Background [0002] Skilled professional in the construction industry use different earth moving equipment to perform material excavation, loading, grading and related construction tasks. To complete these tasks, the contractor is often required to bring two or more pieces of equipment to the construction site. For example, a simple excavation project may require both a backhoe and a bulldozer. The backhoe is used to excavate and stockpile material, and the bulldozer is used to consolidate loose material and regrade surfaces. The time, labor and cost of transporting, offloading and operating multiple pieces of equipment can be significant. In addition, the storage of multiple pieces of equipment may be difficult or impossible on smaller job sites. Therefore, many contractors in the construction industry prefer versatile machinery that performs a number of different functions, thereby reducing the need to bring multiple pieces of equipment to the job site.

[0003] Attachments have recently been developed for use with excavator buckets to increase the utility of backhoes and other machinery that use excavator buckets.

Some of these attachments must be manually connected to the excavator bucket using pins, bolts, chains and other accessories.. The connection and removal of these attachments often requires the operator to step down from the controls to connect or remove the attachment. In some cases, the attachments require lifting and handling by two or more laborers. All of these drawbacks add to the time, labor and cost of a construction project. As a result, bucket attachments used in the prior art leave much to be desired in terms of time, labor and cost.

Summary of the mention C0004] In a first embodiment of the invention, an attachment frame assembly includes an attachment frame and an adapter for mounting the attachment frame to an excavator bucket. The adapter is mountable on an excavator bucket and forms an elongated slot. The attachment frame includes a grab bar configured for insertion into the slot to connect the attachment frame to the adapter once the adapter is mounted on the excavator bucket. The slot is configured to receive the grab bar in a sliding engagement to pivotally connect the attachment frame with the excavator bucket.

[0005] In a second embodiment of the invention, an attachment assembly for an excavator bucket includes an attachment frame, an adapter, and an implement to be connected with an excavator bucket. The adapter is mountable on the excavator bucket and forms an elongated slot. The attachment frame includes a grab bar configured for insertion into the slot to connect the attachment frame to the adapter once the adapter is mounted on the excavator bucket. The slot is configured to receive the grab bar in a sliding engagement to pivotally connect the attachment frame with the excavator bucket. The implement is coupled with the attachment frame so that the attachment frame and implement are pivotally connected with the excavator bucket. The attachment frame may be permanently connected with the implement. Alternatively, the attachment frame may be detachably coupled with the implement, permitting the attachment assembly to work with two or more different attachments.

[0006] The attachment assembly may include a strike plate and a grab bar extending in parallel on the attachment frame. The strike plate and grab bar form a passage between the strike plate and grab bar which receives the adapter in response to pivotal movement of the excavator bucket. Once the adapter is pivoted into the passage, the strike plate and grab bar engage the adapter to limit displacement of the attachment frame relative to the excavator bucket. The excavator bucket and adapter may be pivoted to hold the attachment frame in a fixed position relative to the excavator bucket.

[0007] The adapter may include one or more adapter plates that are mountable on the excavator bucket. For example, the attachment assembly may include a first adapter plate mountable to a first side of an excavator bucket, and a second adapter plate mountable to a second side of the excavator bucket.

[0008] In a third embodiment of the invention, an excavator bucket assembly includes an excavator bucket and an adapter mountable to the excavator bucket.

The adapter has an elongated slot having a slot width. The assembly also includes an implement and an attachment frame coupled with the implement. The attachment frame has a generally cylindrical grab bar having a bar diameter less than the slot width of the adapter. Upon mounting the adapter to the excavator bucket, the elongated slot on the adapter is configured to align with and receive the grab bar in a sliding engagement to pivotally connect the frame and implement with the excavator bucket.

[0009l In a fourth embodiment of the invention, an excavator bucket assembly includes an excavator bucket with a pair of sidewalls. The sidewalls each have a leading edge and form an elongated track slot having a slot width. The excavator bucket assembly also includes an implement and an attachment frame coupled with the implement. The attachment frame has a generally cylindrical grab bar having a bar diameter less than the slot width of the track slots. The elongated track slots in the sidewalls of the bucket are configured to align with and receive the grab bar in a sliding engagement to pivotally connect the frame and implement with the excavator bucket.

Description of the Drawings [0010] The foregoing summary as well as the following description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the figures in which: [0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first attachment assembly in accordance with the present invention, in which an attachment blade is connected with earth- moving machinery shown in fragmented view.

[0012] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the attachment assembly of Fig. 1.

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an attachment blade assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an adapter used in the attachment assembly of Fig. 1.

[0015] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the attachment assembly of Fig. 1, showing the assembly in a first position.

[001i 6] Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the attachment assembly of Fig. 1, showing the assembly in a second position, and illustrating a pivoting feature of the assembly.

[0017] Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the attachment assembly of Fig. 1, showing the assembly in a third position.

[0018] Figure 8 is a front elevation view of the attachment assembly of Fig. 1, illustrating a sliding feature of the assembly.

[0019] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second attachment assembly in accordance with the present invention, for connection with earth-moving machinery shown in fragmented view.

[0020] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the attachment assembly of Fig. 1, illustrating a tilting feature of the assembly.

[0021] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a third attachment assembly in accordance with the present invention, in which a rake attachment is connected with earth-moving machinery shown in fragmented view.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment [0022] Referring to the drawing figures in general, and to Figs. 1-2 specifically, an attachment assembly 20 for an excavator bucket 22 is shown in accordance with the invention. The attachment assembly 20 includes an attachment frame 30 that is coupled to a bucket attachment or implement. The attachment frame 30 hooks easily onto the excavator bucket 22 to connect the attachment with the excavator bucket. An adapter 60 is mountable on the excavator bucket 22 and connects with the attachment frame 30 in a sliding arrangement. The adapter 60 and attachment frame 30 may be connected and disconnected by maneuvering the excavator bucket 22 until the adapter latches onto or slides off of the attachment frame 30.

[0023] The adapter 60 and attachment frame 30 connect by a simple hooking action, and no pins, bolts, clamps, fasteners or other connectors are required to hold the adapter and attachment frame together. The backhoe operator can connect the excavator bucket 22 with the attachment frame 30 while remaining seated at the controls. Since the connection does not require pins or other fasteners, the operator can connect and disconnect the attachment frame without stepping from the controls to insert or remove the fastener, or having other personnel on site to insert or remove the fasteners. Moreover, the operator can connect and disconnect the attachment in the work zone with minimal delay or disruption of the work.

[0024] The attachment frame 30 is configured to connect a variety of attachments with the excavator bucket, including but not limited to an earth-working attachment, such as a dozer blade, rake attachment, or loader bucket, or a surface cleaning attachment, such as a scraper blade or brush. Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the invention in which the attachment assembly 20 is connected with a grading blade attachment 50. Figure 11 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the attachment assembly 20 is connected with a rake attachment 51. Referring to Fig. 1, the grading blade 50 and attachment frame 30 are configured for connection with the excavator bucket 22 to transform the bucket to a grading device. With this arrangement, a standard excavator bucket can be readily transformed to a grading device and back to an excavator bucket. The operator can excavate material and subsequently bulldoze material with one piece of machinery. The attachment frame 30 connects with the excavator bucket 22 in a relatively compact arrangement that permits the attachment frame to be stored and transported on the excavator bucket.

As a result, the attachment assembly 20 can be stored and transported with a backhoe or other machine, without special arrangements for storage or transportation.

[0025] The attachment assembly 20 will now be described in more detail. The attachment assembly 20 is compatible with a variety of excavator bucket sizes and designs. In Fig. 2, the attachment assembly 20 is shown with a generally U-shaped or semi-circular excavator bucket 22. The bucket 22 has a pair of substantially flat sidewalls 23 and a curved rear wall 25 that connects between the sidewalls to form a partially enclosed interior. Each sidewall 23 includes an inner sidewall 24 facing into the interior of the bucket, and an outer sidewall 26 that faces outwardly from the bucket. Each sidewall also has a leading edge 29 which is substantially flat. The bucket 22 has a digging end 27 for excavating and handling material, and a hinged end 28 opposite the digging end that connects with the backhoe's"stick"or arm 81.

[oO261 The adapter 60 is mountable on the excavator bucket 22 and projects outwardly past the leading edges 29 of sidewalls 23 to facilitate connection with the attachment frame 30. A variety of adapter configurations may be used to secure the attachment frame 30 to the excavator bucket 22. One possible adapter configuration is shown in Fig. 4. In this configuration, the adapter 60 includes a generally rectangular plate having a first long edge 66 that faces inwardly into the excavator bucket 22 and a second long edge 69 that faces outwardly from the bucket when the adapter is mounted in the bucket. The adapter plate 60 also has a body portion 61 and a hook extension 65 extending from the body portion. The hook extension 65 forms an elongated slot 62 that extends along the first long edge 66 of the adapter 60. The adapter plate 60, attachment frame 30 and grading blade 50 may be formed of any high strength durable material such as steel.

