Ground clearing apparatus

A ground clearing apparatus comprising a box member comprised of a framework having an upper edge, first and second side edges, and a lower edge. A plurality of base teeth protrude downwardly from the lower edge. The apparatus further comprises a grapple including a first grapple arm hingeably attached to the box member, a second grapple arm hingeably attached to the box member, and a cross member joined to a distal ends of the first and second grapple arms. A plurality of grapple teeth extend outwardly from the cross member. The grapple is movable from a closed position in which the grapple teeth are interspersed with the base teeth, to an open position in which the grapple teeth are separated from the base teeth.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Ground clearing apparatus that is attachable to a loader, bulldozer, or tractor, and includes a combination of ripping, raking, and gripping elements for extracting and separating rocks, and roots, stumps, and other vegetation components from soil.

2. Description of Related Art

The clearing of rocks and/or vegetation from various landscapes requires powerful, robust machinery. This is typically accomplished through the use of bulldozers, loaders, or tractors, to which is attached one or more modular implements which can be used to perform a ground clearing function. The type of ground clearing functions may vary, depending upon the intended use of the cleared ground. Common uses of newly cleared ground are farming, or commercial, industrial, or residential development.

Oftentimes, the ground to be cleared will be a forest or a brush covered area. The objects to be cleared from the ground will thus include trees, stumps, and brush above the ground surface, and rocks and roots of widely varying size beneath the ground surface. To clear such ground, the ground clearing functions may include knocking over whole trees and stumps, dislodging the trees, stumps, and brush from the ground, ripping the roots from the ground and bringing them to the surface, dislodging rocks from the ground and bringing them to the surface, raking the ground to select and separate rocks and roots of a certain size threshold from the ground while leaving soil and smaller size debris behind, and picking up the rocks, trees, stumps, etc., and removing them to a remote location.

As currently practiced, ground clearing operations require a variety of implements that are attachable to a bulldozer, loader, or tractor. Each implement may have a particular function. For example, a blade may be used as a ground scraping device, and an object pushing device used for knocking trees and stumps over, and pushing them along the ground. A ripper having a few large teeth may be used to break-up sod allowing it to pass through the teeth thereof, while ripping roots and rocks from the ground. A rake may be used to separate rocks and roots of a certain size threshold from the ground. One or more rakes may be required, with each successive rake having an increased number of teeth, in order to achieve a range of rock and root size separations. A grapple may be used to pick up large objects, such as trees, stumps, rocks, and clusters of brush, and to transport them to another location, or drop them into a dump truck box for removal from the site.

Maintaining an inventory of such a range of implements is expensive, as is transporting all of these implements to a job site when they are needed. During a ground clearing operation, the numerous changeovers from one implement to another that are required to perform the full range of ground clearing operations is labor intensive, and therefore also costly. What is needed is a single implement which can be attached to a bulldozer, loader, or tractor, and which can perform multiple ground clearing operations.

SUMMARY

The problem of performing multiple ground clearing operations with a single attachable implement is solved by a ground clearing apparatus comprising a box member comprised of a framework having a perimeter comprised of an upper edge, first and second side edges, and a lower edge; a plurality of base teeth protruding downwardly from the lower edge; a first hinge ear joined to the framework proximate to the upper edge and first side edge; and a second hinge ear joined to the framework proximate to the upper edge and second side edge; and a grapple comprised of a first grapple arm hingeably attached to the first hinge ear of the box member; a second grapple arm hingeably attached to the second hinge ear of the box member; and a cross member joined to a distal end of the first grapple arm and to a distal end of the second grapple arm, and a plurality of grapple teeth extending outwardly from the cross member, the grapple being movable from a closed position in which the cross member is proximate to the lower edge of the box member to an open position. When the grapple is in the closed position, the grapple teeth are interspersed with the base teeth, and the apparatus may be used as a fine rake. When the grapple is in the open position, only the base teeth are in contact with the ground to be cleared, and the apparatus may be used as a coarse rake.

The box member is comprised of a forward surface bounded by the perimeter and may include a plurality of openings therethrough. The forward surface may be comprised of a grating formed in the framework, wherein the plurality of openings form a grid in the forward surface. The number of grapple teeth may be substantially equal to the number of base teeth. In such an instance, the grapple teeth may be substantially equally spaced between the base teeth when the grapple is in the closed position. The number of grapple teeth may be about two times or three times the number of base teeth, or more. The grapple may be further comprised of a first linear actuator operatively connected to the first grapple arm and to the box member, and a second linear actuator operatively connected to the second grapple arm and to the box member.

