Abstract:
An object lifting, pulling and digging apparatus has a pair of jaws that can be opened to enable positioning the jaws around a post, tree, and/or bush then closed around the post, tree, and/or bush. The jaws can then be raised to pull the post, tree, and/or bush from the ground. The jaws of the apparatus can also be closed and angled downwardly to drive the distal ends of the jaws into the ground, where the jaws can then be moved upwardly to dig the post, tree, and/or bush from the ground. The apparatus can easily be attached to a vehicle equipped with a universal quick attach hitch and having auxiliary hydraulics, for example, a “skid steer” type farm or construction vehicle.

Description:
FIELD 
     This disclosure pertains to a post, tree and/or bush pulling and digging apparatus. More specifically, this disclosure pertains to an apparatus having a pair of hydraulically actuated jaws that can be opened to enable positioning the jaws around a post, tree and/or bush, then closed around the post, tree and/or bush. The jaws can then be raised to pull the post, tree and/or bush from the ground. The jaws of the apparatus can also be closed and angled downwardly to drive the distal ends of the jaws into the ground, where the jaws can then be moved upwardly to dig the post, tree and/or bush from the ground. The apparatus can be easily attached to a vehicle equipped with a universal quick attach hitch and having auxiliary hydraulics, for example a “skid steer” type farm or construction vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are currently available various different types of apparatus that can be operated to engage jaws of the apparatus around a post, tree, bush, etc., and then raised to pull the post, tree, bush, etc. from the ground. The jaws of the apparatus can also be moved to their closed positions and the closed jaws can then be driven into the ground beneath the post, tree, bush, etc. The jaws can then be raised to dig the post, tree, bush, etc. from the ground. These apparatus are designed to be attached to vehicles equipped with a universal quick attach hitch and having auxiliary hydraulics, for example “skid steer” type farm or construction vehicles. The constructions of and operations of these apparatus are basically the same. 
     Many of the currently available apparatus&#39; lack replacement digging teeth and rely on the blunt ends of the jaws to dig beneath the object. In addition they do not allow for cutting of roots while digging. Due to this a larger vehicle is required to overcome the increased digging force required to excavate/break the tree roots if capable. If a larger vehicle is not available then the size of tree that is capable of removal is decreased. 
     Many of the these known pulling and digging apparatus have one stationary jaw and one moveable jaw. In operating this type of apparatus it can be difficult at times to center the pulling load relative to the vehicle to which the apparatus is attached. Additionally, the single moveable jaw with a side mounted actuator decreases the operating range of the jaw, limiting the size of the object that can be grasped. 
     Additionally, many of the current pulling and digging apparatus have an actuator for the moveable jaw that is positioned alongside the moveable jaw. This positioning of the actuator leaves the actuator exposed where the actuator can be damaged when digging with the apparatus. 
     Additionally, many of the current pulling and digging apparatus have opposing jaw surfaces that extend straight from the vehicle to which the apparatus is attached. These types of opposing jaw surfaces place limitations on the sizes of posts, trees, bushes, etc. that can be gripped between the opposing jaw surfaces. The posts, trees, bushes, etc. cannot be gripped close to the vehicle to which the apparatus is attached where the pulling and lifting power of the vehicle loader arms is greatest. 
     SUMMARY 
     The object lifting, pulling and digging apparatus of this disclosure has features that overcome many of the disadvantages associated with current pulling and digging apparatus. The apparatus can be easily attached by a universal quick attach hitch to the loader arms of a vehicle having an auxiliary hydraulic circuit. For example, the apparatus can be easily attached to the loader arms of a “skid steer” type vehicle. 
     The apparatus has a base with opposite front and rear surfaces. The rear surface of the base is removably attachable to the loader arms of a vehicle having an auxiliary hydraulic circuit. 