[0027] The body portion 61 of the adapter 60 is configured for mounting to the excavator bucket using a weld, fasteners, or a combination of welds and fasteners.

The body portion 61 may have a variety of shapes and configurations, and the particular configuration used is not a critical aspect of the invention. For example, the adapter 60 may be cut from a single rectangular piece of material, forming a rectangular body portion 61, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0028] One or more adapters 60 may be mounted on the excavator bucket 22.

For example, a single adapter plate 60 may be mounted to the rear wall 25 of the excavator bucket 22 in a position that is equidistant from each of the inner sidewalls 24. In the preferred embodiment, two adapter plates 60 are mounted to the sidewalls 23 of the excavator bucket 22 and extend generally parallel to the sidewalls, as seen best in Fig. 1. In this arrangement, the adapter plates 60 are positioned on the sides of the bucket to minimize the interference with the normal function of the bucket. The body portions 61 of the adapters 60 are mounted to the inner side walls 24 of the bucket 22, with the hook extensions 65 projecting out of the bucket past the leading edges 29 of the sidewalls 23. The adapters 60 project outwardly from the backhoe bucket at an angle transverse to the leading edges 29, with the hook extensions 65 oriented toward the hinged end 28 of the bucket. In addition, the slots 62 are oriented toward the backhoe bucket and face toward the leading edges 29. Each leading edge 29 aligns with one of the adapter slots 62 to form an elongated track 70. Each track 70 is bounded on one side by one of the leading edges of the bucket 22, and bounded on the other side by the first long edge of the adapter plates 60.

[0029] The attachment frame 30 includes a grab bar or pivot bar 36 that slides in the tracks 70 to slidably connect the attachment frame to the excavator bucket 22.

A variety of support rails or elements may be used to support the grab bar 36, and the particular support structure used is not critical to the invention. Referring to Fig.

3, the grab bar 36 is supported between a first rail 32 and a second rail 34 extending generally parallel to the first rail. The grab bar 36 extends between the first and second rails 32,34 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second rails. The grab bar 36 may have any cross section that permits sliding and rotational displacement in the tracks 70. In the preferred embodiment, the grab bar 36 has a cylindrical shape that easily slides along the tracks 70 when the adapters 60 are latched onto the grab bar.

[0030] The slots 62 on the adapters 60 are configured to form tracks 70 that are wide enough to receive the grab bar 36. One example of a slot configuration in accordance with the present invention is shown in Fig. 4. The slot 62 has a slot wall 63 and a generally circular end wall 64. A transition section 67 extends from the end wall 64. In the preferred embodiment, the transition section 67 is configured to align tangentially with one of the leading edges 29 on the backhoe bucket 22 when the adapter 60 is mounted in the bucket. Once aligned, the transition section 67 on the adapter and leading edge on the bucket 22 form a substantially smooth and continuous edge on one side of the track 70, as seen best in Figs. 5-7.

[0031] The tracks 70 are adapted to receive the grab bar 36 and support the grab bar in an adjustable arrangement that permits sliding, pivoting and tilting of the frame 30 and grading blade 50. More specifically, the tracks 70 permit the grab bar 36 and frame 30 to slide sidewardly relative to the bucket ("frame sliding"). Referring to Fig. 8, the sliding motion of the frame 30 relative to the bucket 22 is represented by the double-ended arrow marked"A". The frame 30 is adapted to slide between a first position, such as the position shown in phantom lines, and a second position, such as the position shown in solid lines. The tracks also permit the grab bar 36 and frame 30 to pivot forwardly and rearwardly relative to the bucket ("frame pivoting").

Referring to Fig. 6, the pivoting motion of the frame 30 relative to the bucket 22 is shown by the double-ended arrow marked"B". The frame 30 is shown pivoted in a first position in phantom lines, and pivoted in a second position shown in solid lines.

Furthermore, the tracks permit the grab bar 36 to tilt in a canted orientation relative to the bucket ("frame tilting"). Referring to Fig. 10, the pivoting motion of the frame 30 relative to the bucket 22 is shown by the double-ended arrow marked"C". The frame 30 is shown tilted in a first position in phantom lines, and tilted in a second position shown in solid lines.

