BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION General purpose turf vehicles are often used for many different purposes at golf courses and parks where travel over grass or footpaths is a common practice. One such vehicle is the Turf-Truckster@ sold by Ransomes America Corporation, Lincoln, Nebraska, as part of its Cushman0 line of vehicles. Another turf vehicle is the Workmanm 3100 sold by the ToroO Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses a particular type of turf vehicle, the present invention includes other types of turf vehicles. Turf vehicle as used herein means any vehicle having a dump box or bed and designed or adapted for use at golf courses and/or parks in connection with lawn and garden related activities. Lawn tractors and pickup trucks are not turf vehicles, as turf vehicles are defined herein.

One avantage to using turf vehicles at golf courses and parks is their small size and

maneuverability. These smaller vehicles are easily maneuvered on footpaths and their small tires and lighter weight reduce the likelihood of damage to the delicate turf surfaces on which they are often used.

Manufacturers have developed a large array of turf related implements for use on or with these turf vehicles, at least in part as a result of the turf vehicle's wide spread acceptance. These implements include spreaders, sprayers, aerators, top dressers, and seeders. Turf related implements are generally designed to be used with the turf vehicle while the vehicle is moving. It is common for a golf course or park to have an entire fleet of turf vehicles on hand to use this wide assortment of turf related implements.

A typical golf course or park may also have small construction and/or landscaping projects in addition to turf related projects, which may require some amount of earth moving, digging, or compacting to complete. These projects may be simple (such as the installation of fence posts) or complex (such as the installation of stairs along a foot path) construction projects. The location of these projects may be remote requiring travel over the delicate turf surfaces at the golf course or park.

Many of these projects require the use of an earth moving implement, such as a backhoe implement.

Earth moving implements are generally designed to be used with a vehicle while the vehicle is not moving.

Traditional heavy-duty earth moving implements of this type are large in size and require mounting to heavy vehicles with large tractor type tires. Also, earth moving implements have been mounted on pick-up trucks and flatbed trucks, which are heavy and have relatively wide

wheel bases. Vehicles of this type can do great damage to the delicate turf surfaces at most golf courses and parks resulting in the need for undesirable and costly turf repairs. Thus, a smaller and lighter alternative to these heavy-duty earth moving implements and the vehicles on which they are mounted is desirable.

Another problem faced by golf courses and parks is that the cost of purchasing and storing full size, heavy-duty earth moving implements is not economically justifiable. The reason for this is that the typical golf course or park only undertakes a limited number of these construction and/or landscaping projects each season. A more cost-effective alternative is desirable.

Light-duty earth moving implements can be readily obtained, but existing prior art mounting apparatus is typically only available for mounting these light-duty implements to heavy tractor type vehicles with large tractor-type tires. Thus, it is desirable to have an implement mounting apparatus that allows for a light- duty earth moving implement, such as a backhoe implement, to be mounted to a light weight vehicle, such as the turf vehicles owned by most golf courses and parks. Such an implement mounting apparatus would be cost effective in that turf vehicles are already widely owned by most golf courses and parks.

Other tools have been mounted to turf vehicles.

However, such implements may typically be mounted at the rear of the turf vehicle without danger of tipping the turf vehicles. (See, for example, U. S. Patent No.

4,906,039) It is also desirable to have such an implement mounting apparatus easily fit with existing turf vehicles such that the current fleet of turf vehicles owned by

golf courses and parks will accommodate the implement mounting apparatus without requiring any modifications to the turf vehicle itself.

It is difficult to mount earth moving implements to the rear of turf vehicles because of their lighter weight and small size. In contrast, earth moving implements are relatively easy to mount to pick-up trucks and flat bed trucks given their weight and size. (See, for example, U. S. Patent Nos.: 3,282,452; 3,134,492; 4,648,780; 2,897,986). A significant problem in mounting to a turf vehicle is that because of the turf vehicle's light weight, the vehicle may be prone to tipping backwards toward the implement itself (ie: wherein the front wheels are raised off of the ground) during transport or operation of the earth moving implement.

Also, the small wheel base on turf vehicles makes them prone to tipping over sideways during implement operation.

Thus, it is desirable to have the earth moving implement attach to the turf vehicle near the turf vehicle's center of gravity (to prevent sideways tipping) and to have the earth moving implement mount close to the end of the turf vehicle (to reduce the likelihood of rear tipping). It is therefore desirable to have an implement mounting apparatus that attaches to the turf vehicle near the turf vehicle's center of gravity and that allows for attachment of the earth moving implement close to the end of the turf vehicle.

Another problem with existing prior art earth moving implements is the complexity of their associated stabilizing legs. During operation of an earth moving implement which is mounted to the rear end of a vehicle, it is necessary to stabilize the vehicle. Particularly

with respect to turf vehicles given their lighter weight and smaller size.

Stabilization is traditionally accomplished by using stabilizing legs. Prior art stabilizing legs that allow the implement operator to control the stabilizing legs from the implement operator's station are typically complex and expensive, utilizing motors or hydraulic systems. Thus, it is desirable to have stabilizing legs that can be both controlled by an implement operator from the implement operator's station (the implement operator does not need to dismount) and that are inexpensive and simple with no motors or hydraulic systems required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention a turf vehicle has an implement mounting assembly attached thereto. An earth moving implement is attached to the implement mounting assembly.

According to a second aspect of the invention a vehicle with a dump box mount has an implement mounting assembly attached to the vehicle's dump box mount. An earth moving implement is attached to the implement mounting assembly.

According to a third aspect of the invention an implement mounting assembly is adapted for attachment to a turf vehicle. An earth moving implement is attached to the implement mounting assembly.

