US4068959A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coupler apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-11-26
•
Granted: 1978-01-17
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Expires: 1996-11-26
Abstract
Abstract A quick-hitch type coupler for front end loaders, and the like, for attaching various attachments to the front end loader without having to leave the vehicle. The lift mechanism of a front end loader has a coupler connecting and locking portion attached thereto, and each attachment for the loader has pairs of coupling brackets attached thereto, so that the front end loader lifting mechanism can be coupled or uncoupled from the attachment, and locked to it by the actuating of a single cylinder.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce W. Pemberton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 08:32
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02F; E02F3/00; E02F3/04; E02F3/28; E02F3/36; E02F3/3604; E02F3/3609; E02F3/3618; B; B62; B62D; B62D49/00; B62D49/04; E02F3/3663; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/16; Y10T403/1633; Y10T403/22; Y10T403/59; Y10T403/591; Y10T403/593
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
235 words
A coupling mechanism for front end loaders and the like, comprising in combination: vehicle attaching portion having a frame, and a pair of fixed attachment engaging members said frame having two side frame members, each having at least one slot therein connected together by a transverse member and being movably connected to said frame; a pair of movable locking members movably connected to said frame, each movable locking member extending through a slot in one side frame member for sliding therein; a fluid cylinder connected between said frame and said movable locking members for moving said movable locking members from a first unlocked position to a second locked position; attachment connecting portion, having a pair of upper brackets connectable to an attachment for a vehicle, and shaped to receive said fixed attachment engaging members of said vehicle attachable portion; a pair of lower brackets connectable to an attachment for a vehicle and shaped to receive said movable locking members for locking said attachment to said vehicle upon actuation of said movable locking members when said attachment is supported by said fixed, attachment engaging members in said upper brackets; at least one guide member connected to said movable locking member transverse member; and at least one track attached to said frame and positioned to guide one said guide member for guiding the movement of said movable locking members in said slots in said side frame members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
235 words
A coupling mechanism for front end loaders and the like, comprising in combination: vehicle attaching portion having a frame, and a pair of fixed attachment engaging members said frame having two side frame members, each having at least one slot therein connected together by a transverse member and being movably connected to said frame; a pair of movable locking members movably connected to said frame, each movable locking member extending through a slot in one side frame member for sliding therein; a fluid cylinder connected between said frame and said movable locking members for moving said movable locking members from a first unlocked position to a second locked position; attachment connecting portion, having a pair of upper brackets connectable to an attachment for a vehicle, and shaped to receive said fixed attachment engaging members of said vehicle attachable portion; a pair of lower brackets connectable to an attachment for a vehicle and shaped to receive said movable locking members for locking said attachment to said vehicle upon actuation of said movable locking members when said attachment is supported by said fixed, attachment engaging members in said upper brackets; at least one guide member connected to said movable locking member transverse member; and at least one track attached to said frame and positioned to guide one said guide member for guiding the movement of said movable locking members in said slots in said side frame members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which said pair of fixed attachment engaging members are cylindrically shaped members attached to said side frame members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which each said upper bracket is attached to one said lower bracket, with an elongated connecting portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 3, in which each said upper bracket is U-shaped with one arm of said "U" forming the connecting member between each upper and lower bracket.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 4, in which each said lower bracket is U-shaped with one arm of said "U" connecting with one arm of the "U" of said upper bracket, to form the connection therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 5, in which a pair of connected upper and lower brackets are connected by transverse members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 6, in which said fluid cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder, attached to a cross-frame member of said vehicle portion frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which each said transverse frame member, attached to said movable, locking members, has a pair of guide members, one located to follow guide rails on each side frame member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which said hydraulic cylinder is connected to said transverse, cross member by a pin journalled to said transverse frame member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which said hydraulic cylinder has a releaseable check valve, connected in the hydraulic line, to prevent the release of pressure in the hydraulic cylinder upon the loss of pressure in said hydraulic lines.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-01-16 | 1981-07-18 | 1982-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-01-16 | 1985-07-18 | 1986-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-01-16 | 1989-07-18 | 1990-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |