (Fig. 4B) from hole center 197. Hole center 197 locates the centerline of the linkage pin at a first separation distance Di from the centerline of the main pin, while the center 200 locates the linkage pin at a second separation distance D₂ from the main pin. This defines a range of separation distances at which the main and linkage pins can be mounted. For mounting the pins at the separation distance Di , adaptor block 178 is oriented as shown in Fig. 4B with its socket centered on hole cluster center 197; the end of the linkage pin is then inserted into the socket and locked by turning a screw into holes 193 and 195. The bolts 315 are then turned into holes 185 to securely mount the adaptor block against the housing wall. For mounting the main and linkage pins at separation distance D , the adaptor block is turned over from the position shown in Fig. 4B so that socket center 187 is centered over hole cluster center 200. The end of the linkage pin is then inserted into and locked with the socket, and the adaptor block is mounted to the housing wall using the fastener bolts.

A support block structure 202 (Figs. 3 and 4B) is provided for reinforcing the adaptor block when it is mounted on the housing wall. The support block structure comprises a first elongate block 204 secured as by welding in a position lengthwise of the housing wall where its upper edge abuts the lower edge of the adaptor block when the latter is mounted for either separation distance Di or D₂. A second elongate block 206 is secured as by welding in a position transverse of the housing wall and with its side edge abutting the end of the adaptor block when the latter is mounted. A similar support block structure, not shown, is provided at the housing wall for the opposite end of the linkage pin.

Fig. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the invention providing grapple apparatus 208 attached through a mounting structure comprising a quick couple device 210 that is carried at the end of a boom assembly 212. The boom assembly is comprised of a dipper stick 214 pivotally mounted at the end of the main boom, not shown, and a pitch control link 216 which is moved by an hydraulic actuator 218 that is connected to the upper end 220 of the dipper stick. The construction and operation of grapple apparatus 208 is similar to that described for the embodiment of Figs. 1-8.

Quick coupler 210 is comprised of a coupler body 222 having opposite sides 224, one of which is shown, with each side formed with a downwardly curved hook 226 which is suitably sized for releasably seating on the shank of main pin 228. Coupler sides 224 are also formed with a downwardly facing recess 230 which is suitably sized for releasably fitting over the shank of linkage pin 232. A latch 234, which is pivotally mounted within the coupler body, is operated by a suitable hydraulic actuator, not shown, between the locked position shown in Fig. 9 capturing linkage pin 232 against recess 230, and a released position which enables the linkage pin to pull out of the recess. This enables the operator to quickly couple and decouple the grapple apparatus without the requirement of disassembling and then reassembling the main and linkage pins .

The grapple apparatus of the present invention is universal in application in that it is compatible for attachment with substantially all of the different sized double pin mounting systems in the industry. The mounting arrangement of the invention can be adjusted to accommodate double pin mounting systems of either metric or English measurements. The main and linkage pins of the grapple can easily be changed at the job site using small hand tools. The main pin and tapered lock bushings can be easily disassembled and replaced with pins and bushings of the size required for a particular application. A different sized linkage pin can also be accommodated by disassembling and replacing the adaptor block and linkage pin with another adaptor block and pin of the desired size. In addition, the invention allows the grapple apparatus to be used on mounting systems having different separation distances between openings for the main and linkage pins. This can be easily accomplished at the job site by disassembling the fastener bolts from the adaptor block, turning the adaptor block so that its socket is over the alternate hole center, and then remounting the block onto the housing wall. The grapple of the invention can either be directly attached to the openings on the machine's boom, or it can be attached to a two pin quick coupler that may be in use on the boom.

The invention also enables the operator to have a greater degree of flexibility and more complete control over movement of the grapple. The same control lever in the operator's compartment that would be used for rotating the excavating bucket through its range of movement is used to control the forward and reverse pitch of the entire grapple apparatus through the same range of movement. The grapple jaws can be controlled by means of a push button located on the lever which controls pitch of the grapple, thereby enabling control of both pitch and jaw opening/closing movement to be controlled by one hand of the operator. Also, because the grapple jaw closing/opening is independent from the other controls for the boom position and grapple pitch, the clamping forces of the jaws are not affected when the grapple is rotated through its full motion while holding a load.

Because the mounting configuration of the invention is the same as the standard excavating bucket, the grapple of the present invention can be used for light excavation work. Also because the forces opposed by down pressure and digging are taken directly from the machine end to the mounting pins through the grapple frame to the ground, no stress is put on the clamping cylinders or bell crank. Because the actuators for the jaws are within the housings, the hydraulic lines from those actuators only need to be connected to the accessory control circuit of the machine. The closed design of the actuators also protect the hydraulic cylinders and bell crank from damage.

The present invention also relates to a retention mechanism for mounting pins, such as utilized for pivotal attachment of a tool to a piece of heavy equipment (eg. a bucket to a backhoe) .

The use of mounting pins and retainer mechanisms therefor enable the removal and/or interchange of different types of tools to a single piece of equipment, thus expanding the use capability of the equipment. Since mounting pins are used in various applications from heavy equipment use to light equipment, the size, construction, and strength of the retention mechanism may vary so as to withstand the particularly rugged use to which some heavy equipment is involved. Regardless of the application or the size of the equipment involved, it is desirable to have mounting pin retention mechanisms which are easy to install and which can be quickly removed.

The illustrated embodiments of the present invention provide a retention mechanism in Figures 9-17 which is particularly adapted for heavy equipment applications, while the embodiment of Figures 18-23 may be effectively utilized for lighter type equipment application. The components of these embodiments may be constructed of materials compatible with the intended use thereof . Each embodiment uses a removable member which is retained in a housing by a spring catch arrangement which allows for quick release of the removable member. The removable member is constructed to function for the prevention of longitudinal and/or rotational movement of the associated mounting pin. The retention mechanism of the present invention may be initially manufactured on the equipment or may be mounted on the equipment as an after-market device.

The retention mechanisms of the present invention basically comprises two parts of which only one part has a single movable member (the spring catch) . In both embodiments an additional safety cap screw may be utilized to assure that the movable member cannot be accidentally removed by accidental release of the spring catch.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 10 illustrates a pair of retention mechanisms, generally indicated at 310, of the present invention mounted at ends of a pair of mounting pins (not shown) by which a backhoe boom 311 is pivotally connected to a backhoe attachment (bucket) 312. The attachment 312 includes a pair of spaced support members 313 and 314 to which the retention mechanisms 310 are secured, as by welding, with the mounting pins extending through the boom 11 and into the support members 313 and 314. In certain applications, the support member 314 may include a countersink and a bushing therein into which an end of a mounting pin extends, whereby only one retention mechanism per mounting pin is required, or support member 314 may have openings therethrough, as in the case of support member 313, and a pair of retention mechanisms 310 secured about the openings, whereby the mounting pins can be inserted or removed from either side of the attachment 312 via the retention mechanisms 310.

One of the retention mechanisms 310 of Figure 10 is shown enlarged in Figure 11, the components thereof being illustrated individually in Figures 12-14, with Figure 15 being a cross- sectional view of Figure 12. In this embodiment, ends of mounting pins, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, extend through boom 311 and support members 313 and 314 of Figure 10 into a housing 315 of retention mechanisms 310, and the mounting pins are of a length compatible with the mounting arrangement on that attachment 312 of Figure 10. As described hereinafter, the mounting pins may be constructed to rotate freely within support members 313, 314 and housing 315, but cannot move longitudinally in that they abut against a removable member 316 of retention mechanism 310. Also, as described hereinafter, the removable member 316 may function to also prevent rotation of an associated mounting pin, and in such case the end of the mounting pin is grooved to cooperate with a projecting area of the removable member 316.

As shown in Figures 12 and 15, the housing 315 is provided with an annular opening 317 through which a mounting pin 318 or members 313, 314 and boom 311 of Figure 10, with an end 319 or

319' of mounting pins 318 or 318' being located in a section of opening 317 adjacent a groove 320, 320' in housing 315 (see

Figure 15 for clarity) which extends transversely to the axis of opening 317. In this embodiment, the groove 320' extends through the housing for simplicity of fabrication, and functions as an opening for a tool to remove the removable member 316 from housing 315. Housing 315 is also provided with a tapered slot

321 which extends transversely across opening 317 with the groove 320, 320' being located centrally and adjacent to slot

321, as seen more clearly in Figure 15. Slot 321 may taper in width, as shown, and if desired, taper in thickness. Housing 315 is also provided with an elongated opening 322 that terminates at slot 321 and includes a flat surface or edge area 323. Housing 315, while shown as a single piece, may be constructed of two sections, one in which elongated opening 322 is formed, the other in which annular opening 317, groove 320, 320' and tapered slot 321 is formed, with the two sections then being secured together, as by welding. Removable member 316, as seen in Figure 13, includes tapered sides 324 and a pair of curved end surfaces 325 and 326, the curvature of end surface 325 being configured to cooperate with the inner curvature of slot 21, indicated at 327, see

Figure 15, and the curvature of end surface 326 being configured to match the curvature of the outer wall of housing 315, as indicated at 328. As pointed out above, with respect to slot

321, the member 316 may also be tapered in thickness along the length thereof. Removable member 316 includes a protruding section 329 which extends along the length of the member 316 and is constructed to cooperate with the groove 320 320' in housing

315. In addition, a spring catch 330 has a section 331 secured to a face surface of removable member 316, as by spot welding or screws, indicated at 332, and has an outwardly extending section

333 having a flat end 334. In addition, the removable member 316 is provided with a threaded opening 335 into which a cap screw

336, see Figure 14, is threadedly inserted.

