A quick-attaching mechanism for mounting an implement to the remote end of a boom or the like includes a mounting structure provided at the end of the boom and a receiving structure provided on the implement. The mounting structure and receiving structure are provided with upper pivotable engagement means defining an upper pivot axis. When pivoting the mounting structure and the receiving structure about the pivot axis to an engaged position, a latch mechanism provided at the lower end of the mounting structure is automatically moved to its latching position for securely connecting the implement to the boom. The latching mechanism is a pivotable latch member, which is manually movable to a release position for allowing uncoupling of the implement from the mounting structure.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
This invention relates to material handling equipment, and more 
particularly to a quick-attaching mechanism for removably attaching a 
material handling implement to the end of a boom structure or the like. 
Various prior art mechanisms are known for providing quick attachment of a 
material handling implement to a boom structure or the like associated 
with a vehicle. Most prior art quick-attaching systems employ a four-point 
interlocking system between the implement and a mounting structure 
provided at the end of the boom structure. This type of system requires 
accurate positioning of the mounting structure relative to the implement 
in order to ensure satisfactory mounting of the implement thereto. 
Additionally, many prior art quick-attaching systems utilize a pin and hole 
arrangement for securing the implement to the mounting structure. Various 
mechanisms are known for engaging the pins with the holes, such as 
hydraulic actuation or manual over-center lever systems. There are a 
number of drawbacks to this type of system. One such drawback is that the 
pins can become lost, requiring replacement. Additionally, the pins may 
become bent or worn, requiring maintenance before the system can again 
function properly. 
It is an object of the present invention to provide a rugged and easily 
manufactured quick-attaching mechanism for securing an implement to the 
end of a boom. It is further an object of the invention to provide a 
quick-attaching mechanism in which the implement is easily engaged with 
the boom mounting structure, and in which the mechanism for securing the 
implement to the boom structure is simple and easily operated. 
In accordance with the present invention, a quick-attaching mechanism for 
coupling an implement to the remote end of a boom structure includes a 
mounting structure provided at the remote end of the boom structure and a 
receiving structure provided on the implement. The receiving structure is 
engageable by the mounting structure for removably attaching the implement 
to the boom structure. Upper pivoting engagement means is provided for 
pivotably engaging the mounting structure and the receiving structure. The 
upper pivoting engagement means provides an upper pivot axis allowing 
pivoting movement of the mounting structure and the receiving structure 
between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Lower latching 
means is provided on the mounting structure, and is movable between a 
latching position and a release position. Lower stationary engagement 
means is provided on the receiving structure. Pivoting movement of the 
mounting structure and the receiving structure from their disengaged 
position to their engaged position causes the lower latching means to 
engage the lower stationary engagement means, resulting in movement of the 
latching means to its latching position wherein it engages the lower 
stationary engagement means. This action securely couples the implement to 
the boom structure. After use, the latching means is moved to its release 
position so as to uncouple the implement and the boom structure by 
allowing pivoting movement between the mounting structure and the 
receiving structure from their engaged position to their disengaged 
position. The lower latching means is preferably a single lower latching 
member interposed between the mounting structure and the receiving 
structure to provide a three-point interlock system to securely connect 
the mounting structure and the receiving structure. The upper pivoting 
engagement means preferably comprises a transverse shaft mounted to the 
receiving structure, and a shaft seat and a pair of upstanding prongs 
provided on the mounting structure for engaging the shaft. With such a 
three-point mounting arrangement, engagement of the shaft with the prongs 
and rearward movement of the upper end of the mounting structure results 
in a self-aligning mounting system, providing ease in operation and a 
wider range of satisfactory approach angles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
As shown in FIG. 1, an extendable boom lift vehicle 10 includes a vehicle 
portion 12 to which a pair of telescoping booms 14, 16 are mounted, all as 
is well known. A support member 18 is mounted to the remote end of outer 
boom 16. A carriage assembly 22, including a pair of lower tines 23, 24, 
is mounted to support member 18, and a pair of tilt cylinders, one of 
which is shown at 26, are provided for controlling the orientation of 
carriage assembly 22. 
The precise construction of lift vehicle 10 can vary from that described, 
as many such vehicles are known. For example, booms 14, 16 can be 
single-section or multiple-section booms, and a single tilt cylinder may 
be used in place of the pair of tilt cylinders illustrated. 
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a mounting structure 28 adapted for interposition 
between carriage assembly 22 and support member 18 and the tilt cylinders, 
such as 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the rear face of mounting structure 28 
includes a series of lower connector plates 30, 32, 34 and 36, each of 
which is provided with an opening therethrough. Connector plates 30, 32 
and 34, 36 are adapted to receive a pair of pins therethrough, 
respectively, for mounting support member 18 to mounting structure 28. A 
pair of upper connector plates 38, 40 are provided for mounting the tilt 
cylinders to mounting structure 28. In this manner, the lower end of 
mounting structure 28 is fixed relative to the remote end of outer boom 
16, and the upper end of mounting structure 28 is pivotable forwardly and 
rearwardly for controlling the orientation of mounting structure 28. 
