Abstract In a loader bucket having a back member pivotable on a boom assembly which is pivotable on a tractor and a front member pivotable on the back member, power-operated means for effecting relative pivoting of the members have comprised two hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assemblies disposed at the respective ends of the bucket and fed from a common pressure line so as to work in unison. However, when gripping asymmetrical loads between the members the front member is distorted due to the pressure liquid taking the path of least resistance and thus permitting unequal extension of the piston-and-cylinder assemblies. This problem is minimized by employing a single, central hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assembly connected between a point on the back member and a lug fixed to a torsion bar which interconnects the ends of the front member along its pivot axis. The gripping of asymmetrical loads then twists the torsion bar within its elastic limit.
A bucket, for material handling apparatus including a bucket-supporting boom assembly disposed on a vehicle and projecting beyond one end thereof which assembly is so attached to the vehicle as to be pivotable relative thereto by power-operated means, said bucket having a back member adapted to be so mounted on the projecting end of the boom assembly as to be pivotable relative thereto by second power-operated means and a front member so mounted on the back member as to be moveable relative thereto about a pivot axis by third power-operated means which comprise a single, central hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assembly connected between a point on the back member and a lug fixed to a torsion bar which is connected only to the ends of the front member on the pivot axis thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
A bucket, for material handling apparatus including a bucket-supporting boom assembly disposed on a vehicle and projecting beyond one end thereof which assembly is so attached to the vehicle as to be pivotable relative thereto by power-operated means, said bucket having a back member adapted to be so mounted on the projecting end of the boom assembly as to be pivotable relative thereto by second power-operated means and a front member so mounted on the back member as to be moveable relative thereto about a pivot axis by third power-operated means which comprise a single, central hydraulic piston-and-cylinder assembly connected between a point on the back member and a lug fixed to a torsion bar which is connected only to the ends of the front member on the pivot axis thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A bucket according to claim 1, wherein the torsion bar is supported against deflection at a plurality of points between its ends in bearings secured to the back member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
A bucket according to claim 2, wherein the back member has fixed to it two laterally-spaced pairs of vertical ribs which are adapted to be pivotally connected to respective twin booms constituting the boom assembly, said two pairs of ribs having fixed to them respective ones of the bearings for supporting the torsion bar against deflection.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A bucket according to claim 3, wherein the two pairs of ribs also have fixed to them respective ground-engaging shoes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A bucket according to claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the bearings are formed as half-bearings for ease of assembly of the bucket.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A bucket according to claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the torsion bar is tubular.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
A bucket according to claim 5, wherein the torsion bar is tubular.