Patent Publication Number: US-8539699-B2

Title: Modular system for connecting attachments to a construction machine

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/255,314 filed Oct. 21, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/331,818 filed Jan. 13, 2006. 
    
    
     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&#39;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 a module to an extension arm of a construction machine has a wing secured to the end of the extension arm, wherein the wing at an end opposite the extension arm has one of a standardized proximal mounting arrangement with a pair of spaced-apart parallel plates or a standardized distal mounting arrangement with two pairs of spaced-apart parallel plates. The two pairs each have two closely spaced plates defining a slot therebetween, wherein the width of the slot is approximately the thickness of one of the plates associated with the standardized proximal coupling arrangement. The system also has a module made up of a modified stick having a first end adapted to be secured to the wing and has the other of the standardized distal coupling arrangement or the standardized proximal coupling arrangement adapted to be coupled to the coupling arrangement on the wing so that the module may be interchangeably secured to the wing. Each of the plates associated with the wing is positioned adjacent a plate associated with the module. At least one common mating hole extends through each wing plate and the adjacent module plate. A pin adapted to slide into at least one mating hole to restrict translation of the wing plate and the module plate relative to one another in a direction parallel to the plates. The modified stick has a longitudinal axis and a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the stick. The standard proximal coupling is pivotally attached to hydraulic cylinder. The modified stick may be secured to the wing with the cylinder on top such that extending the cylinder drives any member attached to the modified stick in a downward direction. The modified stick may be secured to the wing with the cylinder on the bottom, such that extending the cylinder drives any member attached to the modified stick in an upward direction. 
     Another embodiment is directed to a modular system for connecting any one of a plurality of modules to an extension arm of a construction machine. The system has a wing secured to the end of the extension arm, wherein the wing at an end opposite the extension arm has one of a standardized proximal mounting arrangement with a pair of spaced-apart parallel plates or a standardized distal mounting arrangement with two pairs of spaced-apart parallel plates. The two pairs each have two closely spaced plates defining a slot therebetween. The system also has a plurality of modules, wherein each module has a first end adapted to be secured to the wing and comprises the other of a standardized proximal coupling arrangement or a standardized distal coupling arrangement adapted to be coupled with the coupling arrangement of the wing. As a result, each module may be interchangeably secured to the wing. The width of the slot is approximately the thickness of one of the plates associated with the standardized proximal coupling arrangement and each of the wing plates associated with one of the proximal mounting arrangement or distal mounting arrangement is positioned adjacent to one of the pair of module plates associated with the other of the distal mounting arrangement or the proximal mounting arrangement. At least one common mating hole extends through each wing plate and the adjacent module plate. A pin is adapted to slide into at least one mating hole to restrict translation of the wing plate and the module plate relative to one another in a direction parallel to the plates. 
     Yet another embodiment is directed to a modular system for connecting any one of a plurality of structural extension modules to another structural extension module on a construction machine. The system has a proximal coupling adapter module having a first end with a standardized proximal coupling arrangement with a pair of spaced-apart parallel plates and a second end with a standardized proximal coupling arrangement with a pair of spaced-apart parallel plates. The spaced-apart plates each have a width. A connection module has at one end a distal coupling arrangement having two pairs of spaced-apart parallel plates. The two pairs each have two closely spaced plates defining a slot therebetween for each pair, wherein the width of the slot is approximately equal to the thickness of one of the plates associated with the standardized proximal coupling arrangement. Each plate of the pair of plates in the standardized proximal coupling arrangement at one end of the adapter module is positioned adjacent and within the slot of a pair of plates associated with the standardized distal coupling arrangement of the connection module. At least one common mating hole extends through each plate of the adapter module and the connector module. A pin is adapted to slide into mating holes of adjacent plates of the standardized proximal coupling arrangement and the standardized distal coupling arrangement to restrict translation of the adapter module and the connecting module relative to one another in a direction parallel to the plates. 
     Yet another embodiment is directed to a modular system for connecting any one of a plurality of structural extension modules to another structural extension module on a construction machine. The system has a distal coupling adapter having, at a first end, a standardized distal coupling arrangement and having, at a second end, a standardized distal coupling arrangement. Each standardized distal coupling arrangement has two pairs of spaced apart parallel plates, wherein the two pairs each have two closely spaced plates defining a slot therebetween for each pair. A connector module has a first end with a standardized proximal coupling arrangement with a pair of spaced-apart parallel plates, wherein the spaced-apart plates each have a width and, wherein the width of the slot between the plates of the standardized distal couplings is approximately equal to the thickness of one of the plates associated with the standardized proximal coupling arrangement. Each plate of the pair of plates in the standardized proximal coupling arrangement at one end of the connector module is positioned adjacent and within the slot of a pair of plates associated with the standardized distal coupling arrangement of the adapter module. At least one common mating hole extends through each plate of the adapter module and the connector module. A pin is adapted to slide into mating holes of adjacent plates of the standardized proximal coupling arrangement and the standardized distal coupling arrangement to restrict translation of the adapter module and the connecting module relative to one another in a direction parallel to the plates. 
     In yet another embodiment, a split boom extends from the base of a construction machine. The split boom has a lower boom portion with a first end secured to the base of the construction machine and one of a standardized proximal coupling arrangement or a standardized distal coupling arrangement attached at the second end of the lower boom portion. The standardized proximal coupling arrangement has a pair of spaced-apart parallel plates, wherein the spaced-apart plates each have a width and, wherein the standardized distal coupling arrangement has two pairs of spaced-apart parallel plates. The two pairs each have two closely spaced plates defining a slot therebetween for each pair. An upper boom portion has a first end with the other of the standardized proximal coupling arrangement or the standardized distal coupling arrangement. Each plate of the pair of plates in the standardized proximal coupling arrangement at one end of either the lower boom portion or upper boom portion is positioned adjacent and within the slot of a pair of plates associated with the standardized distal coupling arrangement of the other of the lower boom portion or upper boom portion. At least one common mating hole extends through each plate of the lower boom portion and the upper boom portion. A pin is adapted to slide into mating holes of adjacent plates of the standardized proximal coupling arrangement and the standardized distal coupling arrangement to restrict translation of the lower boom portion and the upper boom portion relative to one another in a direction parallel to the plates. 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic of a construction machine with the stick positioned to receive an attachment; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic of the construction machine in  FIG. 1  with a stick wing mounted to the stick; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic of a construction machine with the boom positioned to receive an attachment; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic of the construction machine in  FIG. 3  with a boom wing attached to the boom; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are a side view and a front view of a stick wing; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are a side view and a top view of a boom wing; 
         FIG. 7A  is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of the coupling arrangement in accordance with the subject invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is an assembled isometric view of the coupling arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the coupling arrangement in accordance with the subject invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of another alternate coupling arrangement in accordance with the subject invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a stick wing and a portion of an adapter; 
         FIG. 11  is the view of the stick in  FIG. 10  along lines “XI-XI” in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12A  is a view of the adapter illustrated in  FIG. 10  along lines “XII-XII” with the tie bars extended; 
         FIG. 12B  is a view of the adapter in  FIG. 12A  with the tie bars retracted; 
         FIGS. 13A-13C  illustrate the sequential steps for securing the stick wing to the adapter; 
         FIGS. 14A ,  14 B, and  14 C are front, top, and left end views, respectively, of an adapter; 
         FIGS. 15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18  are exploded side views of different configurations of modules possible utilizing the design in accordance with the subject invention; 
         FIG. 19  is an assembled view of the exploded element in  FIG. 18  excluding the multi-tool; 
         FIGS. 20A and 20B  are side views of a folding adapter, in different positions, in accordance with the subject invention, whereby the folding member and the adapter member are integral with one another; 
         FIGS. 20C and 20D  are side view of the folding module and adapter module illustrated in  FIGS. 20A and 20B  but includes a removable coupling between the two parts; 
         FIGS. 21A-21D  are sequential side views of the motion possible utilizing the arrangement in accordance with  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 22  is an exploded side view of a bucket associated with a stick wing and a rotator module therebetween; 
         FIG. 23  is a side view of the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 22  but in an assembled configuration; 
         FIGS. 24-26  are a side view, a left end view, and a right end view of a rotator module in accordance with the subject invention; 
         FIG. 27  is an exploded side view similar to that of  FIG. 22 , however, without the rotator module between the stick wing and bucket; 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of an assembled configuration of the elements in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded side view of a claw associated with a stick wing; 
         FIG. 30  is a side view of the arrangement in  FIG. 29 , but in an assembled configuration; 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded side view of a hammer associated with a stick wing; 
         FIG. 32  is the hammer illustrated in  FIG. 31 , but assembled and mounted upon the stick of a construction machine; 
         FIGS. 33 and 34  are a side view and a top view, respectively, of a reducer module; 
         FIGS. 35 and 36  are a side view and a top view of an enlarger module; 
         FIG. 37A  is a schematic of a construction machine, whereby a supplemental extension arm has been added to the stick for a system designed to be utilized with an electric magnet for retrieving scrap; 
         FIG. 37B  is a schematic of a construction machine, whereby a modified stick has been added in place of the stick illustrated in  FIG. 37A ; 
         FIG. 37C  is a schematic of a construction machine, whereby a second modified stick has been added in place of the supplemental extension arm illustrated in  FIG. 37B ; 
         FIGS. 38 and 39  are a top view and a side view, respectively, of the supplemental extension arm illustrated in  FIG. 37A ; 
         FIG. 40A  is a modified stick having a squared-off coupling end; 
         FIG. 40B  is a modified stick similar to the modified stick illustrated in  FIG. 40A , but with an angled coupling end; 
         FIGS. 41A-41E  illustrate a sequence of motion possible utilizing the elements illustrated on the construction machine in  FIG. 37A ; 
         FIG. 42  is a schematic of a construction machine, whereby the supplemental extension member has been added to the boom for a system designed to be utilized with an electric magnet for retrieving scrap; 
         FIGS. 43A-43C  illustrate, in different positions, a telescopic adapter module mounted to the boom of a construction machine 
         FIG. 44  is an exploded top view of a stick wing and a portion of an adapter; 
         FIG. 45  is a side view of the stick wing illustrated in  FIG. 44 ; 
         FIG. 46  is an assembled top view of the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 44 , with the locking pins retracted; 
         FIG. 47  is an assembled top view similar to the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 46 , but with the locking pins extended to engage the adapter; 
         FIG. 48  is a side view of a multi-tool secured to a universal adapter plate suited for mounting upon a skid steer; 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view of the universal adapter plate illustrated in  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 50  is a schematic similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 37C , wherein the modified extension arm is oriented such that the cylinder is beneath the modified extension arm to provide lift to an attachment mounted thereupon; 
         FIG. 51  is a schematic similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 2 , wherein in  FIG. 51  the stick wing has a standardized distal coupling arrangement; 
         FIGS. 52A and 52B  are similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , however, now a standardized distal coupling arrangement is located where, originally, the standardized proximal coupling arrangement was located; 
         FIG. 53  illustrates an arrangement similar to that in  FIG. 4 , however, the boom wing now has a standardized proximal coupling arrangement as opposed to the standardized proximal coupling arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 54A and 54B  illustrate schematics similar to those found in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , however, now a standardized distal coupling arrangement is located where, originally, the standardized proximal coupling arrangement was located; 
         FIGS. 55 ,  56 , and  57  illustrate a perspective view, an end view, and side view, respectively, of an adapter with a standardized proximal coupling arrangement at each end; 
         FIGS. 58 ,  59 , and  60  illustrate a perspective view, an end view, and a side view, respectively, of an adapter with a standardized distal coupling arrangement at each end; 
         FIGS. 61 ,  62 , and  63  illustrate an exploded, a cut-away, and an assembled view of the adapter found in  FIG. 55  arranged to show its relationship with other attachments; 
         FIG. 64  is a schematic of a side view of a construction machine with a split boom with the lower boom portion illustrated; 
         FIG. 65  illustrates the split boom of  FIG. 64  with the upper boom portion extension having a cylinder which is oriented for lifting; and 
         FIG. 66  is similar to the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 65 , however, now the boom extension has been rotated such that it is now best suited to impart a downward force to the extension, which in one application it may be used for digging. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a construction machine  10 , including a tractor  12 , having an extension arm or boom  15  mounted thereupon and pivoted upon the tractor  12  with a hydraulic cylinder (not shown). Attached to the boom  15  is an extension arm or stick  20  operated by a hydraulic cylinder  25  attached between the boom  15  and the stick  20 . A stick pivot attachment point  30 , in conjunction with a stick linkage attachment point  35 , provides points of attachment through which other tools and accessories may be attached to the stick  20 . A hydraulic cylinder  40 , in conjunction with a connecting linkage  45 , acts to move the stick linkage attachment point  35  to manipulate any accessory attached thereto. It is important to note that the stick pivot attachment point  30  and stick linkage attachment point  35  may 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 to  FIG. 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 stick  20  through the use of a stick wing  50 . The proximal end  51  of the stick wing  50  is connected to the stick  20  at the stick pivot attachment point  30  and at the stick linkage attachment point  35 . The distal end  52  of the stick wing  50  includes a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  which may be used as a base for mounting any number of modular accessories or tools. 
     Additionally, directing attention to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , which illustrate a construction machine  10  having a tractor  12  with only a boom  15  extending therefrom, a boom pivot attachment point  60  and a boom linkage attachment point  65 , driven by the hydraulic cylinder  25 , may be used as attachment points to receive the proximal end  71  of a boom wing  70  ( FIG. 4 ). Once again, a distal end  72  of the boom wing  70  has a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  75  adapted to receive a variety of different modular accessories and tools. 
     Through the use of the stick wing  50  and the boom wing  70  it 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 machine  10  in the event a manufacturer does not provide a full complement of such attachments and/or tools, or, in the event a machine owner wishes to maximize the capacity of the machine. 
     In particular, the proximal end  51  of the stick wing  50  or the proximal end  71  of the boom wing  70  may be customized to accommodate the stick attachment points or the boom attachment points of any variety of different designs. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a front and side view of a stick wing  50 . In particular, the stick wing  50  is comprised of at least two plates  80 ,  81 , each having at least two holes  82 ,  84  extending therethrough and spaced apart to define a hole pattern  85 . The at least two opposing plates  80 ,  81  have mounting surfaces  86 ,  88  thereupon. It is the location of these plates  80 ,  81  and the associated holes  82 ,  84  which define the proximal coupling arrangement associated with the stick wing  50 . The opposing plates  80 ,  81  are connected together through the use of a connecting member  90 . 
     Additionally, each opposing plate  80 ,  81  has therethrough connecting bores  92 ,  94  spaced apart from one another on each plate  80 ,  81 . It is the location and design of each of these connecting bores  92 ,  94  which provide a connection to the stick wing  50  of one manufacturer or another manufacturer. The stick wing  50  may be designed such that the size and the location of the connecting bores  92 ,  94  accommodate 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 wings  50 , 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 6B  illustrate a side view and a top view of a boom wing  70  having the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  75  and connecting bores  100 ,  102  extending through plates  104 ,  106  designed to be connected to the boom pivot attachment point  60  and boom linkage attachment point  65  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The standardized proximal coupling arrangement  75  is identical to the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  previously described in association with the stick wing  50 . Additionally, the connecting bores  100 ,  102  may be sized and spaced appropriately to accommodate the attachment points for booms from manufacturers of different construction machines. Just as with the stick wing  50 , the boom wing  70  may be comprised of at least two opposing plates  104 ,  106  and each of these opposing plates  104 ,  106  may have mounting surfaces  108 ,  110 . 
     A typical configuration for the proximal coupling arrangement and distal coupling arrangement herein discussed is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Directing attention to  FIG. 7A , an adapter  210  having a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  is illustrated in an exploded isometric view relative to the standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  of another adapter  211 . In particular and using reference numbers already used with respect to the stick wing  50  and the boom wing  70 , the proximal coupling arrangement  55  is comprised of opposing plates  80 ,  81  with a hole pattern  85  defined by holes  82 ,  84  which extend through both plates  80 ,  81 . Each plate  80 ,  81  has a mounting surface  86 ,  88 . 
     The standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  is also comprised of at least two opposing plates  120 ,  122  with a hole pattern  124  defined by spaced-apart holes  126 ,  128 . Each opposing plate  120 ,  122  has a mounting surface  130 ,  132  each of which is generally aligned with a mounting surface  86 ,  88  of the distal coupling arrangement  55 . The opposing plates  80 ,  81  of the proximal coupling arrangement  55  are spaced in complimentary relationship with the opposing plates  120 ,  122  of the distal coupling arrangement  115 , such that when the plates  80 ,  81  and  120 ,  122  are merged, the mounting surfaces  86 ,  130  and  88 ,  132  are adjacent to one another. Additionally, the hole pattern  85  of the distal coupling arrangement  55  identified by holes  82 ,  84  match the hole pattern  124  of the distal coupling arrangement  115  defined by holes  126 ,  128 . As a result, the proximal coupling arrangement  55  is mated with the distal coupling arrangement  115  and the hole patterns  85 ,  124  align, such that the retention pins  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146  may be inserted within the holes, thereby securing the proximal coupling arrangement  55  within the distal coupling arrangement  115 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7B . The retention pins  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146  each have bores  140   a ,  142   a ,  144   a ,  146   a  extending diametrically therethrough to accept locking pins (not shown) which are engaged through the bores  140   a ,  142   a ,  144   a ,  146   a  and through matching bores  140   b ,  142   b ,  144   b ,  146   b  extending through the adapter. 
     It is also possible, as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , for the distal coupling arrangement  115  to further include with each opposing plate  120 ,  122 , a reinforcement plate  148 ,  150  spaced next to the opposing plate  120 ,  122  to define slots  152 ,  154  therebetween. Each reinforcement plate  148 ,  150  has an identical hole pattern  156  to that of the hole pattern  124  associated with the opposing plate within the slot  152 . 
     From inspection of  FIG. 7A , it should be appreciated that each adapter module  210 ,  211  has a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  and a standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  at each end. As a result, a plurality of adapter modules  210 ,  211  may 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 arrangement  55  and the distal coupling arrangement  115 . 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 to  FIG. 7A , it is entirely possible for the distal coupling arrangement to be associated with reference number  115  and the proximal coupling arrangement to be associated with reference number  55 . 
     Directing further attention to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the standardized distal mounting arrangement  115  illustrated therein on adapter  211  includes two pairs of spaced-apart parallel plates  120 ,  122 . Opposing plate  120  forms with reinforcement plate  148 , a slot  152 , having a width W in the adapter  211 . The plate  80  on adapter  210  has a thickness t which is approximately equal to but less than, the width W of the slot  152 . 
     Additionally, the opposing plate  122  on adapter  211  forms with the reinforcement plate  150  a slot  154  having a width W in the adapter  211 . 
     This same relationship exists with respect to the opposing plate  122  and the reinforcement plate  150  of the adapter  211  which form the slot  154  having a width W and the plate  81  of the adapter  210 , which has a thickness t. Common mating holes  126 ,  128  extend through the pairs of spaced-apart parallel plates  120 ,  122  and plates  148 ,  150  in the adapter  211  and the plates  80 ,  81  in the adapter  210 . Pins  140 ,  144  extend through the common hole  126 , while pins  142 ,  146  extend through the common hole  128  to restrict translation of the adapter  210  and the adapter  211  relative to one another in a direction parallel to the plates. Depending upon the configuration, it is possible for a single bore through the plates and a single pin extending therethrough to limit the translation of the adapter  210  and the adapter  211  relative to one another. 
