Material handling bucket apparatus and method for handling application material with a loader

A material handling bucket apparatus and method comprising a material handling bucket having a bucket front half to haul application material, a horizontally sliding mechanism allowing the bucket front half to slide horizontally, a pair of linkage systems secured to the bucket front half, a loader tractor, a boom, a hydraulic power unit, and a power source. The pair of linkage systems laterally move the bucket front half forward beyond and independent of the opposing bucket back half, parallel to the ground surface, leaving the opposing bucket back half tilted back to be loaded. The bucket front half slides forward; and pivots upward to open with respect to the opposing bucket back half and subsequently reversing or pivoting downward to close against the opposing bucket back half, allowing the material handling bucket to doze, having the bucket front half to slide forward to scoop more application material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent disclosure relates to a material handling bucket apparatus operated by a loader tractor and a method for handling application or surface material with a loader.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Buckets applied to loader earthmovers or tractors, or front end loaders, for handling materials are common in the industry. These conventional material buckets for loaders are applied for handling, scraping and loading surface or application materials, such as dirt and asphalt, and material handling operations including leveling, grading, hauling, front-end loading, clam shell operating, and bulldozing. However, there has been a recognized need, such as in the loader material handling industry, for a material handling bucket allowing an operator to neatly load material while simultaneously operating multiple loader controls, and doing so without spilling application material out of the front and side of the bucket.

The need for increased bucket maneuverability and handling capacity have been recognized. Conventional material handling buckets require heavy and expensive rocker arm linkages to pivot the bucket relative to the loader boom or lifting arm. Other conventional material handling buckets, while having in some instances a two-section bucket arrangement in a pivoting configuration, still have the disadvantage of being limited in lateral scope for loading and in their loading capacity, for handling application material, being confined to angular adjustments.

Additionally, the problem of material spillage off the sides of the dozer portion of a bucket has long been recognized.

As well, the mechanical problem of bucket side gates being in the way for offloading during traditional loader bucket use has long been recognized.

In the construction industry, the current, conventional standard for material handling buckets is the so-called “4-in-1 bucket”, having a single pivot point of which the clam portion of the bucket, the bucket front half in a two section bucket, hinges in a radial, pivoting manner. In order to scrape a ground surface in a parallel, lateral manner the operator must, simultaneously tilt the dozer section, or the bucket back half, and close the clam, or bucket front half, in a proper sequence and rate. This is difficult and imprecise process for most operators.

When a clam, or front bucket section or half, is closed against the bucket back half and still in contact with the ground surface, the conventional bucket is not tilted in the fully loaded position which allows for material spillage out the front of the bucket in conventional material handling bucket apparatus. Again, the clam shell or bucket front half in these conventional earthmovers and loaders has limited lateral reach on the ground surface due to the fixed pivot point in the two section bucket. In the conventional, current prior art the bucket during the hauling process is laid down when the application material is scooped or gathered, and the material then will spill out when the bucket closes. Removable containment side gates could enhance the capabilities of the bucket by keeping application material contained in the bucket without spillage outside of the dozer, the bucket back half section.

The current clam shell type, two section buckets found in the construction industry only pivot on a singular axis, open and close. A need has been recognized to provide an operator with the ability to doze application material with the bucket back half section, with the clam portion, the bucket front half section, being open, then to close the clam, bucket front half, down on the bucket back half in order to gather a higher volume of a load of the application material.

The references described in the related art do not disclose features of the present invention and would not be as suitable for the required purpose of the present invention hereinafter described. Material bucket handling apparatuses for loaders and earthmovers are found in the related art, exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,762 to Harms et al. (“Harms”) and U.S. Pat. No. 3,341,041 to Salna (“Salna”). Harms discloses a bucket having slots that allow for horizontal travel of a leveling device. Salna discloses a bucket with a pivot allowing moving material from a clam shell; there is no horizontal travel of the clam shell relative to the bucket. The references described in the related art do not disclose features of the present invention, including, a linkage provided on the sides of the bucket including a pair of parallel slots for connecting the clam to the bucket and extending the reach of the clam, the clam adapted to travel parallel to the ground surface and then pivot upwardly at the end of travel. As well, Salna discloses a bucket having a front and rear (or back) sections (or halves) pivoting about a common axis.

None of the prior art references suggest the present invention. Although Harms discloses a slot provided on the sides of a leveling device, the slot is for the purpose of pushing downwardly. While Salna discloses a clam and bucket, the pivot in Salna is fixed and does not extend the reach of the clam in a direction parallel to the ground. Neither of these references suggest, teach or support combining with, modifying, each other or any other reference in a manner that would suggest the present invention, or would otherwise function in the manner of the present invention.

None of the references in the prior art contain every feature of the present invention, and none of these references in combination disclose, suggest or teach every feature of the present invention. The present invention is neither disclosed nor suggested by the prior art.

The foregoing and other objectives, advantages, aspects, and features of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon consideration of the detailed description of a preferred embodiment, presented below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a material handling bucket apparatus comprising a material handling bucket having a bucket front half, having a dozer bottom, and a dozer scraping lip, and configured to haul application material such as dirt, snow, or concrete, as well as a horizontally sliding mechanism allowing the bucket front half to slide horizontally with respect to an opposing bucket back half. The opposing bucket back half sets snugly and pivotally within the bucket front half. The material handling bucket apparatus further comprises a loader having a loader tractor, a pair of loader operating lifting arms, a pair of loader operating tilt arms, a hydraulic power unit, a pair of loader attaching points, a pair of tilt attaching points, and a power source. A plurality of loader attachment means operationally attach the pair of loader operating tilt arms to the opposing bucket back half. The loader tractor to the loader provides power from the power source to the pair of loader operating tilt arms and the loader operating lifting arms. The loader employs a hydraulic power unit and power source, including a control means, having a control circuit and controls for operating the loader and the material handling bucket. The control means operate with the hydraulic power unit to direct hydraulic fluid under pressure to a pair of front bucket actuating cylinders, elements of the pair of linkage systems pivotally and cooperatively joined to the bucket front half.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the pair of linkage systems further comprise a pair of front linkage arms cooperatively and pivotally connected a pair of central linkage arms which, in turn, are connected to a pair of rear linkage arms which, in turn are connected to the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders causing the pair of linkage systems to operate the front bucket half.

The bucket front half operates and moves in a pivoting manner over and forward of the opposing bucket back half. The pair of linkage systems are secured to the bucket front half, and laterally move the bucket front half forward beyond the dozer scraping lip of the opposing bucket back half allowing it to haul the application material backward onto the opposing bucket back half. The loader tips the opposing bucket back half up and down to dump application material, and lifts, pivots, pushes, and pulls the opposing bucket back half forward, backward, upward and downward.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the horizontally sliding mechanism comprises a plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins attaching permanently within the bucket front half A plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots are engaged within the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots through the opposing bucket back half, providing horizontal and pivotal movement of the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins, allowing the bucket front half to pivot and to advance forward, backward, upward and downward with respect to the opposing bucket back half.

In alternative embodiments, the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins comprise a plurality of pin bearings allowing for easy horizontal movement within the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the pair of linkage systems further comprise a pair of front linkage arms cooperatively and pivotally connected a pair of central linkage arms which, in turn, are connected to a pair of rear linkage arms which, in turn are connected to the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders causing the pair of linkage systems to operate the front bucket half.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention include a pair of side gates attached to the left bucket side and the opposing right bucket side of the opposing bucket back half. In another alternative embodiment, the pair of side gates are attached by a pair of side gate adjuster bars. A pair of stabilizer bars support and operate the pair of side gates independent of the bucket front half.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the material handling bucket apparatus comprises a loader having a loader tractor, a boom, a hydraulic power unit, and a power source, and a material handling bucket having a bucket front half and an opposing bucket back half, a left bucket side and an opposing right bucket side, as well as the horizontally sliding mechanism cooperatively adjoining the bucket front half with the opposing bucket back half allowing the bucket front half to slide horizontally and cooperatively with respect to the opposing bucket back half A pair of linkage systems are pivotally and cooperatively joined to the bucket front half.

Another alternative embodiment of the material handling bucket apparatus comprises the boom having the pair of loader operating lifting arms, the pair of loader operating tilt arms, the pair of loader attaching points, and the pair of tilt attaching points.

Current related art provides clamshell buckets that only pivot on a singular axis, in order to open and close. One objective of the present invention, is for the pair of linkage systems, located on each of the pair of bucket sides, to enable the bucket front half, to travel forward, in the travel direction of the loader, independent of the opposing bucket back half, in a lateral direction parallel to the ground surface, while at the same time leaving the opposing bucket back half tilted back in a position to be loaded. The material handling bucket slides by the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins attached to the bucket front half sliding within the plurality of substantial horizontal sliding slots in the opposing bucket back half, the bucket front half sliding and moving forward; and then pivoting upward to open with respect to the opposing bucket back half and subsequently reversing or pivoting downward to close against the opposing bucket back half, providing the material handling bucket with the ability to doze the application material, while having the bucket front half open or upward, and then slide the bucket front half forward, to further scoop more application material. The bucket front half can then be closed pivoting downward against the opposing bucket back half to contain the application material once it is loaded.

An objective of the present invention is to allow the pair of linkage systems to enable the bucket front half to travel forward, independent of the opposing bucket back half, parallel to the ground surface, while at the same time leaving and allowing the opposing bucket back half to remain tilted back, toward the loader in a position to be loaded.

Another objective of the present invention is for the pair of linkage systems to allow for easy loading of the application material without an operator having to simultaneously tilt the opposing bucket back half and retract the bucket front half, including: (I) the ability to cause the bucket front half to pivot upward and downward around the pair of front pivotally connecting points, while (ii) independently allowing the pair of loader operating lifting arms and the pair of loading tilt arms to cause the opposing bucket back half to move upward and downward (tilt), and forward and backward (roll).

Another objective of the present invention is to have the material handling bucket apparatus easily loaded with application material by a single control input at the control means. The pair of side gates allow application material to be gathered in front of the dozer scraping lip without spilling outside the side edges. The plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins permit the bucket front half to slide well forward of the opposing bucket back half and parallel to the ground surface and then pivot upwardly into an open position. Once the opposing bucket back half has dozed forward to load application material, the bucket front half is then retracted, gathering application material along the ground surface toward the opposing bucket back half. The application material is contained within the opposing bucket back half once the bucket front half is fully retracted The pair of linkage systems extends the reach of the bucket front half and allows the lower edge to travel flush with the ground with one simple control input, leaving the opposing bucket back half tilted back in the loaded position, carrying the application material.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the pair of side gates run parallel to the ground surface when the bucket front half is up and open and the opposing bucket back half is in a loaded position hauling application material.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is a method for handling application material with a loader, the method comprising a loader having a loader tractor, a boom, a hydraulic power unit, a material handling bucket, a pair of linkage systems, and a power source which is operated with a control means, which in alternative embodiments provides for controls and a control circuit. The method further comprises providing the material handling bucket with a bucket front half (having a pair of front pivotally connecting points and a convexing clam front surface) and an opposing bucket back half (having a plurality of loader attachment means), the bucket front half moving independently of the opposing bucket back half, a dozer bottom, and a dozer scraping lip having a sharp scraping edge; pivotally joining the pair of linkage systems to the bucket front half at a pair of front connecting pins; and installing a horizontally sliding mechanism cooperatively adjoining the bucket front half with the opposing bucket back half allowing the bucket front half to slide horizontally with respect to the opposing bucket back half. The method further comprises operating and pivoting the bucket front half around the pair of front pivotally connecting points over and forward of a open top/front side the opposing bucket back half, allowing the bucket front half to pivot and to advance forward, backward, upward and downward with respect to the opposing bucket back half by allowing and providing horizontal and pivotal movement from the horizontally sliding mechanism. Hydraulic power is provided from hydraulic power unit to operate the pair of linkage systems. The pair of linkage systems laterally move the bucket front half forward beyond the bucket front half and allow for hauling application material from a ground surface backward onto a dozer surface panel in the opposing bucket back half. The method operationally locates the boom between the loader tractor and (and attaches it to) the opposing bucket back half, operating the opposing bucket back half with the loader, tipping the opposing bucket back half up and down to dump the application material. The boom is used to lift, pivot, push and pull the opposing bucket back half forward, backward, upward and downward. The method generates and provides power from the power source in the loader to power and move the loader tractor, to move the boom, to operate the hydraulic power unit, and causing the material handling bucket to operate. A pair of stabilizer bars are attached to the loader tractor by the plurality of loader attachment means and secured to a pair of side gates.

An alternative embodiment of this method of the present invention for handling surface material with a loader provides the pair of linkage systems with a pair of front linkage arms; a pair of central linkage arms, a pair of rear linkage arms, a pair of front bucket actuating cylinders, and a pair of hydraulic lines; all of which are limited, providing hydraulic power from the hydraulic power unit in the loader tractor operating the pair of linkage systems; and, ultimately, the front bucket half.

Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is a method for handling application material with a loader comprising a loader tractor, a boom, a material handling bucket, a pair of linkage systems, and a power source, operated with a control means. The method operates the bucket front half by the pair of linkage systems in a pivoting and lateral manner, pivoting over the opposing bucket back half, providing horizontal and pivotal movement by the horizontally sliding mechanism, moving the bucket front half forward beyond the bucket front half. The method operates the opposing bucket back half with the loader using a boom and tipping the opposing bucket back half up and down to load and dump application material, while using the boom to lift, pivot, push and pull the opposing bucket back half forward, backward, upward and downward. A pair of stabilizer bars are operatively attaching to the loader tractor by the plurality of loader attachment means, securing each of the pair of stabilizer bars to each of the pair of side gates, and freely supporting and operating the pair of side gates independent of the bucket front half and the opposing bucket back half. The pair of side gates are oriented horizontally to the ground surface, and neatly contain, the application material within the opposing bucket back half with the pair of side gates.

Advantages and objectives of the present invention include being able to neatly cut seams in the ground surface, for paving operations without spilling application material, reducing labor needed to clean spillage, neatly loading application material while simultaneously operating multiple controls in the loader, is solved by the uniquely shaped front bucket half, and the unique “parallel to ground linkage” provided by the pair of linkage systems. The reach of the material handling bucket is greatly extended with one control input having the opposing bucket back half tilted back in the loaded position. Spillage off the sides of the opposing bucket back half is prevented by the pair of side gates.

Another advantage and objective of the present invention is for collecting the application material along a roadway shoulder without spilling.

Another advantage and objective of the present invention is cleaning in tight areas in the traveled way, making roadway construction areas safer, keeping material handling equipment away from traffic.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the material handling bucket is optimal for snow removal without spilling into traffic, facilitated by the pair of side gates.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the material handling bucket apparatus is optimal for maintenance, landscaping, and agriculture, allowing for easily gathering and loading application material on the ground surface.

The aforementioned features, objectives, aspects and advantages of the present invention, and further objectives and advantages of the invention, will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with references to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention, however, may be embodied in different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the illustrative embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It should be noted, and will be appreciated, that numerous variations may be made within the scope of this invention without departing from the principle of this invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. A representative number of certain repeated elements are labeled in the drawings.

Turning now in detail to the drawings in accordance with the present invention,FIGS. 1 and 15depict one embodiment of the present invention, a material handling bucket apparatus, comprising a material handling bucket100having a bucket front half101and an opposing bucket back half102, and a left bucket side112and an opposing right bucket side113.FIG. 1illustrates a prospective view depicting a view of the opposing right bucket side113of the material handling bucket100and a loader130, with an arrow indicating travel direction134. The bucket front half101is termed a “clam”, or clam shell section, the front section of a loader tractor or earthmover in the construction industry; the opposing bucket back half102is termed a “dozer”, or a dozer section, the rear section of the loader tractor or earthmover in that industry. The bucket front half101, depicted inFIGS. 1, 2, 6, 7, and 13, comprises a pair of front pivotally connecting points103(FIGS. 6, 7, 13), a convexing front clam surface109(FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 7), a left clam side108(FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 7), an opposing right clam side110(FIGS. 6, 7), a lower edge115(FIGS. 2, 3, 8, and 9), and a left clam inside122and an opposing right clam inside132(FIGS. 6 and 7). As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the bucket front half101may be otherwise characterized and described as a set of pivoting wedges, and generally u-shaped sections, the left clam side108and opposing right clam side110, having rigidly secured at their circumferential edges a convexing arch surface, a convexing clam front surface109. As shown inFIGS. 1-3, 8, and 9, the opposing bucket back half102(FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9) comprises a back half left panel118(FIGS. 8, 9) and an opposing back half right panel119(FIGS. 8, 9) rigidly attaching to a dozer surface panel114(FIGS. 8, 9), the dozer surface panel114(FIGS. 8, 9) having a dozer bottom116(FIGS. 8, 9), an adjacent dozer back117(FIG. 8), and a dozer scraping lip107(FIGS. 2, 3, 8) running lengthwise (along the front of the opposing bucket back half102as depicted) along the dozer bottom116(FIG. 8). The dozer scraping lip107utilizes a sharp blade for its lip as the cutting edge. The dozer surface panel114, the back half left panel118, and the opposing back half right panel119are configured and arranged to carry, hold and haul application material111and together, they define an open top/front side139to the opposing bucket back half102. The material handling apparatus further comprises a horizontally sliding mechanism123securedly, integratingly and cooperatively adjoining the bucket front half101with the opposing bucket back half102allowing the bucket front half101to slide horizontally and cooperatively with respect to the opposing bucket back half102, depicted inFIGS. 3-9, 11 and 13-14. The horizontally sliding mechanism123(shown inFIG. 14) allows the bucket front half101to pivot and to advance forward, backward, upward and downward with respect to the opposing bucket back half102.

The application material111, depicted inFIGS. 1, 15, and 18, may be at least one of earth, asphalt, concrete, snow, aggregate, dirt, mulch or other landscaping material. Other application materials111necessary for hauling by an earthmover, loader tractor, or backhoe may be included, as well. The “handling” function of the material handling bucket100is understood herein to include handling, digging, scraping, scooping, gathering, dumping, and/or loading the application material111. The material handling bucket100may handle variable volumes of application material111.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the horizontally sliding mechanism123, depicted inFIGS. 3-9, 11 and 13-14, comprises a plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129located within the bucket front half101, each of the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129attaching permanently to the left clam inside122(FIG. 6) and the opposing right clam inside132(FIG. 7), respectively of the bucket front half101. A plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128are located through the back half left panel118(FIGS. 8, 9, and 11) and the opposing back half right panel119to the opposing bucket back half102, as further described below. Each of the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129are located and engaged, respectively, cooperatively within one of the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128through the opposing bucket back half102. In this manner, the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129are slidingly located within and freely and cooperatively engaging the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128. The plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128allow and provide horizontal and pivotal movement of the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129within the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128, thereby allowing the bucket front half101to pivot and to advance forward, backward, upward and downward with respect to the opposing bucket back half102.

The pair of front connecting pins103aare located at the pair of front pivotally connecting points103, depicted inFIGS. 12, and 13, and in alternative embodiments of the present invention comprise a plurality of securing pins and bearings154. The pair of front connecting pins103apivotally secure a pair of linkage systems120to the bucket front half101.

The opposing bucket back half102, shown inFIGS. 1-3, 8, and 9, further comprises the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128(FIGS. 3, 8, 9), or guiding or guided slots, reference above, which extend through the back half left panel118and the opposing back half right panel119(FIGS. 8 and 9) to the opposing bucket back half102, as well as a plurality of loader attaching holes106(FIG. 9), and a plurality of loader attachment means105(FIGS. 2, 3), also depicted along with the opposing bucket back half102inFIGS. 5, and 10-12. The opposing bucket back half102is located, and sets immediately, snugly, cooperatively, freely and pivotally within the bucket front half101.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of loader attachment means105, depicted inFIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 10-12, comprise at least one of: pins and lugs159, quick hitches, or hydraulic pins; as means for securely and operationally attaching one element of the material handling apparatus to another element and found in alternative embodiments of the present invention.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129comprise a plurality of pin bearings153(FIG. 14) allowing for easy horizontal movement of the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129within the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128.

The material handling bucket apparatus of the present invention further comprises a loader130, shown particularly inFIGS. 1, 5, and 15, or as commonly known in the industry, an earthmover or a front end loader, and having a loader tractor140(FIGS. 1, 5, 15), a pair of loader operating lifting arms135(FIGS. 1, 5, 15), a pair of loader operating tilt arms142(FIGS. 1, 15), a hydraulic power unit149(FIG. 1), a pair of loader attaching points137(FIG. 5), a pair of tilt attaching points143(FIG. 15), and a power source133(FIG. 1). The principles of the present disclosure of these embodiments may be implemented using any number of loading techniques, such as using a backhoe rather than a front end loader. Shown inFIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 10-12, the plurality of loader attachment means105securely and operationally attach the pair of loader operating lifting arms135(FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 10, 12) to the opposing bucket back half102through the plurality of loader attaching holes106, as shown inFIG. 9, at the pair of loader attaching points137(FIGS. 3, 10, 12), respectively. As well, and shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the plurality of loader attachment means105securely and operationally attach the pair of loader operating tilt arms142to the opposing bucket back half102through the plurality of loader attaching holes106at the pair of tilt attaching points143, respectively. Each of the pair of loader operating lifting arms135to the loader130are located proximally on the left bucket side112and the opposing right bucket side113, respectively, and attach to and operating the opposing bucket back half102of the material handling bucket100by the plurality of loader attachment means105. The pair of loader operating tilt arms142are located between the pair of loader operating lifting arms135and attach to and operate the opposing bucket back half102by the plurality of loader attachment means105.

The power source133in alternative embodiments of the present invention, as well as in the present invention, (FIGS. 1 and 18) may comprise at least one of: electrical, gas, or hydraulic power. The loader tractor140to the loader130provides power from the power source133to the pair of loader operating tilt arms142and the loader operating lifting arms135, respectively, each through one or more of a plurality of power lines155.

The loader130, shown inFIG. 1, or front end loader, earthmover or other similar front end loading equipment known and understood to be broadly conventional in the construction and application material111hauling industries, is commonly used, and has and employs a commonly used and readily identifiable power source133and a hydraulic power unit149, as understood to be including in the present invention. Such loaders known in the industry include, but are limited to: front end loaders, back hoes, and smaller skid loaders. The loader power source133and hydraulic power unit149, or propulsion sources, referenced here are standard combustion or electrical and/or hydraulic engines and units, respectively, well known and found in industry. The power source133as is commonly found in the industry includes a control means160, including a control circuit and controls, as a means for operating the loader130, as well as the other elements comprising the loader130, and found in alternative embodiments of the present invention (a loader tractor140, a pair of loader operating lifting arms135, a pair of loader operating tilt arms142, a hydraulic power unit149, and a pair of loader attaching points137and a pair of tilt attaching points143(or boom235shown inFIG. 18), as well as the pair of linkage systems120having a pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124referenced below (shown inFIG. 13)). The power source133in the loader130generates and provides power to power and move the loader tractor140, to move the pair of loader operating tilt arms142and the pair of loader operating lifting arms135, and to operate the hydraulic power unit149, thereby causing the material handling bucket100to operate. The box labeled “Power” shown inFIGS. 1, 15 and 18depicts, generally, the power source133, the control means160and the hydraulic power unit149for the loader130. The numbered lines leading generally from the box labeled “Power” (for the power source133, hydraulic power unit149and control means160) and to the material handling bucket100are, respectively, the pair of hydraulic lines148and the plurality of power lines155, which figures are understood to generally depict those respective pair and plurality of lines.

As is well known in the industry, the control means160, such as controls via a control circuit included in the power source133, operate in a well known manner with the hydraulic power unit149to direct hydraulic fluid under pressure from the hydraulic cylinder for extension and contraction of the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, or rams, providing selective extension and retraction of the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, as produced by manipulation of the controls in a conventionally known control means160.

The material handling bucket apparatus of the present invention further comprises the pair of linkage systems120, shown inFIGS. 2-4, and 11, and particularly inFIG. 13, and which are pivotally and cooperatively joined to the bucket front half101, respectively, by a pair of front connecting pins103a(FIGS. 11, 13) located at the pair of front pivotally connecting points103(FIGS. 11, 13), the pair of linkage systems120comprising the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, depicted inFIGS. 2 and 18, and particularly inFIG. 13, the pair of linkage systems120comprise a pair of front linkage arms121; a pair of central linkage arms125, a pair of rear linkage arms126, a plurality of linkage lugs127, a pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, and a pair of hydraulic lines148. The pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124are hydraulic cylinders, or rams, commonly known and used in the industry, as referenced above. The pair of front linkage arms121are cooperatively and pivotally connected, respectively, to the bucket front half101by the pair of front connecting pins103alocated at the pair of front pivotally connecting points103. The pair of central linkage arms125, in turn, are further cooperatively and pivotally connected, respectively, to the pair of rear linkage arms126at a pair of central linkage points146by the plurality of linkage lugs127. The pair of rear linkage arms126, in turn are further cooperatively and pivotally connected, respectively, to the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124at a pair of cylinder linkage points147by the plurality of linkage lugs127. The hydraulic power unit149in the loader tractor140, shown inFIGS. 1, 13 and 15, provides hydraulic power through the pair of hydraulic power lines148to the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, shown inFIG. 13, as described above, to operate the pair of linkage systems120thereby operating the bucket front half101.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as depicted inFIG. 13, the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, operates the pair of linkage systems120causing the pair of front linkage arms121, the pair of central linkage arms125, and the pair of rear linkage arms126(as described above) to connectively and cooperatively, pivotally operate the front bucket half101.

In the present invention, the bucket front half101operates and moves in a pivoting manner around the pair of front pivotally connecting points103, pivoting over and forward of the open top/front side139of the opposing bucket back half102, resulting in the upward and downward manner and positions shown inFIGS. 11 and 10, respectively.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the opposing bucket back half102further comprises a plurality of access slots150facilitating the connection of the pair of the hydraulic lines148to the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, as shown inFIGS. 9-13.

The pair of linkage systems120, in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIGS. 10, 11, and 13, operate, drive, and laterally move the bucket front half101forward beyond the dozer scraping lip107of the opposing bucket back half102allowing the convexing clam front surface109to engage, scoop and haul the application material111backward, as shown particularly inFIGS. 12 and 14, onto the dozer surface panel114of the opposing bucket back half102. The loader130operating the opposing bucket back half102cooperatively through the pair of loader operating tilt arms142(as shown inFIGS. 1-3, 5, 15, and 16) tips the opposing bucket back half102up and down to load and dump application material111, and through the pair of loader operating lifting arms135, lifts, pivots, pushes, and pulls the opposing bucket back half102forward, backward, upward and downward. The power source133in the loader130generates and provides power to move the loader tractor140, to move the pair of loader operating tilt arms142and the pair of loader operating lifting arms135, and to operate the hydraulic power unit149, causing the material handling bucket100to operate.

In the present invention of the material handling bucket apparatus, the ground surface131, over which the loader130(having the material handling apparatus100) traverses in the travel direction134(as depicted inFIGS. 1, 15, and 18) contains on, or has as, its surface the application material111. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the application material111comprises at least one of: earth, asphalt, concrete, snow, aggregate, dirt, mulch or other landscaping material.

The loader130moving along the ground surface131in the travel direction134allows and causes the dozer scraping lip107to advance on the ground surface131scraping up and gathering the application material111onto the dozer surface panel114, shown inFIGS. 1, 8, 9 and 15, and pivots the opposing bucket back half102to haul the application material111, which is carried on the dozer surface panel114.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention (shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 15, and 18and particularly inFIGS. 17 and 18) include a pair of side gates104located and freely attached, respectively, to the left bucket side112and the opposing right bucket side113of the opposing bucket back half102. In another alternative embodiment, the pair of side gates104are freely attached to the left bucket side112and the opposing right bucket side113by a pair of side gate adjuster bars152. The pair of side gate adjuster bars152are integrally and partially attached to the left bucket side112and the opposing right bucket side113of the opposing bucket back half102, respectively, at a pair of bar attachment portions158, allowing the pair of side gates104to slide between the opposing bucket back half102and the pair of side gate adjuster bars152. Each of the pair of side gate adjuster bars152have a plurality of substantially vertical sliding slots157. A plurality of secured vertical sliding pins156are permanently fixed to the left bucket side112and the opposing right bucket side113, respectively of the opposing bucket back half102and are located and engaged, cooperatively within one of the plurality of substantially vertical sliding slots157through one of the respective pair of side gate adjuster bars152. The plurality of secured vertical sliding pins156allow the pair of side gates104to slide, adjust and move vertically between the opposing bucket back half102and the pair of bar attachment portions158. A pair of stabilizer bars136each have, respectively, one of a pair of stabilizer attaching ends151and one of a pair of opposing gate attaching ends138and each of the pair of stabilizer bars136cooperatively and operatively attach to the loader tractor140by the plurality of loader attachment means105at the pair of stabilizer attaching ends151, respectively, and cooperatively, operatively secure to each of the pair of side gates104at the pair of opposing gate attaching ends138, respectively. The pair of stabilizer bars136freely support, stabilize and operate the pair of side gates104independent of the bucket front half101and the opposing bucket back half102. In this manner, the pair of side gates104orient horizontally in proximity to the ground surface131, and the pair of side gates104restrict movement of the application material111within the opposing bucket back half102. The pair of side gates104, as set forth, can restrict movement of the application material111within the opposing bucket back half102, preventing spillage and loss of the application material111in transit along the travel direction134(depicted inFIG. 1). The power to operate the pair of stabilizer bars136is provided through the plurality of power lines155by the control means160.

The elements of the material handling bucket apparatus, depicted inFIGS. 1-18, including the bucket front half101the opposing bucket back half102, the pair of side gates104(FIGS. 1 and 17) and the pair of linkage systems120(FIGS. 2, 13); are made of sturdy and resilient metal, such as steel, commonly found in the loader and application material111haulage industries.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the material handling bucket apparatus, shown inFIG. 18, comprises a loader130having a loader tractor140, a boom235, a hydraulic power unit149, and a power source133, and a material handling bucket100having a bucket front half101and an opposing bucket back half102, a left bucket side112and an opposing right bucket side113. The bucket front half101comprises a pair of front pivotally connecting points103(FIGS. 6, 7, and 13), a convexing clam front surface109(FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7), a left clam side108(FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7) and an opposing right clam side110(FIGS. 6 and 7), a lower edge115(FIGS. 2, 6, and 7) and a left clam inside122and an opposing right clam inside132. The opposing bucket back half102comprises a back half left panel118(FIGS. 8 and 9) and an opposing back half right panel119rigidly attaching to a dozer surface panel114(FIGS. 8 and 9), the dozer surface panel114(FIGS. 8 and 9) having a dozer bottom116(FIG. 8), an adjacent dozer back117(FIG. 8), and a dozer scraping lip107(FIGS. 2, 3, and 8) running lengthwise along the dozer bottom116, as are shown inFIGS. 2, 3, 8, and 9. The dozer surface panel114, the back half left panel118, and the opposing back half right panel119, define an open top/front side139to the opposing bucket back half102. The material handling apparatus further comprises a horizontally sliding mechanism123securedly, integratingly and cooperatively adjoining the bucket front half101with the opposing bucket back half102allowing the bucket front half101to slide horizontally and cooperatively with respect to the opposing bucket back half102(as depicted inFIGS. 3-9, 11 and 13-14). A pair of linkage systems120are pivotally and cooperatively joined to the bucket front half101, respectively, at the pair of front pivotally connecting points103by a pair of front connecting pins103a(FIGS. 12 and 13). The opposing bucket back half102further comprises a plurality of loader attaching holes106, and a plurality of loader attachment means105(shown inFIGS. 3, 8 and 9). The opposing bucket back half102is located immediately, snugly, cooperatively, freely, and pivotally within the bucket front half101. The pair of linkage systems120are pivotally and cooperatively joined to the bucket front half101, respectively by the pair of front pivotally connecting points103. The bucket front half101operates and moves in a pivoting manner around the pair of front pivotally connecting points103, pivoting over and forward of the open top/front side139of the opposing bucket back half102. The horizontally sliding mechanism123(shown inFIG. 14) allows the bucket front half101to pivot and to advance forward, backward, upward and downward with respect to the opposing bucket back half102.

This alternative embodiment, depicted inFIG. 18, further comprises the loader tractor140to the loader130providing power from the power source133to the boom235, a pair of stabilizer bars136and the hydraulic power unit149through a plurality of power lines155. The hydraulic power unit149in the loader tractor140provides hydraulic power through a pair of hydraulic power lines148to the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124thereby operating the pair of linkage systems120. The pair of linkage systems120operates, drives and laterally moves the bucket front half101forward beyond the dozer scraping lip107of the opposing bucket back half102allowing the convexing clam front surface109to engage, scoop and haul application material111from a ground surface131backward onto the dozer surface panel114(shown inFIGS. 8 and 9) of the opposing bucket back half102. The boom235, depicted inFIG. 18, is operationally and attachedly located between the loader tractor140and the opposing bucket back half102, and attaches to and operates the opposing bucket back half102.

This alternative embodiment further comprises the ground surface131having the application material111, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 18. The loader130operates the opposing bucket back half102cooperatively through the boom235, tipping the opposing bucket back half102up and down to dump the application material111, and through the pair of loader operating lifting arms135to lift, pivot, push and pull the opposing bucket back half102forward, backward, upward and downward. The loader130moves along the ground surface131in a travel direction134allowing the dozer scraping lip107to advance on the ground surface131, scraping up and gathering application material111onto the dozer surface panel114, and pivoting the opposing bucket back half102to haul the application material111, which is carried on the dozer surface panel114. The power source133in the loader130generates and provides power to power and move the loader tractor140, to move the boom235, and to operate the hydraulic power unit149, causing the material handling bucket100to operate.

Another alternative embodiment of the material handling bucket apparatus comprises the boom235, as shown inFIG. 18, having a pair of loader operating lifting arms135, a pair of loader operating tilt arms142, a pair of loader attaching points137, and a pair of tilt attaching points143. The plurality of loader attachment means105, shown inFIGS. 2, 3, 5, 10 and 11, securely and operationally attach the pair of loader operating lifting arms135to the opposing bucket back half102through the plurality of loader attaching holes106at the pair of loader attaching points137, respectively. The plurality of loader attachment means105securely and operationally attach the pair of loader operating tilt arms142to the opposing bucket back half102through the plurality of loader attaching holes106at the pair of tilt attaching points143, respectively. The pair of loader operating lifting arms135are each located proximally to the left bucket side112and the opposing right bucket side113, respectively, and attaching to and operating the opposing bucket back half102of the material handling bucket100by the plurality of loader attachment means105. The pair of loader operating tilt arms142is located between the pair of loader operating lifting arms135and attaches to and operates the opposing bucket back half102by the plurality of loader attachment means105. The loader130operates the opposing bucket back half102cooperatively through the pair of loader operating tilt arms142of the boom235, tipping the opposing bucket back half102up and down to dump the application material111, and through the pair of loader operating lifting arms135to the boom235, lifting, pivoting, pushing and pulling the opposing bucket back half102forward, backward, upward and downward.

