US2495143A - Power lift attachment for tractors or the like - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 17, 1950 J. J. SIMMONDS 2,495,143

POWER LIFT ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS OR THE LIKE Filed June 4, 1945 4 Shets-Sheet l INVENTOR Jamhwnm ATTORN bYS Jan. 17, 1950 J. J. SIMMONDS POWER LIFT ATTACHMENT'FOR TRACTORS OR THE LIKE 4 SheetsSheet 2 Filed June 4, 1 945 I N \f E N Tb R 10/117 J. 5077020012 Jan. 17, 1950 J. J. SIMMONDS 2,495,143

POWER LIFT ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS OR THE LIKE Filed June 4, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet s Jan. 17, 1950 J. J. SIMMONDS POWER LIFT ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS OR THE LIKE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 4. 1945 ATTORN EYS Patented Jan. 17, 1950 POWER LIFT ATTACHMENT FOR TRACTORS OR THE LIKE John J. Simmonds, Lawrence, Kana, assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Deal-born Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Dela- Application June 4, 1945, Serial No. 597,501

1 This invention relates to improvements in power lift attachments for tractors or the like, and more particularly to hydraulically operated power shovels, sweeps and the like for handling dirt, hay, or other substances. I

The principal objects of the invention are to provide a device for mounting upon a tractor or the like comprising a framework structure of substantially A truss construction of welded steel tubing adapted to carry a liquid for hydraulically operating the structure; to provide an attachment which comprises a frame and a vertically swingable lifting element which may be mounted on and removed from the tractor as a unit; to provide a device embodying means for conveniently controlling the necessary operations in its use from the driver's seat of the tractor; to provide a device having a relatively high vertical lift in order to elevate the load carried to the desired point for deposit; to provide a frame construction so that the tractor may be driven into the frame and the construction attached thereto or detached therefrom in a convenient manner; to provide a device which exerts a straight line push against the rear axle of the tractor; to provide a device having a straight vertical lift of the load carrier; and to provide a construction of this character which is simple and compact in construction, efficient in operation and which may be manufactured at relatively low cost.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the present invention, I have provided improved details of structure, the preferred form of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of my invention with the bucket or other materialcarrying element detached therefrom.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a bucket adapted to be carried by the frame construction, particularly adapted for use in handling dirt, fertilizer or the like.

Fig. 3 is a side view of my invention showing the bucket attached thereto.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the bucket in elevated position.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view of the main frame construction showing the liquid carried by the tubing comprising the frame.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross section of the top of the main frame showing pivoting of the loading boom thereon.

Fig. 7 is a further form of my invention particularly illustrating a fork for handling hay or the like.

6 Claims. (Cl. 214-140) Fig. 8 is a further form of my invention particularly illustrating a pickup device for handling heavy objects, such as boxes, crated goods or the like.

Fig. 9 is a further form of my invention particularly illustrating a hay sweep attachment for picking up hay from the field and elevating it to a place of deposit on a stack or other desired place.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

I designates a tractor adapted for carrying a frame construction embodying the features of my invention which comprises a main frame 2 of substantially A truss construction and a loading boom 3, also of substantially A truss construction, the main frame and loading boom assembly being so constructed that the tractor may be driven under the framework for attachment of the construction to the tractor for use as later described.

Adapted for attachment to the rear axle 4 of a tractor by cap screws 5 or the like are angle iron brackets 6 and I which carry the rear of the main frame construction. The forward end of the construction may be attached to the side frame of the tractor by suitable brackets 8 and 9, by bolts III, or other suitable means.

The main frame construction 2 consists of tubes I I and I2 having their lower ends welded or otherwise secured to the brackets 6 and I, the tubes extending upwardly and forwardly and having their upper ends secured to a cross tube I3 by welding or other suitable means, the cross tube l3 being adapted to receive a tube I3 for pivotal attachment of the loading boom assembly, as later described. Welded or otherwise secured to the forward side of the tube I3 are downwardly and forwardly extending tubes I4 and I5 having their lower ends secured by welding or other suitable means to outwardly extending arms iii of the brackets 8 and 9. The tubes II, I2, I4, and I5 are adapted to contain the fluid for operating the hydraulic lifting mechanism, as later described.