In a further embodiment, the ground clearing apparatus may include a pair of first and second support arms, each of first and second support arms comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the first support arm is a first member of a first four member box linkage, the first four member box linkage further comprising second, third, and fourth members, wherein the first support arm is hingeably attached at a proximal end thereof to the second member of the first box linkage, which comprises a first fixed length frame member; the third member of the first box linkage is comprised of a first variable length linear actuator hingeably attached at a proximal end thereof to the second member; and the fourth member of the first box linkage is comprised of a first fixed length bar member hingeably attached at a lower end thereof to a distal end of the proximal portion of the first support arm, and hingeably attached at a central region thereof to a distal end of the third member of the first box linkage. The proximal portion of the second support arm is a first member of a second four member box linkage, the second four member box linkage further comprising second, third, and fourth members, wherein the second support arm is hingeably attached at a proximal end thereof to the second member of the second box linkage, which comprises a second fixed length frame member; the third member of the second box linkage is comprised of a second variable length linear actuator hingeably attached at a proximal end thereof to the second member of the second box linkage; and the fourth member of the second box linkage is comprised of a second fixed length bar member hingeably attached at a lower end thereof to a distal end of the proximal portion of the second support arm, and hingeably attached at a central region thereof to a distal end of the third member of the second box linkage. The distal portion of the first support arm is a first member of a third four member box linkage, the third four member box linkage further comprising second, third, and fourth members, wherein the first support arm is hingeably attached at a distal end thereof to a lower region of the box member, the box member forming the second member of the third box linkage; the third member of the third box linkage is comprised of a third fixed length bar member hingeably attached at a distal end thereof to an upper region of the box member; and the fourth member of the third box linkage is comprised of the fourth member of the first box linkage hingeably attached at an upper end thereof to a proximal end of the third member of the third box linkage. The distal portion of the second support arm is a first member of a fourth four member box linkage, the fourth four member box linkage further comprising second, third, and fourth members, wherein the second support arm is hingeably attached at a distal end thereof to the lower region of the box member, the box member forming the second member of the fourth box linkage; the third member of the fourth box linkage is comprised of a fourth fixed length bar member hingeably attached at a distal end thereof to the upper region of the box member; and the fourth member of the fourth box linkage is comprised of the fourth member of the second box linkage hingeably attached at an upper end thereof to a proximal end of the third member of the fourth box linkage. The first and second fixed length frame members may be joined to one of a tractor, a loader, a bulldozer, and a skid-steer.

The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a ground clearing apparatus is provided comprising a box member and a grapple. The box member and the grapple may each include teeth for raking of ground to be cleared. The apparatus may further include first and second support arms, which may be operatively connected to a tractor, a loader, a bulldozer, or a skid-steer. The apparatus is useful in performing the ground clearing functions of knocking over trees and stumps, dislodging trees, stumps, and brush from the ground, ripping roots and rocks from the ground and bringing them to the surface, breaking up sod and busting clumps of sod/soil, and raking the ground to select and separate rocks and roots from the ground, and picking up rocks, trees, stumps, etc., and removing them to a remote location. In other words, the apparatus can perform substantially all of the major ground clearing functions, leaving cleared ground in a state that is ready for farming, or commercial, industrial, or residential development.

Embodiments of the ground clearing apparatus will now be described, and are best understood with reference toFIGS. 1-5B. Referring first toFIGS. 1 and 2, the ground clearing apparatus100is shown operatively connected to a loader10. The details of the connection of the apparatus100to the loader10, and the operation of the apparatus100will be described subsequently herein. First, however, details of the apparatus100will be described with reference also toFIGS. 3A,3B,5A, and5B.

