Patent ID: 6350079
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: E02F,Y10T

Abstract:
A coupler assembly for selectively coupling a work implement having first and second coupling pins to a work machine having a structural arm and a linkage, comprising:a pair of plates interconnected by a shaft to define a receiver with connecting and coupling end portions and having first and second connecting pins extending continuously between said pair of plates for attachment to said respective structural arm and linkage, said connecting end portion defining a first outwardly open coupling pin receiving notch adapted for receiving said first coupling pin of the work implement, said coupling end portion defining a second outwardly open coupling pin receiving notch adapted for receiving said second pin of the work implement and having a mounting opening extending through each of said pair of plates; a cylindrical catcher having a bore therethrough for rotational mounting between said pair of plates at said coupling end portion of the receiver and movable between an open and closed position, said catcher having a latch notch along the length thereof at a first location and an actuating notch along the length thereof at a second location substantially opposed to said first location, said actuating notch proximate said second receiving notch and having an open jaw and a cam surface engageable by said second coupling pin to define an engagement force thereagainst for rotating said catcher counterclockwise relative to said second receiving notch to said closed position wherein said jaw partially obstructs said second receiving notch; a resilient lock assembly mounted on each of said pair of plates at said coupling end portion and having a latch member slidably supported within each of said mounting openings for movement between a retracted position and an extended position and a bias member biasing said latch member toward said extended position, said latch member being forced to the retracted position through contact with an outer, planar surface of the catcher when said catcher is in said open position and being biased to the extended position when said catcher is in said closed position and the outer, planar surface of the catcher is out of contact with the latch member for slidable engagement with said latch notch wherein said catcher is locked in the closed position and said second coupling pin is retained within said second receiving notch through the obstruction of said jaw; and a means for moving said latch member from said extended position to said retracted position, said moving means including a first control for moving said latch member a predetermined distance toward said retracted position and a second control for completing the movement of said latch member to said retracted position.