Backhoe bucket moveable thumb assembly and method
OwnerHerbert S. Kobayashiinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A closure member is pivotally connected with respect to a hydraulically operated bucket. A link member is pivotally connected to a hydraulically operated arm segment. The link member is also pivotally connected to the closure member. The closure member and the hydraulically operated bucket are connected for simultaneous pivotal movement in opposite directions with respect to each other.
Claims16
A movable thumb assembly for use with a hydraulically operated bucket, comprising:
- a first hydraulically operated arm segment;
- a second hydraulically operated arm segment connected to said first hydraulically operated arm segment;
- a bucket pivot connection, which pivotally connects said hydraulically operated bucket to said second hydraulically operated arm segment;
- a closure member;
- a bucket bracket affixed to an inside surface of said hydraulically operated bucket for providing a bucket bracket pivotal connection between said closure member and said hydraulically operated bucket, said closure member being pivotally connected to said bucket bracket;
- and
- a link member pivotally connected to said second hydraulically operated arm segment, said link member also being pivotally connected to said closure member, whereby said closure member and said hydraulically operated bucket are connected for pivotal movement in opposite directions with respect to each other.
A method for mounting a movable thumb assembly for use with a hydraulically operated bucket, a first hydraulically operated arm segment, a second hydraulically operated arm segment connected to said first hydraulically operated arm segment, a bucket pivot connection which pivotally connects said hydraulically operated bucket to said second hydraulically operated arm segment, said method comprising:
- mounting a bucket bracket to an inside surface of said hydraulically operated bucket for providing a bucket bracket pivotal connection between a closure member and said hydraulically operated bucket;
- pivotally connecting said closure member to said bucket bracket;
- pivotally connecting a first portion of a link member to said second hydraulically operated arm segment;
- and
- pivotally connecting a second portion of said link member to said closure member whereby said closure member and said hydraulically operated bucket are connected to pivot in opposite directions with respect to each other.
A movable thumb assembly for use with a hydraulically operated bucket, comprising:
- a first hydraulically operated arm segment;
- a second hydraulically operated arm segment connected to said first hydraulically operated arm segment;
- a bucket pivot connection which pivotally connects said hydraulically operated bucket to said second hydraulically operated arm segment;
- a bucket bracket mounted to an inside surface of said hydraulically operated bucket;
- a closure member pivotally connected to said bucket bracket;
- a link member;
- a link member first pivotal connection which pivotally connects said link member to said second hydraulically operated arm segment;
- a link member second pivotal connection which pivotally connects said link member to said closure member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.