The present invention, shown inFIGS. 1-18, provides the loader130, or an earthmover or other similar front end loading equipment known in the industry, as noted above, and having the pair of linkage systems120on the sides of the material handling bucket100, the left bucket side112and the opposing right bucket side113. Current related art provides clamshell buckets that only pivot on a singular axis, in order to open and close. The pair of linkage systems120to the present invention, located on each of the pair of bucket sides, the left bucket side112and the opposing right bucket side113of the opposing bucket back half102, enable the bucket front half101, or clam portion, to travel forward, in the travel direction134of the loader130, independent of the opposing bucket back half102, in a lateral direction parallel to the ground surface131, while at the same time leaving the opposing bucket back half102tilted back and in a position to be loaded.FIG. 2illustrates an elevational view of the left bucket side112of a portion of the loader130and of the bucket front half101pivoted downward to the ground surface131, whileFIG. 3illustrates an elevational view of the left bucket side112of a portion of the loader130and the bucket front half101pivoting upward. Direction of pivotal movement (A) is shown for the bucket front half101around one of the plurality of linkage lugs127.

The present invention as shown inFIGS. 1-18is a “double action bucket” where the material handling bucket100slides by the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129attached to the bucket front half101sliding or moving within the plurality of substantial horizontal sliding slots128within the opposing bucket back half102, the bucket front half101sliding and moving forward; and then pivoting upward to open with respect to the opposing bucket back half102on an axis at the plurality of linkage lugs127, and subsequently reversing or pivoting downward to close against the opposing bucket back half102.FIG. 14illustrates a perspective, closeup view of a portion of the left bucket side112, depicting the direction of lateral movement (D) by the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129within the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128. This horizontal sliding action provides the material handling bucket100with the capability, and the operator of the loader130with the ability of using the opposing bucket back half102, to doze the application material111in the travel direction134, while having the clam, the bucket front half101, open or upward, and then to slide the bucket front half101forward in the travel direction134, to further scoop or gather more application material111, gathering a much higher volume of a load of application material111than in the currently used versions in the applicable industries. The clam, the bucket front half101, can then be closed pivoting downward against the opposing bucket back half102to contain the application material111once it is loaded.FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate a perspective view of a portion of the left bucket side112of the material handling bucket apparatus in one embodiment of the present invention, depicting the material handling bucket100and the attaching pair of linkage systems120, showing the bucket front half101pivoted downward around the opposing bucket back half102and to the ground surface131. Directions of vertical movement (B) and lateral or horizontal movement (C) are shown for the opposing bucket back half102.

FIG. 13illustrates a perspective view of the left bucket side112of the pair of linkage systems120to the material handling bucket apparatus of a portion of one embodiment of the present invention. The pair of linkage systems120enable the bucket front half101, or clam portion, to travel forward, in the travel direction134, independent of the opposing bucket back half102, or bucket portion, in the travel direction134parallel to the ground surface131, while at the same time leaving and allowing the opposing bucket back half102to remain tilted back, toward the loader130in a position to be loaded, as particularly shown inFIG. 3. When the material handling bucket100is open, as described above, the portion of the material handling bucket100that is in contact with the ground surface131is the dozer portion, the opposing bucket back half102in the present invention.FIG. 3, again, illustrates the bucket front half101, as well as the opposing bucket back half102, pivoting upward. The material handling bucket100(again, the overall material handling unit of the present invention) is in a tilt back, or upward, position, as shown inFIG. 3, as far as the hydraulic cylinders, the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, will allow. When the material handling bucket100is fully closed, it is characterized in industry as a loader bucket in the tilted back position, for hauling application material111. In order to operate the material handling bucket100as a dozer, an operator has to roll the material handling bucket apparatus of the present invention forward, placing the opposing bucket back half102into a position level with the ground surface131, as shown inFIGS. 1, 15, and 18.

The unique independent linkage and track mechanisms for the pair of linkage systems120(particularly inFIG. 13) and elements of the loader130, shown inFIGS. 2, 10-12, and 15, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, allow for easy loading of the application material111without an operator having to simultaneously tilt the opposing bucket back half102and retract the bucket front half101. These unique and independent mechanisms include: (I) the ability of the pair of linkage systems120to cause the bucket front half101to pivot upward and downward around the pair of front pivotally connecting points103, while (ii) independently allowing the pair of loader operating lifting arms135and the pair of loading tilt arms142to cause the opposing bucket back half102to move upward and downward (tilt), and forward and backward (roll). The material handling bucket100, also, allows the opposing bucket back half102to be in the tilted back loaded position, as shown inFIG. 3. while loading the application material111, as generally shown inFIGS. 3, 5, 11, and 15.

With the extended reach offered by the pair of linkage systems120, shown in detail and operation inFIGS. 13-15, to the present invention, the material handling bucket apparatus, can be easily and fully loaded with application material111by a single control input at the control means160by the operator. Because it is already tilted back in the loaded position, the opposing bucket back half102can be full loaded with application material111scooped up by the bucket front half101without the application material111spilling out the front of material handling bucket100. The optional material containment gates, the pair of side gates104, shown inFIGS. 1, 15, and 18, allow application material111to be gathered in front of the dozer scraping lip107and dozer surface panel114of the opposing bucket back half102(the dozer portion of the material handling bucket100) without the application material111spilling outside the edges, or reach, of the dozer scraping lip107. The loader130can travel in the travel direction134against and parallel to the ground surface131cleanly loading the application material111. Once an adequate amount of the application material111has been gathered by the material handling bucket100, the bucket front half101, or clam portion, can be closed with one simple control input from the control means160. The bucket front half101will lower or pivot closing against the opposing bucket back half102. The material handling bucket100can operate independent of the pair of side gates104, keeping the pair of side gates104out of the way of the material handling bucket100for easy unloading of the application material111into trucks, and for operation of the material handling bucket100in a traditional loader bucket manner.

The embodiments of the present invention as material bucket handling apparatuses, depicted overall inFIGS. 1, 4, 15 and 18(having multipurpose uses in the construction industry, the application material111hauling industries and related industries and uses) by having the pair of linkage systems120uniquely allow for ease of use, and by having the pair of side gates104uniquely allow for neater and more controllable loading of the application material111. The pair of linkage systems120interact during operation of the material handling apparatus of the present invention, as described above, with the pair of substantially horizontally slots128provided in the sides of the opposing bucket back half102. As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the bucket front half101, or clam, which is secured to the pair of linkage systems120of the material handling bucket100by a pair of front connecting pins103aat the pair of front pivotally connecting points103, and the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129attached to the left clam inside122and the opposing right clam inside132of the bucket front half101(shown inFIGS. 4 and 14) and that are disposed within the plurality of substantially horizontal slots128of the opposing bucket back half102. The plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129are adapted to permit the bucket front half101to slide well forward of the opposing bucket back half102and parallel to the ground surface131, in the travel direction134and then pivot upwardly around the pair of front pivotally connecting points103, or effectively on its axis, into an open position (shown inFIGS. 3 and 11). Once the opposing bucket back half102has dozed forward to load application material111, the bucket front half101is then retracted, gathering application material111along the ground surface131toward the opposing bucket back half102. The application material111is contained within the opposing bucket back half102once the bucket front half101is fully retracted. The pair of side gates104, the pair of optional material containment gates in an alternative embodiment, may be attached to the sides of the material handling bucket100to prevent loaded application material111from spilling out of the material handling bucket100.