In operation of the retention mechanism 310, 315 of Figures 10-17 with a mounting pin having an end section 18 and 18' of Figures 16 and 17 inserted through the housing 315 and the ends 319 or 319' of mounting pins 318 and 318' located in the annular opening 317 of housing 315, the removable member 316 is inserted into, slot 321 of housing 15 such that the protruding section 329 of member 316 moves through grooves 320 320' in housing 315. In applications where prevention of rotation of the mounting pin is desired, in addition to longitudinal movement prevention, a mounting pin 318 (Figure 16) having a groove 337 in end 319' will be utilized, whereby the protruding section 329 of member 316 extends into groove 337 of pin 318 thereby preventing rotation of the mounting pin. In applications where the mounting pin may rotate freely but longitudinal movement of the pin is prevented, a mounting pin, such as pin 318' of Figure 17 may be used which has a flat end 319' which abuts the outer surface of protruding section 329 of removable member 316. In such applications, the length of the mounting pin 318' (Figure 17) should be shorter than the length of the mounting pin 318 (Figure 16) so as to provide a tight abutting contact at each end of the mounting pin. With the removable member 316 inserted into slot 321 of housing 315, the outwardly extending section 333 of spring catch 330 extends into elongated opening 322 such that the end 334 of section 333 is positioned adjacent edge or surface area 323 of housing 315, which prevents the removable member from moving out of slot 321. After insertion of removable member 316 into slot 321, the cap screw 336 is threaded into opening 335 in member 316 and abuts the surface of slot 321 providing an added safety feature in case section 333 of spring catch 330 is accidentally depressed to enable member 316 to slide out of slot 321. To remove the removable member 316, the cap screw 336 is removed, the section 333 of catch spring 330 is depressed, and a tool is inserted into groove 320' to contact the curved end 325 of member 316 and move it outwardly through slot 321, whereby the protruding section 329 of member 316 is removed from the groove 337 in pin end 318, where used, and mounting pin may be withdrawn through the openings in housing 315. Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 18-

23 only a mounting pin having a groove in the end, similar to

Figure 16 is shown, but a mounting pin of the type of Figure 17 may be utilized in this embodiment. As shown in the embodiment of Figures 18-23, a mounting pin 340 having an end 341 with a groove 342 (shown in Figures 19 and 22) is retained in a retention mechanism 310' having a housing 43 (Figures 18 and 21A

-21B) and a removable key or member 344 (Figures 20A-20B and

23). The housing 343 includes an annular opening 345, a transverse opening, keyway, or slot 346, and an elongated opening 347, the slot or transverse opening 346 being constructed to receive the removable key or member 344. Housing

343 is also provided with a groove 348 348' which is centered in the keyway or slot 346, and a pair of notches or tapered grooves 349 located centrally along the sides of slot 346, as seen more clearly in Figure 21A. As in the housing 315 of the

Figures 11-17 embodiment, the housing 343 may be constructed of two sections, one section, shown in, Figure 21B having elongated opening 347 formed therein and the other section, shown in Figure 21A, having the openings 345 and 346, grooves 348 348' and notches 349 formed therein, after which the two sections,

Figures 21A and 2IB are secured together, as by welding, to produce the housing 343 of Figure 18. Slot 346 is provided with tapered end sections 350 at each end to enable ease of entry of the removable key or member 344 into the keyway or slot 346.

The removable key or member 344 includes an inner body section 351 and an outer section 352 which curves around body section 351 and is integral therewith at one end and spaced therefrom along the length as indicated at 353. The outer body section 352 is provided with a protruding area 354 adapted to cooperate with a notch 349 of housing 343, with outer body section 352 serving as a spring catch to retain protruding area 354 in a notch 349, thereby maintaining the removable key or member 344 in housing 343. Body section 351 of member 344 includes a protruding area 55 along the length thereof, see Figure 20B, which defines a key which moves through groove 348, slot 342 in pin 340, and groove 348' when member 344 is inserted into housing 343. Body section 351 also includes a notch 356 in an outer end by which the member 344 is driven through the slot 346.

