Multi-Position Hydraulic Coupling Attachment
AssigneeManitou Americas, Inc.
InventorsThomas Joseph Loehr, Kyle David Rate
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved arrangement for multi-position attachment points for hydraulic implement coupling is provided. Hydraulic hoses associated with an implement attachment assembly may be removably coupled to a lift arm when in a non-operating configuration, and removably coupled to the attachment assembly when in an operating configuration.
Claims17
A lift arm comprising:
- an implement attachment interface rotatable with respect to the lift arm;
- a first hydraulic hose having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is in fluid connection with a first hydraulic fitting in a fixed relation to the lift arm, and wherein the second end includes a quick connect hydraulic fitting and is coupled to a first mounting plate;
- a first bracket affixed to the lift arm;
- and
- a second bracket affixed to the implement attachment interface,
- wherein the first mounting plate is moveable between the first bracket and the second bracket, and wherein the first mounting plate is removably securable to the first bracket and the second bracket.
A method of selectively securing hydraulic hoses of a vehicle during operation comprising the steps of:
- providing a vehicle having a lift arm, the lift arm having an implement attachment interface rotatable with respect to the lift arm;
- providing a first bracket on the lift arm, the first bracket configured to receive a mounting plate coupled to a first flexible hydraulic hose;
- providing a second bracket on the implement attachment interface, the second bracket configured to receive the mounting plate coupled to the first flexible hydraulic hose;
- and
- selectively securing the mounting plate and first hydraulic hose to the first bracket when a non-hydraulic implement is coupled to the implement attachment interface, and selectively securing the mounting plate and first hydraulic hose to the second bracket when a hydraulic implement is coupled to the implement attachment interface, and further coupling the first hydraulic hose to the hydraulic implement.
A kit for providing a multi-position coupling arrangement for a lift arm, wherein the lift arm includes a rotatable attachment assembly, the kit comprising:
- a first bracket and a second bracket, each bracket having a generally flat profile and two recesses defining a protrusion therebetween, each protrusion having a protrusion securement pin opening thereupon;
- and
- a mounting plate selectively securable to the first bracket and second bracket, wherein the mounting plate includes an annular opening having a diameter between 0.25 inches and 1.25 inches, and further includes a plate securement pin,
- wherein the plate securement pin opening and the protrusion securement pin opening are coaxially aligned when the mounting plate is secured to the first bracket or the second bracket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.