Tool connecting

Abstract

Apparatus for releasably securing a materials handler to a boom while permitting rotation of the materials handler about a first axis fixed with respect to the boom, and comprising a hitch adapted for pivotal connection to the boom for rotation about the first axis and including spaced apart hook and lock members, and cooperating structure on the materials handler for receiving and engaging the hook member and for engaging the lock member; the hook member extending downwardly from the body of the hitch with the nose of the hook facing the first axis and having a predetermined maximum width, a tapering nose portion of lesser width, a jaw having an engagement surface, a rear surface, and an overall depth defined by the rear surface and the front of the nose; the cooperating structure including a top wall for engaging the bottom of the hitch body, an opening in the wall of width substantially equal to the maximum width of the hook member for receiving the hook member, a rigid cross member extending transversely the width of the opening adjacent the forward edge thereof, and a locking member spaced from the opening on the side thereof opposite the cross member for engaging the hitch locking member, the distance between the hitch locking member and a point on the hook engagement surface being substantially equal to the distance between the materials handler locking member and the point of the cross member engaging the point on the hook engagement surface.