An implement mounting assembly is adapted for attachment to a vehicle's dump box mount according to a fourth aspect of the invention. An earth moving implement is attached to the implement mounting assembly.

According to another aspect of the invention an implement a mounting apparatus for mounting an earth

moving implement to a turf vehicle includes an implement mounting frame adapted for attachment to the turf vehicle. An implement receiver is attached to the implement mounting frame. The implement receiver is adapted to receive the earth moving implement therein.

According to yet another aspect of the invention a mounting apparatus for mounting an earth moving implement to a vehicle having a dump box mount includes an implement mounting frame adapted for attachment to the vehicle's dump box mount. An implement receiver is attached to the implement mounting frame, and the implement receiver is adapted to receive the earth moving implement therein.

One or more stabilizing leg assemblies are attached to the implement mounting assembly, in one embodiment. Preferably, the stabilizing leg is activated by simple mechanical devices. The earth moving implement is a backhoe implement in another embodiment.

The turf vehicle includes a dump box mount and the implement mounting assembly is attached to the turf vehicle's dump box mount, in yet another embodiment.

Preferably, the turf vehicle has a bed frame and the implement mounting assembly is attached to the bed frame at three or less mounting locations. Alternatively, the implement mounting assembly includes at least one pivot implement mount bracket attached to the implement amounting frame. The pivot implement mounting bracket is adapted for attachment to the vehicle. In another embodiment the implement mounting assembly is attached to the bed frame with quick release pins.

Another alternative embodiment provides that the turf vehicle has at least two rear wheels. At least

one of the mounting locations is forward of the rear wheels.

Other principal features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a rear perspective view of a turf vehicle with a backhoe implement attached in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of a turf vehicle with a backhoe implement attached in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the turf vehicle bed frame and the implement mounting apparatus constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view (from above) of the turf vehicle bed frame with the implement mounting assembly attached constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a close-up cross sectional view (left to right) of the attachment of lift implement mounting bracket to lift mounting bracket (tapered pin inserted) constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a close-up cross sectional view (left to right) of the attachment of lift implement mounting bracket to lift mounting bracket (tapered pin removed) constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a close-up cross sectional view (front to back) of the attachment of lift implement mounting bracket to lift mounting bracket constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows a cross sectional view (front to back) of the implement mounting apparatus attached to a turf vehicle constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows a close-up cross sectional view (front to back) of the implement receiver and the boom swing tower constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows a close-up cross sectional view (from above) of the implement receiver constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figures 11A and 11B show close-up cross sectional views (from above) of the operation of the implement receiver and the boom swing tower constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 shows a cross sectional view (right to left) of the stabilizing leg assemblies constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 shows a close-up cross sectional view (from above) of the pivot implement mounting bracket constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 shows a cross sectional view (right to left) of one stabilizing leg assembly constructed in

accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figures 15A and 15B show close-up cross sectional views (right to left) of the leg release assembly and rod assembly constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 16 shows a close-up view of the leg release assembly constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 17 shows a close-up view of the slidable leg constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention; and Figures 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D show a schematic representation of the method of attaching the implement mounting apparatus to a turf vehicle in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS While the present invention will be illustrated with reference to a particular implement mounting apparatus for mounting a backhoe implement to a turf

vehicle, it should be understood at the outset that the implement mounting apparatus of the present invention can also be employed for attaching any earth moving implement having a similar boom to any vehicle having a dump box or bed.

Generally, the present invention provides an apparatus for attaching an earth moving implement having a boom, such as a backhoe implement, to a turf vehicle having a dump box mount. (An alternative embodiment provides that the implement is mounted on a lawn tractor, rather than a turf vehicle.) The prior art dump box is typically mounted to the turf vehicle via two rear pivot brackets which allow the dump box to"pivot"or"dump." In addition to the two rear pivot brackets, the prior art dump box is attached to one end of a hydraulic lift cylinder which is used to raise and lower (pivot) the dump box about the pivot brackets. The other end of the hydraulic lift cylinder is attached to the vehicle via a lift bracket.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes the existing three dump box mounting brackets (ie: the two pivot brackets and the lift bracket) for attachment of an earth moving implement having a boom, such as a backhoe implement. By using the three existing mounting brackets in this embodiment, no alterations to the turf vehicle are required. Although the preferred embodiment only uses three attachment points, the present invention is not limited to only three attachment points.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a turf vehicle 10 is generally shown having a conventional backhoe implement 11 attached to an implement mounting assembly 12. Implement mounting assembly 12 is generally attached

to the vehicle bed frame 13 of turf vehicle 10 in the preferred embodiment at the same location where the turf vehicle's dump box (not shown) is mounted to bed frame 13.

For purposes of this entire disclosure, all directional references as used herein refer to an observer's view looking forward at turf vehicle 10 from a position to the rear of turf vehicle 10.

Figure 2 shows turf vehicle 10 having bed frame 13, a front end 14, a vehicle operator's station 15, two rear wheels 16, and one front wheel 17 (many turf vehicles have two front wheels instead of just one). The typical turf vehicle 10 also has a dump box (not shown) located above bed frame 13 and behind vehicle operator's station 15. The dump box is attached to bed frame 13 via a dump box mount.

The dump box mount shown on turf vehicle 10 is a typical prior art dump box mount and consists of two rear dump box pivot brackets 18 (see Figures 3 and 4), one on each side of bed frame 13, and two fixed lift brackets 19 and 20.

Prior art lift bracket 19 is located forward of rear wheels 16 and is centrally located (measured from left to right) on bed frame 13. This central lift cylinder mounting location provides stability for turf vehicle 10 when its dump box is raised.

Although the preferred embodiment discloses one particular prior art dump box mount, the invention is not limited to this particular prior art arrangement. More specifically, dump box mount as used herein includes any mounting arrangement for mounting a dump box to a vehicle. Furthermore, attachment to a vehicle's dump box mount as used herein only requires attachment to a

portion of the vehicle's dump box mount, regardless of how many pivot or lift brackets may exist as part of the vehicle's dump box mount.

The prior art dump box (not shown) is attached to bed frame 13 in the preferred embodiment at dump box pivot brackets 18 using conventional pins 21 and cotter keys (not shown). Each dump box pivot bracket 18 in the preferred embodiment consists of a dump box mounting plate 22 and a dump box mounting tube 23. Each dump box mounting plate 22 extends rearward from bed frame 13 (see Figure 3). Dump box mounting tube 23 is inserted through, and welded to, each dump box mounting plate 22.

Pin 21 is inserted through dump box mounting tube 23 to pivotably secure the dump box to bed frame 13.

The underside of the prior art dump box is attached to the aft end 24 of a lift cylinder 25. The forward end 26 of lift cylinder 25 is attached to bed frame 13 at lift bracket 19 such that extension (extension of the cylinder shaft) and retraction (retraction of the cylinder shaft) of lift cylinder 25 raises and lowers the dump box.

Removal of the prior art dump box from bed frame 13 is accomplished by simply removing the two pins 21 and accompanying cotter keys (not shown) located at dump box pivot brackets 18 and the single pin and cotter key (not shown) attaching aft end 24 of lift cylinder 25 to the underside of the dump box.

Figures 3 and 4 show turf vehicle 10 with its prior art dump box completely removed exposing bed frame 13. The forward end 26 of lift cylinder 25 attaches to bed frame 13 at lift bracket 19 which consists of two mounting plates 27 (see Figure 3) welded to bed frame 13.

Forward end 26 of lift cylinder 25 attaches to lift

bracket 19 via a u-shaped, or clevis, bracket 28. Clevis bracket 28 mounts between mounting plates 27 on bed frame 13.

More specifically, clevis bracket 28 has two spaced apart parallel sides 29 forming a gap 30 between sides 29. Each side 29 contains a hole 31 which are in axial alignment with each other (see Figures 5-7).

Likewise, mounting plates 27 are arranged in parallel spaced apart fashion and each mounting plate 27 has a hole 32 cut through it. Holes 32 in mounting plates 27 are also arranged in axial alignment with each other and in such a manner that when lift cylinder 25 is installed, holes 31 in clevis bracket sides 29 and holes 32 in mounting plates 27 are all in axial alignment with each other such that a pin 33 and cotter key (not shown) can be used to secure forward end 26 of lift cylinder 25 to bed frame 13 at lift bracket 19.

Aft end 24 of lift cylinder 25 is left unconnected and dangling when the prior art dump box is removed from bed frame 13. One prior art approach that has been used to prevent damage to lift cylinder 25 is to provide a trough (not shown) for lift cylinder 25 to lie in when the dump box is removed.

A preferred prior art approach, and the one illustrated in the drawings, is to secure lift cylinder 25 to bed frame 13 at lift bracket 20. Lift bracket 20 consists of two parallel spaced apart plates 34 on bed frame 13. Aft end 24 of lift cylinder 25 is secured to bed frame 13 via lift bracket 20 using a pin 35 and cotter key (not shown) in the same manner that forward end 26 of lift cylinder 25 is attached to bed frame 13 at lift bracket 19.

The specific implement attached to the implement mounting assembly 12 in the preferred embodiment is backhoe implement 11. A backhoe implement as used herein means an excavating implement with a boom that moves toward the vehicle.

Although the preferred embodiment is shown with backhoe implement 11, the present invention is not limited to backhoe implements. Earth moving implement as used herein means any implement having a boom and designed to be used with a vehicle that is stationary during operation of the implement. Other such earth moving implements include, but are not limited to, air hammers, post hole diggers, and compactors.

Backhoe implement 11 (see Figures 1 and 2) is of conventional construction (see plans for constructing the CADDigger") and consists of a boom 50, a dipper stick 51, a bucket 52, a boom cylinder 53, a dipper stick cylinder 54, a bucket cylinder 55, and a boom swing tower 56.

Boom 50 is movably controlled by boom cylinder 53 (2.5" x 8", 2500 maximum psi, hydraulic cylinder manufactured by Lion, part no. 639288) and, likewise, dipper stick 51 is movably controlled by dipper stick cylinder 54 (2"x 8", 2500 maximum psi, hydraulic cylinder manufactured by Lion, part no. 639287).

Attached to the lower end of dipper stick 51 is bucket 52 which is movably controlled by bucket cylinder 55 (2"x 10", 2500 maximum psi, hydraulic cylinder manufactured by Chief, part no. 214104).

The lower end of boom 50 is attached to boom swing tower 56 at pivot point 57 with a pin (see Figures 8 and 9). Likewise, the lower end of boom cylinder 53 is attached to boom swing tower 56 at a pivot point 58 via a pin. Boom 50 is lowered and raised by the extension and

retraction of boom cylinder 53 such that boom 50 pivots about pivot point 57.

Referring to Figures 8 through 11B, boom swing tower 56 is shown in the preferred embodiment of the present invention consisting of two side plates 59 and 60, a back plate 61, a bottom plate 62, a mid plate 63, a top plate 64, and a tubular structure 65 (made from standard 2"nominal diameter black steel pipe), all of which are welded together. Plates 59,60,61,62,63, and 64 are all made from 0.5" thick flat iron in the preferred embodiment. Side plates 59 and 60 are arranged in parallel spaced apart fashion and are connected to back plate 61 to form a u-shaped channel 66. Channel 66 accommodates the mounting of boom 50 and boom cylinder 53 between side plates 59 and 60.

Bottom plate 62 extends perpendicularly forward from the bottom end of back plate 61. Likewise, top plate 64 extends perpendicularly forward from the upper end of back plate 61. Mid plate 63 extends perpendicularly forward from back plate 61 and is parallel to, and located between, both bottom plate 62 and top plate 64. Mid plate 63 is located physically closer to top plate 64 to allow for the mounting of boom swing tower 56 between bottom plate 62 and mid plate 63 as described later in this description.

Tubular structure 65 is located between, and welded to, mid plate 63 and top plate 64. Tubular structure 65 has an open lower end axially aligned with a circular hole 67 in mid plate 63 such that the lower end of tubular structure 65 remains open. The upper end of tubular structure 65 abuts against and is sealed off by top plate 64. Bottom plate 62, like mid plate 63, also has a circular hole 68 cut through it such that the position of hole 68, hole 67, and tubular structure 65

are all in vertical axial alignment with each other to receive a mounting pin 69 therethrough (see Figure 9).

Top plate 64 is irregular in shape with a tab 70 extending from one side and a notch 71 cut out of another side (see Figures 11A and 11B). Tab 70 contains a circular hole 72 cut through it. The mounting of boom swing tower 56 to implement mounting assembly 12 and the purpose of tab 70, notch 71, and hole 72 will be more fully explained later in this description.

Figure 3 shows the preferred embodiment of implement mounting assembly 12 with floor 100 (see Figure 1) removed. Floor 100 is made from. 125" thick steel floor plate. Implement mounting assembly 12 in the preferred embodiment consists of an implement mounting frame 101, an implement receiver 102, a lift implement mounting bracket 103, and two pivot implement mounting brackets 104, each of which will be more fully described in order below.

Although the preferred embodiment is shown with a particular implement mounting assembly, the present invention is not limited to this particular arrangement.

Implement mounting assembly as used herein includes any structure which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle and which has a receiver for mounting an earth moving implement thereon.

Implement mounting frame 101 (see Figure 3) in the preferred embodiment consists of a main horizontal member 105, a main vertical member 106, a support member 107, two horizontal mounting members 108, and floor frame 109. Members 105,106,107 and 108 in the preferred embodiment are made from. 1875" thick by 2.5"square steel tubing. Floor frame 109 in the preferred embodiment is made from 11 gauge thickness by 1.5" square steel tubing.

Main horizontal member 105 runs parallel to the long axis 110 of turf vehicle 10. Main vertical member 106 is welded perpendicularly to the aft end of main horizontal member 105. Main vertical member 106 has a forward facing surface 111, an aft facing surface 112, a left facing surface 113, and a right facing surface 114 (see Figures 3 and 12).

Support member 107, which provides added strength, extends angularly backward from the lower facing surface of main horizontal member 105 and is welded to the forward facing surface 111 of main vertical member 106.

Horizontal mounting members 108 are welded to, and extend perpendicularly from, the left facing surface 113 and right facing surface 114 of main vertical member 106 below where main horizontal member 105 is welded to forward facing surface 111 of main vertical member 106.

Both horizontal mounting members 108 are located in a horizontal plane (not shown) that is located below the horizontal plane (not shown) containing main horizontal member 105.

The combination of main horizontal member 105 and horizontal mounting members 108 form the T-shaped portion of implement mounting frame 101 that attaches to bed frame 13 as is more fully described later in this description. Although a particular implement mounting frame configuration is disclosed, the present invention is not limited to this T-shaped configuration.

Implement receiver 102 is welded to the rear facing surface 112 at the lower end of main vertical member 106 (see Figures 8-11). Implement receiver 102 is a boom swing tower receiver in the preferred embodiment adapted to receive an implement boom swing tower, but the present invention is not limited to this type of implement receiver. Implement receiver as used herein

means any structure adapted for mounting or receiving an earth moving implement therein.

Implement receiver 102 in the preferred embodiment consists of a mounting tube 115 (1.5" I. D. x 2.0" O. D. mechanical steel tubing), a top mounting plate 116, a bottom mounting plate 117, and two side mounting plates 118. Mounting plates 116 and 117 in the preferred embodiment are made from 0.5" thick flat iron while mounting plates 118 are made from 0.25" thick flat iron.

Inside of mounting tube 115 are two bronze bushings 119.

The bushings used in the preferred embodiment are 1"x 1.5" x 4"bronze bushings cut in half crosswise (one half is located at the top inside of mounting tube 115 and one half is located at the bottom inside of mounting tube 115).

Implement receiver 102 is constructed by first welding side mounting plates 118 to the left and right sides of mounting tube 115 and then to main vertical member 106. Implement receiver 102 is welded to main vertical member 106 with a slight offset 139 from the center of main vertical member 106. The purpose for offset 139 will be more fully explained later in this description.

Top mounting plate 116 is welded to the top end of mounting tube 115 and to the rear facing surface 112 of main vertical member 106 such that the location of top mounting plate 116 is in flush alignment with the upper facing surface of horizontal mounting members 108.

Bottom mounting plate 117 is welded to the bottom end of mounting tube 115 and to the bottom end of main vertical member 106. Top and bottom mounting plates 116 and 117 each have a hole 120 cut through them such that holes 120 are in axial alignment with each other and with mounting tube 115 to allow for mounting pin 69 to be inserted therethrough.

