Caterpillar Sarl

Matthew P Burr

Jeffrey A Deneve

Owen S Loughrin

Charles T McMillan

Kevin J Romanchok

Sherrie R Baker

The present invention includes a coupler assembly connected between a standard bucket and a work machine. The coupler assembly converts the standard bucket to a side dump bucket. The conversion is possible through the use of a pivot assembly and actuating device. The pivot assembly includes an interface portion that is releasably connected to the work machine and a base portion. The base portion is pivotably and releasably connected with the interface portion via pins. The actuating device is connected between the interface portion and the base portion. The removal of one of the pins allows for the pivotable movement of the base portion outwardly and laterally via the actuating device to establish an angular relationship between the bucket and the work machine for dumping material within the bucket to one side of the work machine. Additionally, the coupler assembly is designed so that the actuating device may be easily relocated so that pivotable movement of the base portion allows material within the bucket to be dumped to another side of the work machine opposite the one side.

Side dump coupler assembly

In the operation of a construction machine, such as a wheel loader, it is essential to provide load distribution capabilities for improved strength characteristics in the components. Additionally, high visibility is required for an operator to view a work implement during normal operation or coupling. The present invention includes a hydraulic coupler utilizing a pair of separate coupler assemblies which are connected at opposing ends of an upper and lower coupler pin boss at a pair of pin joints including a pair of pins to define a spatial relationship therebetween. The pins each have a cylindrical central portion and rectangular shaped end portions which are fixed within rectangular shaped pin mounting openings in first and second end portions of the coupler assemblies. The separation of the coupler assemblies provides enhanced visibility for an operator. The utilization of the pins as structural members distributes loading in a substantially straight path from the work implement to the machine decreasing the load burden on components, such as the hydraulic coupler.

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Apex, NC, United States of America

Matthew P Burr