Modular system for connecting attachments to a construction machine

A modular system for connecting attachments to the extension arm of a construction machine, wherein each module has a standardized coupling arrangement. As a result, each module is compatible with another module to provide great versatility in configuring the machine. Additionally, the system includes a variety of different modules and a mechanism for remotely activating the coupling between modules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field Of The Invention

The present invention relates to a modular system for construction or demolition equipment which is adapted to be attached to a backhoe for attaching multiple tools, such as a heavy-duty metal cutting shear, a plate shear, a claw, a hammer, a bucket, a grapple or a concrete crusher.

While the discussion hereafter will make reference to construction equipment, such equipment is also referred to as demolition equipment, scrap handling equipment and the like. The description of construction equipment is not intended to be restrictive of the equipment being referenced. Demolition equipment, such as heavy-duty metal cutting shears, plate shears, claws, hammers, buckets, grapples and concrete crushers have been mounted on backhoes powered by hydraulic cylinders for a variety of jobs in the demolition field. This equipment provides for the efficient cutting and handling of scrap. For example, in the dismantling of an industrial building, metal scrap in the form of various diameter pipes, structural I-beams, channels, angles, sheet metal plates and the like, must be efficiently severed and handled by heavy-duty metal shears. Such metal shears can also be utilized for reducing automobiles, truck frames, railroad cars and the like. The shears must be able to move and cut the metal scrap pieces regardless of the size or shape of the individual scrap pieces and without any significant damage to the shears. In the demolition of an industrial building, concrete crushing devices such as a concrete pulverizer or concrete crackers are also used to reduce the structure to manageable components which can be easily handled and removed from the site. A grapple is often utilized where handling of debris or work pieces is a primary function of the equipment. Historically, all these pieces of equipment represent distinct tools having significant independent capital costs. Consequently, the demolition industry has tended to develop one type of tool that can have the greatest possible utility and application.

In general, construction equipment such as a backhoe is made up of a tractor having attached thereto a hydraulically operated boom and attached to the boom is a hydraulically operated stick. Each manufacturer of construction equipment provides a variety of attachments for their equipment, however, these attachments fit on only that manufacturer's equipment. As a result, the purchasing of such attachments not only requires a dedicated commitment to a single manufacturer of construction equipment, but furthermore, puts the equipment owner at a significant disadvantage if the particular equipment manufacturer does not provide a particular attachment which may be needed by the equipment owner. It is inefficient and costly for an equipment owner to own and maintain two separate construction machines because certain attachments are made by one manufacturer and certain other attachments are made by another manufacturer.

Additionally, different construction tasks require different configurations of the construction machine and depending upon the equipment manufacturer, there may be only a limited number of configurations possible for a specific construction machine. In the event that the machine owner desires a different configuration, then it may be necessary to approach the equipment manufacturer and ask for the specialized services associated with a customized part. This may become prohibitively expensive.

A design is needed that will provide the machine owner with the flexibility of a single set of attachments that may be suitable for use with any of a variety of construction machines from different manufacturers. Furthermore, a design is needed whereby a machine owner may have the flexibility to configure the attachments in any desirable sequence thereby maximizing the efficiency of the construction machine. Finally, a design is needed whereby it is possible for the machine owner to maximize the versatility of a construction machine by utilizing a plurality of different attachments that may be attached to the construction machine

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A modular system for connecting any one of a plurality of modules to an extension and of a construction machine comprising:a) a wing secured to the end of the extension arm, wherein the wing has a standardized proximal mounting arrangement; andb) a plurality of modules wherein each module has a first end with a standardized distal coupling arrangement adapted to be coupled with the standardized proximal coupling arrangement so that each module may be interchangeably secured to the wing.

For use in a modular system for connecting any one of a plurality of modules together to an extension arm of a construction machine, the subject invention is also directed to an automatically actuated coupling system for securing the modules.

Another embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a module for connecting to the extension arm of a construction machine. The module has a body with a first end and a second end with a proximal coupling arrangement associated with the first end and a distal coupling arrangement associated with the second end. The distal coupling arrangement has a plate with a hole pattern and the proximal coupling arrangement has a mating plate with an aligned matching hole pattern. The mounting arrangements are complimentary such that a second module having an identical one of the distal mounting arrangement or proximal mounting arrangement may be secured thereto.