The ground clearing apparatus100is comprised of a box member110and a grapple160. The box member110is comprised of a framework112having a perimeter comprised of an upper edge114, first and second side edges116and118, and a lower edge120. In performing ground clearing operations, the box member110is subjected to high stresses, impacts, and shock loads, and is thus made of high strength materials, such as e.g., structural steel members. The box member110is preferably of welded construction. In one embodiment, the upper edge114and lower edge120may be formed by respective heavy wall square steel tubing members122and124. The first side edge116may be formed by a first outer plate126, which is joined to a first face plate128, which in turn is joined to a first inner plate130to form a first high-strength C-shaped channel structure. In like manner, the second side edge118may be formed by a second outer plate132, which is joined to a second face plate134, which in turn is joined to a second inner plate136to form a second C-shaped channel structure. The box member110may be further comprised of structural columns138and140formed of plates, tubing, or other structural sections and joined to the upper and lower tubing members122and124. These columns138and140provide additional strength and rigidity to the box member110, and also provide attachment locations for connection of the apparatus to a loader or other machine. It will be apparent that other structural members and arrangements could be used to form the box member110.

The box member110is further comprised of a plurality of base teeth142protruding downwardly from the lower edge120. The base teeth142may be disposed at substantially regular intervals along the lower edge120, and may be used in the coarse raking of ground during a ground clearing operation. The base teeth may be welded to a second lower tubing member144, which in turn is welded to the first lower tubing member124. The base teeth142are subjected to considerable impacts, shocks, and abrasion during a ground clearing operation, and may be subject to wear and/or breakage during such operation. In one embodiment, the base teeth142are of two piece construction, and are each comprised of a mounting bar146, and a removable tooth member147, which may be joined to the mounting bar146by one or more suitable fasteners (not shown).

The box member110is further comprised of a first hinge ear148joined to the framework112proximate to the upper edge114and first side edge116thereof; and a second hinge ear150joined to the framework112proximate to the upper edge114and second side edge118thereof. In one embodiment, the first hinge ear148may be formed by extending the first outer plate126and the first inner plate130upwardly beyond the upper edge114of the box member110. In like manner, the second hinge ear150may be formed by extending the second outer plate132and the second inner plate136upwardly beyond the upper edge114of the box member110.

With reference again toFIGS. 1-5B, the grapple160of the ground clearing apparatus100will now be described. The grapple160is comprised of a first grapple arm162hingeably attached to the first hinge ear148of the box member110, a second grapple arm164hingeably attached to the second hinge ear150of the box member110, and a cross member166joined to a distal end168of the first grapple arm162and to a distal end170of the second grapple arm164. The first grapple arm162is hingeably attached to the first hinge ear148by a pin172disposed in holes152in the first hinge ear148and in a hole provided in the proximal end174of the first grapple arm162. In like manner, the second grapple arm164is hingeably attached to the second hinge ear150by a pin176disposed in holes154in the second hinge ear150and in a hole provided in the proximal end178of the second grapple arm164. By virtue of the hingeable attachment of the grapple160to the box member110, the grapple160is movable from an open position in which the cross member166is raised, to a closed position in which the cross member166is proximate to the lower edge120of the box member110, as indicated by arcuate arrow199.

The grapple160is further comprised of a plurality of grapple teeth180extending outwardly from the cross member166. These grapple teeth180serve to provide the apparatus100with fine raking capability, which is best understood with reference toFIGS. 4,5A, and5B. When the grapple160is in the closed position, the grapple teeth180are interspersed with the base teeth142, and the apparatus100may be used as a fine rake. When the grapple160is in the open position as shown inFIGS. 1,2,3A, and3B, only the base teeth142are in contact with the ground2to be cleared, and the apparatus100may be used as a coarse rake. The number of grapple teeth180may be substantially equal to the number of base teeth142, with grapple teeth180alternating with base teeth142when the grapple160is in the closed position. If the apparatus100is constructed with the grapple teeth180being outermost, there will be N base teeth, and N+1 grapple teeth. If the apparatus100is constructed with the base teeth142being outermost, there will be N base teeth, and N−1 grapple teeth. In either instance, the grapple teeth180are preferably substantially equally spaced between the base teeth142when the grapple is in the closed position. In another embodiment (not shown), the number of grapple teeth180may be about two times the number of base teeth142. In other words, two grapple teeth180may be spaced between each pair of blade teeth142. In another embodiment (not shown), the number of grapple teeth180may be about three times the number of base teeth142, i.e., three grapple teeth180may be spaced between each pair of blade teeth142. Other arrangements of grapple teeth180and blade teeth142may be used.