In operation, the removable key or member 344 is inserted into slot 346 in housing 343 such that protruding area 354 is located in a notch 349. As member 344 is moved into slot 346, outer section 352 of member 344 depressed into space 353 allowing protruding area 354 to pass through slot 346 into notch

349 whereby the member 344 is retained in housing 343. As member 344 is inserted into slot 346, the protruding section or key 355 passes through groove 48, groove 342 in pin 340 and groove 348', whereby the pin 340 is prevented from rotational movement due to the key 355 in groove 342, and is prevented from longitudinal movement by the removable member 344. Removal of the member 344 from slot 346 is accomplished by driving the member 344 through the slot 346, such as by placing a tool in the notch 356 and forcing, as by a hammer, to punch the member 44 entirely through the slot 346.

It has thus been shown that the present invention provides a retention mechanism for a mounting pin which is easily installed and quickly removed. By the use of a removable member having a spring catch, the mounting pin can be easily and quickly removed and/or replaced, and securely retained, by the retention mechanism of this invention. The invention can be utilized for various applications from heavy equipment uses to light equipment applications .

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, such are not intended to be limiting. Modifications and changes may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims .

Claims

What is claimed is :

1. An attachment device for releasably attaching a grapple to mounting structure elements which are in spaced-apart relationship on the end of a boom, the attachment device comprising the combination of a grapple body comprising spaced- apart first and second walls, a main pin comprising an elongate shank having first and second ends, a linkage pin comprising an other elongate shank having first and second ends, said main pin and linkage pin being in parallel spaced-apart relationship and extending between the first and second walls, the first and second walls being formed with respective first and second openings into which respective first and second ends of the main pin are fitted, the second end of the linkage pin being mounted on the second wall, an adaptor block carrying the first end of the linkage pin, said adaptor block being releasably mounted on the first wall at a plurality of selected locations at which the linkage pin is within a range of separation distances from the main pin with a selected separation distance within said range being commensurate with the spaced-apart relationship of the mounting structure elements for a particular grapple whereby the main pin and linkage pin for a grapple can be connected to booms having different spacing between said elements .

2. An attachment device as in claim 1 in which the adaptor block has first and second sides through which a plurality of first fastener holes penetrate, the first fastener holes being clustered in a circumferentially spaced-apart relationship about a hole cluster center, the adaptor block further has a socket into which the first end of the linkage pin is fitted, said socket having a socket center which is positioned eccentric of the hole cluster center to cause the socket center to be at first and second separation distances from the main pin when the adapter block is respectively mounted at a first position in which the first side is juxtaposed with the first wall and at a second position in which the second side is juxtaposed with the first wall, the first wall has a plurality of second fastener holes which are positioned commensurate with the positions of respective ones of the first fastener holes when the adapter block is in the first position ass well as in the second position whereby either of the first or second separation distances can be selectively established.

3. An attachment device as in claim 2 in which the socket extends through the adapter block, the adapter block has a slot which extends from a side of the socket to an outer edge of the adapter block sufficient to enable portions of the adapter block on opposite sides of the slot to expand and contract away from and toward one another responsive to a thrust force, and a locking device for applying a thrust force to cause said portions to contract against said first end of the linkage pin for locking the linkage pin to the adapter block.

4. An attachment device as in claim 2 which includes a support block structure mounted in a position on the first wall where the support block structure is juxtaposed in supporting relationship with the adapter block when the adapter block is mounted in either of the first or second positions.

5. An attachment device as in claim 1 in which said first end of the main pin has a conically shaped outer surface which tapers down to a reduced diameter distally of the first end.

6. An attachment device as in claim 5 in which the first end of the main pin comprises a bushing which is releasably mounted on said shank of the main pin, and the conical outer surface is formed about the bushing.

7. An attachment device as in claim 6 which includes a lock structure for releasably locking the bushing into the first opening.

8. Grapple apparatus for attachment to the end of a boom for use in grasping of lifting or moving objects the grapple apparatus comprising the combination of first and second supports each of which has a proximal end and a distal end, the supports being mounted together at said proximal ends for pivotal movement about a first axis, a first actuator mechanism carried by at least the first support, the first actuator mechanism extending or retracting in length responsive to being actuated, a force resisting element mounted about the first axis, the force resisting element having one arm portion which extends radially out from the first axis, the first actuator mechanism being mounted between said one arm portion of the force resisting element and the distal end of said first support .

9. Grapple apparatus as in claim 8 in which the first support comprises an outer wall which encloses a cavity, and the first actuator mechanism is within the cavity.