     While  FIG. 7A  illustrates a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  on one side of the adapter  210  and a standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  on one side of the adapter  211 , it is entirely possible to switch the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  and the standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  so that, while the same coupling occurs between the adapters  210 ,  211 , the standardized proximal and standardized distal coupling arrangements are reversed between the adapter  210  and the adapter  211 . Although this coupling reversal is discussed with respect to adapter  210  and adapter  211  illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , this type of alternate arrangement may be applied to any of the configurations discussed herein. 
     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 in  FIG. 8 , a standardized distal coupling arrangement  155  is mateable with a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  215 , whereby the arrangement  155  is comprised of a hooking plate  160  with a hole  162  therethrough and a spaced-apart hook  164 . The proximal coupling arrangement  215  is comprised of a hooked plate  166  with a spaced-apart hole  168  therethrough and a pivot pin  170 , such that the hook  164  of the hooking plate  160  may engage the pivot pin  170  of the hooked plate  166  and the spaced-apart holes  162 ,  168  aligned to receive a support pin  172  extending therethrough, thereby providing a secure coupling between the distal coupling arrangement  155  and the proximal coupling arrangement  215 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates yet another coupling arrangement, whereby a distal coupling arrangement  175  is connected to a proximal coupling arrangement  180 . In particular, the distal coupling arrangement  175  is comprised of a plate  185  having a hole  187  extending therethrough and a wide protruding end  188 . A projection  189  extends transversely to the end  188 . The proximal coupling arrangement  180  is comprised of a plate  195  having a hole  197  extending therethrough and a matching wide receiving end  198 . A recess  199  complimentary in shape to the projection  189  extends transversely within the end  198  in a direction corresponding to the projection  189 . The wide protruding end  188  of the distal coupling arrangement  175  is brought into abutment with the matching wide receiving end  199  of the proximal coupling arrangement  215 , wherein the holes  187 ,  197  are aligned and the projection  189  is engaged with the recess  199 . A retention bolt  201  is then placed within the holes  187 ,  197  to provide a secure coupling between the two coupling arrangements  175 ,  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 to  FIGS. 10-13C , an automatically actuated coupling system  300  will be discussed. For purposes of discussion, as shown in  FIG. 10 , a stick wing  305  will be attached to an adapter  310 . The stick wing  305  is comprised of a base  312  having at least one plate  314  with at least two holes  316 ,  318  extending therethrough defining a hole pattern  319 . 
     Directing attention to  FIGS. 10 and 12A , and focusing on one half of a coupling arrangement  305 ,  310 , at least two locking posts  320 ,  322  are aligned with the holes  316 ,  318  and secured to a tie bar  324 . When the stick wing  305  is aligned with the adapter  310 , the posts  320 ,  322  are slidable within the holes  316 ,  318  of the base plate  314 . The adapter  310  is a module having a plate  328  with a hole pattern  330  extending therefrom matching that hole pattern  319  of the base plate  314  when the adapter  310  is positioned next to the stick wing  305 . A manipulator rod  335  ( FIG. 11 ) is moved back and forth by an actuator  340 .  FIG. 11  illustrates the manipulator rod  335  in a retracted position. The actuator  340  may be, among other things, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric solenoid capable of moving the manipulator rod  335  from a retracted position, illustrated in  FIG. 11 , to an extended position, illustrated in  FIG. 13A . The manipulator rod  335  extends from the stick wing  305  to engage a slot  342  in the tie bar  324 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 13A . As illustrated in  FIG. 13B , once the manipulator rod  335  engages the slot  342  within the tie bar  324  the manipulator rod  335  may be retracted, which at the same time will pull the tie bar  324  toward the adapter plate  328  thereby moving the locking posts  320 ,  322  ( FIG. 12A ) into the holes  316 ,  318  ( FIG. 10 ) of the wing  305  to secure the adapter  310  within the wing  305 .  FIGS. 12A and 13A  illustrate the adapter  310  with the tie-bar  324  and the pins  320 ,  322  in the extended position, while  FIG. 13C  illustrates the stick wing  305  secured to the adapter  310  when the tie bar  324  is positioned in the retracted manner. As a safety precaution, directing attention to  FIG. 13C , locking pins  344 ,  346  may be used to secure the manipulator rod  335  within its retracted position relative to the adapter  310 . 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 wing  305  and the adapter  310  have been discussed with a single based plate  314  and a single adapter plate  328 . However, it should be understood and as illustrated in  FIGS. 10-13C , that each stick wing  305  and adapter  310  has at least a pair of opposing plates to provide an arrangement which is symmetrical about the center of each the stick wing  305  and the adapter  310 . It should also be noted that while, with respect to  FIGS. 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 pins  320 ,  322 , illustrated in  FIG. 12A . 
       FIGS. 10-13C  illustrate one type of automatically actuated coupling system  300 , whereby the locking posts mounted upon the adapter  310  are moved inwardly to engage the holes  316 ,  318  of the stick wing  305 . 
     Directing attention to  FIGS. 44-47 , it is also possible for the locking posts to move outwardly. In particular, an automatically actuated coupling system  1300  will be discussed. For purposes of discussion as shown in  FIG. 44 , a stick wing  1305  will be attached to an adapter  1310 . The stick wing  1305  is comprised of a base  1312  having at least one plate  1314  with at least two holes  1316 ,  1318  extending therethrough defining a hole pattern  1319 . At least two locking posts  1320 ,  1322  are aligned with the holes  1316 ,  1318  and slidably mounted within a guide  1324  attached to the stick wing base. When the stick wing  1305  is aligned with the adapter  1310 , the posts  1320 ,  1322  are slidable within the holes  1316 ,  1318  of the base plate  1314 . The adapter  1310  is a module having a plate  1328  with a hole pattern similar to that of hole pattern  1319  extending therefrom and matching the hole pattern  1319  of the base plate  1314  when the adapter  1310  is positioned next to the stick wing  1305 . When the stick wing  1305  is properly positioned adjacent to the adapter  1310 , the locking pins  1320 ,  1322  are expanded outwardly to engage the holes  1316 ,  1318  from the retracted position, illustrated in  FIG. 46 , to the extended position, illustrated in  FIG. 47 , where the locking posts  1320 ,  1322  engage the adapter  1310 . The locking posts  1320 ,  1322  may be hydraulically activated within the guide  1324 . It should be noted that while the locking posts  1320 ,  1322  within the guide  1324  are associated with the stick wing  1305 , it is entirely possible for the locking posts  1320 ,  1322  within the guide  1324  to be associated instead with the adapter  1310 . 
     Briefly returning to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , described therein was a proximal coupling arrangement  55  mateable with a distal coupling arrangement  115 .  FIGS. 14A-14C  illustrate a single adapter module  350  for connecting to a construction machine, wherein the module  350  has a body  352  with a first end  354  and a second end  356 . A proximal coupling arrangement  55  similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 7A  is associated with the first end  354  and a distal coupling arrangement  115  similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 7A  is associated with the second end  356 . The reference numbers applied in  FIG. 7A  may also be applied to the elements in  FIGS. 14A-14C . It should be appreciated that other modules having a proximal coupling arrangement  55  on their first end and a distal coupling arrangement  115  on 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/or a distal coupling arrangement which are compatible with other modules. 
     The module  350  illustrated in  FIGS. 14A-14C , is an adapter module which, as will be discussed, is intended to attach to a multi-tool. The adapter module  350  at its first end  354  includes a sleeve  401  with a longitudinal axis  403  and a passageway  405  extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis  403 . The sleeve  401  is adapted to encompass the hydraulic cylinder portion  362  ( FIG. 15 ) on the end of the multi-tool  360 , which is used to operate the multi-tool  360 . 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded side view of an arrangement, whereby a stick wing  50  may be secured to an adapter module  350  which itself may be secured to a multi-tool  360 . The multi-tool  360  includes a distal coupling arrangement  115  similar to that illustrated in the adapter module  350  of  FIGS. 14A-14C . 
     Briefly returning to  FIGS. 14A-14C , the body  352  includes a window  358 . When the adapter module  350  is secured to the multi-tool  360 , the window  358  provides access for the hydraulic lines which operate the multi-tool  360 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates the stick wing  50  with the adapter module  350  and a multi-tool  360  adjacent thereto. Between the stick wing  50  and the adapter module  350  is an extension module  365  which is similar to the adapter module  350  but exists purely to provide an extension between the stick wing  50  and another module. The extension module  365  includes a support structure  367  with a proximal coupling arrangement  55  associated with the first end  369  and a distal coupling arrangement  115  associated with the second end  371 . 
     While the adapter module  350  and the extension module  365  provide rigid structures between the proximal coupling arrangement and the distal coupling arrangement of each of these modules,  FIG. 17  illustrates a folding module  375  which is capable of pivoting, such that the proximal coupling arrangement  55  and distal coupling arrangement  115  may be oriented relative to one another at different angles. The folding module  375 , illustrated in  FIG. 17 , is attached to an adapter module  350  at the first end  377  and to a stick wing  50  at the second end  379 . Just as before, the adapter module  350  is connected to the multi-tool  360 . 
     The configuration illustrated in  FIG. 18  is identical to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 17  with the exception that the stick wing  50  is replaced by the boom wing  70  previously described. With this interchangeability, it should be appreciated that any module that may be attached to the stick wing  50 , illustrated in  FIG. 2 , may also be attached to the boom wing  70 , illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Nevertheless, returning to  FIG. 18 , the folding module  375  as described with respect to  FIG. 17  is capable of orienting the proximal coupling arrangement  55  at a different angle relative to the distal coupling arrangement  115 . 
     Directing attention to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the folding module  375  is comprised of a two-part structure between the first end  377  and the second end  379 .  FIG. 18  illustrates the folding adapter  375  in a straight pattern, while  FIG. 19  illustrates the folding adapter  375  in a folded configuration. A first part  380  and a second part  382  are connected at one point  384  by a pivot  386  and are connected at a different point  388  by a driving cylinder  390  with a cylinder rod  392  such that the motion of the cylinder rod  392  changes the angular orientation of the first part  380  relative to the second part  382  and, as a result, changes the angular orientation of the adapter  350  relative to the boom wing  70  or to any other module to which the first part  380  may be attached. 
     The arrangements illustrated in  FIG. 18  and in  FIG. 19  are a boom wing  70  attached to a folding module  375 , which itself is attached to an adapter module  350 . To conserve space and to minimize the number of parts, it is entirely possible to consolidate the boom wing  70  and the folding module  375 , illustrated in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , to generate a folding adapter module  395 , illustrated in  FIGS. 20A and 20B . The folding adapter module  395  is comprised of a two-part structure, wherein the first part is an adapter part  397  similar to the adapter module  350  previously described, but now, the adapter part  397  is an integral part of the folding adapter module  395 . The adapter part  397  is at the module first end  409 . 
     The folding adapter module  395  includes a first part  407  which has an adapter at the module first end  409  and includes similar features to the adapter module  350  described with respect to  FIGS. 14A-14C . In particular, the first part  407  at the first end  409  includes a sleeve  401  with a longitudinal axis  403  and a passageway  405  extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis  403 . The sleeve  401  is adapted to overlap a hydraulic cylinder portion  362  ( FIG. 15 ) on the end of a tool  360 . 
     The second part is a folding member  411 . The first part  407  and the second part  411  are connected to one another at one point  484  by a pivot  486  and at a different point  488  by a driving cylinder  490  with a cylinder rod  492 , such that motion of the cylinder rod  492  changes the angular orientation of the first part  407  relative to the second part  411  and, as a result, changes the angular orientation of the boom wing  70  and the first end  409 . 
     The folding adapter module  395  illustrated in  FIGS. 20A and 20B  is comprised of a first part  407 , which is an adapter, and a second part  411 , which is the folding member.  FIGS. 20C and 20D  illustrate a similar arrangement but with a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  associated with the folding member  411  adjacent to the first part  407 . As a result, the first part  407  includes a standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  such that, in contrast to the arrangement in  FIGS. 20A and 20B , the first part  407  may be easily secured to or removed from the folding member  411 . This arrangement is similar to that shown in  FIG. 19  except now the boom wing  70  ( FIG. 19 ) and the second part  382  are unified as a single part. Additionally, with the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  on the folding member  411 , any of a variety of other members may be mounted to the folding member  411 , as long as those members have a compatible standardized distal coupling arrangement  115 . 
       FIGS. 21A-21D  illustrate the versatility of a multi-tool  360  attached to a boom wing  70  by way of the folding adapter module  395  just described. Not only may the multi-tool  360  be rotated by the motion of the boom  15  as it is pivoted about the tractor (not shown), but additionally, through the use of the folding adapter module  395 , the multi-tool  360  may have an additional joint of rotation such that, as illustrated in the sequence of  FIGS. 20A-20C , the multi-tool  360  may be rotated through an angular range of approximately 135°. While such a rotation may be available utilizing a standard boom/stick combination, the space required for this arrangement coupled with a multi-tool  360  would be prohibitive and, as a result, the folding adapter module  395  provides 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 to  FIG. 16 , the extension module  365  is one example of an intermediate module which, on a first end  369 , includes a standardized proximal coupling  55  and, on the second end  371 , includes a standardized distal coupling  115 , such that the extension module  365  may be secured between two other modules having an identical distal coupling arrangement or proximal coupling arrangement. As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the stick wing  50  includes a proximal coupling arrangement  55  which is secured to the distal coupling arrangement  115  at one end  371  of the extension module  365  while the proximal coupling arrangement  55  at the other end  369  of the extension module  365  is secured to the distal coupling arrangement  115  of the adapter module  350 . As such, the adapter module  350  is also an intermediate module used to accommodate the multi-tool  360 . 
