METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING AND OPERATING ASSOCIATED THERETO

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to the field of material handling and earth moving equipment such as excavators, loaders, backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to an excavator-to-loader multiboom system, and also relates to a vehicle including such a system, as well as to a kit with corresponding components for assembling the same, and to corresponding methods of manufacturing, assembling and/or operating associated thereto.

Excavators and loaders are work vehicles used for a variety of jobs. In general, excavators are generally used to dig below ground level by ripping/pry ing material with a narrow bucket, the latter facing toward the machine. Loaders generally have wider buckets facing away from the machine and use some ground-engaging means such as wheels or tracks to push material in, carrying the bucket content on short distances and dumping it above ground level, etc.

Known to the Applicant are the following documents: a) US 4,393,607 (July 19 ^th , 1983 - HIROSAWA); b) EP 0,168,946 B1 (June 8 ^th , 1988 - STOKOE); c) US 5,195,863 (March 23 ^rd , 1993 - DE PINGON - "Mecalac"); d) US 7,147,425 B2 (December 12 ^th , 2006 - HOLT); e) CN 201317946Y (November 29 ^th , 2008); f) NL 1035694 C2 (March 1 ^st , 2010 - Leendert Whilhelmus et al.); and g) FR 2,930,267 A1 (October 23 ^rd , 2009 - MAXIME et al. -"Mecalac"). Also known to the Applicant are the following documents: a) US 3,465,904 (September 9 ^th , 1969 - PENSA - "Massey-Ferguson"); b) US 5,367,796 (November 29 ^th , 1994 - BOWERS et al.); c) SU 1803499 A1 (March 23 ^rd , 1993); d) US 5,171 ,124 (December 15 ^th , 1992 - FOSTER - "Farmer’s Factory Co."); e) US 5,295,318 (March 22 ^nd , 1994 - SCHAEFF - "Haulotte"); f) US 2008/0023206 A1 (January 31 ^st , 2008 - ROSSI - "Caterpillar Inc."); g) CN 1863971 B (September 7 ^th , 2011 ); h) EP 1 ,954,887 B1 (May 23 ^rd , 2012 - WETZEL et al. - "Clark Equipment Company"); and i) US 9,945,093 B1 (April 17 ^th , 2018 - BELLIVEAU - "Xboom").

The need to have a single machine that can accomplish both excavator and loader tasks has been the theme of many inventions, including well known commercial machines like a backhoe loader (an example of a backhoe loader is shown in Pat. No. US 7,530,185 B2 - May 12 ^th , 2009 - TRIFUNOVIC), or the development of backhoe attachments to convert a skid steer loader into an excavator type of machine by switching its bucket for the backhoe attachment, such as described in Pat. No. US 5,171 ,124 (December 15 ^th , 1992 - FOSTER - "Farmer’s Factory Co.") and in Pat. Application No. US 2008/0023206 A1 (January 31 ^st , 2008 - ROSSI - "Caterpillar Inc."), or even to convert an excavator boom to be able to carry skid steer attachments as described in Pat. No. US 9,945,093 B1 (April 17 ^th , 2018 - BELLIVEAU), or the development of an excavator multi purpose blade interface to carry skid steer attachments as described in Pat. No. EP 1 ,954,887 B1 (May 23 ^rd , 2012 - WETZEL et al. - "Clark Equipment Company").

The broad idea to have a multiple-boom system that can varies the reach of the working attachment to execute both excavator and loader tasks has been the object of disclosure in Pat. No. US 4,393,607 (July 19 ^th , 1983 - HIROSAWA) which illustrates an example of such a vehicle. However, the kinematics of the described machine is impractical, the boom positions for excavator/loader are not mechanically locked which means that the mechanism could move undesirably, as well as some hydraulic cylinders are exposed to dirt and rocks.

More recently, Pat. No. US 7,147,425 B2 (December 12 ^th , 2006 - HOLT) describes a three-piece boom system which can convert a skid steer type of machine into an excavator type of machine. As previously mentioned for Pat. No. US 4,393,607 (July 19 ^th , 1983 - HIROSAWA), the kinematic of Pat. No. US 7,147,425 B2 (December 12 ^th , 2006 - HOLT) shows redundant degrees of freedom which could lead to undesired movement of the boom system, in excavator mode as well as in loader mode. That could also explain the reasons why no machines of this type have been commercially built until now as per researches conducted by the Applicant.

Also, Pat. No. CN 201317946Y (November 29 ^th , 2008), as well as Pat. No. NL 1035694 C2 (March 1 ^st , 2010 - Leendert Whilhelmus et al.), both illustrate an arm assembly with an offset of the secondary boom and dipper stick to the main boom, that are capable of folding to transform from an excavator arm to a loader arm. However, by the way that these arms are constructed, when the arm is transformed in the loader arm, the bucket is far away from the machine and therefore there should be a lack of capacity due since a small load in the bucket would tip the machine over.

Patent Application No. FR 2,930,267 A1 (October 23 ^rd , 2009 - MAXIME et al.) illustrates an articulated arm for supporting such working tool as a loading bucket and the bucket has a tilting support that allows the thrust loads exerting on the bucket to be transmitted to the blade of the machine, allowing the machine to carry a skid steer type of bucket to be mounted on the excavator arm. The machine needs to be equipped with a blade and the loader bucket has to properly sit on the blade to eliminate the torsion loads on the articulated boom. The articulated boom is also very intrusive in height when working above ground level, for example, when loading a truck, or positioning a pallet. Moreover, when using this machine as an excavator digging earth and rocks with the bucket, the hydraulic cylinder activating the dipperstick is subjected to be damaged by the way it is positioned on the boom.

Pat. No. US 9,945,093 B1 (April 17 ^th , 2018 - BELLIVEAU) describes a coupler system that to allow skid steer attachments to be joined directly to a working end of the main lifting boom of the excavator machine. The coupler allows to quickly remove the excavator dipperstick to use skid steer attachments. As previously mentioned, when the skid steer attachments are used, the center of gravity of the lifted loads are far away from the machine, therefore reducing the machine capacity of lifting loads. Also, there are hydraulic hoses to connect and disconnect to convert the excavator, which could lead waste of productivity and to hydraulic fluid spillage. Finally, the typical excavator main boom may not have been designed to sustain such torsional loads induced by a larger skid steer bucket and may result in premature wear/failure of the excavator structure. Nevertheless, this recent patent, which has a commercialized product related to it, is showing that the need for a compact combined excavatorloader machine is still valid at the present time.

Indeed, despite the aforementioned improvements over the years, there is always a need to continue innovating and finding better and/or different ways of material handling and earth moving, for example, and to be able do so, in a quicker, easier, simpler, faster, safer, more efficient, more convenient, more reliable, more secure, more economical and/or more sustainable manner.

Therefore, it would be particularly useful to be able to provide an improved system which would be able to overcome or at the very least minimize some of known drawbacks associated with the conventional ways and devices used for material handling, earth moving and the like, for example.

An object of the present invention is to provide an excavator-to-loader multiboom system which, by virtue of its design and components, would be an improvement over other related conventional boom systems and/or the like known in the prior art.

According to a possible embodiment, the present system includes a frame and a multi-boom system that allows to switch from an "excavator" mode to a "front-end loader" mode, and vice-versa, the whole system being installed on some groundengaging means, therefore forming a work vehicle. As one or the other boom configuration is used, the machine can exchange and pick up the appropriate tools (excavator bucket, loader bucket, pallet forks, auger, etc.) to perform tasks of excavator and/or loader type.