10. Grapple apparatus as in claim 8 in which a second actuator mechanism is carried by the second support, the force resisting element comprising an other arm portion which extends radially out from the first axis at an acute angle from said one arm portion, the second actuator mechanism being mounted between the other arm portion of the force resisting element and the distal end of the second support.

11. Grapple apparatus as in claim 10 in which the force resisting element comprises a bell crank.

12. Grapple apparatus as in claim 8 in which the first support has a longitudinal centerline, and the first actuator mechanism comprises a pair of actuators positioned substantially equidistant on opposite sides of the centerline with the pair of actuators extending and retracting while applying thrust forces of substantially equal magnitude to the first support.

13. Grapple apparatus as in claim 8 in which the first actuator mechanism is actuated responsive to fluid under pressure.

14. Grapple apparatus as in claim 13 in which the first actuator mechanism comprises a cylinder having a head end and a rod end together with a rod which extends and retracts responsive to said fluid under pressure being directed respectively into the head end and the rod end.

15. Grapple apparatus as in claim 8 in which a tool is carried by the distal end of each of the first and second supports, the tool on the first support moving toward and away from the tool on the second support responsive to said pivotal movement of the supports for grasping or lifting or moving said objects,

16. Grapple apparatus as in claim 8 in which the first support comprises a housing, and the first actuator mechanism is carried within the housing.

17. A retention mechanism for a pin, comprising: a housing having a plurality of openings therein, a removable member adapted to be removably mounted in said housing, and a spring catch arrangement on said removable member for retaining said removable member in said housing and enabling removal of said removable member from said housing.

18. The retention mechanism of claim 17 wherein said spring catch arrangement is integral with said removable member.

19. The retention mechanism of claim 17 wherein said spring catch arrangement is mounted to said removable member.

20. The retention mechanism of claim 17 wherein said housing includes a groove extending adjacent one of said plurality of openings, and transverse to another of said plurality of openings, and wherein said removable member includes a projecting section adapted to move and cooperate with said groove in said housing.

21. The retention mechanism of claim 20 wherein said one of said plurality of openings extends transversely past said another of said plurality of openings .

22. The retention mechanism of claim 20 wherein said one of said plurality of openings extends transversely through said housing.

23. The retention mechanism of claim 20 wherein said another of said plurality of openings in said housing is of an annular configuration and adapted to retain and end of an associated pin.

24. The retention mechanism of claim 23 wherein said removable member is positioned closely adjacent an inner end of said annular configured opening so as to prevent longitudinal movement of an associated pin having an end adapted to be retained in said annular configured opening.

25. The retention mechanism of claim 20 in combination with a pin having a groove in an end thereof, whereby said projecting section of said removable member extends into said groove in said pin and prevents rotation of and longitudinal movement of said pin.

26. The combination of claim 25 wherein said pin comprises a mounting pin for pivotably interconnecting an apparatus with an attachment .

27. The retention mechanism of claim 17 wherein said plurality of openings in said housing comprises: a first opening of an annular configuration, a second opening defining a slot and extending transverse to said first opening, and a third opening having an elongated configuration, and wherein said removable member is adapted to be removably located in said second opening.

28. The retention mechanism of claim 27, wherein said opening extends entirely through said housing.

29. The retention mechanism of claim 27, wherein said third opening includes a surface adapted to be located adjacent said spring catch arrangement when said removable member is inserted into said second opening.

30. The retention mechanism of claim 27, wherein said second opening extends transversely across said first opening and includes tapered surfaces.

31. The retention mechanism of claim 30, wherein said removable member includes tapered surfaces which cooperate with said tapered surfaces of said second opening.

32. The retention mechanism of claim 31, wherein said spring catch arrangement is located on a face surface of said removable member intermediate said tapered surfaces, and includes an outwardly extending section adapted to abut a surface defining said third opening for preventing removal of said removable member form said second opening.

33. The retention mechanism of claim 32 wherein said face surface of said removable member is provided with a removable means to further prevent movement of said removable member after being inserted into said second opening.

34. The retention mechanism of claim 17 wherein said removable member includes an inner body section and an outer section secured at one end to said inner body section, and comprises a portion of said spring catch arrangement, said outer section being provided with a protruding area adapted to be inserted into at least one notch located ion said housing adjacent one of said plurality of openings into which said removable member is adapted to be inserted.

35. The retention mechanism of claim 34 wherein said one of said plurality of openings extends entirely through said housing, and wherein said removable member is constructed to enter one end of said one of said plurality of openings for retaining an associated pin in said housing and is removed from said one of said plurality of openings via an opposite end thereof .