The grapple teeth180are also subjected to considerable impacts, shocks, and abrasion during a ground clearing operation, and may be subject to wear and/or breakage during such operation. In one embodiment, the grapple teeth180are of two piece construction, and are each comprised of a mounting bar182, and a removable tooth member184, which may be joined to the mounting bar182by one or more suitable fasteners (not shown).

To move the grapple160between the closed position and the open position, the grapple160may be further comprised of a first linear actuator operatively connected to the first grapple arm162and to the box member110, and a second linear actuator operatively connected to the second grapple arm164and to the box member110. The linear actuators are preferably hydraulic cylinders, although other linear actuators may be suitable, depending upon the machine to which the apparatus100is connected. Referring in particular toFIGS. 3A,3B, and5A, a first hydraulic cylinder102is disposed in the channel formed by first outer plate126, first face plate128, and first inner plate130. The body103of the first hydraulic cylinder102is operatively connected to the first outer plate126and the first inner plate130by a pin104, and the piston105of the first hydraulic cylinder102is operatively connected to a first drive ear186of the first grapple arm162by a pin187. In like manner, a second hydraulic cylinder106is disposed in the channel formed by second outer plate132, second face plate134, and second inner plate136. The body107of the second hydraulic cylinder106is operatively connected to the second outer plate132and the second inner plate136by a pin108, and the piston109of the second hydraulic cylinder106is operatively connected to a second drive ear188of the second grapple arm164by a pin189.

In a further embodiment (not shown), the first and second grapple arms162and164are not connected to each other by the cross member166. In such an instance, the first and second grapple arms162and164function as independent grapple arms, and may include inwardly directed cantilevered support arms for the grapple teeth180. Stated in another way with reference to the grapple160ofFIGS. 1-5B, the cross member166of the grapple160is cut in its middle region, with no physical connection provided between the first and second grapple arms162and164. The resulting independent grapple arms162and164may be provided with independent linear actuators to operate grapple arms162and164separately.

The box member110is further comprised of a forward surface bounded by the perimeter of the framework112. In one embodiment (not shown), the forward surface may be formed of a solid plate of material, or multiple plates of material that are joined together. Alternatively, the forward surface may include a plurality of openings therethrough. Referring toFIGS. 3A,3B,5A, and5B, the forward surface113is provided with three openings115A,115B, and115C therethrough between the columns138and140, and the first and second inner plates130and136. In an alternative embodiment shown inFIGS. 1,2, and4, the forward surface113is comprised of gratings117A,117B, and117C formed in the framework, wherein the plurality of openings in the gratings117A/117B/117C form a grid in the forward surface113. These gratings permit an operator of the apparatus100to see through box member110, thereby providing visibility to the operator, while still containing debris and permitting the debris to be pushed into a pile and grappled.

The forward surface of the box member110and the grapple arms162and164are preferably curved, and form opposed concave surfaces with respect to each other. In that manner, when the grapple160is in the lowered position, a volume having an elliptical cross section is formed. This volume contains the various objects to be picked up and transported by the apparatus100when it is used for a grappling operation.

FIG. 6is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a ground clearing apparatus101of the present disclosure including a box member111and a grapple161, which is shown in the closed position. The apparatus101is similar to the apparatus100ofFIGS. 1-5B, and is comprised of a framework comprised of an upper member115, first and second side members117and119, and a lower member121. The box member111is further comprised of a plurality of base teeth143protruding downwardly from the lower member121. The base teeth143differ from the base teeth142of apparatus100in that they are disposed at wider intervals along the lower member121. The apparatus101further differs from the apparatus100in that the grapple161is comprised of separate grapple arms163and165, which are not joined by a cross member. With the grapple161not having a cross member, when a large irregular shaped object having a thick end, such as a root ball of a tree, and a thin end, such as the trunk of the tree, is grappled, the respective grapple arms will close and clamp down on the respective parts of the object. The apparatus101is thus more suited to grappling irregular shaped objects, and is also of lighter weight. In a further embodiment, grapple arms163and165may be provided with independently controlled hydraulic cylinders, thereby enabling the apparatus101to pick up two objects, such as a stump and a rock, in separate operations.

Grapple161also has only two grapple teeth167and169, which are disposed between adjacent blade teeth143. In a further embodiment, the grapple arms163and165may further include inwardly directed extensions (not shown), each including an additional grapple tooth (not shown), such that the central tooth of the blade teeth143has a pair of grapple teeth on each side of it.

