Front end loader multiple tool attachment apparatus

• US 6,578,295 B1
• Filed: 05/30/2001
• Issued: 06/17/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Paladin Brands LLC (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Glenmac, Inc. (Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.)
• Inventors: Noska, Roger D., McPherson, Michael G., McPherson, Mac E., Parkos, Gary A.
• Primary Examiner(s): PEZZUTO, ROBERT ERIC
• Application Number:
  US09/871,157
• Time in Patent Office: 748 Days
• Field of Search: 374/03, 374/05, 374/06, 374/07, 374/68, 372/31, 372/41, 372/32, 372/33--35, 172/272, 172/273, 172/275, 172/445.2, 172/810, 172/811, 172/817, 172/820
• US Class Current: 37/403
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 59/048 having pulling or pushing means arranged on the front part of the tractor
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 3/3604 Devices to connect tools to arms, booms or the like
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 3/7613 with the scraper blade adjustable relative to the pivoting arms about a vertical axis, e.g. angle dozers
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 3/961 with several digging elements or tools mounted on one machine for backhoes E02F3/964 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2271 Actuators and supports therefor and protection therefor
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2275 Hoses and supports therefor and protection therefor

Abstract

A frame apparatus that fits on the loader arms of a skid steer front loader. This frame apparatus serves as a platform upon which a plurality of hydraulically driven tools can be employed. The frame apparatus further includes a hydraulic junction box and solenoid system for multiplying the front loaders hydraulic ports.

Claims

1. A multiple tool attachment for use on a front end loader having a first and second loader arm and a hydraulic system said attachment comprising:

a base having a generally flat front surface and a rear surface adapted for attachment to said first and second loader arms so as to span the distance between said first and second loader arms on said front end loader;

an attachment plate having a forward and rearward end said rearward end being fixedly attached to said bases front surface such that said attachment plate extends perpendicularly outward from said base in a fixed position;

a pivot point at said forward end of said attachment plate;

an implement bar pivotally attached to said pivot point; and

an adjustment means having a first and second end with said first end pivotally attached to said base and said second end pivotally attached to said implement bar such that said adjustment means may be used to adjust the position of said implement bar relative to said base.

2. A multiple tool attachment as in claim 1 further comprising a hydraulic junction box mounted to said multiple tool attachment for connecting said hydraulic system of said front end loader with said multiple tool attachment.

3. A multiple tool attachment as in claim 2 wherein said adjustment means is a manually adjustable arm have multiple length settings.

4. A multiple tool attachment as in claim 2 wherein said adjustment means is a hydraulic cylinder attached to said junction box.

5. A multiple tool attachment as in claim 4 wherein said hydraulic junction box further comprises:

a first and second port for attaching a hydraulically operated tool;

a first and second port for operating said hydraulic cylinder; and

a solenoid for switching control between said hydraulically operated tool and said hydraulic cylinder.

6. A multiple tool attachment as in claim 5 further comprising a control switch mounted to said solenoid.

7. A hydraulically adjustable multiple tool attachment for use on a front end loader said attachment comprising:

a base having a generally flat front surface and a rear surface adapted for attachment to said first and second loader arms so as to span the distance between said first and second loader arms on said front end loader;

an attachment plate having a forward and rearward end said rearward end being fixedly attached to said bases front surface such that said attachment plate extends perpendicularly outward from said base in a fixed position;

a pivot point at said forward end of said attachment plate;

an implement bar pivotally attached to said pivot point;

a hydraulic junction box mounted to said multiple tool attachment said junction box having a first and second primary port for attaching said junction box to the hydraulic system of said front end loader, a first and second secondary port and a first and second cylinder port; and

a hydraulic cylinder attached to said first and second cylinder port on said hydraulic junction box, said cylinder having a first and second end with said first end pivotally attached to said base and said second end pivotally attached to said implement bar such that said cylinder may be used to adjust the position of said implement bar relative to said base.

8. A hydraulically adjustable multiple tool attachment as in claim 7 further comprising a solenoid for controlling the flow of fluid to said first and second cylinder port.

9. A hydraulically adjustable multiple tool attachment as in claim 8 further comprising a switch for controlling said solenoid.

10. A hydraulically adjustable multiple tool attachment as in claim 9 further comprising a magnet for removable mounting said switch to said front end loader.

11. A hydraulically adjustable multiple tool attachments as in claim 10 further comprising a plurality of U-bolts for mounting implements to said implement bar.

12. A hydraulically adjustable multiple tool attachment for use on a front end loader said attachment comprising:

a base having a generally flat front surface and a rear surface adapted for attachment to said first and second loader arms so as to span the distance between said first and second loader arms on said front end loader;

an attachment plate having a forward and rearward end said rearward end being fixedly attached to said bases front surface such that said attachment plate extends perpendicularly outward from said base in a fixed position;

a pivot point at said forward end of said attachment plate;

an implement bar pivotally attached to said pivot point such that said implement bar may pivot in a horizontal plane in relation to said base plate;

a means of attaching various implements to said implement bar;

a hydraulic junction box mounted to said multiple tool attachment said junction box having a first and second primary port for attaching said junction box to the hydraulic system of said front end loader, a first and second secondary port and a first and second cylinder port; and

a hydraulic cylinder attached to said first and second cylinder port on said hydraulic junction box, said cylinder having a first and second end with said first end pivotally attached to said base and said second end pivotally attached to said implement bar such that said cylinder may be used to adjust the position of said implement bar relative to said base.

13. A hydraulically adjustable multiple tool attachment as in claim 12 further comprising a solenoid for controlling the flow of fluid to said first and second cylinder port.

14. A hydraulically adjustable multiple tool attachment as in claim 13 further comprising a switch for controlling said solenoid.

15. A hydraulically adjustable multiple tool attachment as in claim 14 further comprising a magnet for removable mounting said switch to said front end loader.

16. A hydraulically adjustable multiple tool attachment as in claim 15 wherein said means of attaching various implements to said implement bar is a plurality of U-bolts.