ARCH BACK DRAGLINE BUCKET AND WORK MACHINES, SYSTEMS, AND ASSEMBLIES THEREOF

Abstract

A dragline bucket can comprise a bottom wall; a first sidewall defining a first upper edge; a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall defining a second upper edge; a first forward-facing projection on a first side of the dragline bucket; a second forward-facing projection on a second side of the dragline bucket opposite the first side; a lip assembly at a front of the bottom wall; and an arm extending from the first side to the second side of the dragline bucket, a distal end of the arm being at a height greater than a height of respective first and second upper edges of the first and second sidewalls. In a side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the arm is tilted away from the rear wall at an angle of from 17.5 to 22.5 degrees relative to a vertical plane extending through a forward-most edge of the arm.

Claims

1. A dragline machine comprising: a boom; a rigging assembly operatively coupled to the boom via plurality of ropes; and a fabricated dragline bucket having an inner working volume, the fabricated dragline bucket including: a bottom wall, a first sidewall extending from the bottom wall and defining a first upper edge, the first sidewall having a window portion having a single uniform plate thickness, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, extending from the bottom wall, and defining a second upper edge, the second sidewall having a window portion having the single uniform plate thickness, a first forward-facing drag lug on a first side of the fabricated dragline bucket, a second forward-facing drag lung on a second side of the fabricated dragline bucket opposite the first side, a lip assembly at a front of the bottom wall, the lip assembly having a plurality of ground engaging tools extending downward and away from the bottom wall of the fabricated dragline bucket, an arm in the form of an arch extending from the first side of the fabricated dragline bucket to the second side of the fabricated dragline bucket, a distal end of the arm being at a height greater than a height of respective first and second upper edges of the first and second sidewalls, and one or more dump anchors each having a connection interface, each of the one or more dump anchors being welded to an upper surface of the arm, wherein each of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs has an attachment point, wherein in a side elevational view of the fabricated dragline bucket, the arm is tilted away from the rear wall at an angle of from 17.5 degrees to 22.5 degrees, inclusive, relative to a vertical plane extending through a forward-most edge of the arm, wherein a portion of the arm overlaps a portion of the lip assembly in a vertical direction, and wherein the forward-most edge of the arm does not overlap the attachment points of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs in the vertical direction.

2. The dragline machine according to claim 1, wherein the angle is 20 degrees relative to the vertical plane extending through the forward-most edge of the arm.

3. The dragline machine according to claim 1, wherein in the side elevational view of the fabricated dragline bucket, the first forward-facing drag lug extends in a forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly, and wherein in the side elevational view of the fabricated dragline bucket, the second forward-facing drag lug extends in the forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly.

4. The dragline machine according to claim 1, wherein the fabricated dragline bucket further includes a cutout portion between the arm and each of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs.

5. The dragline machine according to claim 1, wherein the fabricated dragline bucket has a weight distribution from teeth to heel with a balance of 55% to 58% on the teeth and 42% to 45% on the heel.

6. The dragline machine according to claim 1, wherein the fabricated dragline bucket has the following dimensions:
FH/AH=0.39 to 0.49 and FH/AL=0.27 to 0.37, where FH is defined as a vertical distance from a first horizontal plane extending through the base to a second horizontal plan extending through a portion of the first and second upper edges, AH is defined as a vertical distance from the second horizontal plan extending through the first and second upper edges to a third horizontal plane above the second horizontal plane that passes through a base portion of the arm, and AL is defined as a horizontal distance from a sixth vertical plane extending through a portion of the arm to the second vertical plane extending through the upper capacity point.

7. A dragline bucket comprising: a bottom wall; a first sidewall extending from the bottom wall and defining a first upper edge; a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, extending from the bottom wall, and defining a second upper edge; a first forward-facing projection on a first side of the dragline bucket; a second forward-facing projection on a second side of the dragline bucket opposite the first side; a lip assembly at a front of the bottom wall, the lip assembly having a plurality of ground engaging teeth; an arm in the form of an arch extending from the first side of the dragline bucket to the second side of the dragline bucket, a distal end of the arm being at a height greater than a height of respective first and second upper edges of the first and second sidewalls; and one or more dump anchors each having a connection interface, each of the one or more dump anchors being welded to an upper surface of the arm, wherein each of the first and second forward-facing projections has an attachment point, wherein in a side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the arm is tilted away from the rear wall at an angle of from 17.5 degrees to 22.5 degrees, inclusive, relative to a vertical plane extending through a forward-most edge of the arm, and wherein the dragline bucket has the following dimensions: FH/AH=0.39 to 0.49, and FH/AL=0.27 to 0.37, where FH is defined as a vertical distance from a first horizontal plane extending through the base to a second horizontal plan extending through a portion of the first and second upper edges, AH is defined as a vertical distance from the second horizontal plan extending through the first and second upper edges to a third horizontal plane above the second horizontal plane that passes through a base portion of the arm, and AL is defined as a horizontal distance from a sixth vertical plane extending through a portion of the arm to the second vertical plane extending through the upper capacity point.

8. The dragline bucket according to claim 7, wherein a portion of the arm overlaps a portion of the lip assembly in a vertical direction, and wherein the forward-most edge of the arm does not overlap the attachment points of the first and second forward-facing projections in the vertical direction.

9. The dragline bucket according to claim 7, wherein the first sidewall has a window portion having a single uniform plate thickness, and wherein the second sidewall has a window portion having the single uniform plate thickness.

10. The dragline bucket according to claim 7, wherein the angle is 20 degrees relative to the vertical plane extending through the forward-most edge of the arm.

11. The dragline bucket according to claim 7, wherein in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the first forward-facing projection extends in a forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly, and wherein in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the second forward-facing projection extends in the forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly.

12. The dragline bucket according to claim 7, wherein the dragline bucket further includes a cutout portion between the arm and each of the first and second forward-facing projections.

13. The dragline machine according to claim 1, wherein the dragline bucket has a weight distribution from teeth to heel with a balance of 55% to 58% on the teeth and 42% to 45% on the heel.

14. A method comprising: providing a dragline bucket, the dragline bucket including: a bottom wall, a first sidewall extending from the bottom wall and defining a first upper edge, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, extending from the bottom wall, and defining a second upper edge, a first forward-facing drag lug on a first side of the dragline bucket, a second forward-facing drag lung on a second side of the dragline bucket opposite the first side, a lip assembly at a front of the bottom wall, the lip assembly having a plurality of ground engaging teeth, an arm extending from the first side of the dragline bucket to the second side of the dragline bucket, a distal end of the arm being at a height greater than a height of respective first and second upper edges of the first and second sidewalls, and one or more dump anchors each having a connection interface, each of the one or more dump anchors being welded to an upper surface of the arm, wherein each of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs has an attachment point, wherein in a side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the arm is tilted away from the rear wall at an angle of from 17.5 degrees to 22.5 degrees, inclusive, relative to a vertical plane extending through a forward-most edge of the arm, wherein a portion of the arm overlaps a portion of the lip assembly in a vertical direction, wherein the forward-most edge of the arm does not overlap the attachment points of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs in the vertical direction, and wherein the fabricated dragline bucket has the following dimensions: FH/AH=0.39 to 0.49, and FH/AL=0.27 to 0.37, where FH is defined as a vertical distance from a first horizontal plane extending through the base to a second horizontal plan extending through a portion of the first and second upper edges, AH is defined as a vertical distance from the second horizontal plan extending through the first and second upper edges to a third horizontal plane above the second horizontal plane that passes through a base portion of the arm, and AL is defined as a horizontal distance from a sixth vertical plane extending through a portion of the arm to the second vertical plane extending through the upper capacity point.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: operating the dragline bucket to fill material in an interior volume thereof, said operating the dragline bucket including controlling the dragline bucket such that the ground engaging teeth contact the material before the arm contacts the material.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the angle is 20 degrees relative to the vertical plane extending through the forward-most edge of the arm.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the first forward-facing drag lug extends in a forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly, and wherein in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the second forward-facing drag lug extends in the forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the dragline bucket further includes a cutout portion between the arm and each of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein the dragline bucket has a weight distribution from teeth to heel with a balance of 55% to 58% on the teeth and 42% to 45% on the heel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a machine, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an end, overhead perspective view of a dragline bucket according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the dragline bucket of FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the dragline bucket of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a top or overhead plan view of the dragline bucket of FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the dragline bucket of FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 7 is an end, below perspective view of the dragline bucket of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] As noted above, the present disclosure relates to a dragline bucket, and work machines, systems, and assemblies thereof. According to one or more embodiments, the dragline bucket according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be regarded or referred to as an arch-back dragline bucket or an arch-centered dragline bucket.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary machine 100. The machine 100 is embodied as a dragline excavator herein. Alternatively, the machine 100 may include another type of earthmoving machine that employs a dragline bucket 102 that will be explained later in this section. The machine 100 may perform one or more operations associated with an industry such as mining, construction, forestry, farming, transportation, or any other industry known in the art. The machine 100 may be embodied as a manual, autonomous, or semi-autonomous machine, without any limitations. Thus, machines according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, including the machine 100, may be regarded as work or working machines.