Mounting structure 28 further includes a pair of upwardly extending prongs 
42, 44 having rear faces 46, 48, respectively. Prongs 42, 44 are each 
oriented at an angle relative to the vertical centerline of mounting 
structure 28, so as to converge toward each other. As shown in FIG. 4 a 
shaft seat 49 is formed at the base of prong 44, and a like shaft seat is 
provided at the base of prong 42. 
FIG. 3 illustrates the front face of mounting structure 28. As shown, a 
pair of support members 50, 52 are mounted to the front face of mounting 
structure 28. A pair of plates 54, 56 are connected to support members 50, 
52, and each of plates 54, 56 is provided with an opening therethrough for 
receiving the ends of a shaft 58. The sides of plates 54, 56 adjacent the 
opening therethrough are countersunk, as shown in the broken away portion 
of plate 56. 
A latch mechanism, shown generally at 60, is adapted for mounting to shaft 
58. Latch mechanism 60 includes a tube 62 mounted to shaft 58 by means of 
a pair of pins 63a, 63 b, and a depending latch member 64 connected at its 
upper end to the outer surface of tube 62. An opening 65 is provided in 
depending latch member 64. A cantilevered coil spring 66 is connected at 
one end to plate 54, and is positioned so that its other end extends past 
the leftward edge of latch member 64. 
With the described construction, any foreign material such as dirt, sand or 
the like which makes it way between the ends of shaft 58 and the bearing 
surfaces of plates 54, 56 is purged during rotation of shaft 58. Such 
purging action is facilitated by the countersunk sides of plates 54, 56 
providing a reduced bearing area. 
With reference to FIG. 4, a receiving structure is provided on the rear 
side of carriage 22, with which mounting structure 28 is engageable. 
Carriage 22 includes a frame 68, which is provided at its rear face with a 
pair of spaced lugs, one of which is shown at 70, between which a shaft 72 
extends. The lower end of carriage frame 68 is provided with a 
substantially horizontal plate 74. A locking bar 76 is mounted to the 
upper surface of plate 74. 
Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, it is seen that mounting structure 28 is 
provided with a pair of shoulders 77a, 77b. Shoulders 77a, 77b are 
arranged so as to allow mounting structure 28 to be accepted by the 
receiving structure provided on carriage frame 68. 
The structural elements forming mounting structure 28 and the receiving 
structure associated with carriage frame 68 having been explained, the 
sequence of steps for engaging mounting structure 28 with the receiving 
structure will now be detailed. Carriage 22 is disposed on the ground or 
other such supporting surface. Mounting structure 28 is then positioned by 
actuation of the tilt cylinders substantially to the angular orientation 
as shown in FIG. 4. Mounting structure 28 is then moved rightwardly so 
that prongs 42, 44 are positioned below and forwardly of shaft 72, 
whereafter mounting structure 28 is moved upwardly so that base 48 of 
prong 44 guides shaft 72 into shaft seat 49 provided at the base of prongs 
42, 44. Mounting structure 28 thus assumes the position shown in FIG. 4. 
An upstanding block such as 78 is provided adjacent shaft seat 49 and 
spaced from prong 44 for securing shaft 72 into shaft seat 49. 
After the position of FIG. 4 is attained, the operator lifts mounting 
structure 28 and actuates the tilt cylinders so as to draw the upper end 
of mounting structure 28 rearwardly so as to allow mounting structure 28 
and the receiving structure to attain their engaged position, as shown in 
FIG. 5. Carriage 22 is lifted off the ground and pivots in a clockwise 
direction about a pivot axis defined by shaft 72. During such pivoting 
movement of carriage frame 68 relative to mounting structure 28, latch 
member 64 is caused to contact the upper surface of plate 74 and locking 
bar 76 and to pivot in a clockwise direction up and over locking bar 76. 
Thereafter, latch member 64 returns partially to its original depending 
position, with the lower end of latch member 64 engaging the upper surface 
of plate 74 as shown in FIG. 5. Cantilevered spring 66 assists the gravity 
bias of latch member 64 in attaining this position and prevents latch 
member 64 from pivoting therepast during the clockwise pivoting movement 
of latch member 64 over locking bar 76, thereby providing a stop function. 