I also preferably provide a U-shaped tube I6 having its free ends connected to the tubes II and I2, as indicated at I! (Fig. 1), the U-shaped tube extending forwardly and having connection by welding or otherwise to the tubes I4 and I5, as indicated at H, for circulation of the fluid to the respective tubes.

The loading boom is also preferably made of tubing comprising uprights I8 and I9 having their upper ends rigidly secured by welding or otherwise to short tubing 20 (Fig. 6) adapted to fit over the ends of the tube I3, which ends ex- 3 tend beyond the tube i3, as best illustrated in Fig. 5, and their lower ends connected to longitudinal members 2| and 22, as indicated at 23 (Fig. 1). I preferably rigidly secure the short tubing to the tubing l3 by welding or other suitable means so that when the boom is lifted, the tube l3 will revolve in tube l3.

Also rigidly secured to the cross short tubing 20 by welding or other suitable means are forwardly extending tube members 24 and connected at their forward ends by a cross member 26. I also provide bracin members 21 and 28 extending from the rear end of the members 2| and 22 to substantially the centers of the members 24 and 25 to lend rigidity to the loading boom construction.

It will be noted from the foregoing that the loading boom construction is pivotally carried by the cross tube l3, the tube I3 being loosely fitted in the tube l3 to allow sufficient lubrication.

The brackets 6 and 1 are provided on their forward faces with ears 29 and 36. Pivotally connected to the cars by pins or the like 3| are cylinders 32 and 33 extending parallel with the framework construction and adapted to receive pistons 34 (Fig. 4) having their outer ends adapted to be pivotally connected to rearwardly extending cars 35 carried by the horizontal members 2| and 22 on the loading boom construction.

Rigidly secured to the forward ends of the tube members 24 and 25, as indicated at 36, is a yoke member 31 comprising side arms 36 and a cross bar 39 adapted to receive a bucket or other material lifting device 40. The bucket has sides 4| and 42 provided with openings 43 and 44 adapted to register with openings 45 in the outer ends of the arms 38 adapted to receive pins 46 provided with openings 41 for fastening the bucket in the yoke by cotter pins or the like 49. It will be noted the openings 48 are spaced so that a cotter key may be inserted therein on the outside of the ends 42 and 43 of the bucket and another on the inside thereof to retain the bucket pivotally in the yoke 37. The form of the bucket shown in Fig. 2 is particularly adapted for handling of dirt, fertilizer, or the like and is provided with a plurality of prongs 50 secured to the bottom of the bucket by any suitable means and extending forwardly thereof, as illustrated The loading boom is provided with latching mechanism for dumping the bucket or other material lifting device which preferably comprises a lever 5| having one end pivotally secured to the cross bar 26, as indicated at 52. Pivotally secured to the opposite end of the arm 5| is a wire line or the like 53 which extends substantially parallel with the tube member 24 and extends through an opening in an outwardly extending lug 54 carried by the short tube 20 (Fig. 1) having its opposite end connected to a lever 55. Pivotally secured to substantially the center of the lever 5| is a latch member 56 extending through a sleeve 51 rigidly secured to the cross arm 38 of the yoke 31. The bucket is provided with a reinforcing bar 58 provided with a slot 59 adapted to be engaged by the latch 56 when the bucket is loaded with material to be elevated to prevent tipping or tilting of the bucket until the material is elevated to the desired position, as later described.

Referring specifically to Fig. 5 of the drawings, it will be noted that such figure particularly illustrates the main frame for containing the fluid to be supplied to the hydraulic cylinder or ram and I preferably provide vents 60' near the top of the tube members I I, |2, l4 and It for relief of air pressure in the framework structure.

