Bucket And Method of Construction Thereof

Abstract

The present invention concerns a bucket, an excavator including the bucket and method of construction of the bucket. In one form, the bucket includes an attachment portion for attachment of the bucket to the machine; and a containment portion mounted to the attachment portion, said containment portion defined by a base wall, an opposed top wall, a pair of opposed sidewalls and a rear wall, each of the base wall, the top wall and the opposed sidewalls having an outer edge and extending from the rear wall to the outer edge to define an opening to the containment portion. The bucket further includes a reinforcing formation extending across an outer surface of the top wall and at least an adjacent portion of each sidewall of the containment portion, said reinforcing formation having an arcuate shape that transitions into, and at least partially defines, a corner between the top wall and each sidewall to reinforce a join between the top wall and the sidewall and enhance rigidity of the bucket.

Claims

1. A bucket for use with a machine, said bucket comprising: an attachment portion for attachment of the bucket to the machine; a containment portion mounted to the attachment portion, said containment portion defined by a base wall, an opposed top wall, a pair of opposed sidewalls and a rear wall, each of the base wall, the top wall and the opposed sidewalls having an outer edge and extending from the rear wall to the outer edge to define an opening to the containment portion; and a reinforcing formation extending across an outer surface of the top wall and at least an adjacent portion of each sidewall of the containment portion, said reinforcing formation having an arcuate shape that transitions into, and at least partially defines, a corner between the top wall and each sidewall to reinforce a join between the top wall and the sidewall and enhance rigidity of the bucket.

2. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing formation is of tubular construction with a substantially D-shaped cross-section.

3. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing formation comprises a bucket abutting wall and an arcuate outer wall interconnected by opposing edges.

4. The bucket of claim 3, wherein an outer surface of the bucket abutting wall is configured to be attached to an outer surface of the top wall of the containment portion.

5. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing formation has rounded and tapered end portions that transition into and at least partially wrap around a corner defined between the top wall and each sidewall of the containment portion of the bucket.

6. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing formation has at least one rounded and tapered side edge portion that transitions into, and at least partially defines a join between the top wall and the rear wall of the containment portion.

7. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing formation comprises at least one internal support member extending between inner surfaces of the bucket abutting wall and the arcuate outer wall.

8. The bucket of claim 7, wherein the at least one internal support member extends longitudinally at least partially along a length of the reinforcing formation.

9. The bucket of claim 7, wherein the at least one internal support member extends continuously along a length of the reinforcing formation.

10. The bucket of claim 7, wherein the at least one internal support member comprises a plurality of internal support members extending longitudinally at periodic intervals along a length of the reinforcing formation.

11. The bucket of claim 7, wherein the at least one internal support member is centrally positioned extending between an apex of the arcuate outer wall and a point mid-way between the opposed side edges of the bucket abutting wall.

12. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing formation is formed from two or more reinforcing formation portions joined together longitudinally in an end-to-end arrangement.

13. The bucket of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing formation comprises: a central portion having a pair of opposed ends and configured to extend at least partially across an outer surface of the top wall; and a pair of end portions each configured to join to an end of the central portion and extend across a portion of the outer surface of the top wall and at least an adjacent portion of each sidewall of the containment portion.

14. The bucket of claim 13, wherein each of the pair of end portions comprises a recess defined in the bucket abutting wall and each of the opposed ends of the central portion comprises a protruding portion of the bucket abutting wall, said protruding portion configured to be at least partially received in the recess and at least partially underlie an adjacent end portion when joined together.

15. The bucket of claim 1, further comprising one or more tether points for tethering a load to the bucket and handling the bucket when not attached to a machine.

16. The bucket of claim 1, wherein both sidewalls of the containment portion further comprise at least one recessed portion for providing the sidewalls with greater rigidity.

17. The bucket of claim 16, wherein the recessed portion is defined on the inner surface of each said sidewall near a rear of said sidewall adjacent a join with one or more of the rear wall, the base wall and the top wall.

18. A method of constructing a bucket in accordance with claim 1, said method comprising: forming at least one plate member to define the top wall, the rear wall and the bottom wall of the bucket; joining side plates to outer side edges of the at least one plate member to define the sidewalls of the bucket; and attaching a reinforcing formation to an outer surface of the top wall such that it extends across an outer surface of the top wall and at least an adjacent portion of each sidewall of the containment portion and transitions into, and at least partially defines, a corner between the top wall and each sidewall to reinforce the join between the top wall and the sidewall and enhance rigidity of the bucket.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the attaching comprises attaching the reinforcing formation to an outer surface of the top wall and at least a portion of each side wall in a surface-to-surface arrangement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0137] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0138] FIG. 1 is a photograph showing an upper perspective view of a bucket according to an embodiment of the present invention including a reinforcing formation extending across an outer surface of a top wall of the bucket;

[0139] FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show an upper perspective inner view and an upper perspective outer view of an end portion of the reinforcing formation of the bucket as shown in FIG. 1;

[0140] FIG. 3 shows an upper perspective view of a central portion of the reinforcing formation of the bucket as shown in FIG. 1;

[0141] FIG. 4 is a photograph showing the end portions and corner castings of the bucket as shown in FIG. 1;

[0142] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a sidewall of the bucket as shown in FIG. 1; and

[0143] FIG. 6 show a rear sectional perspective view of a sidewall of the bucket as shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0144] FIGS. 1 to 6 show a bucket (100) and components thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention for use with a machine, such as, e.g., an excavator or loader.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 1, the bucket (100) includes an attachment portion (110) for attachment of the bucket (100) to a machine (not shown) and a containment portion (210) mounted to the attachment portion for receiving, transporting and unloading materials, such as, e.g., earthen materials.

