Farm implement with frame connected thereto by linkage mechanism

• US 4,696,349 A
• Filed: 01/31/1986
• Issued: 09/29/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: CNH America Llc (CNH Industrial N.V.)
• Original Assignee: JI Case Company (CNH Industrial N.V.)
• Inventors: Bell, Frank A., Harwood, J. Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Stouffer, Richard T.
• Application Number:
  US06/824,413
• Time in Patent Office: 606 Days
• Field of Search: 172/322, 172/323, 172/327, 172/328, 172/396, 172/413, 172/443, 172/457, 172/458, 172/464, 172/473, 172/483, 172/484, 172/491, 172/494, 172/680, 172/47, 172/78, 172/397 , 172/439, 172/451, 172/474, 172/668, 172/675, 280/405 R, 280/405 A, 280/405 B, 280/408, 280/414.5, 280/446 R, 280/446 A, 280/406 R, 280/407, 280/461 R, 280/461 A, 111/7, 111/52, 111/55, 111/59, 111/66, 111/67, 111/69, 111/73
• US Class Current: 172/323
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 63/145 for controlling weight transfer between implements and tractor wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 63/22 operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means

Abstract

An implement-mounting linkage mechanism for pivotally connecting a frame to a wheeled implement is disclosed. The mechanism is preferably used for pivotally connecting a wheeled load-bearing frame to the backside of a wheeled farm implement. The frame includes wheels adjustable relative to the frame for raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground. The frame preferably includes a plurality of soil-engaging ground-tool implements mounted thereon. The mounting-linkage mechanism of the present invention incorporates a novel non-parallel four-point design which virtually eliminates negative hitch weight when the frame is raised above the ground, in the static case. On the other hand, the novel design results in a net downward force being imposed upon the ground-tool implements when the frame is lowered for soil engagement, in the dynamic case.

Claims

1. A farm implement supported by transversely spaced wheels, said implement having a frame pivotally connected thereto rearwardly thereof by a linkage mechanism, said frame having soil-engaging tools mounted thereon, wheel means mounted on said frame for raising and lowering said frame relative to the ground between transport and working positions, said linkage mechanism comprising:

first-linking means connected at spaced opposite-end portions thereof by respective first and second pivot means pivotally linking the frame to the implement with a line interconnecting said respective first and second pivot means defining a first axis;

second-linking means connected at spaced opposite-end portions thereof by respective first and second pivot means pivotally linking the frame to the implement with a line intersecting said last mentioned respective first and second pivot means defining a second axis;

the axes of said first-linking means and second-linking means intersecting substantially at the axis of the transversely spaced wheels of the implement when the frame is in its transport position; and

the axes of said first-linking means and second-linking means intersecting rearwardly of the frame when the frame is in its working position to cause a downwardly-acting force to be imposed upon the engaging tools for engaging the soil.

2. The mechanism of claim 1 further comprising means for resisting lateral movement of the frame relative to the wheeled implement when a lateral force is imposed on the frame.

3. A linkage mechanism as set forth in claim 1 in which the first- and second-linking means are connected at their adjacent ends in a spaced relationship to an upstanding portion of said implement.

4. A linkage mechanism as set forth in claim 3 in which the first- and second-linking means are disposed in a non-parallel relationship when the frame is located in its transport and working positions.