Carried by the main framework 2 is a pump 6| adapted for supplying fluid pressure to the cylinders. The pumpis driven from the power unit or engine by means of a pulley 62 through a belt 63. 64 designates a control valve having a conduit 64a leading to the tube H, and 66 designates a tube connecting the valve with the pump 6|. The pump 6| also has fluid connection with the tube ll through conduit 61. A U-shaped fluid conduit 68 has its free ends re- 'spectively connected to the rear ends of the cylinders or rams, as indicated at 10 (Fig. 5), provides passage of fluid to the cylinders 32 and 33 on the respective sides of the frame structure through a conduit 65 connecting with valve 64. By manipulating the valve 64 through lever II and arm 12, the fluid pressure may be passed to or released from the cylinder. The cylinders 32 and 33 are provided with the usual packing glands 13.

I also preferably provide flexible tubes 14 having their lower ends connected to the ends of the cylinders behind the pistons, as indicated at 15, and having their upper ends connected to the upper portion of the tube members II and I2 for passage of any fluid back to the framework container which may pass the piston in the cylinder. Rigidly secured to the bracket 6 on the rear end of the frame is a standard 16 having a cross head or the like H to which may be secured sleeves l8 and 13 for receiving the levers 55 and H respectively.

From the foregoing it will be obvious that the entire main frame and loading boom assembly as well as the hydraulically operated fluid system is carried by the framework attachment embodying my invention for application to a tractor or the like.

Operation of the device assembled and constructed as described is as follows:

After attachment of the brackets 6 and l by cap screws 5 to the rear axle of the tractor and through bolting of the brackets 8 and 9 to the frame of the tractor at a forward point thereof, the device may be operated from the seat of the tractor by the operator of the vehicle by manipulating the levers 55 and 1|. When the device is in the position shown in Fig. 3 with the bucket assembly shown therein, to fill the bucket 46 with dirt or other heavy material, forward movement of the tractor will'cause the bucket to be filled. To elevate the .bucket for depositing in the desired place, manipulation of the valve 64 through lever handle I! will cause flow of fluid from the framework structure to pass from the pump 6| through tubes 66, 61 and 68 to the respective cylinders 32 and 33, thus causing the pistons to move forwardly in the cylinders exerting forward pressure on the horizontal members 2| and 22 0f the loading boom assembly 3, thus elevating the boom vertically in substantially a straight line to the position shown in Fig. 4. The latch 56 being in engagement in the slot 59 of the strap bar 58 of the rear of the bucket will prevent the bucket from tilting during the upward lift thereof. When it is desired to dump the material from the bucket, the latch 56. is released through manipulation of lever 55 to exert pressure on the arm 5|, thus releasing the latch 56 from engagement. The forward end of the bucket will then tilt downwardly, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4, to dump the material therefrom. Spring means (not shown) may be attached in sleeve 51 to provide tension on the latch 56 so that it will return to operating engagement with the bucket after release of pressure from the lever 55. By further.

manipulation of the valve 64, pressure may be released from the pistons so that they will retract themselves in the cylinders 32 and 33,- thus lowering the boom to the position shown in Fig. 3 for further operation.

Referring to the form of invention illustrated in Fig. '7, 80 designates a fork particularly of grapple type adapted for handling of hay, straw or like material. The main frame and loading boom construction is the same with this form of the invention as previously described, the principal difference being in the hay fork and attachment and hydraulic manipulation of the fork.

