Bucket converter for an excavation bucket
US6098321A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S37/903
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A bucket converter for providing improved excavation versatility that couples with and attaches to an excavation. The bucket converter comprises a volume increasing frame coupled and semi-fixedly attached to an excavation bucket for increasing the volumetric capacity of the excavation bucket. An orienting projection from a lower portion of the frame holds the coupling element of the frame at a height above a surface when the bucket converter is detached from the excavation bucket and is supported on the surface by the orienting projection and a lowermost portion of the frame. The height at which the coupling portion is held by the orienting projection enables engagement of the coupling portion with a cooperative coupling element on the excavation bucket without the need for any initial manual assistance. Additionally, the bucket converter also provides additional functionality to an excavation bucket by providing an alternative cutting edge to the excavation bucket to which it is attached, thereby eliminating the need for multiple buckets at an excavation site.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.