     In order to accommodate the proximal coupling arrangement  55  of the adapter module  350 , the multi-tool  360  has a front end  500  ( FIG. 15 ) with a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  115  with the hydraulic cylinder portion  362  extending therefrom. As previously mentioned, the tool adapter  350  includes a sleeve  401  ( FIG. 14B ) with a longitudinal axis  403  and a passageway  405  extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis  403 . The sleeve  401  overlaps the hydraulic cylinder portion  362  ( FIG. 15 ) and has a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  secured to the standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  of the multi-tool  360 . In this arrangement, the multi-tool  360 , since it has only a standardized distal coupling arrangement  115 , is considered to be a terminal module. On the other hand, the tool adapter  350 , since it has both a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  115  and a standardized distal coupling arrangement  55 , is considered to be an intermediate module. 
     An intermediate module may also be the extension module  365  previously discussed with respect to  FIG. 16 . An intermediate module may furthermore be the folding module  375  discussed with respect to  FIGS. 17 and 18 . Additionally, an intermediate module may be the folding adapter module  395  discussed with respect to  FIGS. 19-20B . 
     Directing attention to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the intermediate module may also be a rotator module  510  that may, for example, be secured between the stick wing  50  and a bucket  512  having a distal coupling arrangement  115  thereupon.  FIG. 23  illustrates this arrangement assembled. 
     Directing attention to  FIGS. 24-26 , the rotator module  510  is comprised of a rotator  514  between a first end  516  and a second end  518 . The rotator  514  is comprised of a first part  520  rotatably connected to a second part  522  and further includes a driver  524  to mechanically rotate the first part  520  relative to the second part  522 , thereby providing rotation between the module first end  516  and the module second end  518 . The driver  524  rotates a driver gear which mates with an engaging gear to provide relative rotation between the first part  520  and the second part  522 . The driver  524  may be a hydraulically driven motor or, in the alternative, may be an electric motor. The rotator module has a standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  at the first end  516  and a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  at the second end  518 . 
     Although  FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate a bucket  512  secured to the stick wing  50  through a rotator module  510 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , it is entirely possible to mount the bucket  512  directly to the stick wing  50 . 
       FIGS. 29 and 30  illustrate an exploded and an assembled view of a claw  530  secured to the stick wing  50  through a rotator module  510 . The claw  530  may be comprised of two tines  532 ,  534  pivotally secured to the body  536  of the claw and operated by hydraulic cylinders (not shown). 
       FIGS. 31 and 32  illustrate a hammer  540  secured to the stick wing  50  in a typical manner discussed within this application. Depending upon the manufacturer of the hammer,  540 , it may be necessary to install a fitting plate  542  which includes a distal coupling arrangement  115  similar to those discussed herein. With such an arrangement, the hammer  540  may be mounted via the stick wing  50  to the stick  20  of a construction machine. Note the hydraulic cylinder  40  ( FIG. 2 ) has been removed in  FIG. 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-tool  360  ( FIG. 15 ) may be considered a terminal module as may the bucket  512  ( FIG. 27 ), claw  530  ( FIG. 29 ), and hammer  540  ( FIG. 31 ). 
     Note the bucket  512  in  FIGS. 22-23  and  27 - 28  is comprised of opposing side walls  513   a ,  513   b  and a curved bottom  515  connecting the side walls  513   a ,  513   b . The standardized distal coupling  115  is mounted directly to the side wall  513   a  of the bucket  512 . The shape of the bucket  512  in conjunction with the standardized distal coupling  115  mounted directly to the side wall  513   a  permits the center of gravity of the bucket  512  to be closer to the proximal distal coupling  115 , thereby reducing the overhang of the bucket  512  relative to the construction machine. In particular, the hole pattern  156  ( FIG. 7A ) has holes  126 ,  128  along a line parallel to the side wall  513   a  of the bucket  512 . 
     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 to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , a reducer module  550  is comprised of a first end  552  having a distal coupling arrangement  115  and a second end  554  having 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 arrangement  115  is L 1  and the distance between the center lines of the protrusions  557 ,  558  for the proximal coupling arrangement  55 , which normally would extend within the slots  555 ,  556 , is L 2  which, as illustrated in  FIG. 34 , is less than L 1 . 
     In the alternative, an enlarger module  560  may have a first end  562  with a distal coupling arrangement having a distance between slots  566 ,  567  of L 3  with a second end  564  having a distance L 4  between protrusions  568 ,  569 , wherein L 4  is greater than L 3 , and the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  is proportionately smaller than the standardized distal coupling arrangement  115 . 
     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. 37A  illustrates a construction machine  12  with a boom  15  and a stick  20  with a stick wing  50  attached thereto and a supplemental extension arm  570  attached to the wing  50 . An electric magnet  575  is suspended by cables  577  from the supplemental extension arm  570 . The electric magnet must be powered by an electric cable  578  extending all of the way from the tractor  12  to the magnet  575  and, as a result, the electrical cable  578  is exposed not only to the motion of the boom  15  and the stick  20 , but furthermore, is exposed to the environment which may include demolition debris contacting or severing the electrical cable  578 . 
     The supplemental extension arm  570  is illustrated in  FIGS. 38 and 39  and includes a first window  585  providing an entrance to the internal frame and a second window  587  providing an exit from the internal frame, thereby protecting the electrical cable  578  along the length of the supplemental extension arm  570 . By doing so, the electrical cable  578  powering the magnet  575  is shielded along the segments of the construction machine where the cable  578  would normally be most vulnerable. The supplemental extension arm  570  has lifting slots  572 ,  573  extending therethrough suitable to accept the tines of a forklift or suitable to accept a cable sling for lifting. 
     In a design similar to that to be discussed with respect to  FIGS. 40A and 40B , the supplemental extension arm  570 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 38 and 39 , may also have a standardized distal coupling  115  oriented at an angle A perpendicular to longitudinal axis L. 
       FIG. 37B  illustrates an arrangement similar to that arrangement in  FIG. 37A , except now the stick  20  has been replaced by a modified stick  579 . The modified stick  579  is similar to the stick  20  previously described with the addition of the standardized distal coupling  115 . The modified stick  579 , also illustrated in  FIG. 40A , may include a first window  581 , which provides access to the internal frame of the modified stick  579  to protect the electrical cable, and a second window  583 , which together provide an entrance point and an exit point for the electrical cable  578 . A hydraulic cylinder  590  is mounted to the modified stick  579  and the standardized proximal coupling  55 , in the form of the stick wing  50 , is pivotally coupled to the hydraulic cylinder  590 . As illustrated in  FIG. 40A , the standardized distal coupling  115  of the modified stick  579  may be oriented at an angle A perpendicular to a longitudinal axis L extending along the length of the modified stick  579 . By providing a standardized distal coupling  115 , which forms a perpendicular angle with the longitudinal axis L, it is possible to flip the modified stick  579  so that the hydraulic cylinder  590  is on the bottom of the configuration as opposed to the arrangement in  FIGS. 37B and 40A , with the hydraulic cylinder  590  on the top. As a result, the modified stick  579  may be oriented so that the hydraulic cylinder  590  is on the top or the bottom of the configuration to provide improved performance depending upon whether the modified stick  570  is used to push down on (cylinder on top) or lift (cylinder on bottom) an object. By design, hydraulic cylinders are designed to provide their greatest forces when the piston is extended from the cylinder housing. While the hydraulic cylinder  590  is illustrated on the top of the modified stick  579 , the appearance of the modified stick  579  flipped with the hydraulic cylinder  590  on the bottom may be easily envisioned. On the other hand, the standardized distal coupling  115 , as illustrated in  FIG. 40B , may be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle A relative to the longitudinal axis L extending along the length of the arm  570 . 
     While  FIGS. 37B and 40A  illustrate the hydraulic cylinder  590 , positioned on the top of the modified stick  579 ,  FIG. 50  illustrates the same modified stick  579 , but flipped, such that the hydraulic cylinder  590  is on the bottom of the modified stick  579 . In this configuration, the modified stick  579  is better suited to lifting objects since the cylinder  590  exerts a much greater force as it is being extended as opposed to retracted. Additionally, a second modified stick  579 ′ may also be added with the hydraulic cylinder  590 ′ on the bottom to provide not only an extension to the construction machine but to also provide that extension with the ability to lift an object. The modified stick  579  has a first end  578 A adapted to be secured to the boom wing  70  in a fashion similar to that configuration previously described with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
     The modified stick  579  in  FIG. 40B  is identical to that illustrated in  FIG. 40A  and presented in the earlier figures with the exception that now the standardized distal coupling  115  is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle A relative to the longitudinal axis L. 
       FIG. 37C  illustrates an arrangement, whereby a first modified stick  579  may be secured to a second modified stick  579 ′. While the second modified stick  579 ′ may be identical to the first modified stick  579 , it may be preferred for the second modified stick  579 ′ to be smaller than the first modified stick  579 . However, in principle, multiple modified sticks may be attached to one another to provide extension to a given machine. 
       FIGS. 41A-41E  illustrate the versatility of a construction machine  10  having a hydraulically activated boom  15 , a hydraulically activated stick  20 , and a hydraulically activated supplemental extension arm  570 . As may be seen in the sequence presented in  FIGS. 41A-41E , the end  589  of the supplemental extension arm  570  is capable of being rotated 360°. Such a range of motion provides a machine operator with tremendous flexibility and versatility. 
       FIG. 42  illustrates a construction machine  12  with a boom  15  and a boom wing  70  attached thereto. The supplemental extension arm  570  is connected to the boom wing  70 . Attached to the supplemental extension arm  570  through a support cable  577 , is an electric magnet  575  powered by an electric cable  578 . Therefore, it should be apparent that the supplemental extension arm  570  having an electric magnet  575  attached thereto may be secured to either the stick wing  50 , as illustrated in  FIG. 37 , or the boom wing  70 , as illustrated in  FIG. 42 . 
       FIGS. 43A-43C  illustrate a telescopic adapter module  600  secured to the boom wing  70  of a construction machine  12 . It should be appreciated that the telescopic adapter module  600  may also be mounted to a stick wing (not shown) or one of the intermediate adapters previously discussed herein. 
     The telescopic adapter module  600  is comprised of a base  605  with an axially moving nested segment  610  extending from the base  605 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 43A-43B , multiple nesting segments are possible. In particular,  FIG. 43C  illustrates a second nested segment  615  extending from the first nested segment  610 . At the furthermost end of nested segment  615  is a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  of a particular size. A central cylinder  620  may be activated to extend the segments  610 ,  615  from the base  605 . In one embodiment of the subject invention, nested segment  615  is the only segment that includes the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55 . However, in another embodiment, the base  605  includes a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  of one size, the first nested segment  610  includes a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  of another size and, as mentioned, the second nested segment  615  includes yet another standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  of yet another size. As a result, the telescopic adapter module  600  functions 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 in  FIG. 43C , the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  becomes progressively smaller in each segment  610 ,  615  extending away from the base  605 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 43A-43C  includes two nested segments  610 ,  615  extending from a base  605 , wherein the furthermost end of each segment  610 ,  615  has a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55 . 
     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 to  FIGS. 22-23 , the rotator module  510  may be secured between the stick wing  50  and the bucket  512  with the standardized coupling arrangements mating with one another. Additionally, with attention directed to  FIGS. 27-28 , the bucket  512  may be attached directly to the stick wing  50 . 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. 
     The arrangements discussed so far have been directed to the members having one or both of the standardized proximal coupling and a standardized distal coupling associated with a relatively large construction machine. Directing attention to  FIGS. 48-49 , a universal adapter plate  1400  which includes a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  may be secured to a mounting plate  1410  suitable, for example, for mounting upon a skid steer loader (not shown). As a result, multi-tool  360  secured to an adapter  210 , which has a standardized distal coupling arrangement  115 , may be secured to the mounting plate  1410 . It should be appreciated that the mounting plate  1410  may be configured for attachment to any number of different machines or tools. In such a fashion, the versatility provided by the system described herein may be utilized on other construction equipment, such as the skid steer loader. 
     The discussion associated with  FIGS. 7A and 7B  highlighted that, depending upon the configuration of the system, for a given module, the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  at one end may be switched to a standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  at the same end. 
     Briefly directing attention to  FIG. 2 , attached to the stick  20  is a stick wing  50  having at its distal end  52  a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  provide details of the stick wing  50  with the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  shown in  FIG. 5A  with a pair of spaced-apart parallel plates  80 ,  81 . This arrangement is suitable to receive a standardized distal coupling arrangement. 