BI designates an arm or the like preferably made of tubing material having a cross bar 82 rigidly secured to its lower end connected between the arms- 38 of the yoke 31 by bolts or the like 83. Brace bars 84 and 85 having one end rigidly secured to the cross bar 82 and their op osite ends rigidly secured to the boom 8|, as indicated at 86, will lendrigidity to the structure. Secured to the outer end of the arm BI is a head 81, one end thereof carrying a bale 88 for pivotally retaining the upper ends of the tines 89 of the fork 80, the ends being coiled about the handle as indicated at 90. Attached to the opposite end of the head 81 are guy wires 9| and 92 having their opposite ends attached to cars 93 and 94 carried by the cross tube I3 for supporting the arm and fork assembly. Attached to the wire line 92 by wire rings or the like 95 is a flexible tube 90 having its outer end connected to a double acting cylinder and piston construction 91 carried by cross arms 98 and 99 by the tines 09 on the respective sides of the fork 80. The inner end of the flexible tube is connected to the pump and valve arrangement as described in connection with the form of invention shown in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive.

In operation of a device constructed and assembled as described, when it is desired to contact the hay or other material to be lifted with the fork, fluid pressure is applied to the cylinder 91 to extend the piston therefrom so that the tines will pivot on the axle of the handle 88 to open the fork so that it will grapple the material to be lifted upon lowering of the loading boom. When the tines of the fork are entered in the hay, manipulation of the double-acting valve will cause the tines to grapple the hay and lift of the boom will raise the load. The device may also be operated merely by upward pull on the loading boom through the wires 9| and 92 and release of pressure on the piston and cylinder 91 to cause the tines of the fork to close together, thus grasping the material to be lifted. Further upward lift of the boom construction will elevate the material to the desired place for deposit. It will be obvious that a clam shell bucket may be substituted for the hay fork and operated in the same manner.

Referring to the form of invention shown in Fig. 8, I have particularly illustrated a device which may be attached to the yoke 31 for transporting boxes, crates or the like from one place to another. The device particularly consists of a cross tube I carried by the side arm 38 of yoke 31' by pin IOI. Rigidly secured to the tube I00 andspaced one from the other a suitable distance through cylindrical openings I02 therein are a pair of angle irons or the like I03, the lower ends of which constitute prongs I04 having sharpened or tapered ends I00 adapted to be inserted underneath the crate or box to be transported by forward movement of the tractor to which the frame assembly is attached. A mir of upright posts I06 are carried by the cross member I3 of the main frame construction having a cross bar or tube I06 rigidly secured thereto by welding or other suitable means. Fork members or the like I01 may also be welded or otherwise secured to the lower ends of the upright members I06 having their lower ends adapted to engage the cross member I3. Secured to the upper ends of the angle irons I03 are guy wires I08 having their opposite ends secured to the cross bar I00 above the upright members I06. Also secured to the upper ends of the upright posts I06 by bolts or other suitable means are rods Or the like Ill having their rear ends secured to the rear end of the main frame structure, as indicated at I I0, the lower ends of the uprights I00 having pivotal engagement on the cross tube I8.

I also preferably provide latching means for holding the angle irons or bars I03 in rigid position when loaded by providing a cross bar III between the arms I03 having a strap iron II2 with one end secured to the bar III, as indicated at H3, and its opposite end secured to the bar I00 in any suitable manner as by welding or otherwise. The bar H2 is provided with an opening II4 adapted to receive the latch member 56, as shown in Fig. 8. The latching means shown in this form of invention is the same as that shown in Fig. 1 and the operation is the same.

In operation of the device shown in this form of the invention, when it is desired to pick up a a box, crate or the like, the prongs I04 of the attachment are forced under the box, crate, or the like by forward movement of the tractor. 'Manipulation of the valve 64 by lever 11 will cause fluid pressure to be exerted on the pistons in the cylinders 32 and 33 for lifting of the loading boom assembly, as'described' in the form of invention shown in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive. When the box, crate or the like is transported to the desired position, theboom assembly is lowered to the desired position and the tractor moved rearwardly to disengage the prong carrying assembly from the load being carried.

Referring to the form of invention shown in Fig. 9, the device illustrated is particularly adapted for picking up, stacking or loading hay and. similar material. The main frame and loading boom assembly with the upright posts, guy wires and brace bars are the same as illustrated in the invention shown in Fig. 8.