     A first jaw and a second jaw of the apparatus are attached to the front surface of the base. A first pin connects the first jaw to the front surface of the base for pivoting movement of the first jaw about the first pin between an open position and a closed position of the first jaw relative to the base. A second pin connects the second jaw to the front surface of the base for a pivoting movement of the second jaw about the second pin between an open position and a closed position of the second jaw relative to the base. The first pin and the second pin are positioned on the base in a single, generally vertical plane. The first jaw extends from the first pin to a distal end of the first jaw. The second jaw extends from the second pin to a distal end of the second jaw. Thus, the majority of the lengths of the first jaw and second jaw are positioned forwardly of the first pin and second pin. The first jaw and the second jaw have proximal end portions that extend rearwardly from the first pin and the second pin, respectively. 
     A single hydraulic actuator is connected between the proximal end portions of the first jaw and the second jaw. The actuator is controlled to move to its retracted condition to cause the first jaw and the second jaw to move to their open positions. The actuator is controlled to move to its extended condition to cause the first jaw and the second jaw to move to their closed positions. With the actuator positioned rearwardly of the first pin and the second pin, the actuator is at a protected position behind the lengths of the first jaw and the second jaw and is not exposed to the pulling and/or digging environment of the apparatus. 
     The proximal end portions of the first jaw and second jaw are also provided with gear teeth sections. The gear teeth sections of the first jaw and second jaw mesh between the first pin and the second pin. The meshing of the gear teeth sections synchronizes the movements of the first jaw and second jaw as they are moved between their open positions and their closed positions, and between their closed positions and their open positions. 
     The first jaw is also provided with a generally vertically oriented first set of saw teeth. The first set of saw teeth project upwardly from the length of the first jaw. The second jaw is also provided with a generally vertically oriented second set of saw teeth. The second set of saw teeth project upwardly along the length of the second jaw. The first and second sets of saw teeth are configured to saw through the roots of trees, bushes, etc. when the apparatus is used for digging. 
     The first jaw is also provided with a key tab that projects from the distal end of the first jaw toward the second jaw. The second jaw is provided with a key hole or key slot at the distal end of the second jaw. When the first and second jaws are moved to their closed positions for a digging operation, the key tab engages in the key slot to securely attach the distal ends of the first and second jaws together and prevent their moving vertically relative to each other during a digging operation. 
     The first jaw has a straight section of gripping teeth that extend along a substantially straight line as the straight section of teeth extend from the distal end of the first jaw toward the proximal end of the first jaw. The second jaw also has a straight section of gripping teeth that extend along a substantially straight line as the straight section of teeth extend from the distal end of the second jaw toward the proximal end of the second jaw. The straight section of gripping teeth on the first jaw and the straight section of gripping teeth on the second jaw mesh with each other when the first jaw and the second jaw are moved to their closed positions. 
     The first jaw has a curved section of gripping teeth that extend from the straight section of gripping teeth on the first jaw toward the proximal end of the first jaw. The curved section of gripping teeth on the first jaw extend along a curved line as they extend from the straight section of gripping teeth on the first jaw toward the proximal end of the first jaw. The second jaw is also provided with a curved section of gripping teeth that extend from the straight section of gripping teeth on the second jaw toward the proximal end of the second jaw. The curved section of gripping teeth on the second jaw extend along a curved line as they extend from the straight section of gripping teeth on the second jaw toward the proximal end of the second jaw. The curved section of gripping teeth on the first jaw and the curved section of gripping teeth on the second jaw allow larger objects, for example larger diameter posts or larger diameter trees to be engaged between these sections of teeth near the proximal ends of the jaws and closer to the loader arms of the vehicle for maximizing pulling force. 
     Further features of the apparatus are disclosed in the following detailed description of the apparatus and in the drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the component parts of the apparatus 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevation view of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the apparatus with the jaws in their closed positions. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the apparatus with the jaws in their open positions. 
         FIG. 7  is a right side elevation view of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  is a left side elevation view of the apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a representation of an exploded view of the component parts of the object lifting, pulling and digging apparatus  10  of this disclosure. Each of the component parts represented in  FIG. 1  is constructed of a material that gives the component part sufficient strength for its intended functioning of pulling and digging posts, trees, bushes, etc. from the ground. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the apparatus  10  has a base  12  with opposite front  14  and rear  16  surfaces. The rear surface  16  of the base  10  is configured for removable attachment to the loader arms of a vehicle having an auxiliary hydraulic circuit. For example, the rear surface  16  could be attached by a universal quick attach hitch to the loader arms of a “skid steer” type vehicle. With the base  16  attached to the vehicle, the rear surface  16  of the base is directed toward the vehicle and the front surface  14  of the base is directed away from the vehicle. The base  12  is constructed with a plurality of reinforcing panels and gussets  18  on the front surface  14  of the base. The base  12  is also constructed with a reinforced, protective box on the front surface  14  of the base. The box is comprised of a top wall  22 , an opposite bottom wall  24 , and opposite angled side walls  26 ,  28 . As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , a pair of pivot holes  32  are formed through the box top wall  22  and a pair of pivot holes  34  are formed through the box bottom wall  24 . Each pivot hole  32  through the top wall  22  is coaxial with the pivot hole  34  below it through the bottom wall  34 . The axis of the pivot holes  32 ,  34  are positioned in a single vertically oriented plane relative to the base  12 . 
     A brush guard assembly  36  is attached to the top of the base  12 . The brush guard assembly  36  provides protection to the operator of the vehicle to which the apparatus  10  is attached when pulling or digging up posts, trees, bushes, etc. using the apparatus. 
     A first jaw  42  having a length with opposite proximal and distal ends and a second jaw  44  having a length with opposite proximal and distal ends are attached to the front surface  14  of the base  12 . Both of the jaws  42 ,  44  are constructed as generally flat panels having elongate lengths that extend from proximal portions  46 ,  48  of the respective first  42  and second  44  jaws to distal portions  52 ,  54  of the respective first  42  and second  44  jaws. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first jaw  42  is constructed as a single, generally flat panel with an elongate, triangular configuration that extends from an apex of the triangular configuration at the distal end portion  52  of the first jaw  42  to a base of the triangular configuration at the proximal portion  46  of the first jaw  42 . The second jaw  44  is also constructed as a single, generally flat panel with an elongate, triangular configuration that extends from an apex of the triangular configuration at the distal end portion  54  of the second jaw  44  to a base of the triangular configuration at the proximal portion  48  of the second jaw  44 . 
     A first cylindrical pivot tube  56  is attached to the first jaw  42 . The pivot tube  56  has an interior bore that extends completely through the pivot tube and through the first jaw  42 . The pivot tube  56  separates the first proximal portion  46  and the first distal portion  52  of the first jaw  42  with a majority of the length of the first jaw extending along the first distal portion  52  forwardly from the first pivot tube  56 . 
     A second pivot tube  58  is attached to the second jaw  44 . The second pivot tube  58  also has an interior bore that extends completely through the second pivot tube and through the second jaw  44 . The second pivot tube  58  separates the second proximal portion  48  and from the second distal end  54  of the second jaw  44  with a majority of the length of the second jaw  44  extending along the second distal portion  54  forwardly from the second pivot tube  58 . 
     A first pin  62  connects the first jaw  42  to the front surface  14  of the base  12  for pivoting movement of the first jaw about the first pin between an open position and a closed position of the first jaw relative to the base. The first pin  62  extends through the pivot hole  32  through the top wall shown to the left in  FIG. 1 , through the first pivot tube  56  and into the pivot hole  34  in the bottom wall shown to the left in  FIG. 1 . The first pivot pin  62  is secured to the box top wall  22  to prevent rotation of the pin relative to the base  12 . 
     A second pin  62  connects to the second jaw  44  to the front surface  14  of the base  12  for pivoting movement of the second jaw about the second pin between an open position and a closed position of the second jaw relative to the base. The second pin  64  extends through the pivot hole  32  in the box top wall  22  shown to the right in  FIG. 1 , through the second pivot tube  58  and into the pivot hole  34  through the box bottom wall  24  shown to the right in  FIG. 1 . The first pin  62  and the second pin  64  are positioned on the base  12  in a single, generally vertical plane relative to the base. The first distal portion  52  of the first jaw  42  extends forwardly from the first pivot pin  62 . The first proximal portion  46  of the first jaw  42  extends rearwardly of the first pivot pin  62 . The second distal portion  54  of the second jaw  44  extends forwardly from the second pivot pin  64 . The second proximal portion  48  of the second jaw  44  extends rearwardly of the second pivot pin  64 . Thus, the majority of the length of the first jaw  42  and the second jaw  44  are positioned forwardly of the first pin  62  and the second pin  64 . 