[0017] The machine 100 can include a house 104, which may be regarded as a cabin or more generally an operator area. The machine 100 can further include a power source supported by the house 104 or other component, such as a chassis or frame. The power source may supply power to various components of the machine 100 for operation, movement, and the like. In one example, the power source may include an engine, such as a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, or any other type of combustion engine. In other examples, the power source may additionally or alternatively include an electric drive assembly having one or more electric motors.

[0018] The machine 100 can include a boom 106. The boom 106 can be controlled by a suspension system 108 connected to a mast 110 and a gantry frame 112. The machine 100 can further include a rigging assembly 114 coupled to one or more hoist ropes 116. The machine 100 can also include the dragline bucket 102 coupled to the rigging assembly 114. Optionally, the dragline bucket 102 may be regarded as separate from the machine 100, though operably coupleable to the machine 100, particularly operably coupleable to the rigging assembly 114 thereof, such as shown in FIG. 1. The rigging assembly 114 can include a drag socket 118 and one or more drag ropes 120. The hoist rope(s) 116 can pass over a boom point sheave 122 of the boom 106 and suspend the dragline bucket 102 therefrom. The dragline bucket 102 can be coupled to the drag rope(s) 120 by the drag socket 118. An amount of material that can be carried by the dragline bucket 102 is typically governed by a volume of the dragline bucket 102. Further, the volume of the dragline bucket 104 may vary based on a shape and/or size of the dragline bucket 102, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., according to the cubic volume). Exemplary dragline bucket volumes include from 3 m.sup.3 to 125 m.sup.3.

[0019] Turning to FIGS. 2-7, these figures show the dragline bucket 102 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to the specific dragline bucket 102 shown in FIGS. 2-7. The dragline bucket 102 itself may be regarded as a dragline bucket assembly. And the dragline bucket 102 may be regarded as a clipped bucket (i.e., a clipped dragline bucket). However, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the dragline bucket 102 shown in FIGS. 2-7 or even the type of dragline bucket shown in FIGS. 2-7 and may include other dragline bucket types or styles.

[0020] The dragline bucket 102, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, can include a body 103 having a base 204, which may be regarded as a floor or bottom wall, a first sidewall 206, a second sidewall 208 opposite the first sidewall 206, and a rear or end wall 210. The first sidewall 206 can define a first upper edge 207 opposite the base 204, and the second sidewall 208 can define a second upper edge 209 opposite the base 204, which can be opposite the first upper edge 207. At least the first upper edge 207 and the second upper edge 209 each can be regarded as an upper rail. Further, the base 204, the first sidewall 206, the second sidewall 208, and the rear or end wall 210 can be arranged to define an interior volume of the dragline bucket 102, such as shown in FIGS. 2-7. The interior volume may be regarded as a working volume. The working volume of the dragline bucket 102 may be from 3 m.sup.3 to 125 m.sup.3, as an example range. The interior volume of the dragline bucket 102 may additional or alternatively be referred to or regarded as bucket capacity (e.g., from CIMA capacity calculation). According to one or more embodiments, a horizontal plane P1 can extend through the base 204, such as shown in FIG. 3. The horizontal plane P1 may be regarded as a first horizontal plane.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the first sidewall 206, the first upper edge 207, the second sidewall 208, and the second upper edge 209 may be regarded as a first sidewall portion, a first upper edge portion, a second sidewall portion, and a second upper edge portion, respectively. According to one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the base 204 and a portion of each of the first and second upper edges 207, 209 can be parallel with each other at least in a side elevational view of the dragline bucket 102, such as shown in FIG. 3.

[0022] Optionally, each of the first sidewall 206 and the second sidewall 208 can comprise or consist of a plate or plates having a single thickness. Such single-thickness plate(s) per sidewall may be regarded as window plates. In this regard, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first sidewall 206 and the second sidewall 208 can be formed of a single plate that extends from the base 204 to the respective first and second upper edges 207, 209, and such single plate can have a single or uniform thickness. A single thickness sidewall may be regarded as a single plate with no lap plates or interruption in plate homogeneousness. Area and thickness of the plate or plates having single thickness, i.e., single-thickness sidewall, can vary based on capacity and/or application. Optionally, each single-thickness plane per sidewall may not extend to the corresponding first or second upper edge 207, 209 and/or to the base 204.

[0023] The dragline bucket 102 can further include or define a first forward-facing projection 216 and a second forward-facing projection 218 opposite the first forward-facing projection 216 in a width direction of the dragline bucket 102. Optionally, the first forward-facing projection 216 and the second forward-facing projection 218 can be part of the first sidewall 206 and the second sidewall 208, respectively. Each of the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218 may be regarded as a drag lug. The first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218 may each provide or otherwise have an attachment point 219, which may be, according to one example, a clevis pin-compatible attachment point. Further, such attachment point 219 may be regarded as a hitch point of the cheek plate. The attachment point 219 of each of the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218 may be coupled directly or indirectly to respective drag ropes or draft rope portions (e.g., indirectly through a chain or chains connected directly to the attachment points 219 at one end and the drag rope(s) at the other end).

[0024] A lip assembly 212 can be provided at the front edge of the base 204 opposite the rear wall 210. Optionally, the lip assembly 212 may be part of the base 204. The lip assembly 212 can include a plurality of edge protectors 213 and/or a plurality of ground engaging tools 214. A vertical plane P2, which can be regarded as a first vertical plane, can extend through the horizontal plane P1 at an edge of the cutting lip of the lip assembly 212. Such edge of the cutting lip may also be referred to or regarded as a shroud base leading edge point. The vertical plane P2 can be regarded as a front capacity line. Further, where the vertical plane P2 crosses the horizontal plane P1 can be regarded as a lower capacity point LCP. The lower capacity point LCP can be vertically above the edge of the cutting lip/shroud base leading edge point. A horizontal plane P3, which may be referred to as a second horizontal plane, can extend through at least a portion of the first upper edge portion 207 or the second upper edge portion 209 in a side elevational view, such as shown in FIG. 3. Where the vertical plane P2 crosses the horizontal plane P3 can be regarded as an upper capacity point UCP. A plane corresponding to at least a portion of each of the first upper edge portion 207 and the second upper edge portion 209 in the side elevational view, for instance, extending from the UCP, can be +/eight (8) degrees relative to the horizontal plane P3.

[0025] According to one or more embodiments, the lip assembly 212 and the first and second sidewalls 206, 208 may define a mouth of the dragline bucket 102. Optionally, according to one or more embodiments, the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218 may not define the mouth of the dragline bucket 102. The first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218 may be regarded as cheek portions or plates. Optionally, as noted above, the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218 may be part of the first sidewall 206 and the second sidewall 208, respectively. As such, front or leading portions of the first sidewall 206 and the second sidewall 208 may be regarded as cheek portions or plates.

[0026] The dragline bucket 102 may also include an arm 250. According to one or more embodiments, the arm 250, the lip assembly 212, and the front edges of the first and second sidewalls 206, 208 (including or excluding the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218) may define a front ring assembly. The front ring assembly, according to one or more embodiments, may comprise or consist of the arm 250, the lip assembly 212, and at least the front edges of the first and second sidewalls 206, 208. The front ring assembly of the dragline bucket 102 may define a front or loading area of the dragline bucket 102. The arm 250 may be in the form of an arch, such as shown in the front elevational view of FIG. 4. Accordingly, the arm 250 may be regarded or characterized as a ring-shaped arch. Further, based on positioning of arm 250, the dragline bucket 102 can be regarded or characterized as an arch-centered dragline bucket.

[0027] At least a portion of the arm 250, such as a distal end portion away from the first and second sidewalls 206, 208, can be forward of the lip assembly 212, such as shown in FIG. 3. However, according to one or more embodiments, the distal end portion of the arm 250 may not extend past the attachment points 219 of the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218, such as shown in FIG. 3.

