Multipurpose loader-bucket mounted implement apparatus and method

Abstract

A quick-release multipurpose implement for pivotal attachment to a loader bucket of the type having a load receiving volume defined in part by opposing upright spaced apart sides. The implement comprises a pivot frame sized to fit over the receiving volume formed by a loader bucket. The pivot frame includes two opposing pivot arm supports that extend from the pivot frame for pivotally supporting the pivot frame in a plurality of positions relative to the loader bucket. A receiving base is provided and designed to be mounted and fixed to each side of the loader bucket for pivotally receiving a pivot arm support. At least one axially adjustable means is employed to extend from the receiving base to the pivot frame for pivotally moving the frame from a first open position so that the bucket volume can be loaded, to a second closed position to cover the receiving volume of the bucket.

1 . A multipurpose quick-release implement for attachment to a loader bucket of the type having a load receiving volume defined in part by opposing upright spaced apart sides, the implement comprising:
 a pivot frame sized to fit over the receiving volume formed by a loader bucket;   two opposing pivot arm supports extending from the pivot frame for pivotally supporting the pivot frame in a plurality of positions relative to the loader bucket;   a receiving base mounted and fixed to each side of the loader bucket for pivotally receiving a pivot arm support to pivotally couple the pivot frame to a loader bucket along a pivot axis extending between the two opposing receiving bases;   at least one axially adjustable means extending from a receiving base, to the pivot frame for pivotally moving the frame from a first open position so that the bucket volume can be loaded, to a second closed position to cover the receiving volume of the bucket; and   wherein at least one pivot arm support is arranged for coaxial movement along the pivot axis.   
   
   
       2 . An implement as recited in  claim 1  wherein at least one pivot arm support comprises a retractable pin biased for axial movement, the pin being movable from a first extended position, extending from the pivot frame, for engagement with a receiving base, to a second retracted position, within a portion of the pivot frame, where the pin is disengaged from the receiving base so that the pivot frame can be removed from the receiving base. 
   
   
       3 . An implement as recited in  claim 2  wherein each receiving base comprises a bucket reinforcement plate fixed to the loader bucket, and a upper receiving base removably fixed to the bucket reinforcement plate. 
   
   
       4 . An implement as recited in  claim 1  wherein each receiving base comprises a bucket reinforcement plate fixed to the loader bucket, and a upper receiving base removably fixed to the bucket reinforcement plate. 
   
   
       5 . A method for making multipurpose quick-release implement for attachment to a loader bucket of the type having a load receiving volume defined in part by opposing upright spaced apart sides, the method comprising the steps:
 constructing a pivot frame sized to fit over the receiving volume formed by a loader bucket;   attach two opposing pivot arm supports to the pivot frame, to extend from the pivot frame for pivotally supporting the pivot frame in a plurality of positions relative to the loader bucket;   mount a receiving base to each side of the loader bucket for pivotally receiving a pivot arm support to pivotally couple the pivot frame to a loader bucket along a pivot axis extending between the two opposing receiving bases;   connect at least one hydraulically operated cylinder to extend from a receiving base, to the pivot frame for pivotally moving the frame from a first open position so that the bucket volume can be loaded, to a second closed position to cover the receiving volume of the bucket; and   arrange at least one pivot arm support for coaxial movement along the pivot axis.   
   
   
       6 . A method for making an implement as recited in  claim 1  wherein at least one pivot arm support comprises a retractable pin biased for axial movement, the pin being movable from a first extended position, extending from the pivot frame, for engagement with a receiving base, to a second retracted position, within a portion of the pivot frame, where the pin is disengaged from the receiving base so that the pivot frame can be removed from the receiving base. 
   
   
       7 . A method for making an implement as recited in  claim 6 , wherein each receiving base is formed to comprise a bucket reinforcement plate fixed to the loader bucket, and a upper receiving base removably fixed to the bucket reinforcement plate. 
   
   
       8 . A method for making an implement as recited in  claim 5 , wherein each receiving base is formed to comprise a bucket reinforcement plate fixed to the loader bucket, and a upper receiving base removably fixed to the bucket reinforcement plate. 
   
   
       9 . A multipurpose quick-release implement for attachment to a loader bucket of the type having a load receiving volume defined in part by opposing upright spaced apart sides, the implement comprising:
 a pivot frame sized to fit over the receiving volume formed by a loader bucket;   two opposing pivot arm supports extending from the pivot frame for pivotally supporting the pivot frame in a plurality of positions relative to the loader bucket;   a receiving base mounted and fixed to each side of the loader bucket for pivotally receiving a pivot arm support to pivotally couple the pivot frame to a loader bucket along a pivot axis extending between the two opposing receiving bases;   at least one axially adjustable means extending from a receiving base, to the pivot frame for pivotally moving the frame from a first open position so that the bucket volume can be loaded, to a second closed position to cover the receiving volume of the bucket; and   wherein at least one pivot arm support comprises a retractable pin biased for axial movement, the pin being movable from a first extended position, extending from the pivot frame, for engagement with a receiving base, to a second retracted position, within a portion of the pivot frame, where the pin is disengaged from the receiving base so that the pivot frame can be removed from the receiving base.   
   
   
       10 . An implement as recited in  claim 9  wherein each receiving base comprises a bucket reinforcement plate fixed to the loader bucket, and a upper receiving base removably fixed to the bucket reinforcement plate. 
   
   
       11 . An implement as recited in claim  19  wherein the axially adjustable means comprises a hydraulically operated cylinder.