     A single linear actuator  72  is connected between the first proximal portion  46  of the first jaw  42  and the second proximal portion  48  of the second jaw  44 . The actuator  72  shown in  FIG. 1  is a hydraulic actuator. However, any equivalent type of linear actuator could be connected between the first proximal portion  46  of the first jaw  42  and the second proximal portion  48  of the second jaw  44 . The actuator  72  has a conventional construction with a housing  74  at one end of the actuator and a rod  76  at the opposite end of the actuator. A pair of hydraulic hoses  78 ,  82  extend from the opposite sides of the actuator housing  74 . The hoses  78 ,  82  communicate the actuator housing  74  with the auxiliary hydraulics of the vehicle with which the apparatus  10  is used. When the actuator  72  is operated to cause the housing  74  and rod  76  to move to their extended condition, the first jaw  42  and second jaw  44  are moved to their closed positions. When the actuator  72  is operated to cause the housing  74  and rod  76  to move to their retracted condition, the first jaw  42  and second jaw  44  are moved to their open positions. With the actuator  72  positioned rearwardly of the first pin  62  and second pin  64 , the actuator is positioned rearwardly of the first jaw  42  and second jaw  44  and away from the pulling or digging operation performed by the apparatus  10 . The actuator  72  is also positioned in the protective box comprised of the top wall  22 , the bottom wall  24  and the opposite side walls  26 ,  28 . Thus, the actuator  72  is protected from the pulling and/or digging environment of the apparatus  10  in use. 
     The first proximal portion  46  of the first jaw  42  is formed with a first gear tooth section  84 . The second proximal portion  48  of the second jaw  44  is formed with a second gear tooth section  86 . These can be seen in  FIG. 1 . The first gear tooth section  84  of the first jaw  42  and the second gear tooth section  86  of the second jaw  44  mesh between the first pivot pin  62  and the second pivot pin  64 . The meshing of the first gear tooth section  84  and the second gear tooth section  86  synchronizes the movements of the first jaw  42  and the second jaw  44  as they are moved between their open positions and their closed positions, and between their closed positions and their open positions. The first jaw  42  cannot be moved without the second jaw  44  also moving, and the second jaw  44  cannot be moved without the first jaw  42  also moving. 
     The first distal portion  52  of the first jaw  42  is formed with a generally vertically oriented first saw tooth section  92 . The first saw tooth section  92  is constructed as a single, generally flat panel with an elongate, triangular configuration that extends from an apex at the distal end of the triangular configuration of the first saw tooth section  92  adjacent the apex of the triangular configuration of the first jaw  42 , to a base of the triangular configuration of the first saw tooth section  92  at a proximal portion of the first saw tooth section adjacent the proximal portion  46  of the first jaw  42 . The first saw tooth section  92  is secured to the top surface of the first jaw  42  and projects vertically upward from the length of the first jaw  42  as can be seen in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 , as the first saw tooth section  92  extends along the first distal portion  52  of the first jaw  42  from the distal end of the first jaw toward the first pivot tube  56 , a line of saw teeth  94  on the first saw tooth section  92  are positioned further away from the first jaw  42  by the first saw tooth section  92 . The second distal portion  54  of the second jaw  44  is also formed with a generally vertically oriented second saw tooth section  96 . The second saw tooth section  96  is constructed as a single, generally flat panel with an elongate, triangular configuration that extends from an apex at a distal end of the triangular configuration of the second saw tooth section  96  adjacent the apex of the triangular configuration of the second jaw  44 , to a base of the triangular configuration of the second saw tooth section  96  at a proximal portion of the second saw tooth section  92  adjacent the proximal portion  48  of the second jaw  44 . The second saw tooth section  96  is secured to the top surface of the second jaw  44  and projects vertically upwardly from the length of the second jaw  44 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 8 , as the second saw tooth section  96  extends along the second distal portion  54  of the second jaw  44  from the distal end of the second jaw toward the second pivot