[0032] The tracks 70 are oriented so that the grab bar 36"bottoms out"or reaches the slot end wall 64 when the bucket is pivoted to an inward position, as shown in Fig. 7. Preferably, the radius of curvature of the end wall 64 is slightly greater than the cross-sectional radius of the grab bar 36. in this arrangement, the shape of the end wall 64 conforms with the grab bar 36 so that the grab bar sits neatly against the slot end wall when the grab bar bottoms out in the track. The adapter 60 preferably includes a rounded edge 68 adjacent to the slot 62, as seen in Figs. 4-5. The rounded edge 68 extends away from the leading edge 29 on the bucket 22 when the adapter 60 is mounted in the bucket, forming a mouth opening 72 that is wider than the track 70. In this arrangement, the rounded face 68 provides a gradual transition into the mouth opening 72 to assist in placing the hook extensions 65 around the pivot bar 36.

[0033] One significant feature of the attachment frame 30 is a latching feature that locks the attachment frame onto the excavator bucket in a fixed position when the bucket is pivoted past a certain point. In this position, hereinafter called the"locked position, the attachment frame 30 and attachment 50 are secured in a stable position and will not slide, pivot or tilt under gravitational pull when the bucket and frame are inverted. A variety of components can be used to form the latching mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the latching mechanism includes a rigid component with no moving parts. While moving parts, such as spring loaded locking dogs or pawls, can be used to lock the attachment frame in a fixed position, moving parts can bind up or wear down when repeatedly exposed to soil or other debris, affecting the operation of the latching mechanism. In addition, moving parts are generally more costly to manufacture and require more maintenance than non- moving parts.

[0034] One embodiment of a latching mechanism in accordance with the present invention is shown best in Fig. 3. The latching mechanism includes a substantially flat elongated strike plate 38 extending in a fixed position between the first and second rails 32,34 on the attachment frame. The strike plate 38 has a generally rectangular shape and extends more or less parallel to the grab bar 36. The strike plate 38 is integrally connected with the grab bar 36 through the attachment frame 30, such that the strike plate and grab bar move in unison. The grab bar 36 cooperates with the strike plate 38 to form a brace around the adapters 60 when the adapters are hooked onto the grab bar.

10035] The strike plate 38 extends in a canted orientation relative to the first and second rails 32,24. The orientation of the strike plate 38 corresponds with the orientation of the second long edges 69 of the adapters 60 when the bucket 22 and the frame 30 engage one another in the locked position. Referring to Fig. 7, the strike plate 38 aligns with the second long edges 69 of the adapters 60 in the locked position. More specifically, the strike plate 38 has a generally flat restraining surface 39 that abuts the second long edges 69 of the adapters 60 when the grab bar 36 bottoms out in the slots 62. In the locked position, the restraining surface 39 of the strike plate 38 positively engages the second long edges 69 of the adapters 60, while the grab bar 36 engages the end walls 64 of the slots 62. The walls of the tracks 70 iimit displacement of the grab bar 36, permitting the grab bar to slide only along the track toward the mouth opening. Further displacement along the tracks 70 is prevented, however, by the engagement between the second long edges 69 of the adapters 60 and the strike plate 38. As a result, the attachment frame 30 is held in a fixed position relative to the bucket when the adapters engage the frame in the locked position.

[0036] The attachment assembly 20 may be manufactured for a wide range of excavator bucket sizes. The proper width of the attachment frame, as measured by the distance between the rails 32,34, will vary based on the width of the excavation bucket, and the desired amount of frame sliding, frame tilting and other variables.

The frame 30 can be manufactured with a custom width to accommodate a particular bucket width. Alternatively, the frame 30 may be manufactured in standard widths, and modified for non-standard sizes. For example, very narrow excavator buckets having widths less than 24 inches can create a large clearance space between the frame rails and the sides of the bucket. Too large a clearance may allow an excessive amount of sliding, making the frame unwieldy. Therefore, one or more spacers may be connected on the frame to limit the amount of sliding of the frame on the adapters. Referring to Fig. 3, a pair of optional spacers 40 are connected with the frame 30. The spacers 40 are connected on the grab bar 36 where the grab bar meets the first and second rails 32,34. The spacers 40 have a pair of spacer ends 41 that face toward the outer sidewalls 26 of the excavator bucket 22 when the frame is connected with the bucket. The distance between the spacer ends 41 is slightly greater than the width of the bucket 22 and less than the distance between the first and second rails. In this configuration, the spacers 40 limit the amount of sliding motion of the frame on the grab bar, which may be required for smaller bucket widths.

[0037] The strike plate 38 is configured to engage the adapters 60 and the excavator bucket sidewalls to limit rearward pivoting of the frame 30 on the bucket 22 (i. e. pivoting of the grading blade toward the bucket). It may be desirable to include a means for limiting the amount of forward pivoting of the attachment frame 30 (i. e. pivoting of the grading blade away from the bucket). Referring to Fig. 3, an optional pivot stop 42 extends from one of the rails. The pivot stop 42 is positioned above the grab bar 36 and engages one of the leading edges of the excavator bucket as the grading blade pivots forwardly and the upper part of the frame pivots rearwardly. By limiting the pivoting arc through which the frame can travel, the frame remains more stable on the bucket when upward force is applied to the blade, such as for example when the blade contacts the ground beneath the blade.

[0038] The attachment frame 30 and grading blade 50 will now be described in more detail. The grading blade 50 may be fabricated using a variety of materials and techniques. For example, Fig. 3 shows a generally U-shaped blade having a mold board 52 and a row of mold board supports 54. Two of the mold board supports 54 are connected with the ends of the first and second rails 32,34 on the attachment frame 30. The rails 32,34 may be connected permanently with the mold board supports 54. Alternatively, the rails 32,34 may be removably coupled with the mold board supports using bolts or other fasteners to fixedly connect the mold board 52 to the attachment frame 30. In this arrangement, the grading blade 50 may be removed from the attachment frame 30 and replaced with another attachment, further increasing the utility of the attachment assembly. For example, the attachment frame 30 may be disconnected from the grading blade 50 shown in Fig.

1 and replaced with the rake attachment 51 shown in Fig. 11, or with other implements.

(0039] The manner in which the attachment assembly 20 is used will now be described. The attachment frame 30 may be connected with a variety of attachment blades and rakes using either permanent connections or removable coupling, as discussed above. For purposes of this Description, it is assumed that the attachment frame is connected with a grading blade 50 prior to being coupled to an excavator bucket. The excavator is maneuvered into proximity of the attachment frame 30, and the bucket is lowered into a position where it can engage the frame.

Using the backhoe bucket to maneuver the frame, the frame is turned and lifted until the frame is propped up by the bucket as generally shown in Fig. 5. The backhoe boom is extended and the bucket pivoted to position the hook extensions 65 beneath the grab bar. The bucket 22 is then maneuvered to align the mouth opening of the tracks 70 with the grab bar 36. Once the tracks 70 are aligned with the grab bar 36, the bucket is pivoted to advance the hook extensions 65 between the grab bar and the strike plate 38 to connect the frame with the bucket. As the bucket 22 is pivoted inwardly, the grab bar 36 slides to an interior position in the tracks 70, as shown in Fig. 6. The operator may continue to pivot the bucket 22 inwardly until the grab bar 36 bottoms out in the tracks. That is, the bucket may be pivoted until the grab bar engages the end wall of the slot, and the second long edge of the adapter abuts the strike plate in the locked position, as shown in Fig. 7.

[0 Once in the locked position, the attachment frame 30 is fixed relative to the excavator bucket 22. The grading blade 50 may then be used to move material, grade surfaces or perform other tasks. Since the attachment frame 30 is locked in a fixed position, the backhoe arm 81 and bucket 22 can be raised and inverted to any position, and the frame will not slide out of the tracks 7û. Moreover, the grab bar 36 remains stable in the locked position and resists tilting or shifting in the tracks 70 when the grading blade 50 is subject to oblique loadings, as for example when a load of material is concentrated on one side of the grading blade.

[0041] The grading blade attachment 50 may be used in conjunction with a backhoe bucket to perform a variety of earth-moving and grading tasks. For example, the backhoe arm 81 can be adjusted to set the grading blade on or slightly above surrounding grade to scrape, rake, spread or move material. With the grading blade set at grade level, the backhoe can be driven forwardly in the direction of the blade to push, spread and level material with the back (or convex) side of the blade. The backhoe can also be driven in the reverse direction to move material with the front (or concave) portion of the blade.

