Patent ID: 12203237

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

Definitions

As described herein, the term “removably secured,” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.

As described herein, the term “connector” can include any number of different elements that work together to removably join two items together. Several nonlimiting examples include nuts and bolts, opposing strips of hook and loop material (i.e., Velcro®), attractively-oriented magnetic elements, flexible strips of interlocking projections with a slider (i.e., zipper), tethers, buckles such as side release buckles, and compression fittings such as T-handle rubber draw latches, hooks, snaps and buttons, for example. Each illustrated connector can be permanently secured to the illustrated portion of the device via a permanent sealer such as glue, adhesive tape, or stitching, for example.

As described throughout this document, the term “complementary shape,” and “complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape and size of a component that is identical to, or substantially identical to the shape and size of another identified component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.

FIGS.1-8illustrate one embodiment of a malleable excavation attachment device10that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG.1.

As shown inFIG.1, one embodiment of the device10can include a pair of elongated malleable members15and17that are positioned between a top plate20, and a bottom plate30.

In one embodiment, malleable member15can include a generally rectangular-shaped body having a top surface15a, a bottom surface15b, outer edges15c/15d, a back edge15e, and forward edge15f. A pair of apertures16aand16bare provided along the member15and extend through the top and bottom surfaces. Likewise, malleable member17can also include a generally rectangular-shaped body having a top surface17a, a bottom surface17b, outer edges17c/17d, a back edge17e, and forward edge17f. A pair of apertures18aand18bare provided along the member17and extend through the top and bottom surfaces.

In one embodiment, each of the malleable members15and17can include substantially identical shapes and sizes and can be constructed from rubber sheets having a thickness of approximately 1 inch. Of course, the inventive concepts are not limited to such shapes and construction materials, as other embodiments are contemplated wherein each of the malleable members include different shapes or sizes, and are constructed from any number of different malleable materials such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, closed cell foam, and the like.

Moreover, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the malleable members are constructed from repurposed materials such as new or used vehicle tires, for example, that are cut into sections. Further, the inventive concepts are not limited to the use of two malleable members, as other embodiments having a single malleable member or more than two malleable members are also contemplated.

FIG.2illustrates one embodiment of the top plate20. As shown the plate can include a generally rectangular shaped member having a top surface21a, a bottom surface21b, outer edges21c/21d, a back edge21e, and forward edge21f. A pair of apertures22aand22bcan be positioned along the top plate so as to extend through the top and bottom surfaces.

In the preferred embodiment, the top plate can be constructed from a rigid and non-malleable material such as steel, for example, and can include a depth (e.g., distance between the back edge21eand forward edge21f) that is less than the depth of the above noted malleable members15and16, so as to ensure the malleable members extend outward from the forward edge21f. Of course, any number of other shapes, sizes and/or construction materials are also contemplated.

In one embodiment, the top plate20can include an elongated, generally flat bracket member25that extends parallel to and outward from the back edge21e. The flat bracket member can include openings25afor receiving connectors such as nuts and bolts, for example, to secure the bracket onto the inside bottom portion of an excavator bucket, such that the forward edge21fof the plate body extends outward therefrom.

In one embodiment, a pair of protrusions26can extend upward from each end of the flat bracket member25. As will be described below, the bracket25of this embodiment can be sized to include a width (e.g., distance between the protrusions26) that is complementary to the width of an excavator bucket for which the device10of this embodiment is constructed to be secured. In such an embodiment, openings27positioned along each of the protrusions26can function to receive connectors such as nuts and bolts, for example, to secure the bracket to the sides of the excavator bucket via complementary located openings on the bucket.

In the preferred embodiment, the bracket and protrusions will preferably be constructed from the same material as the top plate20so as to be formed as an integral component thereto. Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the bracket includes a different shape, is constructed from a different material, and/or is manufactured as a separate component and is then permanently secured onto the plate. Additionally, although described as being located along the top plate20, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the bracket is located at other locations such as the bottom plate, for example.

