Dirt Bib

Abstract

The invention disclosed in this application is a cover for an excavator's bucket link and tipping link area designed to prevent the soil being excavated from entering these areas and causing damage to the bushing and pins. The invention ( 10 ) consists of a flexible rectangular panel ( 13 ) affixed to the excavator articulating arm by means of an attachment strap ( 11 ) such that the rectangular panel covers the bucket link and tipping link area and extends down into the bucket of the excavator.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cover for an excavator's bucket line and tipping link area consisting of a flexible rectangular panel and an attachment strap for affixing the cover to the excavator's articulating arm where said rectangular panel is 18 to 72 inches in width and 24 to 78 inches in length, where said attachment strap is 4 to 6 inches in width and 14 to 68 inches in length, where said rectangular panel and said attachment strap are constructed from natural or synthetic rubber, and where said attachment strap is affixed to said rectangular panel by one or more metallic rivets. 
     
     
         2 . A cover for an excavator's bucket bushings and pins and tipping link area consisting of a flexible rectangular panel and an attachment for affixing the cover to the excavator's articulating arm where said panel protects the tipping link area from the intrusion of excavated materials by the excavated material pushing said rectangular panel into position to protect the bushings, pins, and tipping link area.