[0028] The arm 250, which may be linear or extend straight from the first and second sidewalls 206, 208 to the distal end thereof in a side elevational view, for instance, may also be tilted forward at an angle 1 relative to a vertical plane P4, again, in the side elevational view, such as shown in FIG. 3. The vertical plane P4 may be regarded as a second vertical plane and can extend through the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218. Thus, the arch ring, which can be defined at least in part or fully by the arm 250, can be tilted forward at the angle 1 with respect to the lip assembly 212. The angle 1 can be acute, for instance, in a range from 17.5 degrees to 22.5 degrees. According to one or more embodiments, the angle 1 can be 20 degrees. Having the arm 250 tilted forward at the angle 1 can increase the stability of the dragline bucket 102.

[0029] The arm 250 can have a first end 256 fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the first sidewall 206 and a second end 258 fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the second sidewall 208. The first and second ends 256, 258 can be respectively fixedly coupled to an outside or outer portion of the first and second sidewalls 206, 208. Further, such fixed couplings of the first and second ends 256, 258 to the first and second sidewalls 206, 208 can be at the first and second upper edges 207, 209, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Such fixed couplings may be regarded as side weldings.

[0030] One or more dump anchors 280, each of which can be a fabrication or a casting, can be provided and fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to an upper surface 257 of the arm 250. FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 show two dump anchors 280, though only one dump anchor 280 may be implemented. According to one or more embodiments, each dump anchor 280 may be regarded as part of the dragline bucket 102. The dump anchor 280 or dump anchors 280 (e.g., a pair of dump anchors 280) may be centered along the length of the arm 250, such as shown in FIG. 4. Optionally, the dump anchors 280 may be separated from each other along the length of the arm 250, such as shown in FIG. 4.

[0031] The base of the dump anchor 280 can be fixedly coupled to the upper surface 257 of arm 250. According to one or more embodiments, the base of the dump anchor 280 may be a relatively thick base plate, i.e., thicker than portions of the dump anchor 280 above the base.

[0032] According to one or more embodiments, a concave or cutout portion 220 can be between the arm 250 and each of the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218, such as shown in FIG. 3. Another concave or cutout portion 222 may be between each of the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218 and the lip assembly 212, such as shown in FIG. 3.

[0033] Referring still to FIG. 3, the dragline bucket 102 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can have the dimensions AL, AH, and/or FH. FH/AH can equal 0.39 to 0.49 (e.g., 0.44) and/or FH/AL can equal 0.27 to 0.37 (e.g., 0.32). The weight distribution of the dragline bucket 102 from teeth to heel, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, can have a balance of from 55% to 58% (e.g., 56%) on the teeth and 42% to 45% (e.g., 44%) on the heel.

[0034] The dimension FH may be defined as a vertical distance from the first horizontal plane P1, for instance, a horizontal extending through the base 204, to the second horizontal plane P3, for instance, a horizontal plane above the first horizontal plane that extends to a base portion of the arm 250, such as shown in FIG. 3. The dimension AH may be defined as a vertical distance from the second horizontal plane P3 to a third horizontal plane P5 extending through a center line or plane of the arm 250 angled at the angle 1 relative to the second vertical plane P4 in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket 102, such as shown in FIG. 3. The dimension AL can be defined as a horizontal distance from a vertical plane P6, which may be regarded as a third vertical plane, extending through both the third horizontal plane P5 and the center line or plane of the arm 250 angled at the angle 1 relative to the second vertical plane P4 in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket 102 at same point, such as shown in FIG. 3.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to dragline buckets, and work machines, systems, and assemblies thereof.

[0036] During positioning of a conventional bucket at the start of digging (pointing vertically downwards), an arm thereof may take direct hits from the ground, especially in underwater digging. This can result in notches and/or material wear in the arm, which can lead to cracks in the weldment and parent material.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a dragline bucket can be implemented or provided, such as the dragline bucket 102.

[0038] The dragline bucket 102 can have opposing sidewalls, such as the first sidewall 206 and the second sidewall 208. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first sidewall 206 and the second sidewall 208 can comprise or consist of a plate or plates having a single thickness. Such single-thickness plate(s) per sidewall may be regarded as window plates. In this regard, the first sidewall 206 and the second sidewall 208 can be formed of a single plate that extends from the base 204 to the respective first and second upper edges 207, 209, and such single plate can have a single or uniform thickness. Alternatively, each of the single-thickness planes may not extend to the base 204 and/or corresponding ones of the first and second upper edges 207, 209. Implementing a single window plate per side of the dragline bucket 102 can reduce the weight of the dragline bucket 102, the number of parts for the dragline bucket 102, manufacturing and process costs, assembly setup time costs, and/or welding costs.

[0039] The dragline bucket can have an arm, such as the arm 250, which may be linear or extend straight from the first and second sidewalls 206, 208 to the distal end thereof in a side elevational view, for instance. The arm 250 may be tilted at an angle 1 relative to vertical, again, in the side elevational view, such as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, the arch ring, which can be defined at least in part or fully by the arm 250, can be tilted at the angle 1 with respect to the lip assembly 212. The angle 1 can be acute, for instance, in a range from 17.5 degrees to 22.5 degrees. According to one or more embodiments, the angle 1 can be 20 degrees. Having the arm 250 tilted at the angle 1 relative to the second vertical plane P4 and with a forward front edge at a length such that the second vertical plane P4 is within a predetermined horizontal distance away from the a vertical plane extending through the attachment point 219 can cause the dragline bucket 102 to be more evenly balanced, which can increase the stability of the dragline bucket 102.

[0040] At least a portion of the arm 250, such as a distal end portion away from the first and second sidewalls 206, 208, can be forward of the lip assembly 212, such as shown in FIG. 3. However, according to one or more embodiments, the distal end portion of the arm 250 may not extend past the attachment points 219 of the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218, such as shown in FIG. 3. As noted above, having the arm 250 tilted forward relative to the second vertical plane P4 and with a forward front edge at a length such that the second vertical plane P4 is within a predetermined horizontal distance away from the vertical plane extending through the attachment point 219 can cause the dragline bucket 102 to be more evenly balanced, which can increase the stability of the dragline bucket 102.

[0041] The dragline bucket 102, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, can have the dimensions AL, AH, and/or FH. FH/AH can equal 0.39 to 0.49 (e.g., 0.44) and/or FH/AL can equal 0.27 to 0.37 (e.g., 0.32). The dimension FH may be defined as a vertical distance from the first horizontal plane P1, for instance, a horizontal extending through the base 204, to the second horizontal plane P3, for instance, a horizontal plane above the first horizontal plane that extends to a base portion of the arm 250, such as shown in FIG. 3. The dimension AH may be defined as a vertical distance from the second horizontal plane P3 to a third horizontal plane P5 extending through a center line or plane of the arm 250 angled at the angle 1 relative to the second vertical plane P4 in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket 102, such as shown in FIG. 3. The dimension AL can be defined as a horizontal distance from a vertical plane P6, which may be regarded as a third vertical plane, extending through both the third horizontal plane P5 and the center line or plane of the arm 250 angled at the angle 1 relative to the second vertical plane P4 in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket 102 at same point, such as shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] Generally speaking, dragline buckets according to embodiments of the present disclosure, including the dragline bucket 102, can be regarded as implementing a repositioning and/or a reorienting of the arm 250, which may be in the form of an arch, to reduce overall weight without compromising structural integrity. In general, such repositioning can involve the arm 250 being set to overlap (e.g., be centered over) the lip assembly, such as the lip assembly 212, in a vertical plane, such as shown in FIG. 3. For instance, the base of the arm 250 can overlap a portion of the lip assembly 212 in the vertical direction. The forward edge of the arm 250 can overlap the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218 in the vertical direction in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket 102. Thus, the center of gravity CG can be forward of the center of the dragline bucket 102, for instance, to provide more force on the ground engaging tool 214 (e.g., bucket teeth).

[0043] Further, such repositioning and reorienting of the arm 250 may be such that the center of gravity CG position of the dragline bucket 102 is not driven towards the front of the dragline bucket 102, i.e., less of a cantilever. The weight distribution of dragline buckets according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, from teeth to heel, can have a balance of 55% to 58% (e.g., 56%) on the teeth and 42% to 45% (e.g., 44%) on the heel.

[0044] In that dragline buckets according to embodiments of the present disclosure can have a concave or cutout portion, such as the concave/cutout portion 220, between the arm 250 and each of the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218, such configuration can use relatively less material to connect the arm 250 and the each of the first and second forward-facing projections 216, 218. This can reduce the overall weight of the dragline bucket 102.

