EXCAVATOR BUCKET LOCKING AND SECURITY DEVICE FOR EFFICIENT TRANSPORT

Abstract

An excavator bucket locking and security device that is engageable with a backfill blade of an excavator. The locking and security device has a connection device for connection to the excavator bucket. The connection device includes an upper pipe for engaging the bucket's upper receptacles. The connection device also has a lower pipe that is positionable next to the bucket's lower receptacles. An insertable pole is insertable through the lower pipe and through the lower bucket receptacles. The locking and security device also includes a pipe connection device for connecting the upper pipe to the lower pipe. A hook is connected to the pipe connection device. The hook is engageable with a backfill blade of an excavator.

Claims

1. An excavator bucket locking and security device for engagement with a backfill blade of an excavator, said excavator bucket locking and security device comprising: A. an excavator bucket connection device, comprising: i. an upper pipe for engaging bucket upper receptacles, ii. a lower pipe positioned adjacent bucket lower receptacles, iii. an insertable pole inserted through said lower pipe and through said bucket lower receptacles, iv. at least one pipe connection device rigidly connecting said upper pipe to said lower pipe, B. a hook rigidly connected to said pipe connection device, wherein said hook is engageable with a backfill blade of said excavator.

2. The excavator bucket locking and security device as in claim 1, wherein said at least one pipe connection device is two pipe connection arms

3. The excavator bucket locking and security device as in claim 1, further comprising a hook attachment plate rigidly connected to at least one pipe connection device.

4. The excavator bucket locking and security device as in claim 3, further comprising a hook extension arm rigidly connected to said hook attachment plate, wherein said hook is rigidly connected to said hook extension arm.

5. The excavator bucket locking and security device as in claim 1, further comprising a locking pole inserted through said upper pipe and for locking together and aligning multiple excavator buckets.

6. The excavator bucket locking and security device as in claim 1, wherein said insertable pole inserted through said lower pipe and through said bucket lower receptacles is a connector pin for locking one said locking and security device to one said bucket.

7. The excavator bucket locking and security device as in claim 1, wherein said insertable pole inserted through said lower pipe and through said bucket lower receptacles is extension rod for locking a plurality of said locking and security devices to a plurality of said buckets, and is for aligning said plurality of buckets so that said plurality of buckets are engageable by said backfill blade.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a prior art excavator.

[0009] FIGS. 2-3 show a prior art bucket.

[0010] FIGS. 4-5 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 6 shows a plurality of buckets in alignment after being connected by utilizing the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 7 shows a backfill blade adjacent to a plurality of buckets connected by utilizing the present invention.

[0013] FIGS. 8-13 show a preferred method for utilizing the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a perspective and FIG. 5 shows a side view of bucket attachment device 20. Bucket attachment device 20 is preferably fabricated from welded steel. Upper pipe 21 is rigidly connected to lower pipe 22 via connection arms 23. Hook attachment plate 24 is rigidly welded to connection arms 23. Hook extension arm 25 is rigidly connected to plate 24 and extends outward from plate 24. Hook 26 is rigidly connected to extension arm 25, as shown. Connector pin holder 30 holding connector pin 31 is rigidly connected to upper pipe 21.

[0015] In FIG. 6, the user has rigidly attached three bucket attachment devices 20 to buckets 4. For each bucket, upper pipe 21 is inserted into upper receptacles 15. Extension rod 42 is inserted through lower receptacles 16 and through lower pipes 22. The above-described connection, causes hooks 26 to extend outward and rearward from buckets 4 as shown. It should be noted that buckets 4 (as shown) are of varying widths. Extension rod 42 functions to keep buckets 4 properly aligned so that hooks 26 are arranged in a straight line to properly receive backfill blade 10.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 6, a user can now approach hooks 26 with backfill blade 10 and simultaneously lift the buckets and transport them to a desired destination, such as the back of a flatbed transport truck.

[0017] FIG. 7 shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the user has rigidly attached three bucket attachment devices 20 to buckets 4. For each bucket, upper pipe 21 is inserted into upper receptacles 15. Connector pins 31 are inserted through lower receptacles 16 and through lower pipes 22. The above-described connection, causes hooks 26 to extend outward and rearward from buckets 4 as shown. It should be noted that buckets 4 (as shown) are also of varying widths. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the user has extended security pole 45 through upper pipes 21 to secure the buckets adjacent to one another as shown. Security pole 45 is locked at both ends with locks 46. Security pole 45 functions to keep buckets 4 properly aligned so that hooks 26 are arranged in a straight line to properly receive backfill blade 10.

[0018] In FIG. 7, the operator of the excavator has moved backfill blade 50 adjacent to the rear of buckets 4 and underneath hooks 26. The operator can now raise backfill blade 10 upwards and transport buckets 4 to a desired location.

Usage of the Bucket Attachment Device

[0019] In FIG. 8, the operator is approaching bucket 4 with the excavator. Backfill blade 10 is raised.

[0020] In FIG. 9, the operator has moved closer to bucket 4.

[0021] In FIG. 10, the operator has manipulated his controls to move connection arm 52 downward, thereby causing backfill blade 10 to move downward.

[0022] In FIG. 11 the operator has moved backfill blade 10 closer to bucket 4.

[0023] In FIG. 12, the operator has moved backfill blade upwards so that it is engaged with hook 26.

[0024] In FIG. 13, the operator has moved backfill blade 10 further upwards, lifting bucket 4 off of the ground. Bucket 4 may now be easily moved to a desired location.

[0025] It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown. So, the scope of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.