[0042] To disengage the attachment frame 30 from the locked position, the bucket is pivoted outwardly and away from the operator. As the bucket pivots outwardly, the second long edges 69 of the adapters 60 pivot away from the strike plates 38. At the same time, the grab bar 36 is moved away from the slot end walls 64 in the tracks 70 to an intermediate position in the tracks, such as the position shown in Fig. 6. In this condition, called the unlocked condition, the attachment frame 30 is connected with the excavator bucket 22, but the frame is not locked in a fixed position relative to the bucket. The grab bar 36 is supported on the hook extensions 65 and is free to move within the tracks 70. As a result, the attachment frame 30 and grading blade 50 are free to tilt sidewardly relative to excavator bucket 22. Frame tilting, as discussed earlier, allows the frame 30 to be set so that the blade hangs downwardly at a specific angle from horizontal. For example, the frame may be adjusted in the unlocked condition so that the grading blade is disposed at a ten degree angle from horizontal. The attachment frame 30 and grading blade 50 may be locked in the tilted position by pivoting the bucket 22 inwardly, or towards the operator, until the strike plate 38 engages the adapters 62. In this position, the grab bar 36 is locked in a tilted position within the tracks 70, and the grading blade 50 is locked at an angle relative to the horizontal. The grading blade 50 can be tilted to any angle from horizontal, independent of the backhoe's position. The backhoe can maneuver the tilted grading blade while the backhoe is positioned on a side slope or a generally level surface.

[0043] To completely remove the attachment frame 30 from the bucket 22, the bucket and frame are lowered until the grading blade 50 rests on the ground surface. This stabilizes the position of the blade 50 and one end of the frame 30.

The bucket 22 is then pivoted outwardly so that the grab bar 36 slides out of the tracks 70.

[0044] Thus far, the attachment assembly 20 has been described with adapters 60 that are mountable on the inner sidewalls of an excavator bucket. The adapters 60 need not be mounted to the inner sidewalls of an excavator bucket, since the adapters are readily mountable on the outer sidewalls.

[0045] The attachment assembly of the present invention may be manufactured and sold as a kit for modifying existing excavator buckets. The kit may be used as a cost effective means to convert an excavator bucket to a grading device or other earth-working device. Alternatively, the assembly may be manufactured and sold with an excavator bucket that is modified at the factory to work with attachment frames. The modified excavator buclcet may include hook extensions similar to those associated with the adapters 60 described above. Alternatively, the sidewalls of the excavator bucket may indude track s ! ots configured to connect with an attachment frame. This arrangement eliminates the need for adapters or similar connectors that must be connected to the bucket.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 9, an alternate excavator bucket assembly 120 features an attachment frame 130, attachment blade 150, and a modified excavator bucket 122 that eliminates the need for adapters. The bucket 122 has a pair of sidewalls 123 with leading edges 129 facing outwardly from the bucket. The sidewalls 123 include track slots 162 that extend from the leading edges 129 of the bucket 122 and terminate at an interior portion of the sidewall. The track slots 162 are configured to connect the excavator bucket directly to the attachment frame 130, similar to the attachment assembly described above. The attachment frame 130 has a grab bar 136 and a strike plate 138 that cooperatively engage the excavator bucket 122 to secure the frame to the bucket.

[0047] The track slots 162 are adapted to receive the grab bar 136 in a sliding arrangement in which the grab bar slides along the tracks as the excavator bucket is pivoted during operation. The track slots 162 preferably merge with the leading edges of the bucket 122 and form rounded edges 168. Each track slot 162 forms a mouth opening 172 that flares outwardly from the track slot. The mouth opening 172 is preferably wider than the diameter of the grab bar 136. In this arrangement, the rounded edges 168 provide a gradual transition into the mouth opening 172. The <BR> <BR> <BR> ! arger width of the mouth opening 172 provides clearance for the grab bar to assist the operator in positioning the track s ! ots 162 over the grab bar 136. The track siots 162 are oriented so that the grab bar 136"bottoms out"or reaches the ends of the slots when the bucket is pivoted to an inward position. The strike plate 138 is configured to engage the leading edges on the excavator bucket 122 when the grab bar 136 bottoms out in the track slots 162. In this arrangement, the grab bar 136 and the strike plate 138 form a brace around the bucket to lock the frame in a fixed position relative to the bucket when the grab bar bottoms out in the track slots 162.

[0048] The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation. There is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. It is recognized, therefore, that various modifications are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention incorporates variations that fall within the scope of the following claims.