The apparatus101is more effective than apparatus100for performing very coarse raking, as well as for acting as a ripper. The teeth143of apparatus101are spaced further apart and are stronger, thereby enabling apparatus101to be more effective in breaking up sod and heavy soil, such as clay. The wider spacing of teeth143allows soil to pass through teeth143when large rocks, stumps, roots, and trees are ripped from the surface of the ground2.

In accordance with the present disclosure, there is also provided a ripper implement or apparatus for ripping objects from the ground, which is attachable to a loader or other machine.FIG. 8is a front perspective view of the ripper apparatus200attached to a loader10; andFIGS. 9A-9Care side elevation, front perspective, and rear perspective views of the ripper apparatus200ofFIG. 8, respectively. The ripper200may be operatively connected to the loader10in substantially the same manner as the ground clearing apparatus100and101ofFIGS. 1-6. The details of the connection of the ripper200to the loader10, and the operation of the ripper200will be described subsequently herein. First, however, details of the ripper200will be described with reference toFIGS. 8-9C.

The ripper implement200is comprised of a box member210and at least two ripper teeth242and244extending downwardly and outwardly from the box member210. In another embodiment (not shown) provided for smaller loaders and other driving machines, the ripper implement may be comprised of only a single ripper tooth. The box member210is comprised of a framework212having a perimeter comprised of an upper edge214, first and second side edges216and218, and a lower edge220. In performing ripping operations, the box member210is subjected to high stresses, impacts, and shock loads, and is thus made of high strength materials, such as e.g., structural steel tubes, channels, I-beams, angles, and/or plates. The box member210is preferably of welded construction. In one embodiment, the upper edge214may be formed by a heavy wall square steel tubing member222. The first and second side edge216and218, and the lower edge220may be formed by welding plates together to form boxed structures. A substantially rectangular-shaped back plate224and/or a front plate (not shown) may be welded to the framework212to provide additional rigidity. The rearward surfaces226and228of the framework212provide attachment locations for connection of the ripper200to a loader or other machine as will be explained subsequently. It will be apparent that other structural members and arrangements could be used to form the box member210of the ripper200.

The ripper teeth242and244extend downwardly and outwardly from the box member210as shown, in order to provide substantial leverage when using the ripper210to dislodge and rip objects from the ground. In one embodiment, the ripper teeth242may be of two piece construction, and are comprised of respective elongated bars246and248, and removable tooth members247and249, which may be joined to their respective elongated bar246/248by one or more suitable fasteners (not shown).

The ripper200may further include a roll-under stop230, which extends backwardly from the lower edge220of the framework212. The stop230may be comprised of a first plate or boxed section232and second plate or boxed section234. The first plate232may be joined to the second plate234by a cross member236, which may be made of e.g., square tubing. The first plate232may be formed integrally with the first tooth elongated bar246as a unitary structure. In like manner, the second plate234may be formed integrally with the second tooth elongated bar248as a unitary structure.

Referring toFIG. 8, when the ripper200is attached to a pair of elongated arms20and70, which are attached to a loader10, the roll-under stop230contacts the respective arms20and70, thereby preventing the ripper teeth242and244from rolling under the box member210. This is best understood by reference toFIGS. 10A-10D. Referring first toFIG. 10A, a loader10is depicted having forced a ripper201deep into the ground2to be cleared. The ripper201is not provided with a roll-under stop. The ground2applies a high resistance force, as indicated by arrow99, to the teeth242of the ripper201. Since no roll-under stop is provided on ripper201, the only resistance that prevents the ripper201from rolling under, as indicated by arcuate arrow98, are the hydraulic cylinders32that are operatively connected to the ripper201. Since such hydraulic cylinders32are typically provided with pressure relief as a safety measure, they may not provide sufficient resistance to roll-under of the ripper201. Referring toFIG. 10B, it can be seen that the ripper201has rolled under as a result of the force of the ground2, and the lack of resistance by the hydraulic cylinders32. Thus the lack of a roll-under stop limits the force that the ripper201can apply to the ground2to the relative resistance of the hydraulic cylinders32to roll-under. In contrast, the ripper200ofFIGS. 10C and 10Dis provided with a roll-under stop230, which contacts the arms20and70(FIG. 8), thereby preventing roll-under of the ripper200when it is driven deeply and forcefully into the ground2. The ripper200with the roll-under stop230is thus capable of much higher ripping forces than the ripper201.