As shown, the vertical distance between the upper surface of plate 74 and 
the centerline of shaft 58, to which latch member 64 is mounted, is less 
than the length of latch member 64. Accordingly, when latch member 64 is 
pivoted clockwise during movement of carriage frame 68 and mounting 
structure 28 to their engaged position, with latch member 64 riding over 
locking bar 76 and returning in a counterclockwise pivoting motion to 
engage the upper surface of plate 74, latch member 64 is not allowed to 
fully return to its vertical position. In this condition, carriage frame 
68 is securely mounted to mounting structure 28. Any rightward loads 
placed on carriage frame 68, such as for example by encountering an 
obstruction or by tilting carriage 68 so as to create a tendency for 
carriage 68 to pivot about shaft 72, is resisted by engagement of the 
lower end of latch member 64 with the upper surface plate 74. Of course, 
any leftward loads exerted on carriage frame 68 are transferred directly 
to mounting structure 28. 
Locking bar 76 serves to prevent leftward movement of latch member 64 along 
the upper surface of plate 74 and out of engagement therewith. 
Shoulders 77a, 77b on mounting structure 28 are designed to be positioned 
below the lugs, such as 70, to which shaft 72 are mounted. In this manner, 
the mounting structure and the receiving structure can be matched for 
specific implements and machine capacities, ensuring that a small capacity 
machine cannot have an implement adapted for use with a larger capacity 
machine mounted thereto. 
With reference to FIG. 6, in order to uncouple mounting structure 28 from 
carriage 22, carriage 22 is first positioned such that mounting structure 
28 is substantially vertical. In this position, there is no load on latch 
member 64. Latch member 64 is then manually pivoted in a clockwise 
direction past spring 66 to attain a release position as shown in FIG. 6. 
In this manner, the lower engagement provided between mounting structure 
28 and carriage frame 68 is relieved. Mounting structure 28 can then be 
withdrawn from carriage frame 68 by reversing the above-noted steps used 
for mounting. Mounting structure 28 is withdrawn by simultaneous extension 
of the tilt cylinders and retraction of the outer boom for providing a 
clockwise tilting action. When this occurs, block 78 ensures that shaft 72 
is retained within shaft seat 49 during pivoting movement of mounting 
structure 28 out of engagement with the receiving structure. During 
disengagement, latch member 64 rides along the upper surface of plate 74 
and over locking bar 76, as shown in FIG. 7, and out of engagement 
therewith. After the lower end of mounting structure 20 is rotated out of 
the receiving structure as described, carriage 22 is lowered to the 
ground. Thereafter, mounting structure 28 is moved further downwardly so 
as to disengage the prongs, such as 44, from upper shaft 72. 
While manual movement of latch member 64 to its release position has been 
described, it is understood that any satisfactory means may be utilized. 
For example, a mechanism employing a hydraulic cylinder or an electric 
solenoid may be provided for pivoting latch member 64 to its release 
position. In such a case, spring 66 would not be necessary to maintain 
latch 64 in its latching position. 
FIG. 8 illustrates the invention as utilized in connection with a rotating 
carriage. In this embodiment, a separate receiver structure 80 is bolted 
to a rotating carriage frame 82 which includes a bearing assembly 84. A 
hydraulic cylinder (not shown) is adapted for placement between a 
rearwardly projecting arm 86 and a mounting bracket 88 for tilting of 
carriage frame 82 about an axis as defined by a stub 90 extending through 
bearing assembly 84. Receiver structure 80 generally includes the same 
components as described above, and accordingly a detailed description is 
not necessary. 
As shown in FIG. 9, a receiver structure 92 substantially similar to that 
described above is adapted for mounting at the rearward end of a truss 
boom assembly 94. Again, the components of receiver structure 92 and 
mounting structure 28 are substantially similar to that as described 
above, and a detailed description of structure and operation is not 
necessary. 
As shown, it is to be appreciated that mounting structure 28 and a receiver 
structure, such as that shown at 80 and 92, can be adapted for use in 
connection with a number of implements adapted for connection to the end 
of a boom or other such mechanism. Alternatively, the receiver structure 
can be built into the implement or tool, as described in connection with 
FIGS. 4-7. 
With the construction as described, it is seen that a relatively simple, 
rugged and efficient quick attach system is provided for mounting a tool 
or implement to a boom. Only one manual step is involved, namely pivoting 
the latch member from its latching position to its release position. The 
remainder of the steps are all carried out from the operator's cab. 
The described quick-attaching mechanism allows engagement of the implement 
at full boom extension, which may be necessary when reaching over rubbish 
and material piles. Further, the design allows the operator simply to 
engage the prongs with the upper shaft and to lift the boom, resulting in 
self-alignment of the implement with the boom and simultaneous coupling of 
the implement to the mounting structure. The latch is a nonlubricated, 
loose fitting assembly requiring little or no maintenance, and will not 
rust together. 
Various alternatives and modifications are contemplated as being within the 
scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly 
claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.