Method of Using Improved Crossbar Connection for Implements

Abstract

A method of constructing an improved attachment or implement for use with equipment connected to a coupler is provided. The implement has a crossbar which is one of machined, cast or extruded to provide a cross section within at least the connection zone which lacks welds while still providing parallel flats for connecting to a channel in the coupler. The cross section in the connection zone is void-free and seam free.

What is claimed herein is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing and using an implement with an improved crossbar connection comprising the steps of:
 a) one of extruding, casting and machining a crossbar independently of welding to provide a void-free and seam free cross section at least in a connection zone internal to an attachment portion having parallel flats, said flats spaced about a circular exterior surface of the crossbar;   b) connecting said crossbar securely to an implement whereby said parallel flats cooperate with a channel of a coupler whereby when the implement is connected to the coupler, the flats contact against opposing sides of the channel in a connected configuration, and one of said flats and coupler rotated relative to the other whereby the flats are out of connection with the sides of channel through rotation to thereby permit disengagement of the coupler from the crossbar.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the crossbar is void-free and seam free from the parallel flats to an interior surfaces of the crossbar. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the planar flats extend outwardly from a centerline of the crossbar. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the planar flats extend from a tangent of the circular exterior surface of the crossbar. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the planar flats provide at least an inch of planar surface. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the planar flats provide at least an inch and a half of planar surface. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the implement is a bucket. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the crossbar extends from a first side to a second side of the implement. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the connection zone is located internal to a length of the crossbar. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the connection zone is shorter than the length the crossbar. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the crossbar is symmetrical along its cross-section. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the flats extend parallel to the exterior surface of the crossbar at the centerline. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the flats terminate at an end and the crossbar extends at least perpendicularly from the flat at the end to the circular exterior surface. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  where the flats are connected to stops, said stops extending perpendicularly to the flats, and the stops connect at tangents to the circular exterior surface of the crossbar. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein corners span between the flats and stops, said corners having a planar exterior surface spanning an adjacent flat and stop. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the crossbar has a symmetric cross section.