H5 designates a sweep having pivotal connection to an extension arm H0, as indicated at I", with the rear end of the arm connected to the yoke 31, as indicated at I I8. The sweep or basket member 'I I5 comprises a series of transversely spaced and longitudinally extended pickup rake fingers II9 which are secured. at their rear ends to a transversely extended rigid cross member I20. The forward ends of the fingers are tapered and pointed, as indicated at I2I, so that the device may be moved along the ground to pick up the hay from the field, such as a windrow or the like. Rear uprights or posts I22 are secured to the cross member I20 which also may carry a series of rear cross pieces, if desired. End pieces I23 are extended forwardly at the ends of the basket guy wires I25 and I26 attached to its respective ends. The guy wires I25 are attached to the cross tube member I3, as indicated at I21, and the uy wires I26 are attached to the cross bar I08 carried by upright posts I06. Carried by the upright member I24 isa latching device I28 comprising a rod I29 having its outer end adapted to engage and lock the sweep or basket, as indicated at I30, and its inner end provided with a coil spring ISI to provide tension on the rod. The rod carries an angle member I32 having an arm I33 attached to the angle member and having its lower end pivotally connected to the latch tripping wire 53 as shown in connection with Fig. 1.

In operation of this form of the invention, the sweep or basket is propelled along the ground in front of the tractor until the basket is fllled. Manipulation of the valve 6t will supply fluid to the cylinders 32 and 33 to extend the pistons in the cylinders and thus exert forward upward pressure on the loading boom assembly to vertically hoist the basket carrying the load of material. Continued forward movement of the piston will cause the device to be elevated to the desired position and as particularly illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 9, in a horizontal position. Manipulation of the lever 55 will release the latching mechanism from the basket so that the basket will pivot on the pivot ill to dump the load to the desired place.

It will be obvious from the foregoing that I have provided a simple, economical and efficient attachment for a tractor in which the fluid pressure medium may be contained in the framework of the device, thus providing greater cooling area of the hydraulic fluid, and a device for straight vertical lift of the load of material, and a device which will exert pressure for forward push from the rear axle of the tractor in a straight line to the bucket or other loading attachment, thus eliminating any strain on the tractor itself in loading of the material.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a device of the character described, a substantially triangular frame truss adapted for attachment to each side of a tractor, brackets for securing the frame trusses to the rear axle of the tractor and to the forward portion of the frame trusses of said tractor, said frame being constructed of hollow tubing for containing a fluid medium therein, a crossbar connecting the upper vertices of said trusses, cylinders including pistons in said cylinders carried by said rear axle brackets and extending substantially horizontally of said frame trusses, a substantially triangular boom truss articulated to said crossbar and to said pistons in said cylinders, a container carried by said boom truss, and means carried by said frame trusses for supplying fluid medium from said frame trusses to said cylinders for raising and lowering said boom truss.

2. In a device of the character described, a frame adapted for attachment to a tractor, said frame comprising substantially inverted V-shaped members on each side of the tractor, a crossbar connecting the top of said members, brackets for securing the frame to the rear axle of the tractor and to the forward portion of the frame of said tractor, said attachment frame being constructed of hollow tubing containing a, fluid medium therein, tubular means connecting the lower portions of said V-shaped members, cylinders including pistons in said cylinders carried by said rear axle brackets and extending substantially horizontally of said attachment frame, load lifting means pivotally connected to said crossbar and to said pistons in said cylinders, material carrying means pivotally carried by the load lifting means. and means carried by said attachment frame for supplying fluid medium from said frame to said cylinders for raising and lowering the material carrying means.

