Grapple with Incorporated Winch

Abstract

The invention is directed to a loader with a grapple and a winch device, or a grapple and winch device combination configured to attach to a loader. The grapple has an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between the upper and lower grapple arms. The winch device is housed within the cavity. The grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system, with the shared hydraulic actuation system comprising a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion the hydraulic pressure provided to the grapple and winch device.

Claims

1. A loader comprising a grapple comprising a winch device.

2. The loader of claim 1, wherein said grapple comprises an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between said upper and lower grapple arms, wherein said winch device is housed within said cavity.

3. The loader of claim 1, wherein said grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system.

4. The loader of claim 3, wherein said shared hydraulic actuation system comprises a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion a hydraulic pressure provided to said grapple and said winch device.

5. A grapple configured for attachment to a loader, said grapple comprising a winch device.

6. The grapple of claim 5, comprising an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between said upper and lower grapple arms, wherein said winch device is housed within said cavity.

7. The grapple of claim 5, wherein said grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system.

8. The grapple of claim 7, wherein said shared hydraulic actuation system comprises a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion a hydraulic pressure provided to said grapple and said winch device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing of the present invention arranged for attachment to a tractor or skid loader.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a view of the present invention, showing a right lateral view of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a view of the present invention, showing a front view of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a view of the present invention, showing a side view of the present invention in a closed position.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a view of the present invention, showing a side view of the present invention in an open position.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic showing the hydraulic apparatus in the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0032] 1. Tractor [0033] 2. Grapple Winch [0034] 3. Mobile Frame [0035] 4. Lift Arm [0036] 5. Attachment Structure [0037] 6. Mounting Structure [0038] 7. Lower Grapple Arm [0039] 8. Main Plate [0040] 9. Left Plate Portion of Main Plate [0041] 10. Right Plate Portion of Main Plate [0042] 11. Gap [0043] 12. Left Lateral Lower Panel [0044] 13. Right Lateral Lower Panel [0045] 14. Teeth [0046] 15. Upper Grapple Arm [0047] 16. Proximal Arm Portion [0048] 17. Distal Arm Portion [0049] 18. Right Lateral Connector [0050] 19. Left Lateral Connector [0051] 20. Proximal Panel [0052] 21. Right Lateral Finger [0053] 22. Left Lateral Finger [0054] 23. Distal Panel [0055] 24. Support Structure [0056] 25. Hydraulic Cylinder [0057] 26. Piston Rod [0058] 27. Winch Cavity [0059] 28. Winch [0060] 29. Selector Valve [0061] 30. Winch Hydraulic Line [0062] 31. Grapple Hydraulic Line

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 show preferred embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the present invention as a loader, in the form of a wheeled tractor 1, with grapple winch combination 2 ready for attachment. The tractor has a mobile frame 3, and is movable in forward and rearward directions. The tractor has axles and wheels mounted on the frame members of the mobile frame 3. The tractor has at least two lift arms 4. The lift arms are mounted on the front end of the tractor 1. The lift arms are pivotable with respect to the mobile frame of the tractor by actions of at least one hydraulic actuator. The lift arms terminate in attachment structure 5. The attachment structure attaches pivotally to the grapple winch combination 2.

[0064] FIGS. 2-3 show further details regarding preferred embodiments of the present invention. The grapple winch combination 2 comprises a base mounting structure 6 adapted for attachment of the grapple arms. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting structure is one of several types known in the art, and more preferably the universal skid steer mounting structure well-known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting structure 6 has an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower grapple arm 7 comprises a main plate 8 which extends across the length of the mounting structure 6 between the two lift arms 4 of the tractor (or loader) 1. The main plate 8 may be manufactured of any suitable material known in the art, generally manufactured of metal or a metal alloy. The main plate 8 is attached at its proximal edge in a stationary position to a lower edge of the mounting structure 6. The main plate 8 has a distal edge, and in a preferred embodiment, the main plate 8 comprises a left plate portion 9 and a right plate portion 10, wherein the two portions are separated from each other by a gap 11 placed in a substantially central portion of the distal edge of the main plate 8. The lower grapple arm 7 further comprises left lateral lower grapple side panel 12 and right lateral lower grapple side panels 13, which are situated approximately perpendicular to the left 9 and right plate portions 10, respectively. The left and right lateral lower grapple panels each have a proximal edge, which is attached to the mounting structure 6. The left and right lateral lower grapple panels also have a distal edge opposite the proximal edge, which may comprise a plurality of teeth 14 for grasping an object.

[0065] The grapple device of the present invention also comprises an upper grapple arm 15.