     Now directing attention to  FIGS. 51 ,  52 A, and  52 B, a stick wing  710  has a proximal end  712  pivotally connected to the stick  20  through a stick pivot attachment point  30  and a stick linkage attachment point  35 . However, now the distal end  712  of the stick wing  750  includes a standardized distal coupling arrangement  715 , whereby, as illustrated in  FIGS. 52A and 52B , the standardized distal coupling arrangement  715  is made up of two opposing plates  720 ,  722  with mating holes  726 ,  728  extending therethrough to define a hole pattern  724 . Reinforcement plates  748 ,  750  are each closely spaced with respective opposing plates  720 ,  722  defining slots  752 ,  754  with a width W therebetween, wherein the width W of the slots  752 ,  754  are approximately equal to the thickness t of, for example, a plate  80  ( FIG. 7A ) from a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  intended to be placed within the slot  152  and secured therein using pins. The proximal end  712  of the stick wing  750  is similar to the proximal end illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
     What has just been described is a stick wing  750  having a standardized distal coupling arrangement  715 . Briefly directing attention to  FIG. 4 , a boom  15  has attached thereto a boom wing  70  having a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  75 . 
     Directing attention to  FIGS. 53 ,  54 A, and  54 B, the boom  15  may also have a boom wing  760  having a proximal end  761  and a distal end  762 . The proximal end  761  is attached to the boom  15  at the boom pivot attachment point  60  and the boom linkage attachment point  65 . At the distal end  762  is a standardized distal coupling arrangement  765  which, directing attention to  FIGS. 54A and 54B , is made up of two opposing spaced-apart parallel plates  770 ,  772  having a hole pattern  774  defined by holes  776 ,  778 . Spaced-apart parallel reinforcement plates  780 ,  782 , which are spaced from opposing plates  770 ,  772  define slots  784 ,  786  each having a width W suitable to receive plates  80 ,  82  ( FIG. 7A ), for example, from a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55 , wherein the plates  80 ,  82  have a thickness t suitable to fit within the slots  784 ,  786  and to be secured therein with pins extending through the holes  776 ,  778 . In this fashion, the boom  15  of a construction machine  10  may be equipped with a stick wing or a boom wing, wherein the stick wing and the boom wing may have either of a standardized proximal coupling arrangement or a standardized distal coupling arrangement attached to their distal ends. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  have illustrated adapters  210 ,  211  each having at one end a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  and, at an opposing end, a standardized distal coupling arrangement  115 . Directing attention to  FIGS. 55 ,  56 , and  57 , it is also possible to have an adapter  810  having a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  855  at one end and a similar standardized proximal coupling arrangement  855 ′ at an opposing end. The arrangement and the plates are similar to the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  described in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
     Just as the adapter  810  may have standardized proximal coupling arrangements  855 ,  855 ′ at opposing ends,  FIGS. 58-60  illustrate an adapter  910 , similar to that adapter  210  illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , however, now having at each end standardized distal coupling arrangements  915 ,  915 ′ having similar features to the standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  described with respect to  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
       FIGS. 61 ,  62 , and  63  illustrate the manner which the adapter  810 , shown in  FIGS. 55-57 , may be mated with two adjacent components. In particular, an adapter  950  may have a standardized distal coupling arrangement  960  that is adapted to mate with the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  855  of the adapter  950  and, additionally, a rotator element  970  may have at one end a standardized distal coupling arrangement  980  suitable to be mated with the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  855 ′ of the adapter  810 .  FIG. 62  shows cut-away portions revealing the manner by which the plates of the couplings mate with one another, while  FIG. 63  illustrates the parts assembled in a final configuration. 
       FIGS. 64-66  illustrate a construction machine  10  having a split boom  1500  with a lower boom portion  1505  with a first end  1507  secured to the base of the construction machine  10 . The second end  1508  has one of a standardized proximal coupling arrangement  1555  similar to standardized proximal coupling arrangement  55  described with respect to  FIGS. 7A and 7B  or a standardized distal coupling arrangement  1615  similar to that of standardized distal coupling arrangement  115  described with respect to  FIGS. 7A and 7B . An upper boom portion  1520  has a lower end  1522  having the other of the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  1555  or standardized distal coupling arrangement  1615 . As discussed with respect to the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  15  and the standardized distal coupling arrangement  115 , at least one common mating hole extends through each plate associated with the couplings and a pin is adapted to slide into the mating holes and adjacent plates of the couplings to restrict translation of the lower boom portion  1505  and the upper boom portion  1520  relative to one another in a direction parallel to the plates. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 65 , the lower boom portion  1505  and the upper boom portion  1520  have longitudinal axes  1506 ,  1521  that are generally co-axial when the lower boom portion  1505  and the upper boom portion  1520  are assembled together. 
     Additionally, while  FIGS. 65 and 66  show the lower boom portion  1505  and the upper boom portion  1520  in the assembled state, it should be appreciated that each of these have two significant differences. First of all, with respect to  FIG. 65 , the upper boom portion  1520  has at its upper end  1525  a boom wing  1570  with a standardized distal coupling arrangement  1575  similar to those described herein. Additionally, the upper boom portion  1520  has a hydraulic cylinder  1580  mounted on one side, wherein the boom wing  1570  is pivotally attached to the hydraulic cylinder  1580 . The hydraulic cylinder  1580  exerts the greatest force when the cylinder rod  1582  is being extended and, for that reason, the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 65  is optimum for pivoting the boom wing  1570  in a counterclockwise direction for lifting objects. 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 66 , because of the symmetry of the standardized proximal coupling arrangement  1555  and the standardized distal coupling arrangement  1615 , the entire upper boom portion  1520  may be rotated relative to the lower boom portion  1505  so that the hydraulic cylinder  1580  is flipped or on the opposite side from that illustrated in  FIG. 65 . In this configuration, the stick wing  1590 , when the rod  1582  of the hydraulic cylinder  1580  is extended, rotates in a clockwise direction, thereby applying a downward force to a member connected to the stick wing  1590 . In this fashion, the hydraulic cylinder  1580  provides a downward motion suitable for digging. It should be noted in the arrangements illustrated in  FIGS. 64-66 , that the coupling between the second end  1508  of the lower boom portion  1505  and the first end  1525  of the upper boom portion  1520  are oriented at an angle generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  1506  of the lower boom portion  1650 . The coupling between the second end  1508  of the lower boom portion  1505  and the first end  1525  of the upper boom portion  1520  may also be oriented at an angle non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  1506  of the lower boom portion  1505 . 
     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. 
     While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. The presently preferred embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.