[0045] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can also be as set forth according to the following parentheticals. [0046] (1) A dragline machine comprising: a boom; a rigging assembly operatively coupled to the boom via plurality of ropes; and a fabricated dragline bucket having an inner working volume, the fabricated dragline bucket including: a bottom wall, a first sidewall extending from the bottom wall and defining a first upper edge, the first sidewall having a window portion having a single uniform plate thickness, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, extending from the bottom wall, and defining a second upper edge, the second sidewall having a window portion having the single uniform plate thickness, a first forward-facing drag lug on a first side of the fabricated dragline bucket, a second forward-facing drag lung on a second side of the fabricated dragline bucket opposite the first side, a lip assembly at a front of the bottom wall, the lip assembly having a plurality of ground engaging tools extending downward and away from the bottom wall of the fabricated dragline bucket, an arm in the form of an arch extending from the first side of the fabricated dragline bucket to the second side of the fabricated dragline bucket, a distal end of the arm being at a height greater than a height of respective first and second upper edges of the first and second sidewalls, and one or more dump anchors each having a connection interface, each of the one or more dump anchors being welded to an upper surface of the arm, wherein each of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs has an attachment point, wherein in a side elevational view of the fabricated dragline bucket, the arm is tilted away from the rear wall at an angle of from 17.5 degrees to 22.5 degrees, inclusive, relative to a vertical plane extending through a forward-most edge of the arm, wherein a portion of the arm overlaps a portion of the lip assembly in a vertical direction, and wherein the forward-most edge of the arm does not overlap the attachment points of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs in the vertical direction. [0047] (2) The dragline machine according to (1), wherein the angle is 20 degrees relative to the vertical plane extending through the forward-most edge of the arm. [0048] (3) The dragline machine according to (1) or (2), wherein in the side elevational view of the fabricated dragline bucket, the first forward-facing drag lug extends in a forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly, and wherein in the side elevational view of the fabricated dragline bucket, the second forward-facing drag lug extends in the forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly. [0049] (4) The dragline machine according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the fabricated dragline bucket further includes a cutout portion between the arm and each of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs. [0050] (5) The dragline machine according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the fabricated dragline bucket has a weight distribution from teeth to heel with a balance of 55% to 58% (e.g., 56%) on the teeth and 42% to 45% (e.g., 44%) on the heel. [0051] (6) The dragline machine according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the fabricated dragline bucket has the following dimensions: FH/AH=0.39 to 0.49 (e.g., 0.44) and/or FH/AL=0.27 to 0.37 (e.g., 0.32), where FH is defined as a vertical distance from a first horizontal plane extending through the base to a second horizontal plan extending through a portion of the first and second upper edges, AH is defined as a vertical distance from the second horizontal plan extending through the first and second upper edges to a third horizontal plane above the second horizontal plane that passes through a base portion of the arm, and AL is defined as a horizontal distance from fourth vertical plane extending through a portion of the arm to a third vertical plane extending through centers of openings of the attachment points. [0052] (7) A dragline bucket comprising: a bottom wall; a first sidewall extending from the bottom wall and defining a first upper edge; a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, extending from the bottom wall, and defining a second upper edge; a first forward-facing projection on a first side of the dragline bucket; a second forward-facing projection on a second side of the dragline bucket opposite the first side; a lip assembly at a front of the bottom wall, the lip assembly having a plurality of ground engaging teeth; an arm in the form of an arch extending from the first side of the dragline bucket to the second side of the dragline bucket, a distal end of the arm being at a height greater than a height of respective first and second upper edges of the first and second sidewalls; and one or more dump anchors each having a connection interface, each of the one or more dump anchors being welded to an upper surface of the arm, wherein each of the first and second forward-facing projections has an attachment point, wherein in a side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the arm is tilted away from the rear wall at an angle of from 17.5 degrees to 22.5 degrees, inclusive, relative to a vertical plane extending through a forward-most edge of the arm, and wherein the dragline bucket has the following dimensions: FH/AH=0.39 to 0.49 (e.g., 0.44) and/or FH/AL=0.27 to 0.37 (e.g., 0.32), FH is defined as a vertical distance from a first horizontal plane extending through the base to a second horizontal plan extending through a portion of the first and second upper edges, AH is defined as a vertical distance from the second horizontal plan extending through the first and second upper edges to a third horizontal plane above the second horizontal plane that passes through a base portion of the arm, and AL is defined as a horizontal distance from fourth vertical plane extending through a portion of the arm to a third vertical plane extending through centers of openings of the attachment points. [0053] (8) The dragline bucket according to (7), wherein a portion of the arm overlaps a portion of the lip assembly in a vertical direction, and wherein the forward-most edge of the arm does not overlap the attachment points of the first and second forward-facing projections in the vertical direction. [0054] (9) The dragline bucket according to (7) or (8), wherein the first sidewall has a window portion having a single uniform plate thickness, and wherein the second sidewall has a window portion having the single uniform plate thickness. [0055] (10) The dragline bucket according to any one of (7) to (9), wherein the angle is 20 degrees relative to the vertical plane extending through the forward-most edge of the arm. [0056] (11) The dragline bucket according to any one of (7) to (10), wherein in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the first forward-facing projection extends in a forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly, and wherein in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the second forward-facing projection extends in the forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly. [0057] (12) The dragline bucket according to any one of (7) to (11), wherein the dragline bucket further includes a cutout portion between the arm and each of the first and second forward-facing projections. [0058] (13) The dragline machine according to any one of (7) to (12), wherein the dragline bucket has a weight distribution from teeth to heel with a balance of 55% to 58% (e.g., 56%) on the teeth and 42% to 45% (e.g., 44%) on the heel. [0059] (14) A method comprising: providing a dragline bucket, the dragline bucket including: a bottom wall, a first sidewall extending from the bottom wall and defining a first upper edge, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, extending from the bottom wall, and defining a second upper edge, a first forward-facing drag lug on a first side of the dragline bucket, a second forward-facing drag lung on a second side of the dragline bucket opposite the first side, a lip assembly at a front of the bottom wall, the lip assembly having a plurality of ground engaging teeth, an arm extending from the first side of the dragline bucket to the second side of the dragline bucket, a distal end of the arm being at a height greater than a height of respective first and second upper edges of the first and second sidewalls, and one or more dump anchors each having a connection interface, each of the one or more dump anchors being welded to an upper surface of the arm, wherein each of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs has an attachment point, wherein in a side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the arm is tilted away from the rear wall at an angle of from 17.5 degrees to 22.5 degrees, inclusive, relative to a vertical plane extending through a forward-most edge of the arm, wherein a portion of the arm overlaps a portion of the lip assembly in a vertical direction, wherein the forward-most edge of the arm does not overlap the attachment points of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs in the vertical direction, and wherein the fabricated dragline bucket has the following dimensions: FH/AH=0.39 to 0.49 (e.g., 0.44) and/or FH/AL=0.27 to 0.37 (e.g., 0.32), FH is defined as a vertical distance from a first horizontal plane extending through the base to a second horizontal plan extending through a portion of the first and second upper edges, AH is defined as a vertical distance from the second horizontal plan extending through the first and second upper edges to a third horizontal plane above the second horizontal plane that passes through a base portion of the arm, and AL is defined as a horizontal distance from fourth vertical plane extending through a portion of the arm to a third vertical plane extending through centers of openings of the attachment points. [0060] (15) The method according to (14), further comprising: operating the dragline bucket to fill material in an interior volume thereof, said operating the dragline bucket including controlling the dragline bucket such that the ground engaging teeth contact the material before the arm contacts the material. [0061] (16) The method according to (14) or (15), wherein the angle is 20 degrees relative to the vertical plane extending through the forward-most edge of the arm. [0062] (17) The method according to any one of (14) to (16), wherein in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the first forward-facing drag lug extends in a forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly, and wherein in the side elevational view of the dragline bucket, the second forward-facing drag lug extends in the forward direction more than each of the arm and the lip assembly. [0063] (18) The method according to any one of (14) to (17), wherein the dragline bucket further includes a cutout portion between the arm and each of the first and second forward-facing drag lugs. [0064] (19) The method according to any one of (14) to (18), wherein the dragline bucket has a weight distribution from teeth to heel with a balance of 55% to 58% (e.g., 56%) on the teeth and 42% to 45% (e.g., 44%) on the heel.

[0065] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. That is, unless clearly specified otherwise, as used herein the words a and an and the like carry the meaning of one or more. The use of the term at least one followed by a list of one or more items (for example, at least one of A and B or one or more of A and B) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word or refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase A, B, or C refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

[0066] Additionally, it is to be understood that terms such as left, right, top, bottom, front, rear, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior, exterior, inner, outer, and the like that may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as first, second, third, etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, points of reference, operations and/or functions as described herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0067] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, assemblies, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.