Interchangeable attachment for compact loader

Abstract

An apparatus is configured for mounting to an implement and configured for coupling to a first implement carrier of a first power machine, and configured for coupling to a second implement carrier of a second power machine. The apparatus comprises a first bracket, first and second engagement plate portions, and first and second lips. The first bracket extends rearward for attachment to the implement. The first engagement plate portion and first lip are configured to contact the first implement carrier. The second engagement plate portion and the second lip are configured to contact the second implement carrier. The first and second lips are angled with respect to their respective first and second engagement plate portions. A method provides compatibility of an implement to a first implement carrier of a first power machine and to a second implement carrier of a second power machine.

1 . An apparatus configured for mounting to an implement and configured for coupling to a first implement carrier of a first power machine, and configured for coupling to a second implement carrier of a second power machine, the apparatus comprising:
 a first bracket that extends rearward and is configured for attachment to the implement;   a first engagement plate portion configured to contact the first implement carrier;   a first lip configured for engagement with a top edge of the first implement carrier, wherein the first lip is angled with respect to the first engagement plate portion;   a second engagement plate portion configured to contact the second implement carrier;   a second lip configured for engagement with a top edge of the second implement carrier, wherein the second lip is angled with respect to the second engagement plate portion.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  comprising:
 a first flange having a first aperture, wherein the first aperture is configured to receive a first pin of the first implement carrier; and 
 a second flange having a second aperture, wherein the second aperture is configured to receive a second pin of the first implement carrier. 
 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  comprising:
 a third flange having a third aperture, wherein the third aperture is configured to receive a third pin of the second implement carrier. 
 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the third flange is positioned between the first and second flanges. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second lip is movable between a first position or a second position. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the second lip is disposed on a removable plate, wherein the removable plate is configured for attachment relative to the first engagement plate portion in the first position or in the second position. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein in the first position, the removable plate extends forward from a mounting portion of the apparatus relative to the first engagement plate portion. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein in the second position, the removable plate extends rearward from a mounting portion of the apparatus relative to the first engagement plate portion. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 5  comprising a spring loaded mechanism that biases the second lip toward the first position, in which the second lip extends forward relative to the first engagement plate portion. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the first engagement plate portion comprises an aperture configured to receive the second lip in the second position. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first engagement plate portion and the second engagement plate portion lie in a same plane. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first engagement plate portion and the second engagement plate portion lie in different planes. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second engagement plate portion is recessed rearward relative to the first engagement plate portion. 
     
     
         14 . A method of providing compatibility of an implement to a first implement carrier of a first power machine and to a second implement carrier of a second power machine, the method comprising:
 attaching a first bracket of an apparatus to the implement;   operating the first power machine to engage a top edge of the first implement carrier with a first lip and first engagement plate portion of the apparatus; and   operating the second power machine to engage a top edge of the second implement carrier with a second lip and second engagement plate portion of the apparatus.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  comprising extending a first pin of the first implement carrier into a first aperture of a first flange of the apparatus. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  comprising extending a first pin of the second implement carrier into a first aperture of a first flange of the apparatus. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  comprising moving the second lip between a first position or a second position. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the second lip is disposed on a lip plate, the method comprising detaching the lip plate in the first position from a mounting portion of the apparatus. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  comprising attaching the lip plate to the mounting portion in the second position. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  comprising pushing the second lip against a spring loaded mechanism that biases the second lip toward the first position.