Another embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a method for remotely locking a structural module onto the extension arm of a construction tool. The arm and module each have matching hole patterns adapted to receive common retention pins moved by a hydraulic cylinder. The method comprises the steps of:a) aligning the hole patterns of the arm and module andb) activating the hydraulic cylinder to move the retention pins to engage the holes of each pattern, thereby securing the structural module to the extension arm.

Another embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a method of interchangeably securing structural modules to the extension arm of a construction machine, wherein each module has a standardized coupling arrangement comprising the steps of mounting a first module to the standardized coupling arrangement of the extension arm, removing the first module from the extension arm, and mounting a second module having an identical standardized coupling arrangement to the extension arm.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be clarified in the description of the preferred embodiments wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1illustrates a construction machine10including a tractor12having an extension arm or boom15mounted thereupon and pivoted upon the tractor12with a hydraulic cylinder (not shown). Attached to the boom15is an extension arm or stick20operated by a hydraulic cylinder25attached between the boom15and the stick20. A stick pivot attachment point30in conjunction with a stick linkage attachment point35provide points of attachment through which other tools and accessories may be attached to the stick20. A hydraulic cylinder40in conjunction with a connecting linkage45act to move the stick linkage attachment point35to manipulate any accessory attached thereto. It is important to note that the stick pivot attachment point30and stick linkage attachment point35may significantly differ from one manufacturer to another such that one accessory or tool from a particular manufacturer may not be compatible to mount upon the stick of another manufacturer.

Directing attention toFIG. 2, the subject invention is intended to overcome this deficit by providing a modular system comprised of different functional modules that may be attached to the stick20through the use of a stick wing50. The proximal end51of the stick wing50is connected to the stick20at the stick pivot attachment point30and at the stick linkage attachment point35. The distal end52of the stick wing50includes a standardized proximal coupling arrangement55which may be used as a base for mounting any number of modular accessories or tools.

Additionally, directing attention toFIG. 3 and 4, which illustrates a construction machine10having a tractor12with only a boom15extending therefrom, a boom pivot attachment point60and a boom linkage attachment point65, driven by the hydraulic cylinder25, may be used as attachment points to receive the proximal end71of a boom wing70(FIG. 4). Once again, a distal end72of the boom wing70has a standardized proximal coupling arrangement75adapted to receive a variety of different modular accessories and tools.

Through the use of the stick wing50and the boom wing70it is possible to adapt a large variety of different construction machines to accept a plurality of standardized attachments and tools thereby providing the maximum versatility for a construction machine10in the event a manufacturer does not provide a full complement of such attachments and/or tools, or, in the event a machine owner wisher to maximize the capacity of the machine.

In particular, the proximal end51of the stick wing50or the proximal end71of the boom wing70may be customized to accommodate the stick attachment points or the boom attachment points of any variety of different designs.

FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate a front and side view of a stick wing50. In particular, the stick wing50is comprised of at least two plates80,81, each having at least two holes82,84extending therethrough and spaced apart to define a hole pattern85. The at least two opposing plates80,81have mounting surfaces86,88thereupon. It is the location of these plates80,81and the associated holes82,84, which define the proximal coupling arrangement associated with the stick wing50. The opposing plates80,81are connected together through the use of a connecting member90.

Additionally, each opposing plate80,81has therethrough connecting bores92,94spaced apart from one another on each plate80,81. It is the location and design of each of these connecting bores92,94which provides a connection to the stick wing50of one manufacturer or another manufacturer. The stick wing50may be designed such that the size and the location of the connecting bores92,94accommodate the attachment of the stick for different construction machines. While it may be necessary for a machine owner to have in inventory a variety of different stick wings50, each designed to adapt for different construction machinery, it will not be necessary for the machine owner to purchase customized tools for each construction machine' because, as will be seen, the modular system in accordance with the subject invention permits the use of a single set of tools upon machines from different manufacturers.

FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate a side view and a top view of a boom wing70having the standardized proximate coupling arrangement75and connecting bores100,102extending through plates104,106designed to be connected to the boom pivot attachment point60and boom linkage attachment point65illustrated inFIG. 3. The standardized proximal coupling arrangement75is identical to the standardized proximal coupling arrangement55previously described in association with the stick wing50. Additionally, the connecting bores100,102may be sized and spaced appropriately to accommodate the attachment points for booms from manufactures of different construction machines. Just as with the stick wing50, the boom wing70may be comprised of at least two opposing plates104,106and each of these opposing plates104,106may have mounting surfaces108,110.

A typical configuration for the proximal coupling arrangement and distal coupling arrangement herein discussed is illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B. Directing attention toFIG. 7A, an adapter210having a standardized proximal coupling arrangement55is illustrated in an exploded isometric view relative to the standardized distal coupling arrangement115of another adapter211. In particular, and using reference numbers already used with respect to the stick wing50and the boom wing70, the distal coupling arrangement55is comprised of opposing plates80,81with a hole pattern85defined by holes82,84which extend through both plates80,81. Each plate80,81has a mounting surface86,88.

The standardized distal coupling arrangement115is also comprised of at least two opposing plates120,122with a hole pattern124defined by spaced-apart holes126,128. Each opposing plate120,122has a mounting surface130,132each which is generally aligned with mounting surface86,88of the distal coupling arrangement55. The opposing plates80,81of the proximal coupling arrangement55are spaced in complimentary relationship with the opposing plates120,122of the distal coupling arrangement115such that when the plates80,81and120,122are merged, the mounting surfaces86,130and88,132are adjacent to one another. Additionally, the hole pattern85of the distal coupling arrangement55identified by holes82,84matches the hole pattern124of the distal coupling arrangement115defined by holes126,128. As a result, the proximal coupling arrangement55is mated with the distal coupling arrangement115and the hole patterns85,124align such that the retention pins140,142,144,146may be inserted within the holes thereby securing the proximal coupling arrangement55within the distal coupling arrangement115as illustrated inFIG. 7B. The retention pins140,142,144,146each have bores140a,142a,144a,146aextending diametrically therethrough to accept locking pins (not shown) which are engaged through the bores140a,142a,144a,146aand through matching bores140b,142b,144b,146bextending through the adapter.

It is also possible as illustrated inFIG. 7Afor the distal coupling arrangement115to further include with each opposing plate120,122a reinforcement plate148,150spaced next to the opposing plate120,122to define slots152,154therebetween. Each reinforcement plate148,150has an identical hole pattern156to that of the hole pattern124associated with the opposing plate within the slot152.

From inspection ofFIG. 7Ait should be appreciated that each adapter modules210,211has a standardized proximal coupling arrangement55and a standardized distal coupling arrangement115at each end. As a result, a plurality of adapter modules210,211may be connected to one another in a string of modules. As will be discussed, each different type of module hereinafter discussed will have one or both of the proximal coupling arrangement55and the distal coupling arrangement115. As a result, these modules may be selected and matched with one another to provide a nearly limitless combination of different modules.

Although throughout this application a specific configuration is described with respect to each distal coupling arrangement and each proximal coupling arrangement, it is entirely possible for the configuration associated with one coupling arrangement to be associated with the other configuration. In particular, with respect toFIG. 7A, it is entirely possible for the distal coupling arrangement to be associated with reference number115and the proximal coupling arrangement to be associated with reference number55.

Although the proximal coupling arrangement and mating distal coupling arrangement heretofore disclosed will be the typical arrangement discussed throughout this application, it should be appreciated that there are multiple other coupling arrangements which may be used with the subject invention. In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 8, a standardized distal coupling arrangement155is mateable with a standardized proximal coupling arrangement215whereby the arrangement155is comprised of a hooking plate160with a hole162therethrough and a spaced-apart hook164. The proximal coupling arrangement215is comprised of a hooked plate166with a spaced-apart hole168therethrough and a pivot pin170, such that the hook164of the hooking plate160may engage the pivot pin170of the hooked plate166and the spaced-apart holes162,168aligned to receive a support pin172extending therethrough, thereby providing a secure coupling between the distal coupling arrangement155and the proximal coupling arrangement215.

FIG. 9illustrates yet another coupling arrangement whereby a distal coupling arrangement175is connected to a proximal coupling arrangement180. In particular, the distal coupling arrangement175is comprised of a plate185having a hole187extending therethrough and a wide protruding end188. A projection189extends transversely to the end188. The proximal coupling arrangement180is comprised of a plate195having a hole197extending therethrough and a matching wide receiving end198. A recess199complimentary in shape to the projection189extends transversely within the end198in a direction corresponding to the projection189. The wide protruding end188of the distal coupling arrangement175is brought into abutment with the matching wide receiving end199of the proximal coupling arrangement215wherein the holes187,197are aligned and the projection189is engaged with the recess199. A retention bolt201is then placed within the holes187,197to provide a secure coupling between the two coupling arrangements175,180.

What has so far been described is a distal mounting arrangement secured to a proximal mounting arrangement through the use of pins which are secured within mating hole patterns between the proximal mounting arrangement and the distal mounting arrangement. While it is entirely possible to manually secure these pins within the holes of the matching hole patterns, it is also possible to automate this function so that the pins may be hydraulically activated to be engaged or disengaged from the matching holes of the proximal mounting arrangement and distal mounting arrangement.

In particular and directing attention toFIGS. 10-13C, an automatically actuated coupling system300will be discussed. For purposes of discussion, as shown inFIG. 10, a stick wing305will be attached to an adapter310. The stick wing305is comprised of a base312having at least one plate314with at least two holes316,318extending therethrough defining a hole pattern319.

Directing attention toFIGS. 10 and 12A, and focusing on one half of a coupling arrangement305,310, at least two locking posts320,322are aligned with the holes316,318and secured to a tie bar324. When the stick wing305is aligned with the adapter310, the posts320,322are slidable within the holes316,318of the base plate314. The adapter310is a module having a plate328with a hole pattern330extending therefrom matching that hole pattern319of the base plate314when the adapter310is positioned next to the stick wing305. A manipulator rod335(FIG. 11) is moved back and forth by an actuator340.FIG. 11illustrates the manipulator rod335in a retracted position. The actuator340may be, among other things, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric solenoid capable of moving the manipulator rod335from a retracted position illustrated inFIG. 11to an extended position illustrated inFIG. 13A. The manipulator rod335extends from the stick wing305to engage a slot342in the tie bar324as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 13A. As illustrated inFIG. 13B, once the manipulator rod335engages the slot342within the tie bar324the manipulator rod335may be retracted which at the same time will pull the tie bar324toward the adapter plate328thereby moving the locking posts320,322(FIG. 12A) into the holes316,318(FIG. 10) of the wing305to secure the adapter310within the wing305. FIG12A,13A illustrate the adapter310with the tie-bar324and the pins320,322in the extended position whileFIG. 13Cillustrates the stick wing305secured to the adapter310when the tie bar324is positioned in the retracted manner. As a safety precaution, directing attention toFIG. 13C, locking pins344,346may be used to secure the manipulator rod335within its retracted position relative to the adapter310. By utilizing such an arrangement, it is possible to automatically actuate retention pins to engage or disengage modules associated with one another.

It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the stick wing305and the adapter310have been discussed with a single based plate314and a single adapter plate328. However, it should be understood and as illustrated inFIGS. 10-13C, that each stick wing305and adapter310has at least a pair of opposing plates to provide an arrangement which is symmetrical about the center of each the stick wing305and the adapter310. It should also be noted that while, with respect toFIGS. 10-13C, only one side of the arrangement was discussed, there are four retention pins, in a typical adapter coupling in a symmetric arrangement to pins320,322illustrated inFIG. 12A.

FIGS. 10-13Cillustrate what type of automatically actuated coupling system300whereby the locking posts mounted upon the adapter310are moved inwardly to engage the holes316,318of the stick wing305.

Directing attention toFIGS. 44-47, it is also possible for the locking posts to move outwardly. In particular, as automatically actuated coupling system1300will be discussed. For purposes of discussion as shown inFIG. 44, a stick wing1305will be attached to an adapter1310. The stick wing1305is comprised of a base1312having at least one plate1314with at least two holes1316,1318extending therethrough defining a hole pattern1319. At least two locking posts1320,1322are aligned with the holes1316,1318and slidably mounted within a guide1324attached to the stick wing base. When the stick wing1305is aligned with the adapter1310, the posts1320,1322are slideable within the holes1316,1318of the base plate1314. The adapter1310is a module having a plate1328with a hole pattern similar to that of hole pattern1319extending therefrom and matching the hole pattern1319of the base plate1314when the adapter1310is positioned next to the stick wing1305. When the stick wing1305is properly positioned adjacent to the adapter1310, the locking pins1320,1322are expanded outwardly to engage the holes1316,1318from the retracted position illustrated inFIG. 46to the extended position illustrated inFIG. 47where the locking posts1320,1322engage the adapter1310. The locking posts1320,1322may be hydraulically activated within the guide1324. It should be noted that while the locking posts1320,1322within the guide1324are associated with the stick wing1305, it is entirely possible for the locking posts1320,1322within the guide1324to be associated instead with the adapter1310.

Briefly returning toFIGS. 7A and 7B, described therein was a proximal coupling arrangement55mateable with a distal coupling arrangement115.FIGS. 14A-14Cillustrate a single adapter module350for connecting to a construction machine, wherein the module350has a body352with a first end354and a second end356. A proximal coupling arrangement55similar to that illustrated inFIG. 7Ais associated with the first end354and a distal coupling arrangement115similar to that illustrated inFIG. 7Ais associated with the second end356. The reference numbers applied inFIG. 7Amay also be applied to the elements inFIGS. 14A-14C. It should be appreciated that other modules having a proximal coupling arrangement55on their first end and a distal coupling arrangement115on their second end may be arranged with one another and interlocked together in any desirable fashion. It is this interchangeability which provides the machine owner with maximum versatility and maximum efficiency in mixing and matching any number of a variety of different modules each having a proximal coupling arrangement and a distal coupling arrangement or both with each compatible with other modules.

The module350illustrated inFIGS. 14A-14Cis an adapter module which, as will be discussed, is intended to attach to a multi-tool. The adapter module350at its first end354includes a sleeve401with a longitudinal axis403and a passageway405extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis403. The sleeve401is adapted to encompass the hydraulic cylinder portion362(FIG. 15) on the end of the multi-tool360, which is used to operate the multi-tool360.

FIG. 15is an exploded side view of an arrangement whereby a stick wing50may be secured to an adapter module350which itself may be secured to a multi-tool360. The multi-tool360includes a distal coupling arrangement115similar to that illustrated in the adapter module350ofFIGS. 14A-14C.

Briefly returning toFIGS. 14A-14C, the body352includes a window358. When the adapter module350is secured to the multi-tool360, the window358provides access for the hydraulic lines which operate the multi-tool360.

FIG. 16illustrates the stick wing50with the adapter module350and a multi-tool360adjacent thereto. Between the stick wing50and the adapter module350is an extension module365which is similar to the adapter module350but exists purely to provide an extension between the stick wing50and another module. The extension module365includes a support structure367with a proximal coupling arrangement55associated with the first end369and a distal coupling arrangement115associated with the second end371.

While the adapter module350and the extension module365provide rigid structures between the proximal coupling arrangement and the distal coupling arrangement of each of these modules,FIG. 17illustrates a folding module375which is capable of pivoting such that the proximal coupling arrangement55and distal coupling arrangement115may be oriented relative to one another at different angles. The folding module375illustrated inFIG. 17is attached to an adapter module350at the first end377and to a stick wing50at the second end379. Just as before, the adapter module350is connected to the multi-tool360.

The configuration illustrated inFIG. 18is identical to the configuration illustrated inFIG. 17with the exception that the stick wing50is replaced by the boom wing70previously described. With this interchangeability, it should be appreciated that any modules that may be attached to the stick wing50illustrated inFIG. 2may also be attached to the boom wing70illustrated inFIG. 4. Nevertheless, returning toFIG. 18, the folding module375as described with respect toFIG. 17is capable of orienting the proximal coupling arrangement55at a different angle relative to the distal coupling arrangement115.

Directing attention toFIGS. 18 and 19, the folding module375is comprised of a two-part structure between the first end377and the second end379.FIG. 18illustrates the folding adapter375in a straight pattern whileFIG. 19illustrates the folding adapter375in a folded configuration. A first part380and a second part382are connected at one point384by a pivot386and are connected at a different point388by a driving cylinder390with a cylinder rod392such that the motion of the cylinder rod392changes the angular orientation of the first part380relative to the second part382and, as a result, changes the angular orientation of the adapter350relative to the boom wing70or to any other module to which the first part380may be attached.

The arrangement illustrated inFIG. 18and inFIG. 19is a boom wing70attached to a folding module375which itself is attached to an adapter module350. To conserve space and to minimize the number of parts, it is entirely possible to consolidate the boom wing70and the folding module375illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19to generate a folding adapter module395illustrated inFIGS. 20A and 20B. The folding adapter module395is comprised of a two-part structure wherein the first part is an adapter part397similar to the adapter module350previously described, but now, as will be seen is an integral part of the folding adapter module395. The adapter part397is at the module first end409.

The folding adapter module395includes a first part407which has an adapter at the module first end409and includes similar features to the adapter module350described with respect toFIGS. 14A-14C. In particular, the first part407at the first end409includes a sleeve401with a longitudinal axis403and a passageway405extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis403. The sleeve401is adapted to overlap a hydraulic cylinder portion362(FIG. 15) on the end of a tool360.

The second part is a folding member411. The first part407and the second part411are connected to one another at one point484by a pivot486and at a different point488by a driving cylinder490with a cylinder rod492such that motion of the cylinder rod492changes the angular orientation of the first part407relative to the second part411and, as a result, changes the angular orientation of the boom wing70and the first end409.

FIGS. 21A-21Dillustrate the versatility of a multi-tool360attached to a boom wing70by way of the folding adapter module395just described. Not only may the multi-tool360be rotated by the motion of the boom15as it is pivoted about the tractor (not shown), but additionally, through the use of the folding adapter module395, the multi-tool360may have an additional joint of rotation such that, as illustrated in the sequence ofFIGS. 20A-20C, the multi-tool360may be rotated through an angular range of approximately135°. While such a rotation may be available utilizing a standard boom/stick combination, the space required for this arrangement coupled with a multi-tool360would be prohibitive and, as a result, the folding adapter module395provides a solution not heretofore available in previous designs.

The modular design so far discussed is amenable to both a terminal module with a standardized coupling arrangement at only one end or an intermediate module which includes a standardized proximal coupling arrangement on one end and a distal coupling arrangement on another end.

Returning attention toFIG. 16, the extension module365is one example of an intermediate module which, on a first end369, includes a standardized proximal coupling55and, on the second end371, includes a standardized distal coupling115such that the extension module365may be secured between two other modules having an identical distal coupling arrangement or proximal coupling arrangement. As illustrated inFIG. 16, the stick wing50includes a proximal coupling arrangement55which is secured to the distal coupling arrangement115at one end371of the extension module365while the proximal coupling arrangement55at the other end369of the extension module365is secured to the distal coupling arrangement115of the adapter module350. As such, the adapter module350is also an intermediate module used to accommodate the multi-tool360.

In order to accommodate the proximal coupling arrangement55of the adapter module350, the multi-tool360has a front end500(FIG. 15) with a standardized proximal coupling arrangement115with the hydraulic cylinder portion362extending therefrom. As previously mentioned, the tool adapter350includes a sleeve401(FIG. 14B) with a longitudinal axis403and a passageway405extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis403. The sleeve401overlaps the hydraulic cylinder portion362(FIG. 15) and has a standardized proximal coupling arrangement55secured to the standardized distal coupling arrangement115of the multi-tool360. In this arrangement, the multi-tool360, since it has only a standardized distal coupling arrangement115, is considered to be a terminal module. On the other hand, the tool adapter350, since it has both a standardized proximal coupling arrangement115and a standardized distal coupling arrangement55, is considered to be an intermediate module.

An intermediate module may also be the extension module365previously discussed with respect toFIG. 16. An intermediate module may furthermore be the folding module375discussed with respect toFIGS. 17 and 18. Additionally, an intermediate module may be the folding adapter module395discussed with respect toFIGS. 19-20B.

Directing attention toFIGS. 22 and 23, the intermediate module may also be a rotator module510that may, for example, be secured between the stick wing50and a bucket512having a distal coupling arrangement115thereupon.FIG. 23illustrates this arrangement assembled.

Directing attention toFIGS. 24-26, the rotator module510is comprised of a rotator514between a first end516and a second end518. The rotator514is comprised of a first part520rotatably connected to a second part522and further includes a driver524to mechanically rotate the first part520relative to the second part522thereby providing rotation between the module first end516and the module second end518. The driver524rotates a driver gear which mates with an engaging gear r the second part522to provide relative rotation between the first part520and the second part522. The driver524may be a hydraulically driven motor or in the alternative, may be an electric motor. The rotator module has a standardized distal coupling arrangement115at the first end516and a standardized proximal coupling arrangement55at the second end518.

AlthoughFIGS. 22 and 23illustrated a bucket512secured to the stick wing50through a rotator module510, as illustrated inFIGS. 27 and 28, it is entirely possible to mount the bucket512directly to the stick wing50.

FIGS. 29 and 30illustrate an exploded and an assembled view of a claw530secured to the stick wing50through a rotator module510. The claw530may be comprised of two tines532,534pivotally secured to the body536of the claw and operated by hydraulic cylinders (not shown).

FIGS. 31 and 32illustrate a hammer540secured to the stick wing50in a typical manner discussed within this application. Depending upon the manufacturer of the hammer,540, it may be necessary to install a fitting plate542which includes a distal coupling arrangement115similar to those discussed herein. With such an arrangement, the hammer540may be mounted via the stick wing50to the stick20of a construction machine. Note the hydraulic cylinder40(FIG. 2) has been removed inFIG. 32.

As previously stated, while a module having a proximal coupling arrangement on one end and a distal coupling arrangement on the opposing end has been referred to as an intermediate module, a module having only a standardized distal coupling arrangement at one end may be referred to as a terminal module. In particular, the multi-tool360(FIG. 15) may be considered a terminal module as may the bucket512(FIG. 27), claw530(FIG. 29), and hammer540(FIG. 31).

What has so far been discussed are proximal coupling arrangements and distal coupling arrangements all compatible with one another. Such arrangements may typically be associated with a construction machine having a specific design capacity. However,, it is entirely possible, depending upon the intended loading of a construction machine, to mate a coupling arrangement of one size with a coupling arrangement of a different size. In particular and with attention directed toFIGS. 33 and 34, a reducer module550is comprised of a first end552having a distal coupling arrangement115and a second end554having a proximal coupling arrangement but proportionately smaller to accommodate a proximal coupling arrangement also proportionately smaller for an adjacent module. In particular, the distance between slots in the distal coupling arrangement115is L1and the distance between the center lines of the protrusions557,558for the proximal coupling arrangement55, which normally would extend within the slots555,556, is L2which, as illustrated inFIG. 34, is less than L1.

In the alternative, an enlarger module560may have a first end562with a distal coupling arrangement having a distance between slots566,567of L3with a second end564having a distance L4between protrusions568,569wherein L4is greater than L3and the standardized proximal coupling arrangement55is proportionately smaller than the standardized distal coupling arrangement115.

It should be noted that the size and the spacing of the mounting holes for each adapter will also change depending on the size of the coupling arrangement.

FIG. 37illustrates a construction machine12with a boom15and a stick20with a stick wing50attached thereto and a supplemental extension arm570attached to the wing50. An electric magnet575is suspended by cables577from the supplemental extension arm570. The electric magnet must be powered by an electric cable578extending all of the way from the tractor12to the magnet575and, as a result, the electrical cable578is exposed not only to the motion of the boom15and the stick20, but furthermore, is exposed to the environment which may include demolition debris contacting or severing the electrical cable578. As a result,FIG. 38illustrates a modified extension arm579which is identical to the stick20previously described with the exception of access to the internal frame of the modified extension arm579to protect the electrical cable. In particular, the modified extension arm579includes a first window581which provides access to the internal frame of the modified extension arm579and a second window583which together provide an entrance point and an exit point for the electrical cable578.

Supplemental extension arm570is illustrated inFIGS. 39 and 40and just as with the modified extension arm579, includes a first window585providing an entrance to the internal frame and a second window587providing an exit from the internal frame, thereby protecting the electrical cable578along the length of the supplemental extension arm570. By doing so, the electrical cable578powering the magnet575is shielded along the segments of the construction machine where the cable578would normally be most vulnerable. The supplemental extension arm570has lifting slots572,573extending therethrough suitable to accept the tines of a forklift or suitable to accept a cable sling for lifting. Such lifting slots may also be included in the modified extension arm579illustrated inFIG. 38.

FIGS. 41A-41Eillustrate the versatility of a construction machine10having a hydraulically activated boom15, a hydraulically activated stick20and a hydraulically activated supplemental extension arm570. As may be seen in the sequence presented inFIGS. 41A-41E, the end589of the supplemental extension arm570is capable of being rotated360°. Such a range of motion, provides a machine operator with tremendous flexibility and versatility.

FIG. 42illustrates a construction machine12with a boom15and a boom wing70attached thereto. The supplemental extension arm570is connected to the boom wing70. Attached to the supplemental extension arm570through a support cable577is an electric magnet575powered by an electric cable578. Therefore, it should be apparent that the supplemental extension arm570having an electric magnet575attached thereto may be secured to either the stick wing50, as illustrated inFIG. 37, or the boom wing70as illustrated inFIG. 42.

FIGS. 43A-43Cillustrate a telescopic adapter module600secured to the boom wing70of a construction machine12. It should be appreciated that the telescopic adapter module600may also be mounted to a stick wing (not shown) or one of the intermediate adapters previously discussed herein.

The telescopic adapter module600is comprised of a base605with an axially moving nested segment610extending from the base605. As can be seen inFIGS. 43A-43B, multiple nesting segments are possible. In particular,FIG. 43Cillustrates a second nested segment615extending from the first nested segment610. At the furthermost end of nested segment615is a standardized proximal coupling arrangement55of a particular size. A central cylinder620may be activated to extend the segments610,615from the base605. In one embodiment of the subject invention, nested segment615is the only segment that includes the standardized proximal coupling arrangement55. However, in another embodiment, the base605includes a standardized proximal coupling arrangement55of one size, the first nested segment610includes a standardized proximal coupling arrangement55of another size and, as mentioned, the second nested segment615includes yet another standardized proximal coupling arrangement55of yet another size. As a result, the telescopic adapter module600functions not only as a telescoping unit, but furthermore, provides the versatility to connect any number of different sized standardized distal coupling arrangements to the telescopic adapter module. As seen inFigure 43C, the standardized proximal coupling arrangement55becomes progressively smaller in each segment610,615extending away from the base605. The embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 43A-43Cincludes two nested segments610,615extending from a base605wherein, the furthermost end of each segment610,615has a standardized proximal coupling arrangement55.

The subject invention is also directed to a method of interchanging one module with another module to provide versatility to a construction machine. In particular, and with attention directed toFIGS. 22-23, the rotator module510may be secured between the stick wing50and the bucket512with the standardized coupling arrangements mating with one another. Additionally, with attention directed toFIGS. 27-28, the bucket512may be attached directly to the stick wing50. As a result, it should be apparent that the modules described throughout this application may be attached in any number of combinations to provide configurations desired by the machine owner. It is also possible to remotely lock and unlock these modules to one another by aligning the hole patterns between a standardized distal coupling arrangement and a standardized proximal coupling arrangement and securing retention pins through the matching holes as described herein.

It should now be appreciated that the system, in accordance with the subject invention, provides tremendous versatility for using the intermediate modules and the terminal modules to assemble from the stick or the boom of a construction machine and almost limitless number of different combinations to accommodate the needs of a machine operator since all of the intermediate modules and the terminal modules are compatible with one another through the standardized coupling arrangements.