Boom swing tower 56 is attached to implement receiver 102 in the following manner. The length of implement receiver 102 between top mounting plate 116 and bottom mounting plate 117 is slightly less than the distance between mid plate 63 and bottom plate 62 of boom swing tower 56. Boom swing tower 56 is slid onto implement receiver 102 until holes 68 and 67 in bottom plate 62 and mid plate 63 respectively of boom swing tower 56 are in axial alignment with the axis of mounting tube 115. Then, mounting pin 69 is inserted from the bottom, first through hole 68 in bottom plate 62, up through mounting tube 115 and finally through hole 67 in mid plate 63.

Mounting pin 69 is prevented from falling out by use of a small steel plate 121 welded to the lower end of mounting pin 69. Plate 121 is secured to bottom plate 62 via a bolt 122. The length of mounting pin 69 is such that when installed in implement receiver 102, mounting pin 69 extends through hole 67 in mid plate 63 but does not touch top plate 64.

A swing cylinder 123 (2"x 8", 2500 maximum psi, hydraulic cylinder manufactured by Lion, part no.

639287) is shown mounted parallel and to the left of main horizontal member 105 to provide a means for swinging boom 50 from side to side (see Figures 11A and 11B). The forward end of swing cylinder 123 is attached via a clevis bracket to a tab 124 (made from 0.5" thick flat iron) welded to the left facing surface of main horizontal member 105 (see Figures 3 and 4). The aft end of swing cylinder 123 is attached via a clevis bracket 125 to tab 70 on top plate 64 of boom swing tower 56 using a pin (not shown) inserted through hole 72 in top plate 64.

Extension and retraction of swing cylinder 123 causes boom 50 to swing to the right and left

respectively. Notch 71 is cut out of top plate 64 to allow for maximum swing movement from left to right, and at the same time, to keep boom swing tower 56 mounted close to the rear of turf vehicle 10. It is desirable to have backhoe implement 11 mounted close to the rear of turf vehicle 10, to provide a desirable center of gravity during operation of both turf vehicle 10 and backhoe implement 11. This helps to prevent turf vehicle 10 from tipping backwards during transport and operation of backhoe implement 11.

Notch 71 serves two purposes. First, when swing cylinder 123 is completely extended and boom 50 is swung all the way to the right (viewing turf vehicle 10 from the rear), notch 71 provides a space for clevis bracket 125 at the aft end of swing cylinder 123 to reside (see Figure 11A). Second, when swing cylinder 123 is completely retracted and boom 50 is swung all the way to the left (viewing turf vehicle 10 from the rear), notch 71 provides a space for main vertical member 106 to reside (see Figure 11B). Thus, notch 71 in the preferred embodiment allows for the attachment of backhoe implement 11 much closer to the rear of turf vehicle 10 than would otherwise be possible without notch 71 present.

Swing cylinder 123 is mounted parallel and in close proximity to main horizontal member 105. As swing cylinder 123 extends and retracts, swing cylinder 123 has a tendency to contact the left facing side of main horizontal member 105.

It is desirable in the preferred embodiment to mount swing cylinder 123 close to main horizontal member 105, to provide a wide range of swing movement for boom 50. Offset 139 is provided to move the point where swing cylinder 123 mounts to boom swing tower 56 further to the left. This provides additional clearance between swing cylinder 123 and main horizontal member 105, and at the

same time allows swing cylinder 123 to be mounted close to main horizontal member 105 at tab 124.

Lift implement mounting bracket 103 consists of two plates 126 and a mounting tab 127 containing an elongated hole 128 (see Figures 3,5-7) in the preferred embodiment. Lift implement mounting bracket 103 is attached to the forward end of main horizontal member 105 using conventional bolts 129 and nuts 130. Plates 126 in the preferred embodiment are made from 0.5" thick flat iron. Mounting tab 127 in the preferred embodiment (made from 1"thick flat iron) is welded to bottom plate 126 and contains elongated hole 128. Tab 127 extends perpendicularly downward from bottom plate 126. The purpose for elongated hole 128 will be more fully explained later in this description.

Although the preferred embodiment discloses a particular lift implement mounting bracket configuration, the present invention includes other lift implement mounting bracket configurations as well. Lift implement mounting bracket, as used herein, is any structure which is used to adapt the implement mounting apparatus for attachment to the lift bracket or similar structure of a vehicle's dump box mount. A lift implement mounting bracket may be a separate structure attached to the implement mounting frame using fasteners, or it may be an integrated part of the implement mounting frame itself, such as the case wherein the lift implement mounting bracket is a molded or welded part of the implement mounting frame.

There are two pivot implement mounting brackets 104 in the preferred embodiment, each of which are essentially identical to the other (see Figures 3-4 and 12-13). Each pivot implement mounting bracket 104 consists of a plate mount support member 132 (made from . 1875" thick x 2.5" square steel tubing), an inside pivot

mount plate 133, an outside pivot mount plate 134, a pivot mounting tube 135 (made from standard 1"nominal diameter black steel pipe), and a triangular gusset 136.

Plates 133 and 134 and gusset 136 in the preferred embodiment are made from 0.5" thick flat iron.

Referring specifically to the pivot implement mounting bracket 104 shown in Figure 13, inside pivot mount plate 133 is welded perpendicularly to the forward facing surface of plate mount support member 132 and to the forward facing surface of horizontal mounting member 108, and further is in flush alignment with the inside facing surface of each plate mount support member 132.

Outside pivot mount plate 134 is similarly welded perpendicularly to the forward facing surface of plate mount support member 132 and to the forward facing surface of horizontal mounting member 108, and further is in flush alignment with the outside facing surface of plate mount support member 132.

