Pivoting implements and adjustment arrangements for earth moving or materials handling machines

Abstract

An implement pivots with respect to an earth moving or materials handling machine to which the implement is attached. The implement may be a bucket adapted to pivot laterally with respect to an excavator or other machine to which the bucket is attached. An adjustment arrangement includes a linear actuator which operates along a substantially fixed axis to drive the pivoting movement. The linear actuator may drive a rack which engages with a pinion to cause pivoting movement.

1 . An implement configured for adjustable pivoting with respect to an earth moving or materials handling machine to which the implement is configured to be, in use, attached, including:
 an implement body;   a coupling section for attachment of the implement to an earth moving or materials handling machine;   an engagement element in linear sliding engagement with the implement body;   a linear actuator having a first end fixed to the implement body and a second end fixed to the engagement element, the linear actuator being configured to drive the engagement element in sliding motion relative to the implement body along a substantially linear path; and   a rotator element configured to engage with the engagement element such that motion of the engagement element relative to the implement body drives the implement body to pivot relative to the coupling section.   
   
   
       2 . An implement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic ram. 
   
   
       3 . An implement as claimed in  claim 1  including two linear actuators operating along a common linear path and driving the engagement element. 
   
   
       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . An implement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic ram and the engagement element is connected to the rod of the ram. 
   
   
       6 . (canceled) 
   
   
       7 . An implement as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the engagement element is a toothed rack. 
   
   
       8 . An implement as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the rotator element is a pinion. 
   
   
       9 . An implement as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the rotator element is fixed mounted to the coupling section. 
   
   
       10 .- 12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . An adjustment mechanism for pivoting an implement with respect to an earth moving or materials handling machine to which the implement is configured to be, in use, attached, the implement including an implement body and a coupling section, the adjustment mechanism including:
 an engagement element in linear sliding engagement with the implement body;   a linear actuator having a first end fixed to the implement body and a second end fixed to the engagement element, the linear actuator being configured to drive the engagement element in sliding motion relative to the implement body along a substantially linear path; and   a rotator element configured to engage with the engagement element such that motion of the engagement element relative to the implement body drives the implement body to pivot relative to the coupling section.   
   
   
       14 . An adjustment mechanism as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic ram. 
   
   
       15 . An adjustment mechanism as claimed in  claim 13  including two linear actuators operating along a common linear path and driving the engagement element. 
   
   
       16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . An adjustment mechanism as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic ram and the engagement element is connected to the rod of the ram. 
   
   
       18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . An adjustment mechanism as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the engagement element is a toothed rack. 
   
   
       20 . An adjustment mechanism as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the rotator element is a pinion. 
   
   
       21 . An adjustment mechanism as claimed in  claim 20  wherein the rotator element is configured for fixed mounting to an implement's coupling section. 
   
   
       22 . (canceled) 
   
   
       23 . An adjustment mechanism as claimed  claim 13  configured to be positioned between an implement's body and coupling section. 
   
   
       24 . An adjustment mechanism as claimed in  claim 13  configured to provide lateral pivoting of the body of the implement relative to the coupling section. 
   
   
       25 .- 28 . (canceled)