3. A loading device adapted for attachment to a tractor comprising a three sided frame structure open at the rear end thereof to permit the forward portions of a tractor to'be driven into said frame structure, each of the opposed sides of said frame structure being of generally triangular configuration with one vertex disposed uppermost, bracket means for connecting the rearmost vertex portions of said triangular frame sides respectively to spaced portions of the tractor rear axle housing, a boom having spaced, parallel arms respectively pivoted at their rear ends to said uppermost vertices of said triangular frame sides, a hydraulic cylinder connected between each boom arm and the respective bracket means, and means for supplying pressured fluid to said hydraulic cylinders to lift said boom.

4. For use with a tractor having front and rear axles, an engine mounted above the front axle and an operator's position located forwardly of the rear axle; a loading device comprising a three sided elongated frame structure open at the rear end thereof and having sufllcient width to permit the engine portions of the tractor to be driven into said frame structure for attachment thereto, each of the opposed sides of said frame structure being of generally triangular configuration with one vertex disposed uppermost, bracket means for connecting the rearmost vertex portions of said triangular frame sides respectively to spaced portions of the tractor rear axle housing, a cross brace rigidly connected between said uppermost vertices, the uppermost vertices of said frame structure sides being higher than the tractor engine, said uppermost vertices being also located to be disposed forwardly of the operator's position on the tractor, whereby said cross brace clears the tractor engine and the operator during attaching or detaching operations, a boom having spaced parallel arms respectively pivoted at their rear ends to said uppermost vertices of said triangular frame sides, a hydraulic cylinder connected between each boom arm and the respective bracket means, and means for supplying pressured fluid to said hydraulic cylinders to lift said boom.

5. In a loading device, a frame structure adapted for attachment to a tractor comprising a pair of generally triangular frame trusses, means for mounting said trusses respectively on the sides of a tractor with one vertex thereof adjacent the tractor rear axle and a second vertex uppermost and disposed longitudinally intermediate the front and rear axles of the tractor, a boom comprising a pair of spaced, parallel, triangular trusses arranged to straddle the front end of the tractor, means for respectively pivoting the rear vertex portions of said boom to said second vertices of said frame structure, material handling means connected adjacent to the forward vertices of said boom trusses, the third vertex of each of said boom trusses being disposed beiow the other boom truss vertices, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the tractor rear axle and each of said third vertices of said boom trusses.

6. For use with a tractor having front and rear axles, an engine mounted abovethe front axle and an operators position located forwardly of the rear axle, a loading device comprising a. three sided elongated frame structure open at the rear end thereof and having suflicient width to permit the engine portions of th tractor to be driven into said frame structure, each of the opposed sides of said frame structure being of generally triangular configuration with one vertex disposed uppermost, bracket means for connecting the rearmost vertex portions of said triangular frame sides respectively to spaced portions of the tractor rear axle housing, a cross brace rigidly connected between said uppermost vertices, the uppermost vertices of said frame structure sides being higher than the tractor engine, said uppermost vertices also being located to be disposed forwardly of the operator's position on the tractor, whereby said cross brace clears the tractor engine and the operator during attaching or detaching operations, a boom comprising a pair of spaced parallel triangular trusses, means for respectively pivoting the rear vertex portions of said boom to said uppermost vertices of said frame structure, material handling means connected adjacent to the forward l0 vertices of said boom, the third vertex of each of said boom trusses being disposed below the other boom truss vertices, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between said bracket means and each of said third vertices of said boom trusses.

- JOHN J. SIMMONDS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,001,803 Stephens May 21, 1935 2,072,111 Keeler Mar. 2, 1937 2,079,695 Patterson May 11, 1937 2,126,791 Low Aug. 16, 1938 2,136,417 Downey Nov. 15, 1938 2,268,689 Andrus Jan. 6, 1942 2,295,917 Schwan Sept. 15,1942 2,301,102 Werthman et al. Nov. 3, 1942 2,304,443 Butler Dec. 8, 1942 2,319,921 Dooley et a1. May 25, 1943 2,332,742 Mott Oct. 26, 1943 2,334,374 Austin Nov. 16, 1943 2,397,303 Vowless Mar. 26, 1946 2,427,461 Johnson Sept. 16, 1947

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