Inside pivot mount plate 133 is spaced apart from, and parallel to, outside pivot mount plate 134 leaving a gap 138 therebetween. Holes 137 are cut through pivot mount plates 133 and 134 and are located in axial alignment with each other. Pivot mounting tube 135 is inserted through holes 137 and welded to pivot mount plates 133 and 134 and is further aligned with holes 137 such that pin 21 can be inserted therethrough.

Triangular gusset 136 is perpendicularly welded to inside pivot mount plate 133 and to the forward facing surface of horizontal mounting member 108 to provide added reinforcement for inside pivot mount plate 133.

Although the preferred embodiment discloses a particular pivot implement mounting bracket configuration, the present invention includes other pivot implement mounting bracket configurations. Pivot implement mounting bracket, as used herein, is any

structure which is used to adapt the implement mounting apparatus for attachment to the pivot bracket or similar structure of a vehicle's dump box mount. A pivot implement mounting bracket may be a separate structure attached to the implement mounting frame using fasteners, or it may be an integrated part of the implement mounting frame itself, such as the case wherein the mounting bracket is a molded or welded part of the implement mounting frame.

Implement operator's station 150 (see Figures 1 and 8) includes in the preferred embodiment, an implement operator's seat support member 151 (made from. 1875" thick, 2.5" square steel tubing), a seat mounting bracket 152, an operator's seat 153, a control support member 154 (made from. 1875" thick, 2.5" x 1.5" steel rectangular tubing), a control mounting plate 155 (made from. 25" thick flat iron), and a hydraulic valve bank 156.

Although the preferred embodiment discloses a particular implement operator's station configuration, the present invention includes other implement operator's station configurations. Implement operator's station as used herein includes any station from which an operator can control operation of the implement.

Implement operator's seat support member 151 extends in a vertical direction from the upper facing surface of main horizontal member 105. Seat mounting bracket 152 is welded to the upper end of implement operator's station support member 151. Operator's seat 153 is attached to seat mounting bracket 152 using conventional bolts (not shown).

Control support member 154 is welded to the upper end of main vertical member 106 and extends at an angle forward from main vertical member 106. Control mounting plate 155 is welded to the upper end of control support member 154. Hydraulic valve bank 156 is mounted

to the underside of control mounting plate 155 and controls all hydraulic cylinders used in connection with backhoe implement 11. Valve bank 156 in the preferred embodiment is a Prince 4 spool open center valve bank, part no. 95V-4-X.

The hydraulic input and output (not shown) of valve bank 156 are connected via a hydraulic feed line 157 and a hydraulic return line 158, respectively, to a hydraulic fluid supply 159 which is optional equipment supplied by the manufacturer with turf vehicle 10. A hydraulic fluid reservoir 160 (made from 4"nominal diameter black steel pipe with weld-on end caps welded to the ends of the pipe) is installed in the return path between valve bank 156 and hydraulic fluid supply 159.

Reservoir 160 assists in slowing down the circulation of hydraulic fluid and thereby assists in cooling the hydraulic fluid used during normal backhoe implement 11 operation. Reservoir 160 is bolted both to floor frame 109 at the forward end of implement mounting assembly 12 and to seat support member 151 as shown in Figure 8.

Valve bank 156 is connected to hydraulic boom cylinder 53, dipper stick cylinder 54, bucket cylinder 55, and swing cylinder 123 via conventional hydraulic fluid lines (all hydraulic lines are made from 3/8" diameter single wire hydraulic hose) which are not shown in the drawings.

Hydraulic fluid flow restrictors, also not shown, are inserted in-line between valve bank 156 and boom <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> cylinder 53 (. 0625" opening), between valve bank 156 and<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> dipper stick cylinder 54 (. 0625" opening), and between<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> valve bank 156 and swing cylinder 123 (. 03125" opening drilled out with a #56 drill bit). Flow restrictors are used both to smooth out the movement of boom 50 in response to boom cylinder 53 and dipper stick 51 in

response to dipper stick cylinder 54 and to slow down the movement of boom 50 in response to swing cylinder 123.

There are two stabilizing leg assemblies 200 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of which is a mirror image of the other (see Figures 12 and 14). Left stabilizing leg assembly 200 will be described in detail for purposes of this description.

The same description applies with full force to right stabilizing leg assembly 200.

Stabilizing leg assembly 200 in the preferred embodiment consists of angled leg support member 201 (made from. 1875" thick, 2.5" square steel tubing), slidable leg 202 (made from. 25" thick, 2"square steel tubing) leg release assembly 203, and rod assembly 204.

Although the preferred embodiment discloses a particular stabilizing leg assembly configuration, the present invention includes other stabilizing leg assembly configurations. Stabilizing leg assembly, as used herein, includes any structure, not a part of the vehicle itself, which provides stabilization for the vehicle and earth moving implement during operation of the earth moving implement.

Leg support member 201 extends angularly downward from left facing surface 113 of main vertical member 106. Leg support member 201 is welded to main vertical member 106 at a location above where main horizontal member 105 attaches to main vertical member 106. Angled leg support member 201 intersects horizontal mounting member 108 in such a way that main vertical member 106, angled leg support member 201, and horizontal mounting member 108 are all located in the same vertical plane (not shown) located at the rear of turf vehicle 10 wherein such vertical plane is perpendicular to the long axis 110 of turf vehicle 10.

Members 201 and 108 combined with main vertical member 106 form a right triangle 205 (see Figure 12) with angled leg support member 201 representing the hypotenuse of right triangle 205 and members 106 and 108 representing the two triangle legs of right triangle 205.

Plate mount support member 132 is welded perpendicularly to the top facing surface of horizontal mounting member 108 and is further welded to the bottom facing surface of leg support member 201 for added strength.

