Multifunctional grapple-heel combination device for use with a manipulation machine
AssigneeTreklos, LLC
InventorBrett Wade EELLS
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A grapple-heel rack having a frame, a grapple, and first and second angle-enabler catches. A grapple attachment (which may be or may include a universal joint) may be used to support the grapple from a nose of the frame. A mechanical grapple return system may be used to return the grapple from a non-neutral position to a neutral position. At least one method for using the grapple-heel rack.
Claims42
A grapple-heel rack for use with a grapple, said grapple-heel rack comprising:
- (a) a frame having a nose, a heel, and first and second side rails spanning between said nose and said heel;
- and
- (b) said nose having a universal joint for associating said nose with said grapple, said universal joint facilitating front-to-back movement, side-to-side movement, and clockwise-counterclockwise rotational movement.
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A method for using a grapple-heel rack with a grapple and a manipulation machine, said manipulation machine having a boom support and a thumb, said method comprising:
- (a) providing said grapple-heel rack, said grapple-heel rack comprising:
- (i) a frame having a nose, a heel, and first and second side rails spanning between said nose and said heel;
- and
- (ii) said grapple attached to said nose using a universal joint;
- and
- (b) implementing a hold in which a load is handled by said grapple-heel rack.
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A grapple-heel rack for use with a grapple, said grapple-heel rack comprising:
- (a) a frame having a nose, a heel, and first and second side rails spanning between said nose and said heel;
- (b) a nose connector connecting said first and second side rails at said nose;
- (c) a universal joint connecting said grapple to said nose connector via said universal joint;
- and
- (d) said grapple having a neutral position, said grapple rotatable to a plurality of non-neutral positions, a mechanical grapple return system for returning said grapple from one of said non-neutral positions to said neutral position.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.