[0146] The containment portion (210) is defined by a base wall (212), an opposed top wall (214), a pair of opposed sidewalls (216) and a rear wall (218). Each of the base wall (212), the top wall (214) and the sidewalls (216) has an outer edge (219) and extends from the rear wall (218) to the outer edge (219) to define an opening (220) for the receiving and unloading of materials.

[0147] The bucket (100) further includes a reinforcing formation (300) extending across an outer surface of the top wall (214) and an adjacent portion of each sidewall (216) of the containment portion (210). The reinforcing formation (300) has an arcuate shape that transitions to and defines a corner between the top wall (214) and each sidewall (216) to reinforce a join between the top wall (214) and the sidewall (216) and enhance the rigidity of the bucket (100).

[0148] The bucket (100) is formed from quenched and tempered steel plate.

[0149] Each wall (212, 214, 216, 218) includes a pair of opposed surfaces, including an inner surface and an opposed outer surface. The opposed surfaces extend substantially parallel to one another.

[0150] The outer edge (219) of the base wall (212) includes one or more ground engaging teeth (222) spaced at least partially along a length of the edge (219). The teeth (222) are configured to be removably attached to the edge (219) for replacement as needed.

[0151] The outer edge (219) of the base wall (212) also includes one or more lip shrouds (224) spaced at least partially along the length of the edge (219) between the teeth (222). Like the teeth (222), the one or more shrouds (224) are configured to be removably attached to the edge (219) for replacement as needed.

[0152] The outer edges (219) of the sidewalls (216) include one or more wing shrouds (226) and/or side cutters (228) fastened to each edge (219) to protect the edge (219) from wear and/or facilitate excavation of materials. Like with the teeth (222) and lip shrouds (224), the wing shrouds (226) and side cutters (228) are configured to be removably attached for replacement as needed.

[0153] The outer surfaces of the rear wall (218) and the base wall (212) are appropriately reinforced or provided with wear resistant facing or components. Both the rear wall (218) and the base wall (212) include heel shrouds (232) and wear plates (not visible) fastened along side edges and the outer surface to protect the edges and the surface from wear.

[0154] As shown, the sidewalls (216) are substantially planar and the top wall (214) and the base wall (212) curve rearwardly and at least partially define a cylindrical surface together with the rear wall (218). The top wall (214), the base wall (212) and the rear wall (218) are formed from one or more plates suitably pressed to define the respective walls (212, 214, 218).

[0155] The containment portion (210) of the bucket (100) includes rounded corners extending between adjacent walls/sidewalls (212, 214, 216, 218).

[0156] Referring briefly to FIG. 4, the base wall (212; not shown), the top wall (214; not shown) and the rear wall (218; not shown) join to the sidewalls (216; not shown) via a joining component in the form of a gusset (410) externally welded along and over the respective side edges of the base wall (212; not shown), the top wall (214; not shown), the rear wall (218; not shown) and the sidewall (216; not shown) for forming the join.

[0157] Referring back to FIG. 1, the base wall (212), the top wall (214) and the rear wall (218) are formed from one or more plates suitably pressed to define the respective walls (212, 214, 218). The side edges of the one or more plates forming the base wall (212), the top wall (214) and the rear wall (218) are joined together using conventional welding techniques to provide a smooth and flush inner surface minimising any well-defined joins.

[0158] In providing the joins as described above, the base wall (212), the top wall (214), the sidewalls (216) and the rear wall (218) advantageously together define a linerless internal containment portion (210).

[0159] The attachment portion (110) takes the form of one or more pairs of attachment flanges (112) with an opening (114) defined in each flange (112) for receiving at least one pin therethrough (not shown).

[0160] The attachment portion (110) is permanently fastened to the containment portion (210) via the reinforcement formation (300) using conventional welding techniques and extends rearwardly at least partially over the rear wall (218). In such an arrangement, the reinforcing formation (300) reduces stress applied by an associated machine on the bucket (100) and enhances the structural rigidity of the bucket (100).

[0161] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 show the reinforcing formation (300) of the present invention.

[0162] As previously indicated, the reinforcing formation (300) extends across an outer surface of the top wall (214; not shown) and at least an adjacent portion of each sidewall (116; not shown) of the containment portion (210; not shown) of the bucket (100; not shown).