Slidable leg 202 is in a raised position as shown in Figure 14 during normal transport operation of turf vehicle 10. Slidable leg 202 is maintained in a lowered position as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 14 during normal operation of backhoe implement 11.

Slidable leg 202 is secured in its raised position via a foot lever 207, one end 208 of which is inserted through a hole 209 in angled leg support member 201 and which further passes through a corresponding hole 210 in slidable leg 202. Several such holes 210 are located along the length of slidable leg 202 to allow for a multitude of adjustable leg lengths when slidable leg 202 is lowered.

Leg release assembly 203 consists of foot lever 207, a spring 211, a bracket 212, a pin 213, and a cotter key 214. Foot lever 207 and spring 211 are mounted in close proximity to the outside facing surface 215 of leg support member 201 at a pivot point 216 via pin 213 and cotter key 214.

The clearance between bracket 212 and rod assembly 204 prevents either insertion of pin 213 from the rear facing side of bracket 212 or the insertion of a cotter key into pin 213 between bracket 212 and rod assembly 204. Therefore, to secure pin 213 in place in bracket 212, a screw 217 attaches the loop end of cotter

key 214 to the forward facing side of bracket 212 (see Figures 15A and 15B) Pivot point 216 divides the foot lever 207 into an upper section 218 above pivot point 216 and a lower section 219 below pivot point 216. The lower section 219 of foot lever 207 has a 90 degree bend 220 toward leg support member 201 such that the lower end 208 of foot lever 207 is aligned and insertable into hole 209 of leg support member 201.

The upper section 218 of foot lever 207 has a first 90 degree bend 221 (see Figure 16) parallel to the outside facing surface 215 of leg support member 201 and a second 90 degree bend 222 parallel to the forward facing surface 223 of leg support member 201 such that the upper section 218 of foot lever 207 horizontally wraps around leg support member 201 (see Figure 16) from a position parallel to the outside facing surface 215 to a horizontal position directly in front of the forward facing surface 223 of leg support member 201. The upper section 218 of foot lever 207 is located in a position which can easily be reached by an implement operator's foot when the implement operator is seated in implement operator's station 150.

Spring 211 is mounted on pin 213 in such a way that one end of spring 211 fixedly wraps around bracket 212 which is welded to the outside surface 215 of leg support member 201. The other end of spring 211 runs parallel with the upper section 218 of foot lever 207 and extends under the upper section 218 at the first 90 degree bend 221 such that foot lever 207 is generally biased in a latching position with the lower end 208 of foot lever 207 engaging one of the holes 210 in slidable leg 202.

Rod assembly 204 (see Figures 14-17) in the preferred embodiment consists of a bracket 224, a rod

support tube 225 (made from standard 1/2"nominal diameter black steel pipe), a rod 226, a stop 227, and two nut and washer combinations 228 and 229. Rod 226 is mounted to slidable leg 202 via bracket 224 which is welded to the bottom of slidable leg 202. Bracket 224 extends perpendicularly outward from the outside facing surface of slidable leg 202 and contains a hole (not shown). Rod support tube 225 is welded to the outside facing surface 215 of leg support member 201. Rod support tube 225 extends from a point above the pivot point 216 to the bottom end 230 of leg support member 201. Rod support tube 225 is positioned such that it is in axial alignment with the hole in bracket 224 such that rod 226 can be inserted through rod support tube 225 and into the hole in bracket 224.

The lower end of rod 226 is threaded to allow for attachment of rod 226 to bracket 224. This attachment is accomplished by first threading nut and washer combination 228 onto rod 226, then inserting rod 226 through the hole in bracket 224 until nut and washer combination 228 rest on bracket 224, and then threading a second nut and lock washer combination 229 onto rod 226 to secure rod 226 to bracket 224 and thereby also to slidable leg 202.

Rod 226 slides up and down through, and is guided by, rod support tube 225 as slidable leg 202 is raised and lowered. Handle 231, which is formed by bending the upper end of rod 226 at a 90 degree angle, allows for easy grasping during operation by a backhoe operator.

Operation of leg release assembly 203 and rod assembly 204 are as follows. A backhoe operator sitting in implement operator's seat 153 uses his foot to push down on foot lever 207 which activates spring 211 and causes lower end 208 of foot lever 207 to become

disengaged from hole 210 in slidable leg 202. Slidable leg 202 is then free to slide downward. Once slidable leg 202 reaches the desired lowered position, the operator removes all foot pressure from foot lever 207 and the lower end 208 of foot lever 207 again engages one of the holes 210 in slidable leg 202 to secure slidable leg 202 in the desired lowered position.

To ensure that the lower end 208 of foot lever 207 engages one of the holes 210 in slidable leg 202, the backhoe operator may, after removing all foot pressure from foot lever 207, need to extend boom cylinder 53 until bucket 52 is touching the ground. Further extension of boom cylinder 53 will result in the rear end of turf vehicle 10 being raised off the ground slightly.

This will allow slidable leg 202 to slide downward just far enough such that lower end 208 of foot lever 207 will engage the next available hole 210 in slidable leg 202.

To prevent slidable leg 202 from sliding too far downward, stop 227 is mounted onto rod 226. Stop 227 is positioned on rod 226 such that when stop 227 contacts the upper end of rod support tube 225, the lower end 208 of foot lever 207 is in alignment with the upper most hole 210 in slidable leg 202. Thus stop 227 prevents slidable leg 202 from being lowered too far and at the same time insures that holes 209 and 210 are in alignment to allow lower end 208 of foot lever 207 to lock slidable leg 202 in place.

