Patent ID: 7059422
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
1. A self-orienting loader bucket mechanism for controlling bucket orientation of a front-end loader whereas said front-end loader is so designed as to consist of: a lift-arm assembly being pivotally attached on one end to a vehicle and being pivotally attached to a bucket or other load carrying device on the remaining end; a hydraulic lift cylinder being pivotally attached on one end to a point on said vehicle and the remaining end being pivotally attached to a point on said lift-arm assembly; and said mechanism for controlling bucket orientation comprising: a rotating arm being attached on one end to said lift-arm assembly at a first pivot point located intermediate the ends of said lift-arm assembly; a second pivot point at the remaining end of said rotating arm being commonly shared by one end of a hydraulic bucket tilting cylinder and one end of a first connecting link with the remaining end of the first connecting link originating at a third pivot point being static to said vehicle; a second connecting link being attached on one end at a fourth pivot point intermediate the ends of said rotating arm while the remaining end of said second connecting link shares a fifth pivot point with the upper end of a control arm; a sixth pivot point located at the lower end of said control arm is commonly shared with one end of a third connecting link, with the remaining end of said third connecting link being attached to said bucket at a seventh pivot point; an eighth pivot point located intermediate the ends of said control arm is commonly shared by the remaining end of said hydraulic bucket tilting cylinder and one end of a positioning arm, with the remaining end of said positioning arm being attached at a ninth pivot point located on said lift-arm assembly.