In various embodiments, the bracket25can be positioned so as to orient the main body of the top plate (e.g., top surface, forward edge) at any number of different angles θ relative to the bracket. For example, the bracket can be positioned at angles of between approximately −20 and 20 degrees, for example, so as to orient the plate body upward or downward relative to the angle of the bottom wall of the excavator bucket to which the plate is attached. Such a feature allowing the device10to be customized for specific digging duty and to increase the efficiency of the device when engaging the ground. Of course, any number of other angles are also contemplated.

FIG.3illustrates one embodiment of the bottom plate30. As shown the plate can include a generally rectangular shaped member having a top surface31a, a bottom surface31b, outer edges31c/31d, a back edge31e, and forward edge31f. A pair of apertures32aand32bcan be positioned along the bottom plate so as to extend through the top and bottom surfaces.

In the preferred embodiment, the bottom plate can be constructed from a rigid and non-malleable material such as steel, for example, and can include a depth (e.g., distance between the back edge31eand forward edge31f) and width (e.g., distance between side edges31cand31d) that are complementary to the depth and width of the top plate20.

FIGS.4and5illustrate one embodiment of the device10in operation. As shown, the device can be assembled by first aligning openings22a,16a,17aand32avertically, and aligning openings22b,16b,17band32bvertically (See alsoFIG.1), and positioning connectors5(e.g., bolts) through the aligned openings and loosely (i.e., providing the minimum necessary attachment of the nut and bolt to prevent complete separation of the device components) securing the same with complementary connectors5a(e.g., nuts), for example.

When so positioned, there will be an adjustable gap between the two malleable members15and17. As such, the user can position the forks2of the excavator bucket1between the malleable members and slide the device10toward the bucket until the back of the device10is positioned against the bottom-front side of the excavator bucket. At this time, the bottom of the flat bracket section25will be located against the top surface of the bottom wall3of the bucket and can be secured thereto via a second set of connectors6that are positionable through the openings25aand complementary located openings3aon the bucket bottom.

If the device10is manufactured for use with the specific bucket1, the protrusions26of the mounting bracket will be positioned against the sides4of the bucket, and a third set of connectors7can be positioned through the openings27and complementary positioned openings4aof the bucket sides to secure the device to the excavator bucket. The use of openings27and connectors7can be in addition to, or instead of using openings25aand connectors6described above.

In either instance, once the top plate is connected to the bucket, all of the connectors (e.g.,5,6and/or7) can be tightened to firmly secure the device onto the excavator bucket. As shown, when the device is positioned onto the excavator bucket, the front ends of the malleable members15fand17fextend beyond the front of the metallic forks2, and are the first things to touch and engage the ground. Because the members15and17are malleable, they are able to soften impacts with underground utilities, thus reducing or eliminating damage to the same.

Although described above as positioning the excavator forks2between two malleable members prior to tightening the connectors, other embodiments are contemplated. To this end,FIG.6illustrates one embodiment of the malleable excavation attachment device10that includes a plurality of fork sleeves61that are positioned along the top surface of the bottom panel30.

As shown, each of the sleeves61can include a generally hollow member having an opening one end for receiving an individual excavator fork. In one embodiment, the fork sleeves can be constructed from metal, and can include a shape, a size, and a separation distance that is complementary to the shape, size and separation distance of the forks of the known excavator bucket, so as to be able to individually receive the same.

Such a feature greatly simplifying installation of the device whereby the forks can engage the sleeves, and the device can be secured to the bottom or sides of the bucket without requiring a user to physically lift the device, manually position the forks between the malleable members, and slide the device backward before securing via connectors6and/or7.

In another embodiment, the fork sleeves61can be positioned between the malleable members15and17, and can be secured thereto by the connectors5, as noted above.

FIG.7illustrates another embodiment of the system10that includes a single malleable member70that is positioned between a top plate80and a bottom plate90. As shown, the single malleable member70can include a main body having a top surface71a, a bottom surface71b, a front edge71c, a back end71d, and a pair of sides71eand71f. An elongated opening72can be positioned along the back end71d, and can extend toward the front edge71c, and a pair of apertures73aand73bcan extend from the top surface to the bottom surface. Malleable member71can be constructed from the same materials described above with regard to members15and17, and can include a tapered shape wherein the front edge71cincludes a height (e.g., distance between top and bottom surfaces71a-71b) that is less than the height of the back end71d. Such a feature advantageously allowing the front edge to dig within the ground as noted above.

The top plate80can include a generally rectangular shaped member having a top surface81a, a bottom surface81b, outer edges81c/81d, a back edge81e, and forward edge81f. A pair of apertures82aand82bcan be positioned along the top plate so as to extend through the top and bottom surfaces. The top plate can be constructed from the same materials described above with regard to the top plate20, and can also include depth that is less than the depth of the malleable member71. Of course, many other shapes, sizes and construction materials are also contemplated.

The bottom plate90can include a generally rectangular shaped member having a top surface91a, a bottom surface91b, outer edges91c/91d, a back edge91e, and forward edge91f. A pair of apertures92aand92bcan be positioned along the bottom plate so as to extend through the top and bottom surfaces. The bottom plate90can be constructed from the same materials described above with regard to the bottom plate30. Of course, any number of other shapes, sizes and/or construction materials are also contemplated.

In one embodiment, the bottom plate90can include an elongated, generally flat bracket member95that extends parallel to and outward from the back edge91e. The flat bracket member can include openings95afor receiving connectors such as nuts and bolts, for example, to secure the bracket onto the outside bottom portion of an excavator bucket, such that the forward edge91fof the plate body extends outward therefrom.

In one embodiment, a pair of protrusions96can extend upward from each end of the flat bracket member95. As will be described below, the bracket95of this embodiment can be sized to include a width (e.g., distance between the protrusions96) that is complementary to the outside edge width of an excavator bucket for which the device10of this embodiment is constructed to be secured. In such an embodiment, openings97positioned along each of the protrusions96can function to receive connectors such as nuts and bolts, for example, to secure the bracket to the outer sides of the excavator bucket via complementary located openings on the bucket.

In the preferred embodiment, the bracket and protrusions will preferably be constructed from the same material as the bottom plate90so as to be formed as an integral component thereto. Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the bracket includes a different shape, is constructed from a different material, and/or is manufactured as a separate component and is then permanently secured onto the plate. Additionally, although described as being located along the bottom plate90, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the bracket is located at other locations such as the top plate, for example.

In various embodiments, the bracket95can be positioned so as to orient the main body of the top plate (e.g., top surface, forward edge) at any number of different angles θ relative to the bracket. For example, the bracket can be positioned at angles of between approximately −20 and 20 degrees, for example, so as to orient the plate body upward or downward relative to the angle of the bottom wall of the excavator bucket to which the plate is attached. Such a feature allowing the device10to be customized for specific digging duty and to increase the efficiency of the device when engaging the ground. Of course, any number of other angles are also contemplated.

FIG.8illustrates one embodiment of the device10in operation. As shown, the device can be assembled in much the same manner described above, whereby openings are aligned and connectors5are positioned vertically therethrough. Next, the user can position the forks2of the excavator bucket1into the opening72until the back of the device10is positioned against the bottom-front side of the excavator bucket. At this time, the top of the flat bracket section95will be located against the bottom surface of the bottom wall3of the bucket and can be secured thereto via a second set of connectors6that are positionable through the openings95aand complementary located openings3aon the bucket bottom.

If the device10is manufactured for use with the specific bucket1, the protrusions96of the mounting bracket will be positioned against the outer sides4of the bucket, and the third set of connectors7can be positioned through the openings97and complementary positioned openings4aof the bucket sides to secure the device to the excavator bucket. The use of openings97and connectors7can be in addition to, or instead of using openings95aand connectors6described above.

Although described above with regard to a single elongated opening72, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the single opening comprises a series of individual openings with the malleable member70that are spaced and sized to receive the individual forks of the excavator bucket. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a series of metallic sleeves can be positioned within the single opening or series of individual openings to receive the individual forks of the excavator bucket.

Although described above as utilizing physical connectors to penetrate each of the top plate, the malleable members and the bottom plate, this is for illustrative purposes only. To this end, each of these components may be coupled together using any number of different types of connectors which may be located at locations other than illustrated.

As described herein, one or more elements of the malleable excavation attachment device10can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Likewise, the term “consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.