The apparatus100,101, or200of the present disclosure may be operatively connected to a tractor, a loader, a bulldozer, or a skid-steer. The specific configuration of features on the apparatus to make such a connection will depend upon the particular machine to which the apparatus is being connected. The details of the connection of the ground clearing apparatus100to a loader10, and the operation of the apparatus100therewith will be now be described. Adaptation of the apparatus100to other machines will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. Additionally, the ripper apparatus200is connectable to a loader100in substantially the same manner as the ground clearing apparatus100. Thus the following description also applies to the ripper apparatus200; accordingly, reference may also be made toFIG. 8in the following description.

FIGS. 7A-7Dare side elevation views of the ground clearing apparatus100ofFIGS. 1-5Bshown attached to a loader10, and in various operational positions. The loader10is comprised of a frame12, a cab14, an engine contained within a housing16, and driven wheels18. InFIG. 7A, the grapple160is closed, and the apparatus100may be used to perform fine raking. InFIG. 7B, the grapple160is open, and the apparatus100may be used to perform coarse raking. In a coarse raking operation, the apparatus100is used to rake larger debris, and to loosen soil and bust clumps of dirt into smaller clumps, which will pass through a fine rake, if a fine raking operation is needed. InFIG. 7C, the grapple160is engaged with a large stump3, and apparatus100is being used to remove the stump3to a remote location. InFIG. 7D, the apparatus100has been rotated downwardly, and the grapple160has released the stump3into the dump box6of a truck4.

Referring toFIG. 7A, as well asFIGS. 1,2,4, and8, to render the apparatus100operable by the loader10, the apparatus100may be further comprised of a pair of first and second support arms20and70. The first support arm20is comprised of a proximal portion22and a distal portion24. In like manner, the second support arm70is comprised of a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion22of the first support arm20is a first member of a first four member box linkage26, which further comprises second, third, and fourth members. The first support arm20is hingeably attached at a proximal end28thereof to the second member of the first box linkage26, which comprises a first fixed length frame member30. The first frame member30is joined to the frame12of the loader10. The third member of the first box linkage26is comprised of a first variable length linear actuator32hingeably attached at a proximal end34thereof to the second member30. The first variable length linear actuator32may be a hydraulic cylinder. The fourth member of the first box linkage26is comprised of a first fixed length bar member36hingeably attached at a lower end38thereof to a distal end40of the proximal portion22of the first support arm20, and hingeably attached at a central region42thereof to a distal end44of the third member32of the first box linkage26.

A second four member box linkage76is provided, which is substantially identical to the first four member box linkage26. The second four member box linkage76includes the proximal region of the second support arm70. The first four member box linkage26and the second four member box linkage are right and left hand versions of substantially the same type of linkage. The proximal portion72of the second support arm70is a first member of the second four member box linkage76, which further comprises second, third, and fourth members. The second support arm70is hingeably attached at a proximal end thereof to the second member of the second box linkage76, which comprises a second fixed length frame member80. The second frame member80is joined to the frame12of the loader10. The third member of the second box linkage76is comprised of a second variable length linear actuator82hingeably attached at a proximal end thereof to the second fixed length frame member80. The second variable length linear actuator82may be a hydraulic cylinder. The fourth member of the second box linkage76is comprised of a second fixed length bar member86hingeably attached at a lower end thereof to a distal end of the proximal portion of the second support arm70, and hingeably attached at a central region thereof to a distal end of the third member82of the second box linkage76.

The distal portion24of the first support arm20is a first member of a third four member box linkage46, which further comprises second, third, and fourth members. The first support arm20is hingeably attached at a distal end48thereof to a lower region123of the box member110of the apparatus100, or the box member210of the ripper200. The box member110or210forms the second member of the third box linkage46. The third member of the third box linkage46is comprised of a third fixed length bar member31hingeably attached at a distal end33thereof to an upper region125of the box member. The fourth member of the third box linkage46is comprised of the fourth member36of the first box linkage26hingeably attached at an upper end35thereof to a proximal end37of the third member31of the third box linkage46.

