Loader bucket with counterweight

Abstract

A loader bucket is adapted for use with a machine includes a first side section, a second side section and a rear section. The rear section has a substantially arcuate portion so that a bottom section extends from a lower end of the arcuate portion. Further, a top section extends from an upper end of the arcuate portion. One or more counterweights are disposed on the top section of the loader bucket.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A loader bucket of a machine comprising:
 a first side section and a second side section;   a rear section;   a top section, wherein the top section extends from an upper end of the rear section; and   a counterweight disposed on the top section.   
     
     
         2 . The loader bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the rear section have a substantially arcuate portion such that a bottom section extends from a lower end of the arcuate portion. 
     
     
         3 . The loader bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the counterweight is attached to the top section by welding or mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
         4 . The loader bucket of  claim 1 , wherein the counterweight includes an insert defining a cavity, wherein the cavity is substantially filled in with a high density material. 
     
     
         5 . The loader bucket of  claim 4 , wherein the high density material is composed of material selected from at least one or more of a concrete mix, metal ores, metal alloy scrap, sand, water, and/or gravels. 
     
     
         6 . The loader bucket of  claim 4 , wherein the insert includes a first plate and a second plate attached to the first plate by welding or mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
         7 . The loader bucket of  claim 4 , wherein the insert have a triangular cross-section or rectangular cross-section, or polygonal cross-section. 
     
     
         8 . The loader bucket of  claim 4 , wherein the insert is formed from a one piece plate. 
     
     
         9 . A machine comprising;
 a frame comprising a front section and a rear section;   a front loading structure is provided in the front section including; and   a loader bucket comprising:
 a first side section and a second side section; 
 a rear section; 
 a top section, wherein the top section extend from an upper end of the rear section; and 
 a counterweight is disposed in the top section, the counterweight includes an insert defining a cavity substantially filled in with a high density material 
   
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 9 , wherein the rear section have a substantially arcuate portion such that a bottom section extends from a lower end of the arcuate portion. 
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 9 , wherein the counterweight is attached to the top section by welding or mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 9 , wherein the high density material is composed of material selected from at least one or more of a concrete mix, metal ores, metal alloy scrap, sand, water, and/or gravels. 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 9 , wherein the insert includes a first plate and a second plate attached to the first plate by welding or mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
         14 . The machine of  claim 13 , wherein the first plate have a bent shape and the second plate is welded to an inner face of the first plate along a weld line. 
     
     
         15 . The machine of  claim 9 , wherein the insert has a triangular cross-section or rectangular cross-section, or polygonal cross-section. 
     
     
         16 . A counterweight for a loader bucket comprising:
 an insert including a first plate and a second plate, wherein second plate attached to the first plate by welding;   a cavity defined by the first plate and the second; and   a high density material is filled into the cavity.   
     
     
         17 . The counterweight of  claim 16 , wherein the insert have a triangular cross-section or a rectangular cross-section, or a polygonal cross-section. 
     
     
         18 . The counterweight of  claim 16 , wherein the first plate have a bent shape and the second plate is welded to an inner face of the first plate along a weld line. 
     
     
         19 . The counterweight of  claim 16 , wherein the insert is configured to be attached to the loader bucket by welding or mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
         20 . The counterweight of  claim 16 , wherein the high density material is composed of material selected from at least one or more of a concrete mix, metal ores, metal alloy scrap, sand, water, and/or gravels.