[0163] The reinforcing formation (300) is constructed of hardened steel and is formed from two end portions (310), as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and a central portion (320), shown in FIG. 3, that are assembled in an end-to-end arrangement and permanently joined to the outer surface of the top wall (214; not shown) of the containment portion (210; not shown) using conventional welding techniques.

[0164] The reinforcing formation (300) is of tubular construction with a substantially D-shaped cross-section.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 3, the reinforcing formation (300) includes a bucket abutting wall (302) and an arcuate outer wall (304) interconnected by opposing edges, including opposed end edges (306) and opposed side edges (308) extending longitudinally between the opposed end edges (306).

[0166] The bucket abutting wall (302) is substantially planar.

[0167] The arcuate outer wall (304) is arcuate in at least one dimension between the opposed side edges (308). The arcuate outer wall (304) may be curved to any degree. For example, the arcuate outer wall (304) may be defined by a constant or uniformly changing radius or some other suitable curve.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the end portions (310) of the reinforcing formation (300) have rounded and/or tapered end portions that transition into and at least partially wrap around a corner defined between the top wall (214; not shown) and each sidewall (216; not shown) of the containment portion (210; not shown). In at least partially wrapping around each corner, the reinforcing formation (300) advantageously bolsters the join between the top wall (214; not shown) and each side wall (216; not shown) and enhances the structural rigidity of the bucket (100).

[0169] The end portions (310) may be rounded to any degree. For example, the rounded corner defined by each end portion (310) may be defined by a constant or uniformly changing radius or some other suitable curve.

[0170] Referring again to both FIGS. 2A and 3, the end portions (310) and central portion (320) of the reinforcing formation (300) each include an internal support member (309) extending between inner surfaces of the bucket abutting wall (302) and the arcuate outer wall (304).

[0171] The internal support member (309) extends longitudinally along a length of the reinforcing formation (300) and is centrally positioned, extending between an apex of the arcuate outer wall (304) and a point mid-way between the opposed side edges (308) of the bucket abutting wall (302).

[0172] The shape of the reinforcing formation (300) provides many benefits. For example, the radius of curvature of the end portions (310) enhances the structural rigidity of the bucket (100), particular in relation to a join between the top wall (214; not shown) and sidewalls (216; not shown) of the containment portion (210; not shown). The internal support member (309) enhances the strength of the reinforcing formation (300) and the bucket (100) during its highest break out force.

[0173] As indicated above, the reinforcing formation (300) is formed from a central portion (320), as shown in FIG. 3, having a pair of opposed ends (322) and configured to extend at least partially across an outer surface of the top wall (214; not shown) and pair of end portions (310), as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 4, each configured to join to an end (322) of the central portion (320) and extend across a portion of the outer surface of the top wall (214; not shown) and at least an adjacent portion of each sidewall (216; not shown) of the containment portion (210; not shown).

[0174] As mentioned, the reinforcing formation portions (310, 320) are joined together in an end-to-end arrangement.

[0175] Specifically, an end of each end portion (310) includes a recess (312) defined in the bucket abutting wall (302) and each end (322) of the central portion (320) includes a protruding portion (324) of the bucket abutting wall (302) configured to be at least partially received in the recess (312) and at least partially underlie an adjacent end portion (310) when joined together using conventional welding techniques.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 4, the end portions (310) of the reinforcing formation (300) further include one or more tether points (350) for use in tethering a load to the bucket (100) and/or handling the bucket (100) when not attached to a machine.

[0177] The one or more tether points (350) take the form of a loop protruding outwardly from an outer surface of the end portion (310) of the reinforcing formation (300).

[0178] Advantageously, by having the tether points (350) protrude from the end portions (310) of the reinforcing formation (300), stress on the individual tether points and ears of the bucket (100) are reduced thereby enhancing the overall rigidity of the bucket (100).

[0179] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, each sidewall (216) of the containment portion (210) of the bucket (100) further includes a recessed rear portion (510; i.e., at least one recessed portion) that enhances the rigidity of the sidewalls (216) and increases the capacity of the bucket (100).

[0180] The recessed rear portion (510) is located at a rear of each sidewall (216) at and adjacent a join with one or more of the rear wall (218; shown in FIG. 5 only), the base wall (212; shown in FIG. 6 only), and the top wall (214; shown in FIG. 6 only).

[0181] Each sidewall (216) further includes a non-recessed portion (520) located at and adjacent the outer edge (219) of each sidewall (216) and a transition (530) between the recessed rear portion (510) and the non-recessed portion (520).

[0182] As shown, the transition (530) defines a taper between the recessed rear portion (510) and the non-recessed portion (520) having a gradual and linear gradient.

[0183] Advantageously, the recessed rear portion (510) increases the capacity of the containment portion (210) and the fill rate of the bucket (100). Further, the recessed rear portion (520) by expanding at least a rear portion of the sidewalls (216) reduces friction between each sidewall (216) and a load material as the bucket (100) is filled thereby increasing the life of the bucket (100).

[0184] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word comprising and its derivatives including comprises and comprise include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0185] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases in one embodiment or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0186] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.