In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood from the present description, with an excavator-to-loader multiboom system (also referred to herein simply as "boom" and/or "system") such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawing(s).

More particularly, according to one aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide a multi-boom system capable of dual-purpose and for use with a working vehicle, the multi-boom system comprising: a plurality of booms for cooperating with corresponding actuators and being interconnectable to one another for providing the working vehicle with a resulting articulated and operational boom assembly, the plurality of booms including at least one selectively-adjustable boom having a portion being operatively mountable onto a given base boom for pivoting with respect to the same, the at least one selectively- adjustable boom further having another portion being operable between at least two different configurations, wherein in a first configuration, said another portion of the at least one selectively-adjustable boom is removably connectable to a first anchoring point of the boom assembly, so that the resulting articulated and operational boom assembly is operable in a loader mode, and wherein in a second configuration, said another portion of the at least one selectively-adjustable boom is removably connectable to a second anchoring point of the boom assembly, so that the resulting articulated and operational boom assembly is operable in an excavator mode, thereby enabling the multi-boom system and associated working vehicle to be selectively operable between two different operating modes, namely loader and excavator modes respectively.

According to possible embodiment(s), the multi-boom system may comprise a pair of such selectively-adjustable booms, namely first and second selectively- adjustable booms, provided about the resulting articulated and operational boom assembly, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings, thereby further enabling the multi-boom system (1 ) and associated working vehicle (3) to be selectively operable between two different configurations of two different operating modes (i.e. loader and excavator modes), for example.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a working vehicle provided with the above-mentioned excavator-to-loader multi-boom system.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing components of the above-mentioned excavator-to-loader multi-boom system and/or vehicle.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned excavator-to-loader multiboom system and/or vehicle. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of using the above-mentioned excavator-to-loader multi-boom system, corresponding vehicle and/or component(s) thereof.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a kit with components for assembling the above-mentioned excavator-to-loader multiboom system and/or vehicle.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a set of components for interchanging with components of the above-mentioned kit.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and/or set.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of moving earth, soil and/or any other type of material, with the above- mentioned excavator-to-loader multi-boom system, vehicle, component(s) thereof, kit, set and/or method(s).

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned excavator-to-loader multi-boom system, vehicle, component(s) thereof, kit, set and/or method(s).

The objects, advantages, and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawing(s). Brief description of the

For clarity and understanding throughout this document, identical components identified on various figures have identical reference numbers. The drawings shown in this document depict simplified views of the various embodiments to illustrate the overall idea of the invention and its kinematics, consequently, specific structure details and fabrication details of the various booms, links, and hydraulic cylinders assemblies are omitted. These drawings are showing the preferred embodiments of the invention, however specific structures may be changed and still be associated with the present invention, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Figure 1 is a side view of a multi-boom system in a "loader" mode, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a detailed side view of Figure 1 where some of the side structure has been hidden to reveal one end of the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) pivot connection to the upper frame (50), and the other end of the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) pivot connection to the first boom (51 ) - the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) is shown retracted, as in loader mode, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a side view of a multi-boom system in an "excavator" mode, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a detailed side view of Figure 3 where some of the side structure has been hidden to reveal one end of the third hydraulic cylinder (7c) pivot connection to the second boom (52), and the one end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d) pivot connection to the second boom (52) - Figure 4 is also showing that the center line of the third hydraulic cylinder (7c) and the center line of the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d) lie on different two X-Y planes offset in Z direction, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 5a-5q are different views of various possible aspects, components and/or features of possible variants and/or different configurations of excavator-to- loader multi-boom system (s) according to different possible preferred embodiments of the present invention.

It has to be noted that in Figure 1 and Figure 3, reference axes (X, Y and Z) have been drawn to the bottom left of these figures; these axes positive directions are following the right-hand rule, and X and Y are contained in the sheet of this document, while Z+ direction is out of the sheet, toward the reader.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several reference numbers, only some figures have been provided with reference numbers, and components and features of the present invention illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.

Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for use with earth, soil and/or other possible materials (whether "malleable" and/or not), and associated groupings and/or piles thereof (ex. rocks, etc.), for example, it may be used with other objects and/or in other types of applications, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "earth", "soil", "malleable", "material(s)", "grouping(s)", "pile(s)", "rock(s)", etc., used herein should not be taken

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91 . 1) so as to limit the scope of the present invention and include all other kinds of objects and/or applications with which the present invention could be used and may be useful, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "multi-boom", "boom", "system", "assembly", "machine", "device", "apparatus", "product", "unit", "equipment", "tool", "method" and "kit", as well as any other equivalent expression(s) and/or compound word(s) thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "boom", "flange", "truss", "bar", "linkage", "extension", "piece", "part", "component", "sub-component", etc.; b) "actuator", "cylinder", "motor", "driver", "puller", "pusher", "activator", "gear assembly", "transmission", etc.; c) "pin", "insert", "connector", "fastener", "coupler", "pivot", "hinge", etc.; d) "slot", "notch", "hole", "orifice", "groove", "recess", etc.; e) "vehicle", "excavator", "loader", etc.; f) "tool", "bucket", "fork", auger", etc., as well as for any other mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. Also, in the context of the present description, expressions such as "can", "may", "might", "will", "could", "should", "would", etc., may also be used interchangeably, whenever appropriate, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered that all elongated objects will have an implicit "longitudinal axis" or "centerline", such as the longitudinal axis of shaft for example, or the centerline of a coiled spring, for example, and that expressions such as "connected" and "connectable", or "mounted" and "mountable", may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully-assembled and fully-operational excavator-to-loader multi-boom system, and/or corresponding working vehicle.

Moreover, components of the present system(s) and/or steps of the method(s) described herein could be modified, simplified, altered, omitted and/or interchanged, without departing from the scope of the present invention, depending on the particular applications which the present invention is intended for, and the desired end results, as briefly exemplified herein and as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise various components, and although the preferred embodiments of the present excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (and/or corresponding vehicle) and corresponding portion(s)/part(s)/component(s) as shown consist of certain geometrical configurations, as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the present excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (and/or corresponding vehicle) and corresponding portion(s)/part(s)/component(s) according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

List of numerical references for some of the com illustrated in the drawinq(s):

1. multi-boom system

3. working vehicle . boom (ex. linking member, arm, support, flange, etc.) a. selectively-adjustable boom b. base boom (ex. about which selectively-adjustable boom is mountable)c. base pivot point (ex. about which selectively-adjustable boom swivels and/or pivots between two different anchoring points) . actuator (ex. cylinder, such an "hydraulic cylinder", for instance)a. first actuator b. second actuator c. third actuator d. fourth actuator e. fifth actuator f. additional/subsequent actuator . boom assembly 1 . anchoring point (ex. achieved via actuator and/or interlocking assembly) 1 a. first anchoring point 1 b. second anchoring point 1 c. third anchoring point 1 d. fourth anchoring point 3. interlocking assembly 3a. first interlocking component (ex. female (slot) and/or male component)3b. second interlocking component (ex. male and/or female component)5. span 7. tool (ex. of boom assembly) 7a. loader tool 7b. excavator tool 9a. first linkage 9b. second linkage 1 . displacement system

(or "ground-engaging means" - ex. "wheels", "tracks", etc.) 23. pivoting mechanism (of vehicle - ex. "slewing gear mechanism", etc.)

25. intermediate link

25a. first intermediate link

25b. second intermediate link

25c. third intermediate link

25d. fourth intermediate link

25e. fifth intermediate link

25f. sixth intermediate link

50. base boom (and/or "upper frame" of vehicle, for instance)

51 . first boom

52. second boom

52a. first portion (or "first boom portion") of second boom)

52b. second portion (or "second boom portion") of second boom)

53. third boom

54. fourth boom

111. longitudinal axis (of a given boom, such as second boom for example)

113. transversal axis (ex. "vertical axis" - of said given boom)

Broadly described, and as better exemplified in the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a system having a frame and a multi-boom system that allows to switch from an "excavator" mode to a "front-end loader" mode, and vice- versa, the whole system being installed on some ground-engaging means, therefore forming a work vehicle. As one or the other boom configuration is used, the machine can exchange and pick up the appropriate tools (excavator bucket, loader bucket, pallet forks, auger, etc.) to perform excavator and/or loader type of tasks.

Indeed, wheeled/track excavators and loaders (including front-end loaders, skid steer loaders, track loaders) use many working tools to accomplish a variety of tasks, including carrying loads on short distances with a bucket or pallet forks. Excavators are best used for digging, trenching below ground level, etc. For same machine size category, loader buckets are usually a lot wider (therefore a lot more capacity) than those found on an excavator, due to the shorter reach of their boom arrangement in comparison with excavators. In consequence, both types of machines cannot exchange buckets to accomplish their respective tasks. For example, when an excavator is digging and pilling up earth, if the pile needs to be moved and/or dumped into a truck afterward, even on short distances, another machine (often a skid steer loader or a front-end loader) is needed to quickly move the excavated material. As mentioned, this requires two machines, two operators, increasing machine owner and other related costs, which is undesirable for many obvious reasons.

At the present time, there is one well known machine that can execute both excavator and loader tasks, that is, a so-called "backhoe" loader. This machine is equipped with two separate booms: one on the front of the machine to accomplish loader type of tasks, and one on the back of the machine to accomplish excavator type of tasks. However, the backhoe does not have the productivity of an excavator because the machine always has to reposition and stabilize for digging, and only has an approximate 180° digging envelope (instead of full 360° for a typical excavator). Furthermore, for loading applications, the backhoe loader, having a very long overall length, requires considerable space to work. In tight spaces, a skid steer loader or a front-end loader will outperform a backhoe loader.

Today, work attachments can be switched very quickly with existing quick coupler technology, allowing an excavator to change a mud bucket for a heavy-duty bucket, and a loader to change a bucket for pallet forks, for example.

The present invention aims to switch from an excavator digging mode to a loader mode using a multiple-boom system attached to a work vehicle, allowing to pickup and use excavator buckets and attachments as well as loader buckets and attachments. If the upper-frame of the invention is put on a slewing gear bearing, the machine could reach a full 360° working envelope all around the work vehicle. The primary objective of the present invention is to achieve superior productivity with a single machine for digging and loading tasks, outperforming traditional backhoe loaders, and reducing job costs by eliminating the need to buy and service two machines, that is a loader and an excavator, and hiring two operators, etc. The preferred embodiment of the invention is also designed in such a way that the hydraulic cylinders kinematic will achieve good digging forces for the loader configuration as well as for the excavator, and for both configurations, the hydraulic cylinders are naturally protected by the different booms, away from the dirt and rocks.

The present invention will now be described with the multi-boom system shown in excavator and in loader positions, as depicted in Figure 1 and in Figure 3.

A work vehicle comprising an upper frame (50), and a lower frame equipped with some ground-engaging means such as wheels or tracks (21 ) (given as examples, only, in that only tracks are shown in this document) for performing a work operation, with different working tools, namely with a backhoe bucket (17a) and a loader bucket (17b). The upper frame (50) can be fixed in relation to the ground-engaging means (21 ) or a slewing gear mechanism (23) can be mounted in between both structures (50) and (21 ) therefore allowing the upper frame to rotate freely from the groundengaging means (21 ) and be able to excavate/dump 360° all around the work vehicle.

The work vehicle (50) (21 ) is meant to be equipped with the present multi-boom system pivotally coupled to its upper frame. The multi-boom system comprises four main booms (51 ), (52), (53) and (54) and six main hydraulic cylinders (7a), 2x(7b), (7c), (7d) and (7e). The whole multi-boom system is pivotally coupled to the upper frame (50) through one pivot connection on the first boom (51 ), one pivot connection on one end of the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) and one pivot connection on one end of the second hydraulic cylinders (7b) (for example, there is one hydraulic cylinder (7b) on each side of the boom system).

As shown in Figure 3, the multi-boom system positioned in the excavator mode, the hydraulic cylinders (7a) and (7c) are completely extended (or near to be completely extended) and are not meant to move. Two separate locking devices are mechanically locking some booms to restrain redundant degrees of freedom, therefore preventing unwanted movements by relieving hydraulic cylinders. One locking device locks the second boom (52) with the third boom (53). This locking device consist of two opened slots (11 d) (see Figure 1 , for example) located on each side of second boom (52), and a sliding pin in a slot (15) located on third boom (53). The pin simply locks and unlocks the second boom (52) with the third boom (53) by sliding in the slot in the X-Y plane by means of a hydraulic cylinder, the latter being located inside the third boom (53). Using the same principle, the other locking device locks first boom (51 ) in excavator position with the upper frame (50). Two opened slots (11 b) (see Figure 1 , for example), one on each side of the upper frame (50), and a sliding pin in a slot (15) located on the first boom (51 ). The pin locks and unlocks the first boom (51 ) with upper frame (50) by sliding in the X-Y plane by means of a hydraulic cylinder located inside first boom (51 ).

The digging movements are performed as a regular excavator by means of hydraulic cylinders: the second hydraulic cylinders (7b) are performing the rising/lowering of the whole "excavator boom", the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d) is performing the dipperstick movements, and the fifth hydraulic cylinder (7e) is performing the excavator bucket (17a) movements.

As shown in mode of Figure 1 , when the multi-boom system is positioned in the loader mode, the hydraulic cylinders (7a), (7c) and (7d) are completely retracted (or near to be completely retracted) and are not meant to move. To change the multi-boom system from the excavator mode to the loader mode, the two locking devices unlock, that is, the pins move out of the opened slots. Then, the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) and the third hydraulic cylinder (7c) retract. When this maneuver is completed, the two locking devices get in the opened slots, thus mechanically locking the redundant degrees of freedom.

As previously described for the excavator mode, the same two locking devices can be reused to lock the multi-booms system in the loader mode. One locking device consist of two opened slots (11 c) (see Figure 3, for example), now located on each side of the fourth boom (54), and the same pin sliding in a slot (15), located on the third boom (53). The pin locks and unlocks the third boom (53) with the fourth boom (54) by sliding in the X-Y plane by means of a hydraulic cylinder, the latter being located inside the third boom (53). The third hydraulic cylinder (7c) and the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d), both in retracted, or near to be in retracted position, prevent the rotation of the assembly of the third boom (53) and the fourth boom (54) relative with the second boom (52). The other locking device locks first boom (51 ) in loader position with the upper frame (50). Two opened slots (11 a) (see Figure 3, for example), located on each side of the upper frame (50), and the same a locking pin in slots (15) located on the first boom (51 ). As previously mentioned, the pin locks and unlocks the first boom (51 ) with upper frame (50) by sliding in the X-Y plane by means of a hydraulic cylinder located inside first boom (51 ).

The multi-boom assembly now with restrained degrees of freedom can operated in loader mode. The loader type of tasks are performed as a regular loader/skid steer loader by activating the second hydraulic cylinders (7b) for rising/lowering the whole "loader boom", and by activating the fifth hydraulic cylinder (7e) which is performing the loader bucket (17b) movements. As can be easily understood from the aforementioned and the accompanying drawings, the present multi-boom system (1 ) may come in the form of a multi-boom system (1 ) (and/or associated working vehicle (3)) including one and/or several of the following possible components and features (and/or different possible combination(s) and/or permutation(s) thereof): a) a multi-boom system (1 ) capable of dual-purpose and for use with a working vehicle (3), the multi-boom system (1 ) comprising: a plurality of booms (5) for cooperating with corresponding actuators (7) and being interconnectable to one another for providing the working vehicle (3) with a resulting articulated and operational boom assembly (9), the plurality of booms (5) including at least one selectively-adjustable boom (5a) having a portion being operatively mountable onto a given base boom (5b) for pivoting with respect to the same, the at least one selectively-adjustable boom (5a) further having another portion being operable between at least two different configurations, wherein in a first configuration, said another portion of the at least one selectively-adjustable boom (5a) is removably connectable to a first anchoring point (11 ) of the boom assembly (9), so that the resulting articulated and operational boom assembly (9) is operable in a loader mode, and wherein in a second configuration, said another portion of the at least one selectively-adjustable boom (5a) is removably connectable to a second anchoring point (11 ) of the boom assembly (9), so that the resulting articulated and operational boom assembly (9) is operable in an excavator mode, thereby enabling the multi-boom system (1 ) and associated working vehicle (3) to be selectively operable between two different operating modes, namely loader and excavator modes respectively; b) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the plurality of booms (5) includes at least one other selectively-adjustable boom (5a) having a portion being operatively mountable onto another given base boom (5b) for pivoting with respect to the same, the at least one other selectively-adjustable boom (5a) further having another portion being operable between at least two different configurations, wherein in a first configuration, said another portion of the at least one other selectively-adjustable boom (5a) is removably connectable to a third anchoring point (11 ) of the boom assembly (9), so that the resulting articulated and operational boom assembly (9) is operable in the loader mode, and wherein in a second configuration, said another portion of the at least one other selectively-adjustable boom (5a) is removably connectable to a fourth anchoring point (11 ) of the boom assembly (9), so that the resulting articulated and operational boom assembly (9) is operable in the excavator mode, thereby further enabling the multi-boom system (1 ) and associated working vehicle (3) to be selectively operable between two different configurations of two different operating modes, namely loader and excavator modes; c) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each selectively-adjustable boom (5a) has a proximate end being operatively and pivotably mountable about a base pivot point (5c) of its corresponding base boom (5b), so that each selectively-adjustable boom (5a) is capable of swiveling and in turn of being operated between a pair of different anchoring points (11 ); d) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the plurality of booms (5) includes a first boom (51 ) being operatively and pivotably mountable about a first base boom (50) of the multi-boom system (1 ), and wherein the at least one selectively-adjustable boom (5a) corresponds to said first boom (51 ); e) a multi-boom system (1 according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first boom (51 ) has a proximate end being operatively and pivotably mountable about a base pivot point (5c) of the base boom (50); f) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the base boom (50) includes the first and second anchoring points (11 ), and wherein the first boom (51 ) is configured for being selectively and removably anchored onto said first and second anchoring points (11 ), for selectively and removably operating the multi-boom system (1 ) and associated working vehicle (3) between the loader and excavator modes respectively; g) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first and second anchoring points (11 ) are provided on opposite sides of a base pivot point (5c) of the base boom (50) about which a proximate end of the first boom (51 ) is operatively and pivotably mountable; h) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first anchoring point (11 ) is provided about a rearward portion of the base boom (50), and wherein the second anchoring point (11 ) is provided about a frontward portion of the base boom (50); i) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second anchoring point (11 ) is positioned about the base boom (50) at a location than is lower than a location of the first anchoring point (11 ); j) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the multi-boom system (1 ) includes a first interlocking assembly (13) for selectively and removably interlocking the first boom (51 ) in place with a given anchoring point (11 ) of the base boom (50); k) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first interlocking assembly (13) includes a pair of interlocking components; l) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein a first interlocking component (13a) of the first interlocking assembly (13) is provided about the given anchoring point (11 ), and wherein a second interlocking component (13b) is provided about the first boom (51 ); m) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first interlocking component (13a) of the first interlocking assembly (13) provided about the given anchoring point (11 ) is a fixed interlocking component, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the first interlocking assembly (13) provided about the first boom (51 ) is also a fixed interlocking component; n) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first interlocking component (13a) of the first interlocking assembly (13) provided about the given anchoring point (11 ) is a fixed interlocking component, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the first interlocking assembly (13) provided about the first boom (51 ) is a selectively movable interlocking component; o) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the first interlocking assembly (13) provided about the first boom (51 ) is selectively movable within a given span (15) defined about a portion of the first boom (51 ); p) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the given span (15) of the first boom (51 ) is provided about a central portion of said first boom (51 ); q) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein one of the first and second interlocking components (13a, 13b) of the first interlocking assembly (13) is a female component, and wherein the other one of the first and second interlocking components (13a, 13b) of the first interlocking assembly (13) is a male component; r) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first interlocking component (13a) of the first interlocking assembly (13) provided about the given anchoring point (11 ) is a female component, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the first interlocking assembly (13) provided about the first boom (51 ) is a male component; s) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first interlocking component (13a) of the first interlocking assembly (13) provided about the given anchoring point (11 ) includes a slot, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the first interlocking assembly (13) provided about the first boom (51 ) includes an insert being shaped and sized for selectively and removably inserting into said slot; t) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the slot is substantially C-shaped slot, and wherein the insert is a substantially cylindrical pin; u) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the insert is operatively movable in and out of the slot via a corresponding actuator (7); v) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein a given actuator (7a) is operatively extendable between the base boom (50) and the first boom (51 ) for in turn causing a corresponding relative movement between said base and first booms (51 ), and in turn causing a corresponding resulting movement of the boom assembly (9); w) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the plurality of booms (5) includes a second boom (52) being operatively and pivotably mountable about the first boom (51 ); x) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second boom (52) includes a proximate end being operatively and pivotably mountable about a distal end of the first boom (51 ), and also includes a distal end being operatively and pivotably mountable about a proximate end of a third boom (53); y) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second boom (52) includes an anchoring point (11 ), and wherein the third boom (53) is configured for being selectively and removably anchored onto said anchoring point (11 ) of the second boom (52), for selectively and removably operating the multi-boom system (1 ) and associated working vehicle (3) into the excavator mode; z) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the anchoring point (11 ) of the second boom (52) is provided about a distal portion of the second boom (52); aa) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the multi-boom system (1 ) includes a second interlocking assembly (13) for selectively and removably interlocking the third boom (53) in place with the anchoring point (11 ) of the second boom (52); bb) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second interlocking assembly (13) includes a pair of interlocking components; cc) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein a first interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) is provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the second boom (52), and wherein a second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) is provided about the third boom (53); dd) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the second boom (52) is a fixed interlocking component, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the third boom (53) is also a fixed interlocking component; ee) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the second boom (52) is a fixed interlocking component, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the third boom (53) is a selectively movable interlocking component; ff) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the third boom (53) is selectively movable within a given span (15) defined about a portion of the third boom (53); gg) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the given span (15) of the third boom (53) is provided about a proximate portion of said third boom (53); hh) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein one of the first and second interlocking components (13a, 13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) is a female component, and wherein the other one of the first and second interlocking components (13a, 13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) is a male component; ii) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the second boom (52) is a female component, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the third boom (53) is a male component; jj) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the second boom (52) includes a slot, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the third boom (53) includes an insert being shaped and sized for selectively and removably inserting into said slot; kk) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the slot of the first interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) is substantially C-shaped slot, and wherein the insert of the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) is a substantially cylindrical pin; II) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the insert of the second interlocking component (13b) is operatively movable in and out of the slot via a corresponding actuator (7); mm) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein a given actuator (7b) is operatively extendable between the base boom (50) and the second boom (52) for in turn causing a corresponding relative movement between said base and second booms (52), and in turn causing a corresponding resulting movement of the boom assembly (9); nn) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), the given actuator (7b) extendable between the base boom (50) and the second boom (52) is operatively extendable between an intermediate portion of the second boom (52) and a corresponding intermediate portion of the base boom (50); oo) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein a given actuator (7c) is operatively extendable between the second boom (52) and the third boom (53) for in turn causing a corresponding relative movement between said second and third booms (53), and in turn causing a corresponding resulting movement of the boom assembly (9); pp) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), the given actuator (7c) operatively extendable between the second boom (52) and the third boom (53) is operatively extendable between an intermediate portion of the second boom (52) and a corresponding intermediate portion of the third boom (53); qq) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the plurality of booms (5) includes a fourth boom (54) being operatively and pivotably mountable about third boom (53), and wherein said fourth boom (54) corresponds to a given selectively-adjustable boom (5a) of the boom assembly (9); rr) a multi-boom system (1) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the fourth boom (54) includes a proximate end being operatively and pivotably mountable about a distal end of the third boom (53), and also includes a distal end being configured for receiving a corresponding tool (17) depending on whether the multi-boom system (1) and associated working vehicle (3) is operated in the loader mode or in the excavator mode; ss) a multi-boom system (1) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the fourth boom (54) includes an anchoring point (11 ), and wherein the third boom (53) is configured for being selectively and removably anchored onto said anchoring point (11 ) of the fourth boom (54), for selectively and removably operating the multi-boom system (1 ) and associated working vehicle (3) into the loader mode; tt) a multi-boom system (1) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the anchoring point (11 ) of the fourth boom (54) is provided about an intermediate portion of the fourth boom (54); uu) a multi-boom system (1) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second interlocking assembly (13) is further configured for selectively and removably interlocking the third boom (53) in place with the anchoring point (11 ) of the fourth boom (54); vv) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second interlocking assembly (13) includes an additional interlocking component (13a); ww) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the additional interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) is provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the fourth boom (54), and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) remains provided about the third boom (53); xx) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the additional interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the fourth boom (54) is a movable interlocking component; yy) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the additional interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the fourth boom (54) is a fixed interlocking component, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the third boom (53) remains a selectively movable interlocking component; zz) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the third boom (53) is selectively movable within a given span (15) defined about a portion of the third boom (53); aaa) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the given span (15) of the third boom (53) is provided about a proximate portion of said third boom (53); bbb) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the additional interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the fourth boom (54) includes at least one of female and male interlocking components, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the third boom (53) is a complementary interlocking component; ccc) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the additional interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the fourth boom (54) is a female component, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the third boom (53) is a male component; ddd) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the additional interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the anchoring point (11 ) of the fourth boom (54) includes a slot, and wherein the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) provided about the third boom (53) includes an insert being shaped and sized for selectively and removably inserting into said slot; eee) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the slot of the additional interlocking component (13a) of the second interlocking assembly (13) is substantially C-shaped slot, and wherein the insert of the second interlocking component (13b) of the second interlocking assembly (13) is a substantially cylindrical pin; fff) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the insert of the second interlocking component (13b) is operatively movable in and out of the slot via a corresponding actuator (7); ggg) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein wherein a given actuator (7d) is operatively extendable between the second boom (52) and the fourth boom (54) for in turn causing a corresponding relative movement between said second and fourth booms (54), and in turn causing a corresponding resulting movement of the boom assembly (9); hhh) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the given actuator (7d) operatively extendable between the second boom (52) and the fourth boom (54) is operatively extendable between a proximate end of the fourth boom (54) and a corresponding intermediate portion of the second boom (52); iii) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein a corresponding tool (17) of the working vehicle (3) is operatively mountable and movable with respect to a distal end of fourth boom (54) of the multi-boom system (1 ); jjj) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein wherein a given actuator (7e) is operatively extendable between the fourth boom (54) and the corresponding tool (17) for in turn causing a corresponding relative movement between said fourth boom (54) and corresponding tool (17), and in turn causing a corresponding resulting movement of the boom assembly (9); kkk) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the given actuator (7e) operatively extendable between the fourth boom (54) and the corresponding tool (17) is operatively extendable between an intermediate portion of the fourth boom (54) and a corresponding rear portion of the tool (17);

III) a multi-boom system (1 ) a according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the multi-boom system (1 ) includes a first linkage (19a) with first and second extremities, the first extremity of the first linkage (19a) being operatively and pivotably mountable about a distal end of the given actuator (7e) operatively extendable between the fourth boom (54) and the corresponding tool (17), and the second extremity of the first linkage (19a) being operatively and pivotably mountable about a corresponding rear portion of the tool (17); mmm)a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the multi-boom system (1 ) includes a second linkage (19b) with first and second extremities, the first extremity of the second linkage (19b) being operatively and pivotably mountable about a distal end of the given actuator (7e) operatively extendable between the fourth boom (54) and the corresponding tool (17), and the second extremity of the second linkage (19b) being operatively and pivotably mountable about a corresponding distal end of the fourth boom (54); nnn) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first linkage (19a) includes a pair of left and right first linkages (19a); ooo) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second linkage (19b) includes a pair of left and right second linkages (19b); ppp) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the multi-boom system (1 ) includes a pair of left and right base booms (5, 5b, 50); qqq) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the multi-boom system (1 ) includes a pair of left and right first booms (51 ); rrr) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the multi-boom system (1 ) includes a pair of left and right second booms (52); sss) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the multi-boom system (1 ) includes a pair of left and right third booms (53); ttt) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the multi-boom system (1 ) includes a pair of left and right fourth booms (54); uuu) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each anchoring point (11 ) includes a pair of left and right anchoring points (11 ); vvv) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein at least one of the actuators (7,7a,7b,7c,7d,7e) is operatively extendable between a pair of left and right booms (5, 5a, 5b, 50, 51 ,52,53,54); www) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein at least one of the actuators (7,7a,7b,7c,7d,7e) includes a pair of left and right actuators (7,7a,7b,7c,7d,7e); xxx) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein said left and right actuators (7,7a,7b,7c,7d,7e) are operatively extendable along left and right booms (5, 5a, 5b, 50, 51 ,52,53,54) respectively; yyy) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each actuator (7,7a,7b,7c,7d,7e) is a hydraulic cylinder; zzz) a multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the multi-boom system (1 ) comprises a given boom (5,52) having first and second portions (52a, 52b) being pivotable with respect to one another about a given axis (113) being transverse to a corresponding longitudinal axis (111 ) of said given boom (5,52); aaaa) a kit with corresponding components, including a plurality of booms (5, 5a, 5b, 50, 51 ,52,53,54), for assembling a corresponding multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s); bbbb) a kit according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the kit further includes a plurality of actuators (7,7a,7b,7c,7d,7e); cccc) a kit according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the kit further includes a plurality of linkages (19a, 19b); dddd) a working vehicle (3) being provided with a corresponding multi-boom system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the working vehicle (3) comprises a displacement system (21 ) for allowing the working vehicle (3) to be displaced over a given ground surface; eeee) a working vehicle (3) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the displacement system (21 ) includes at least one component selected from the group consisting of wheels and tracks; ffff) a working vehicle (3) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the base boom (5, 5b, 50) is operatively mountable onto a corresponding pivoting mechanism (23) of the working vehicle (3); and gggg) a working vehicle (3) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pivoting mechanism (23) of the working vehicle (3) includes a slewing gear mechanism.

As can also be easily understood from the aforementioned and the accompanying drawings, the present excavator-to-loader multi-boom system may also come in the form of an excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (and/or associated working vehicle) including one and/or several of the following possible components and features (and/or different possible combination(s) and/or permutation(s) thereof): i) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle, the multiple-boom system permitting the transformation of an excavator type of kinematics into a loader type of kinematics (and vice versa), allowing the work vehicle to accomplish both excavator and loader tasks, and to use both excavator and loader attachments (such as excavator buckets, loader buckets, pallet forks, etc.), the multi-boom system and frame comprising: a work vehicle comprising an upper frame (50) and ground-engaging means (21 ); an upper frame (50) that has three pivot connections: the first pivot that pivotally couples the first boom (51 ) somewhere near one of its ends with the upper frame (50) - the second pivots, one on each side of the upper frame (50), the pivots being located in X- direction relative to the pivot connection of the first boom (51 ) and the upper frame (50), that pivotally couples one end of each of the second hydraulic cylinders (7b) to the said upper frame (50) - the third pivot that pivotally couples one end of the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) with the upper frame (50) - the said upper frame (50) that also has two slots (11 b) and (11 a) located on each one of its side walls being contained in the X-Y planes; a first boom (51 ) that is pivotally coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) on one end, and that is pivotally coupled to the second boom (52) on the other end, and that is pivotally coupled somewhere on the upper frame (50) somewhere in-between both ends of the said first boom (51 ) - the first boom (51 ) that also has a sliding pin through slots (15) on each side of its side walls being contained in the X-Y planes, the sliding pin through slots (15) being located somewhere between both ends of the said first boom (51 ); a sliding pin through slots (15) located on each side walls that are contained in the X-Y planes of said first boom (51 ) somewhere in between both ends of said first boom (51 ) - the sliding pin (13b) being slid by means of an hydraulic cylinder that one end is being attached to the sliding pin (13b) and that the other end is being attached somewhere on the first boom (51 ) - the hydraulic cylinder that is being, or not, assisted with a or multiple springs; a second boom (52) that is pivotally coupled to the first boom (51 ) on one end, that is pivotally coupled to the third boom (53) on the other end - the said second boom (52) also has three other pivot connections somewhere in-between both of its ends; the first pivot connection that pivotally couples one end the second hydraulic cylinders (7b) to the second boom (52) - the second pivot connection that pivotally couples one end of the third hydraulic cylinder (7c) to the second boom (52) - the third pivot connection that pivotally couples one end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d) to the second boom (52) - the second boom (52) that also has one slot (11 d) located on each side of its side walls that are contained in the X-Y planes, the slots (11 d) being located near the second boom (52) to the third boom (53) pivot connection; a first hydraulic cylinder (7a) that is pivotally coupled somewhere on the upper frame (50) on one end and that is pivotally coupled on one end of the first boom (51 ) on the other end; two second hydraulic cylinders (7b), one located on each side of the boom system and on each side of the upper frame (50) side walls that are contained in the X-Y planes, that are pivotally coupled somewhere on the upper frame (50) on one end and that are pivotally coupled somewhere in between both ends of the second boom (52) on the other end; a third hydraulic cylinder (7c) that is pivotally coupled somewhere in between both ends of the second boom (52) on one end, and that is pivotally coupled somewhere on both ends of the third boom (53) on the other end; a fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d) that is pivotally coupled somewhere in between both ends of the second boom (52) on one end, and that is pivotally coupled on one end of the fourth boom (54) on the other end - the center axis of the third hydraulic cylinder (7c) that lies on an offset X-Y plane in Z direction relative to the X-Y plane that contains the center axis of the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d); a third boom (53) that has a sliding pin through slots (15) on each side of its side walls contained in X-Y planes on one end, and that is pivotally coupled to the fourth boom (54) on the other end, that is pivotally coupled to the third hydraulic cylinder (7c) somewhere in between both ends of said third boom (53), and that is pivotally coupled to the second boom (52) somewhere in between both ends of said third boom (53); a sliding pin through slots (15) located on each side walls that are contained in the X-Y planes of the said third boom (53) somewhere in between both ends of said third boom (53) - the sliding pin (13b) being slid by mean of an hydraulic cylinder that one end is being attached to the sliding pin (13b) and that the other end is being attached somewhere on the third boom (53) - the hydraulic cylinder that is being, or not, assisted with a or multiple springs; a fourth boom (54) (usually called a "dipper stick") that is pivotally coupled to the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d) on one end, that is pivotally coupled to the third boom (53) somewhere near the said end, that comprises a pivot connection to a fifth hydraulic cylinder (7e) somewhere near the said end, and that comprises a typical excavator bucket 4-bar linkage (19a) (19b) and a pivot to attach a bucket (17a) (17b) or quick coupler on the other end - the said fourth boom (54) that has opened slots (11 c) on each of its side walls that are contained in the X-Y planes located in between both ends of the said fourth boom (54); ii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein only one second hydraulic cylinder (7b) is used instead of two second hydraulic cylinders (7b); iii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second boom (52) that is split into two booms making boom (52a) and boom (52b): boom (52a) that has the second hydraulic cylinders (7b) and first boom (51 ) pivot connections, while boom (52b) that has the third hydraulic cylinder (7c), the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d) and the third boom (53) pivot connections - the boom (52a) and boom (52b) center axis line that is being defined by the line contained in the X-Y plane and passing through the center of first boom (51 ) and boom (52a) pivot connection and passing through the center of boom (52b) and third boom (53) pivot connection - a new pivot connection that is created and that pivotally couples boom (52a) to boom (52b); when the boom (52a) and boom (52b) center axis is parallel, or near to be parallel to the X directions, the new pivot connection that is parallel, or that is near to be parallel to the Y directions, allowing boom (52b) to rotate freely from boom (52a) in the X-Z plane or a plane near the X-Z plane - also, two pivot connections that are created, one somewhere on each of the boom (52a) and boom (52b), and the pivot connections that are both parallel or that are near to be parallel to the Y directions - a seventh hydraulic cylinder that is added between both boom (52a) and boom (52b) - the first pivot connection that is being located on boom (52a) pivotally couples one end of the seventh hydraulic cylinder to boom (52a), and the second pivot connection that is being located on boom (52b) pivotally couples the other end of the seventh hydraulic cylinder to boom (52b); iv) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein an eighth hydraulic cylinder that is added and two other pivot connections that are added, one on each of boom (52a) and boom (52b); the eighth hydraulic cylinder and the two pivot connections that are being added of the other side of the boom (52a) and boom (52b), opposite to the seventh hydraulic cylinder and its pivot connections side - the first pivot connection that is being located on boom (52a) pivotally couples one end of the eighth hydraulic cylinder to boom (52a), and the second pivot connection that is being located on boom (52b) pivotally couples the other end of the eighth hydraulic cylinder to boom (52b) - the pivot connections of the eighth hydraulic cylinder that are following the same directions as the pivot connections of the seventh hydraulic cylinder - the eighth hydraulic cylinder that has the same purpose of the seventh hydraulic cylinder and only adds more torque to rotate boom (52b) from boom (52a); v) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pivot connection of the first boom (51 ) to the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) is moved somewhere in between the pivot connection of the first boom (51 ) and the upper frame (50), and the pivot connection of the first boom (51 ) and the second boom (52) along the X-Y plane, therefore reversing the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) movement compared to the previously described method of operation of the multiple-boom system; vi) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pivot connection of the first boom (51 ) to the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) is removed from the first boom (51 ) - a new pivot connection is created on the first boom (51 ) somewhere in between both of its ends - the new pivot connection pivotally couples one end of an intermediate link to the first boom (51 ), and the other end of the intermediate link being pivotally coupled to one end of the first hydraulic cylinder (7a), and also being pivotally coupled to one end of a second intermediate link - the second intermediate link being pivotally coupled to the intermediate link and the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) on one end, and being pivotally coupled to the upper frame (50) on the other end; vii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pivot connection of one end of the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) and the upper frame

(50) is removed from the upper frame (50) and placed somewhere on the first boom

(51 ), therefore making one end of the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) pivotally coupled to the first boom (51 ); viii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the second hydraulic cylinders (7b) to the upper frame (50) pivot connections are removed from the upper frame (50) - also, one of the two hydraulic cylinders (7b) is removed, therefore keeping only one hydraulic cylinder (7b) - a new pivot connection is created somewhere on the upper frame (50), the new pivot connection being in X- direction relative to the first boom (51 ) to the upper frame (50) pivot connection - the new pivot connection pivotally couples one end of an intermediate link to the upper frame (50) - the other end of the intermediate link being pivotally coupled to one end of the second hydraulic cylinder (7b), and also being pivotally coupled to one end of a second intermediate link - the other end of the second intermediate link being pivotally coupled somewhere on the first boom (51 ) - finally, the first hydraulic cylinder (7a) to the first boom (51 ) pivot connection is removed from the first boom (51 ) and is placed in between both ends of the intermediate link; ix) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pivot connection of the second hydraulic cylinder (7b) to one end of intermediate link is moved somewhere on the intermediate link, therefore making the intermediate link to the second intermediate link pivot connection distinct from the second hydraulic cylinder (7b) to the intermediate link pivot connection; x) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pivot connection of the second hydraulic cylinder (7b) to one end of intermediate link is removed from the intermediate link and is placed somewhere on the second intermediate link; xi) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pivot connection of the intermediate link to the second intermediate link is moved somewhere between both ends of the second intermediate link, therefore making the intermediate link to the second intermediate link pivot connection distinct from the second hydraulic cylinder (7b) to the second intermediate link pivot connection; xii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pivot connection of the intermediate link to the second intermediate link is moved somewhere between both ends of the intermediate link, therefore making the intermediate link to the second intermediate link pivot connection distinct from the second hydraulic cylinder (7b) to the intermediate link pivot connection; xiii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein first hydraulic cylinder (7a) to the intermediate link pivot point is moved to the intermediate link to upper frame (50) pivot connection, and the intermediate link to upper frame (50) pivot connection is moved somewhere in between both ends of the intermediate link; xiv) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the third hydraulic cylinder (7c) to the third boom (53) pivot connection is removed from the third boom (53) - a new pivot connection is created in between both ends of the second boom (52) - the new pivot connection pivotally couples the second boom (52) to one end of a third intermediate link - the other end of the third intermediate link is pivotally coupled to one end of the third hydraulic cylinder (7c), and is also pivotally coupled to one end of a fourth intermediate link. The other end of the fourth intermediate link being pivotally coupled somewhere in between both ends of the third boom (53); xv) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d) to the fourth boom (54) pivot connection is removed from the fourth boom (54) - a new pivot connection is created in between both ends of the third boom (53) - the new pivot connection pivotally couples the third boom (53) to one end of a fifth intermediate link - the other end of the fifth intermediate link is pivotally coupled to one end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d), and is also pivotally coupled to one end of a sixth intermediate link - the other end of the sixth intermediate link being pivotally coupled to one end of the fourth boom (54); xvi) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the fourth hydraulic cylinder (7d) to the second boom (52) pivot connection is removed from the second boom (52) and placed somewhere on the third boom (53); xvii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pin of the sliding pin through slots (15) is replaced by a rectangular bar or a wedge shaped bar, and the opened slots (11 c) and (11 d) being reshaped or not accordingly to follow the shape of the sides of the bar; xviii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pin of the sliding pin through slots (15) is replaced by a rectangular bar or a wedge shaped bar, and the opened slots (11 b) and (11 a) being reshaped or not accordingly to follow the shape of the sides of the bar; xix) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle as according to any one of the preceding combination(s); xx) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle as according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the locking opened slots (11 c) and (11d), respectively located on the fourth boom (54) and on the second boom (52), are replaced by circular holes - the pin of the sliding pin through slots (15), located on the third boom (53), are replaced by two pins sliding in the Z directions, therefore the pins center axis are following the Z directions - the slots of the sliding pins through slots (15) are replaced by circular holes, one on each side wall contained in the X-Y planes of the third boom (53) - the hydraulic cylinder that was activating the pin through slots, which center axis was contained in a X-Y plane is relocated and is now following the Z directions, therefore is used to move the sliding pins through holes (15). One end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to one end of the sliding pin through holes (15) on one side of the third boom (53), and the other end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to one end of the sliding pin through holes (15) on the other side of the third boom (53) - the hydraulic cylinder being or not assisted with a or multiple springs - alternatively, there could be one hydraulic cylinder to activate each locking pin on each side of the third boom (53); in this case, each hydraulic cylinder has one end attached to a pin, and the other end attached to the third boom (53) - the distance measured in the X-Y plane between the center of holes (11 d) to the pivot connection of the second boom (52) and the third boom (53) is equivalent to the distance measured in the X-Y plane between the pivot connection of the second boom (52) and the third boom (53) and the sliding pins through holes (15) - moreover, the distance measured in the X-Y plane between the center of the sliding pins through holes (15) located on third boom (53) and the center of the pivot connection of the third boom (53) and the fourth boom (54) being equivalent to the distance measured in the X-Y plane between the center of the pivot connection of the third boom (53) and the fourth boom (54) to the center of the holes (11 c) located on the said fourth boom (54) - when the multi-boom system is in the excavator position, the pins sliding through the holes (15) are able to slide in and out of the holes (11 d) to mechanically lock and unlock the second boom (52) with the third boom (53) - when the multi-boom system is in the loader position, the sliding pins through holes (15) are able to slide in and out of the holes (11 c) to mechanically lock and unlock the third boom (53) with the fourth boom (54); xxi) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the locking opened slots (11 b) and (11 a), both located on the upper frame (50), are replaced by circular holes - the pin of the sliding pin through slots (15), located on the first boom (51 ), are replaced by two pins sliding in the Z direction, therefore the pins center axis are following the Z direction - the slots of the sliding pins through slots (15) are replaced by circular holes, one on each side wall contained in the X-Y planes of the first boom (51 ) - the hydraulic cylinder that was activating the pin through slots, which center axis was contained in a X-Y plane is relocated and is now following the Z direction, therefore is used to move the sliding pins through holes (15) - one end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to one end of the sliding pin through holes (15) on one side of the first boom (51 ), and the other end of the hydraulic cylinder is attached to one end of the sliding pin through holes (15) on the other side of the first boom (51 ). The hydraulic cylinder being or not assisted with a or multiple springs - alternatively, there could be one hydraulic cylinder to activate each locking pin on each side of the first boom (51 ); in this case, each hydraulic cylinder has one end attached to a pin, and the other end attached to the first boom (51 ) - the distance measured in the X-Y plane between the center of holes (15) to the pivot connection of the first boom (51 ) and the upper frame (50) is equivalent to the distance measured in the X-Y plane between the pivot connection of the first boom (51 ) and the upper frame (50) and the circular holes (11 b) - moreover, the distance measured in the X-Y plane between the center of holes (15) to the pivot connection of the first boom (51 ) and the upper frame (50) is equivalent to the distance measured in the X-Y plane of the center of the pivot connection of the first boom (51 ) and the upper frame (50) to the locking circular holes (11 a) - when the multi-boom system is in the excavator position, the pins sliding through the holes (15) are able to slide in and out of the holes (11 b) to mechanically lock and unlock the first boom (51 ) with the upper frame (50) - when the multi-boom system is in the loader position, the sliding pins through holes (15) are able to slide in and out of the holes (11 a) to mechanically lock and unlock the first boom (51 ) with the upper frame (50); xxii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s); xxiii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), used in combination with any one of the preceding combination(s); xxiv) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the sliding pin through slots (15), or the sliding pins through holes (15), and the opened slots (11 c) and (11d), or the circular holes (11 c) and (11 d) are removed from the booms, therefore the second boom (52), the third boom (53) and the fourth boom (54) are never mechanically locked together, regardless of which one of the boom configuration (excavator or loader) is used; xxv) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the sliding pin through slots (15), or the sliding pins through holes (15), and the opened slots (11 b) and (11 a), or the circular holes (11 b) and (11 a) are removed from the first boom (51 ) and the upper frame (50), therefore the first boom (51 ) and the upper frame (50) are never mechanically locked together, regardless of which one of the boom configuration (excavator or loader) is used; xxvi) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s); xxvii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein some or all of the hydraulic cylinders/actuators are replaced by electric actuators; and xxviii) a multiple-boom system and frame coupled to ground-engaging means forming a work vehicle according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein some or all of the hydraulic cylinders or electric actuators are replaced by a single or multiple hydraulic motor(s), or a single or multiple hydraulic helical rotary actuator(s), or a single or multiple electric motor(s), or a combination of electric and hydraulic motors, coupled or not to some kind of reducing gear boxes to move one or more booms and/or one or more links, therefore voiding some or all hydraulic cylinder or electric actuator pivot connections.

Various other changes, additions and/or omissions could be made to the present multi-boom system (1 ) in order to provide it with various other mechanical, structural and/or functional equivalent(s) other than the one(s) exemplified in the present patent specification, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

For example, although the multi-boom system (1 ) was described with "at least one" operatively-adjustable boom (5a), and optionally, as shown in the accompanying drawings, with a "pair" of such selectively-adjustable booms (5a), namely first and second selectively-adjustable booms (5a), which may in turn correspond to the "first" and "third" booms (51 ,53) respectively of the resulting articulated and operational boom assembly (9), as exemplified in the accompanying drawings, various other numbers and/or positioning(s) for the at least one "operatively-adjustable boom" (5a) and various other resulting embodiments are also contemplated by the present multiboom system (1 ), can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Furthermore, although the actuators (7) having been exemplified are "extendable" actuators (7), various other suitable mechanical, structural and/or functional equivalent(s) are also contemplated by the present multi-boom system (1 ). For example, the present multi-boom system (1 ) may employ various other types of actuators (7) and/or arrangement(s), such as "rotating" actuator(s)/motor(s) (7) operatively provided about a base pivot point (5c) and its corresponding boom (5, 5a, 5b, 50, 51 ,52,53,54) for ensuring a relative movement between boom(s) and/or in turn causing a corresponding resulting movement of the boom assembly (9).

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning also that in the context of the present description, "anchoring point" (11 ) is not limited to a point where there is an interlocking of booms, but rather, "anchoring point" (11 ) is also meant to include "positioning point", "configuration point", "pivoting point", etc., in that, instead of using an interlocking assembly (13) to ensure a corresponding interaction between booms for selectively operating the multi-boom system (1 ) and associated working vehicle (3) between loader and excavator modes, such anchoring point(s) (11 ) could be provided solely with the use of the actuators (7) themselves, and/or any other suitable mechanical, structural and/or functional equivalent(s) other than the one(s) exemplified in the present patent specification, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Thus, the expression "operatively-adjustable boom" (5a) is also meant to include "operatively-configurable boom" (5a), "operatively-selectable boom" (5a), "operatively-movable boom" (5a), "operatively-positionable boom" (5a), etc., as can also be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Finally, it is worth mentioning also that in the context of the present description, any combination of female and male interlocking components (13a, 13b) could ultimately be replaced by any other suitable mechanical, structural and/or functional equivalent(s) other than the one(s) exemplified in the present patent specification, in that "female" component(s) exemplified can be replaced (ex. interchanged, etc.) by "male" component(s) and/or vice versa, and in some cases, female-male combinations can be replaced (ex. interchanged, etc.) by various other arrangement(s) and/or combination(s) of multiple female components and/or other multiple male components, as can also be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

As can be easily understood, in addition to the various innovative components and features of the present system, and explained and/or exemplified in the present patent specification, the excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (1 ) according to the present invention could also be provided with various other known components and features of other conventional boom systems and the like being well known (ex. cameras, GPS systems, anti-theft devices, etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

As may now be better appreciated, the present excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (1 ) is a considerable improvement over conventional systems in that it overcomes the many drawbacks and inconveniences associated with conventional boom systems, in that: a) it allows to switch from an "excavator" mode to a "front-end loader" mode, and vice-versa, the whole system being installed on some groundengaging means, therefore forming a work vehicle - as one or the other boom configuration is used, the machine can exchange and pick up the appropriate tools (excavator bucket, loader bucket, pallet forks, auger, etc.) to perform tasks of excavator and/or loader type.

Furthermore, the present excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (1 ) is advantageous in that it offers an innovative design with minimal components that can be modular and/or interchangeable depending on the applications(s) for which the excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (1 ) is intended for, and the desired end result(s), and the present excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (1 ) is also advantageous in that it enables to provide a great variety of different types of configuration(s) and/or application(s) with a same excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (1 ) and corresponding vehicle (3), in a quicker, easier, simpler, faster, safer, more efficient, more convenient, more reliable, more secure, more economical and/or more sustainable manner.

The present excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (1 ) and corresponding parts are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials, hardened polymers, composite materials, polymeric materials, and/or the like, so as to ensure a proper operation thereof depending on the particular applications for which the excavator-to-loader multi-boom system (1 ) is intended and the different parameters (ex. loads involved, associated torques, weights, etc.) in cause, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Of course, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the possible embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Furthermore, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been briefly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various changes and modifications could be made without departing form the scope and spirit of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims and as apparent to a person skilled in the art.