tube  58 , a line of second saw teeth  98  on the second saw tooth section  96  is positioned further away from the second jaw  44 . The first saw tooth section  92  and the second saw tooth section  96  are configured to saw through roots of trees, bushes, etc. when the apparatus  10  is used for digging. With the first jaw  42  and the second jaw  44  positioned in their closed position as represented in  FIG. 5 , the first saw tooth section  92  and the second saw tooth section  94  extend parallel across the respective first jaw  42  and second jaw  44 . With the first saw teeth  94  extending further away from the first jaw  42  as they extend toward the first pivot tube  56  and the second saw teeth  98  extending further away from the second jaw  44  as they extend to the second pivot tube  58 , as the jaws are pushed into the ground by the loader arms of the vehicle with which the apparatus  10  is used the flat, planar jaws  42 ,  44  prevent the saw teeth  94 ,  98  from moving away from the roots and the saw teeth  94 ,  98  continue to cut through the roots of trees, bushes, etc. as the lengths of the draws  42 ,  44  are pushed further into the ground. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6 , the first jaw  42  is provided with a key tab  102  that projects from the distal end of the first jaw toward the second jaw  44 . The second jaw  44  is provided with a key hole or key slot  104  at the distal end of the second jaw. When the first  42  and second  44  jaws are moved to their closed positions for a digging operation, the key tab  102  engages inside the key slot  104  to securely attach the distal ends of the first  42  and second  44  jaws together and prevent their moving vertically relative to each other during a digging operation. The engagement of the key tab  102  into the key slot  104  can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the first jaw  42  has a straight section of gripping teeth  106  that extend along a substantially straight line as the straight section of teeth extend from the distal end of the first jaw toward the proximal end of the first jaw. The second jaw  44  also has a straight section of gripping teeth  108  that extend along a substantially straight line as the straight section of teeth extend from the distal end of the second jaw toward the proximal end of the second jaw. The straight section of gripping teeth  106  on the first jaw  42  and the straight section of gripping teeth  108  on the second jaw  44  mesh with each other when the first jaw and the second jaw are moved to their closed positions. This can be seen in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 5 and 6 , the first jaw  42  also has a curved section of gripping teeth  112 . The curved section of gripping teeth  112  on the first jaw  42  extend from the straight section of gripping teeth  106  on the first jaw toward the proximal end of the first jaw. The curved section of gripping teeth  112  on the first jaw  42  extend along a curved line as they extend from the straight section of gripping teeth  106  on the first jaw toward the proximal end of the first jaw. The second jaw  44  is also provided with a curved section of gripping teeth  114 . The curved section of gripping teeth  114  extend from the straight section of gripping teeth  108  of the second jaw  44  toward the proximal end of the second jaw. The curved section of gripping teeth  114  on the second jaw  44  extend along a curved line as they extend from the straight section of gripping teeth  108  on the second jaw toward the proximal end of the second jaw. The curved section of gripping teeth  112  on the first jaw  42  and the curved section of gripping teeth  114  on the second jaw  44  allow larger objects, for example larger diameter posts, larger diameter trees, large rocks, etc. to be engaged between the sections of gripping teeth near the proximal ends of the jaws  42 ,  44  and closer to the loader arms of the vehicle with which the apparatus  10  is used for a maximized pulling and lifting force. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2 and 5-8 , a first tooth  14  is removably attached to the distal end of the first jaw  42  and a second tooth  118  is removably attached to the distal end of the second jaw  44 . The teeth  116 ,  118  represented in the drawing figures are replaceable, excavator style digging teeth. Other types of digging teeth could be employed instead of those shown. With the teeth  116 ,  118  being replaceable, they can be replaced when worn after several digging operations. 
     As various modifications could be made in the construction of the apparatus and its method of operation herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.