Side dump coupler assembly

Abstract

The present invention includes a coupler assembly connected between a standard bucket and a work machine. The coupler assembly converts the standard bucket to a side dump bucket. The conversion is possible through the use of a pivot assembly and actuating device. The pivot assembly includes an interface portion that is releasably connected to the work machine and a base portion. The base portion is pivotably and releasably connected with the interface portion via pins. The actuating device is connected between the interface portion and the base portion. The removal of one of the pins allows for the pivotable movement of the base portion outwardly and laterally via the actuating device to establish an angular relationship between the bucket and the work machine for dumping material within the bucket to one side of the work machine. Additionally, the coupler assembly is designed so that the actuating device may be easily relocated so that pivotable movement of the base portion allows material within the bucket to be dumped to another side of the work machine opposite the one side.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.