The pair of linkage systems120of the present invention, depicted inFIG. 13, extends the reach of the bucket front half101, or clam, and allows the lower edge115(shown inFIGS. 2 and 3) to travel against, or flush with, and parallel to, the ground surface131, in or opposite to the travel direction134(FIG. 1) with one simple control input, leaving the opposing bucket back half102tilted back in the loaded position, carrying the application material111(FIG. 1). This allows the opposing bucket back half102to be fully loaded without spilling the application material111out from the dozer scraping lip107, or front, of the opposing bucket back half102, as is a common problem with other material bucket handling apparatuses in the industry.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the pair of side gates104, or removable containment gates, shown inFIGS. 1, 15, 17, and 18, run parallel to the ground surface131, when the bucket front half101is up and open and the opposing bucket back half102is in a loaded position hauling application material111(FIG. 3). The pair of side gates104, therefore, operate as the application material111containing side gates. The material handling bucket100can dump the application material111while operating independent of the pair of side gates104, out of the way of the operation of the opposing bucket back half102. This mechanism also allows the material handling bucket100to be operated in a traditional, dozing manner without the pair of side gates104interfering with operations.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is a method for handling application or surface material with a loader130, the method comprising having a loader130which comprises a loader tractor140, a boom235, a hydraulic power unit149, a material handling bucket100, a pair of linkage systems120, and a power source133, as shown generally inFIG. 18, as well asFIGS. 1-16. The power source133is operated with a control means160, which in alternative embodiments provides for controls and a control circuit (FIGS. 1, 15, and 18). The method further comprises providing the material handling bucket100with a bucket front half101and an opposing bucket back half102, the bucket front half101moving independently of the opposing bucket back half102, and with a pair of front pivotally connecting points103, a convexing clam front surface109, a left clam side108and an opposing right clam side110, and a lower edge115; and the opposing bucket back half102with a dozer bottom116and a dozer scraping lip107having a sharp scraping edge and running lengthwise along the dozer bottom116. The method further comprises pivotally and cooperatively joining the pair of linkage systems120to the bucket front half101, respectively at the pair of front pivotally connecting points103by a pair of front connecting pins103a. The opposing bucket back half102is provided with a plurality of loader attaching holes106and a plurality of loader attachment means105. The method further comprises installing a horizontally sliding mechanism123, shown inFIGS. 3-5, 11, and 14, securedly, integratingly and cooperatively adjoining the bucket front half101with the opposing bucket back half102allowing the bucket front half101to slide horizontally and cooperatively with respect to the opposing bucket back half102.

This alternative method embodiment of the present invention immediately above further comprises, as shown inFIGS. 2, 3, and 16, operating and moving the bucket front half101in a pivoting manner around the pair of front pivotally connecting points103, pivoting over and forward of the open top/front side139of the opposing bucket back half102, allowing the bucket front half101to pivot and to advance forward, backward, upward and downward with respect to the opposing bucket back half102by allowing and providing horizontal and pivotal movement from the horizontally sliding mechanism123. Hydraulic power from the hydraulic power unit149is provided through a pair of hydraulic power lines148operating the pair of linkage systems120, and thereby operating, driving and laterally moving the bucket front half101forward beyond the opposing bucket back half102with the pair of linkage systems120, and allowing the convexing clam front surface109to engage, scoop and haul application material111from a ground surface131backward onto the opposing bucket back half102. The method operationally and attachedly locates the boom235between the loader tractor140and the opposing bucket back half102. The boom235, shown inFIG. 18, is attached to the opposing bucket back half102at the plurality of loader attachment means105and cooperatively operating the opposing bucket back half102with the loader130, tipping the opposing bucket back half102up and down to dump the application material111. The boom235is used to lift, pivot, push and pull the opposing bucket back half102forward, backward, upward and downward. The application material comprises at least one of: earth, asphalt, concrete, snow, aggregate, dirt, mulch or other landscaping material.

In an alternative method embodiment of the present invention, the horizontally sliding mechanism123, depicted inFIGS. 3-9, 11 and 13-14, comprises attaching a plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129within the bucket front half101, each of the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129attaching permanently to the left clam inside122(FIG. 7) and the opposing right clam inside132(FIG. 8), respectively of the bucket front half101. A plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128are located through the back half left panel118(FIGS. 8, 9, and11) and the opposing back half right panel119to the opposing bucket back half102. Each of the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129are located and engaged, respectively, cooperatively within one of the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128through the opposing bucket back half102. In this manner, the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129are slidingly located within and freely and cooperatively engaging the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128. The plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128are allowed and provided with horizontal and pivotal movement of the plurality of secured horizontally sliding pins129within the plurality of substantially horizontal sliding slots128, thereby allowing the bucket front half101to pivot and to advance forward, backward, upward and downward with respect to the opposing bucket back half102.

In this same alternative method embodiment of the present invention, above, the loader130is moved along the ground surface131in a travel direction134, shown inFIGS. 1, 16, and 18, allowing the dozer scraping lip107to advance on the ground surface131scraping up and gathering application material111onto the dozer surface panel114, and pivoting the opposing bucket back half102to haul the application material111which is carried on the dozer surface panel114. A pair of side gates104, respectively, are located and freely attached to the left bucket side112and the opposing right bucket side113of the opposing bucket back half102. A pair of stabilizer bars136are cooperatively and operatively attached to the loader tractor140, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 18by the plurality of loader attachment means105, respectively, and cooperatively, operatively securing each of the pair of stabilizer bars136by the plurality of loader attachment means105to each of the pair of side gates104, respectively, freely supporting, stabilizing and operating the pair of side gates104independent of the bucket front half101and the opposing bucket back half102, the pair of side gates104orienting horizontally in proximity to the ground surface131. This method restricts movement of, and neatly contains, the application material111within the opposing bucket back half102with the pair of side gates104. Power is generated and provided from the power source133in the loader130to power and move the loader tractor140, to move the boom235, to operate the hydraulic power unit149, and cause the material handling bucket100to operate.

An alternative method embodiment of the present invention provides for handling surface material with a loader of where the pair of linkage systems, shown inFIGS. 2, 13, and 16, comprises a pair of front linkage arms121; a pair of central linkage arms125, a pair of rear linkage arms126, a plurality of linkage lugs127, a pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, and a pair of hydraulic lines148. This method cooperatively and pivotally connects the pair of front linkage arms121, respectively, to the bucket front half101by a pair of front connecting pins103alocated at the pair of front pivotally connecting points103; which further cooperatively and pivotally connects, in turn, the pair of central linkage arms125, respectively, to the pair of rear linkage arms126at a pair of central linkage points146by the plurality of linkage lugs127; and in turn, cooperatively and pivotally connects the pair of rear linkage arms126, respectively, to the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124at a pair of cylinder linkage points147by the plurality of linkage lugs127; providing hydraulic power from the hydraulic power unit149in the loader tractor140through the pair of hydraulic power lines148operating, respectively, the pair of linkage systems120and, in turn, operating the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124; and, ultimately, operating the pair of linkage systems120by the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, causing the pair of front linkage arms121; the pair of central linkage arms125, and the pair of rear linkage arms126to connectively and cooperatively pivotally operate the front bucket half101.

Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is a method for handling application or surface material with a loader130, shown inFIGS. 2-17, and particularlyFIG. 18, comprising having the loader130comprising a loader tractor140, a boom235, a material handling bucket100, a pair of linkage systems120, and a power source133, wherein the power source133comprises at least one of: electrical, gas, hydraulic power, or any other power source used in the construction or hauling industry. This method embodiment operates the power source133with a control means comprising; a control circuit and controls. The material handling bucket100is provided with a bucket front half101and an opposing bucket back half102, and the boom235operationally and attachedly located between the loader tractor140and the opposing bucket back half102, which is located snugly, pivotally, and freely moving within the bucket front half101. The method provides the opposing bucket back half102with a dozer bottom116and a dozer scraping lip107. The bucket front half101is operatively connected to the loader130by the pair of linkage systems120, and the boom235is operatively connected to the opposing bucket back half102.

This method embodiment of the present invention further comprises installing a horizontally sliding mechanism123(shown inFIGS. 3-5, 11, and 14) securedly, integratingly and cooperatively adjoining the bucket front half101with the opposing bucket back half102allowing the bucket front half101to slide horizontally and cooperatively with respect to the opposing bucket back half102. The method operates and moves the bucket front half101by the pair of linkage systems120in a pivoting and lateral manner, pivoting over and forward of the opposing bucket back half101, thereby allowing and providing horizontal and pivotal movement by the horizontally sliding mechanism123causing the bucket front half101to pivot and to advance forward, backward, upward and downward with respect to the opposing bucket back half102; operating, driving and laterally moving the bucket front half101forward beyond the bucket front half101; and allowing the bucket front half101to engage, scoop and haul application material111from a ground surface131backward onto the opposing bucket back half102. In this manner, the method comprises operating the opposing bucket back half102with the loader130cooperatively through the boom235and tipping the opposing bucket back half102up and down to load and dump the application material111, while using the boom235to lift, pivot, push and pull the opposing bucket back half102forward, backward, upward and downward. The loader130moves along the ground surface131in a travel direction134allowing the dozer scraping lip107to advance on the ground surface131scraping up and gathering application material111into the opposing bucket back half102, and pivoting the opposing bucket back half102to haul the application material111. A pair of side gates104are locating and freely attaching, respectively, to the left bucket side112and the opposing right bucket side113of the opposing bucket back half102, and a pair of stabilizer bars136are cooperatively and operatively attaching to the loader tractor140, which may be by the plurality of loader attachment means105(described above) or other means of cooperative attachment, respectively, and cooperatively, operatively securing each of the pair of stabilizer bars136to each of the pair of side gates104, respectively, and freely supporting, stabilizing and operating the pair of side gates104independent of the bucket front half101and the opposing bucket back half102. The pair of side gates104are oriented horizontally in proximity to the ground surface131, and restrict the movement of, and neatly contain, the application material111within the opposing bucket back half102with the pair of side gates.

The method of this embodiment of the present invention further comprises generating and providing power from the power source133in the loader130to move the loader tractor140, and operate the boom235, to operate the hydraulic power unit149, and cause the material handling bucket100to operate. The pair of linkage systems120comprise a pair of front linkage arms121; a pair of central linkage arms125, a pair of rear linkage arms126, a plurality of linkage lugs127, a pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, and a pair of hydraulic lines148(FIG. 13). This method cooperatively and pivotally connects the pair of front linkage arms121, respectively, to the bucket front half101by a pair of front connecting pins103alocated at the pair of front pivotally connecting points103and further cooperatively and pivotally connects, in turn, the pair of central linkage arms125, respectively, to the pair of rear linkage arms126at a pair of central linkage points146by the plurality of linkage lugs127. In turn, the pair of rear linkage arms126are further cooperatively and pivotally connected, respectively to the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124at a pair of cylinder linkage points147by the plurality of linkage lugs127. Hydraulic power is provide thereby from the hydraulic power unit149(FIGS. 1, 13 and 18) in the loader tractor140through the pair of hydraulic power lines148to operate the pair of linkage systems120by operating the pair of front bucket actuating cylinders124, causing the pair of front linkage arms121; the pair of central linkage arms125, and the pair of rear linkage arms126to connectively and cooperatively pivotally operate the front bucket half101. The application material111comprises at least one of: earth, asphalt, concrete, snow, aggregate, dirt, mulch or other landscaping material.

Potential uses and advantages of the present invention include being able to neatly cut seams in the ground surface131, as shown inFIG. 1, for paving operations without spilling application material111onto the finished surface. This advantage greatly reduces labor needed to clean the application material111spillage off of finished ground surface131. The related problem of an operator trying to neatly load application material111while having to simultaneously operate multiple controls in the loader130, without spilling application material111from the material handling bucket100is solved by the uniquely shaped front bucket half101, or clam portion of bucket, and the unique “parallel to ground linkage” provided by the pair of linkage systems120(FIG. 13) to the bucket front half101, described above. The reach of the material handling bucket100is greatly extended with one control input having the opposing bucket back half102tilted back in the loaded position, shown inFIGS. 3 and 11. The problem of application material111spillage off the sides of the opposing bucket back half102, the dozer portion of the material handling bucket100is solved by the optional unique containment gates, the pair of side gates104, described above in alternative embodiments. The problem of side gates (as employed in other known, traditional loader equipment in the industry) being in the way of application material111offloading is solved by the unique pair of side gates104, particularly shown inFIG. 17, independently mounting to the material handling bucket apparatus and to its opposing bucket back half102, which allows for the material handling bucket100to operate inside and independent of the pair of side gates104.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it will allow for gathering and collecting the application material111, depicted inFIG. 1, along a roadway shoulder without spilling the application material111off of the road shoulder, while greatly reducing equipment and labor needed to clean spilled application material111.

Another advantage of the present invention is allowing for cleaning by the material handling bucket apparatus in tight areas without spilling the application material111in the traveled way along the travel direction134shown inFIG. 1. This would make roadway construction areas safer by keeping material handling equipment from having to enter the traffic traveling lane thereby keeping traffic flowing freely with less over all impact on the traveling public from application material111gathering and hauling.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the material handling bucket100, shownFIGS. 1-18, is optimal for snow removal by gathering and effectively containing snow, as the application material111, and not spilling it into the traffic traveled way or onto sidewalks, etc., as the loader130moves in the travel direction134, as facilitated by the easy loading mechanism and pair of side gates104.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the material handling bucket apparatus is optimal for maintenance, landscaping, and agriculture applications for the same reasons as outlined immediately above. In essence, the present invention is effective for any task that allows for easily and neatly gathering and loading of a substance, specifically an application material111on the ground surface131.

Having thus described in detail a preferred selection of embodiments of the present invention, it is to be appreciated, and will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that many physical changes could be made in the apparatus or method without altering the invention, or the concepts and principles embodied therein.

Unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms and expressions have been used herein as terms of description and not terms of limitation, and are not intended to exclude any equivalents of features shown and described or portions thereof. Various changes can, of course, be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The present invention apparatus and method, therefore, should not be restricted, except in the following claims and their equivalents.

Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.

Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the foregoing figures and description.

It should be understood at the outset hat, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described herein, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described herein.

This patent will not limit us to just the said verbiage but have the flexibility to be able to utilize these concepts for many applications and many industries.