To raise slidable leg 202, the backhoe operator simultaneously pushes down on foot lever 207 and pulls up on rod 226 to raise slidable leg 202. The operator continues to apply foot pressure to foot lever 207 and to pull up on rod 226 until the desired hole 210 in slidable leg 202 is in alignment with hole 209 on leg support member 201. When the desired alignment is achieved, the operator removes all foot pressure from foot lever 207

and the lower end 208 of foot lever 207 again engages one of the holes 210 in slidable leg 202 to secure slidable leg 202 in a raised position.

Thus, the leg supports can be controlled while seated, having only a simple mechanical design (without requiring complicated hydraulics or electronics).

The location of nut and washer combination 228 is designed to act as a second stop for slidable leg 202.

Nut and washer combination 228 is located on rod 226 such that when the nut contacts the lower end of rod support tube 225, the lower end 208 of foot lever 207 is in alignment with the lower most hole 210 in slidable leg 202. Thus the nut prevents slidable leg 202 from being raised too high and at the same time insures that holes 209 and 210 are aligned to allow lower end 208 of foot lever 207 to lock slidable leg 202 in place. Nut and washer combination 228 can also be adjusted (by either turning the nut on threaded rod 226 or by changing the thickness of the washer) to optimize the alignment of holes 209 and 210.

A foot plate 232 (see Figure 17) is attached to the bottom end of slidable leg 202 and allows for wider contact with the ground when slidable leg 202 is in a lowered position. An anchor plate 233 is welded perpendicularly to foot plate 232 and extends in a downward manner to prevent slippage of foot plate 232 during normal backhoe operation. Foot plate 232 and anchor plate 233 in the preferred embodiment are made from. 25" thick flat iron.

Now, to more fully describe the method of attachment of implement mounting assembly 12 to bed frame 13, refer to Figures 18A-18D which show implement mounting assembly 12 attached to backhoe implement 11 and detached from turf vehicle 10. Figure 18A shows the typical detached storage position whereby bucket 53 and

slidable legs 202 provide a three point stand on which the combination implement mounting assembly 12 and backhoe implement 11 rest. The forward end of main horizontal member 105 is angled upward in this storage position to allow for turf vehicle 10 to be backed into position for mounting.

Implement mounting assembly 12 and backhoe implement 11 are installed on turf vehicle 10 after removing the dump box from bed frame 13. The dump box is removed by removing pins 21 at dump box pivot brackets 18 and the single pin attaching aft end 24 of lift cylinder 25 to the underside of the dump box. Aft end 24 of lift cylinder 25 is secured to lift bracket 20 on bed frame 13 after the dump box is removed. Next, pin 33 securing forward end 26 of lift cylinder 25 to bed frame 13 at lift bracket 19 is removed.

Turf vehicle 10 is slowly backed into position (Figure 18B) under implement mounting assembly 12 until dump box pivot brackets 18 on each side of bed frame 13 are positioned outside of, but in close proximity to, pivot implement mounting brackets 104 on each side of implement mounting assembly 12.

Hydraulic feed line 157 and hydraulic return line 158 are connected to hydraulic fluid supply 159 on turf vehicle 10 at this point to provide for fine tune positioning of implement mounting assembly 12.

Boom cylinder 53 is next slowly extended once turf vehicle 10 is backed into position which causes implement mounting assembly 12 to pivot downward. This pivoting allows the forward end of main horizontal member 105 to pivot downward toward bed frame 13 and such pivoting is continued until tab 127 on lift implement mounting bracket 103 is brought into close proximity to lift bracket 19.

Slight adjustment of boom cylinder 53 can be made at this point to axially align elongated hole 128 with holes 32 in mounting plates 27 on bed frame 13 and holes 31 in sides 29 on clevis bracket 28. Tab 127 fits neatly in gap 30 between sides 29 on clevis bracket 28 allowing for lift cylinder 25 to remain attached to bed frame 13 (Figure 18C).

A tapered steel quick release pin 250 (see Figures 5 and 6) is inserted to secure the forward end of implement mounting assembly 12 to bed frame 13 at lift bracket 19 once elongated hole 128 and holes 31 and 32 are all in alignment. Hole 128 in tab 127 is elongated in shape to aid in aligning hole 128 with holes 31 and 32.

The advantage to using tapered steel pin 250 is that its tapered sides and smaller tip also allow for some tolerance errors in aligning elongated hole 128 with holes 31 and 32. Quick release pin as that term is used herein means any pin that can be removed by hand without the aid of tools.

At this point, boom cylinder 53 is slowly extended further after implement mounting assembly 12 has been secured to bed frame 13 at lift bracket 19.

Extension of boom cylinder 53 continues until slidable legs 202 are no longer in contact with the ground. At this point, slidable legs 202 are raised. Boom cylinder 53 is slowly retracted once slidable legs 202 are raised to bring dump box bracket 18 close to pivot implement mounting brackets 104.

Next, dump box pivot brackets 18 on bed frame are brought into axial alignment with pivot implement mounting brackets 104 by slightly extending or retracting boom cylinder 53. This extension and retraction of boom cylinder 53 respectively raises and lowers pivot implement mounting brackets 104 and continues until axial

alignment with dump box pivot brackets 18 has been achieved. Pins 21 can then be inserted to secure implement mounting assembly 12 to bed frame 13 (Figure 18D).

Finally, bucket 52 is lifted off of the ground by the complete retraction of boom cylinder 53. Backhoe implement 11 is now in the normal transport position on the back of turf vehicle 10.

Numerous modifications may be made to the present invention which still fall within the intended scope hereof. Thus, it should be apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the present invention a method and apparatus for mounting an implement having a boom to a vehicle having a dump box mounting scheme that fully satisfies the objectives and advantages set forth above. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.