[0066] The upper grapple arm is mounted to the upper edge of the mounting structure 6. The upper grapple arm 15 is attached to the mounting structure 6 in a manner that allows for the movement of the upper grapple arm. In a preferred embodiment, the upper grapple arm comprises a proximal arm portion 16 and a distal arm portion 17. The proximal arm portion 16 comprises right lateral connector 18 and left lateral connector 19, which each have first and second ends, with a proximal panel 20 extending across between the right and left lateral connectors. The right and left lateral connectors may preferably be mounted at their first ends in a substantially stationary position to the upper edge of the mounting structure 6. The mounting may be affected by any method known in the art, and may preferably be comprised of metal or metal alloy flanges or pins formed to interact with the mounting structure. The distal arm portion 17 likewise comprises right lateral finger 21 and left lateral finger 22, each of which having a first and second end. The first end of the right (or left) lateral finger is pivotally mounted to the second end of the right (or left) lateral connector, respectively. The left and right lateral fingers may preferably be provided in a shape that makes grasping the object easier, such as curved in a direction toward the lower grapple arm. The distal arm portion 17 further comprises a distal panel 23 extending across between the right 21 and left lateral fingers 22. This portion may comprise support structures 24 as required, and the distal panel 23 may be formed of a material to reduce the weight of the device, such as metal mesh panel.

[0067] Opening and closing of the grapple of the present invention is affected by any manner known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower arms of the grapple are connected hydraulically, as with a hydraulic cylinder and the appropriate pivots and connections as known in the art. FIGS. 4-5 show a more preferred embodiment, with a hydraulic cylinder 25 mounted at its first end in a stationary manner to an inside portion of the lower grapple arm 7. The hydraulic cylinder 25 comprises a piston rod 26 which is attached pivotally to a first end of the right 21 or left lateral fingers 22 of the upper grapple arm 15. Increasing pressure in the cylinder 25 results in extension of the piston rod 26, and effects the opening of the grapple by moving the lateral fingers 21, 22 away from the lower grapple arm 7. The opposite action moves the lateral fingers toward the lower grapple arm, thereby closing the grapple.

[0068] FIGS. 2-5 show that the upper grapple arm 15 and lower grapple arm 7 of the grapple of the present invention define a winch cavity 27 near the attachment point of the two arms, proximate to the mounting structure 6. The present invention further comprises a winch device 28 comprising a power source, a spool or drum, and a winchline disposed upon said spool or drum, situated within the winch cavity 27 defined by the upper and lower arms of the grapple. The winch 28 is operated as known in the art. Preferably, the winch is operated hydraulically.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a schematic showing the hydraulic operating mechanism for powering the movement of the upper grapple arm and the winch in a controlled manner. Loaders and tractors are typically provided with hydraulic systems for powering attached implements, including hydraulic fluid reservoirs, pumps, hoses, and valves. The systems typically include a selector valve which allows the user to choose which implement to use. However, controlling multiple implements has posed a problem, in that the appropriate hydraulic flow for one implement may be different from the appropriate flow for another implement. In the present instance, operation of a winch requires increased flow, but the increased flow causes the upper grapple arm to open and close too quickly. FIG. 6 shows an aspect of the present invention, in which the inventor has discovered that this pressure could be adjusted by providing a separation of hydraulic fluid hose from the selector valve to the implements into two hoses by providing a separation that allows for providing a larger diameter hose that extends to the winch, and a smaller diameter hose that extends to the upper grapple arm. This results in providing higher flow to the winch and relatively lower flow to the upper grapple arm, allowing both implements to be operated effectively. FIG. 6 shows the selector valve 29, the winch hydraulic line 30, and the grapple hydraulic line 31.

[0070] The disclosed panels and other structures do not need to be solid. Including open portions in these panels, such as those illustrated, can reduce the cost of the devices, decrease the weight, and improve performance.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a loader comprising a grapple comprising a winch device.

[0072] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a loader comprising a grapple, wherein said grapple comprises an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between said upper and lower grapple arms, wherein said winch device is housed within said cavity.

[0073] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a with a grapple and a winch, wherein said grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system.

[0074] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a loader with a grapple and a winch with a shared hydraulic actuation system, wherein said shared hydraulic actuation system comprises a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion a hydraulic pressure provided to said grapple and said winch device.

[0075] In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a grapple configured for attachment to a loader, wherein said grapple comprises a winch device.

[0076] In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a grapple configured for attachment to a loader, comprising a winch. The grapple comprises an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between the upper and lower grapple arms. The winch device is housed within said cavity.

[0077] In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a grapple configured for attachment to a loader, wherein said grapple comprises a winch device. The grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system.

[0078] In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a grapple configured for attachment to a loader, wherein said grapple comprises a winch device. The grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system. The shared hydraulic actuation system comprises a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion a hydraulic pressure provided to said grapple and said winch device.

[0079] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.