A fourth four member box linkage96is provided, which is substantially identical to the third four member box linkage46. The fourth four member box linkage96includes the distal region of the second support arm70. The third four member box linkage46and the fourth four member box linkage96are right and left hand versions of substantially the same type of linkage. The distal portion of the second support arm70is a first member of the fourth four member box linkage96, which further comprises second, third, and fourth members. The second support arm70is hingeably attached at a distal end thereof to a lower region123of the box member110of the apparatus100, or the box member210of the ripper200. The box member110or210forms the second member of the fourth box linkage96. The third member of the fourth box linkage96is comprised of a fourth fixed length bar member81hingeably attached at a distal end83thereof to the upper region125of the box member. The fourth member of the fourth box linkage96is comprised of the fourth member86of the second box linkage76hingeably attached at an upper end85thereof to a proximal end87of the third member81of the fourth box linkage96.

Referring again toFIG. 8, and in another embodiment , a first cross member (not shown) may be joined to and extend between the upper portions of the first and second frame members30and80, and a second cross member (not shown) may be joined to and extend between the central regions of the first and second fixed length bar members36and86. In such a configuration, the first and second variable length linear actuators32and82may be replaced by a single variable length linear actuator (not shown) operatively connected to the first and second cross members.

The ground clearing apparatus100or the ripper200may be directly connected to the first and second support arms20and70, with the respective box members110and210thereof forming the second members of the third and fourth box linkages46and96. However, in the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-10D, an adapter member is used in the third and fourth box linkages46and96. The ground clearing apparatus100and the ripper200are provided with features to easily couple them to the adapter member. In that manner, changeover between the ground clearing apparatus100and the ripper200, and/or other implements similarly configured can be rapidly accomplished.

This capability is best understood with reference toFIGS. 3A,3B,9A,9C, and8. Referring first toFIGS. 3A and 3B, apparatus100is provided with a pair of mounting hooks191and192, and a pair of mounting ears193and194on the rearward side thereof. Referring also toFIGS. 9A and 9C, and in like manner, ripper200is provided with a pair of mounting hooks291and292, and a pair of mounting ears293and294on the rearward side thereof. Referring also toFIG. 8, the ripper200is coupled to an adapter member50which is comprised of an upper cross bar52, and lower mounting tabs (not shown). The first and second mounting hooks291and292engage with the upper cross bar52. Pins or bolts (not shown) may be used to connect the pair of mounting ears293and294of the ripper200to the lower mounting tabs, to completely secure the ripper200to the adapter member50and render it operational with the loader10. The ground clearing apparatus100is coupled to the adapter member50and loader10in substantially the same manner.

In accordance with the present disclosure, there is also provided an excavator implement or apparatus for excavating within ground, for ripping objects from the ground, and for raking areas of ground. The apparatus may be attached to a tractor, a bulldozer, a loader, a skid steer, or another suitable machine, and used in a manner similar to that of a backhoe or shovel.FIG. 11Ais a side elevation view of an excavating machine including the excavating apparatus300of the present disclosure.FIG. 11Bis a detailed side elevation view of the excavator apparatus300ofFIG. 11A, shown in the closed position, andFIG. 11Cis a detailed side elevation view of the excavator apparatus300ofFIG. 11A, shown in the open position. Apparatus300is comprised of a box member310and a grapple360. The box member310is comprised of a framework312similar to the ground clearing apparatus100and the ripper200, and comprising an upper edge314, first and second side edges316and318, and a lower edge320. In performing ground clearing operations, the box member310is subjected to high stresses, impacts, and shock loads, and is thus made of high strength materials, such as e.g., structural steel members. The box member310is further comprised of a plurality of excavating teeth342protruding downwardly from the lower edge320. The base teeth342may be disposed at substantially regular intervals along the lower edge320, and may be used in the coarse raking of ground when clearing ground with the excavator11instead of a wheel loader10. The box member310is hingeably attached to an articulating arm302, and is pivotable around the end304of the arm by a hydraulic cylinder306.

The grapple360is comprised of a grapple arm362hingeably attached to the end304of the articulating arm302. The grapple arm362is pivotable around the end304of the arm by a hydraulic cylinder308as indicated by arcuate arrow399. The grapple360is further comprised of a plurality of grapple teeth380extending outwardly from the distal end364of the grapple arm362. These grapple teeth380serve to provide the excavating apparatus300with fine raking and clawing capability in much the same manner as was described for the ground clearing apparatus100ofFIGS. 1-5B.