Coupler Guard System
Patent Number: US 11802392 Grant Date: 2023-10-31 Filing Date: 2021-04-06
Overview
This patent tells the story of a practical, field-ready protection system designed to keep auxiliary coupler assemblies on loaders working longer under harsh conditions. Filed in April 2021 and granted in October 2023, the disclosure—by inventors based in Plantersville, TX—describes a wraparound encasement that covers the top and interior side of a coupler assembly, combined with a stout side plate that shields the exterior face. A hinged-ring attachment secures the guard to the loader’s hinge extension and is held in place with a ring screw and adjustable set screw, while multiple screw assemblies join the encasement and side plate for serviceable robustness. An edge trim aligns with the loader arm to complete the protective envelope.
Drafted and prosecuted with clear, focused claim language and practical drawings, the file history reflects an emphasis on manufacturable details and retrofit-friendly attachment. The result is protection that is both straightforward to install and engineered to address common failure modes—side strikes, abrasion, and debris ingress—seen in compact track loaders and skid loaders.
Key Features
- Encasement that wraps top and interior sides for comprehensive protection
- Removable side plate secured by screw assemblies for maintenance
- Ring that slides over hinge extension with ring screw and adjustable set screw for precise fit
- Edge trim that seats on the loader arm to prevent chatter and wear
This invention reduces downtime and component replacement for fleet operators and is immediately relevant to construction, landscaping, and rental equipment markets seeking durable, low-cost retrofit protection.
Invention Details
Abstract: A coupler guard configured to protect an auxiliary coupler assembly from side impacts in the rough use environment of a loader. The coupler guard comprises an encasement and a side plate. The loader comprises the auxiliary coupler assembly and a hinge extension. The encasement wraps around a top portion and interior side of the auxiliary coupler assembly. The side plate attaches to a portion of the encasement and protect an exterior side portion of the auxiliary coupler assembly. A screw assemblies selectively attaches the encasement to the side plate. A ring attaches to a portion of the side plate. The ring selectively wraps around a portion of the hinge extension of the loader. A ring screw assembly selectively holds the ring and the rest of the coupler guard to the hinge extension. An edge trim selectively sits on top of a portion of a first arm.
Summary of the Invention: A coupler guard configured to protect an auxiliary coupler assembly from side impacts in the rough use environment of a loader. Said coupler guard comprises an encasement and a side plate. Said loader comprises said auxiliary coupler assembly and a hinge extension. Said encasement wraps around a top portion and interior side of said auxiliary coupler assembly. Said side plate attaches to a portion of said encasement and protect an exterior side portion of said auxiliary coupler assembly. A screw assemblies selectively attaches said encasement to said side plate. A ring attaches to a portion of said side plate. Said ring selectively wraps around a portion of said hinge extension of said loader. A ring screw assembly selectively holds said ring and the rest of said coupler guard to said hinge extension. An edge trim selectively sits on top of a portion of a first arm. A set screw selectively adjusts a fit of said ring with respect to said hinge extension.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Construction | Plantersville, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney