Apparatus to reliably locate pull-type implement according to a localizing signal

• US 9,913,422 B2
• Filed: 06/22/2016
• Issued: 03/13/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/22/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Laforge, LLC
• Original Assignee: Laforge, LLC
• Inventors: Mitchel, Wade, Kolker, Joel, Defrancq, Hubert
• Primary Examiner(s): Hartmann, Gary S
• Application Number:
  US15/189,548
• Publication Number:
  US 20160366812A1
• Time in Patent Office: 629 Days
• Field of Search: 172446, 172451, 172447, 37468, 280468
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 59/002 Details, component parts
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 59/043 supported at three points, e.g. by quick-release couplings A01B59/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 63/004 Lateral adjustment of tools
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 63/14 for implements drawn by animals or tractors

Abstract

A shifting module for releasable securement on the lower two arms of a conventional three-point hitch of a tractor and for laterally shifting a pull-type implement mounted on the shifting module. The shifting module includes a lateral support having a pin on either end section for grasping and securement by the lower two arms of the three-point hitch. A traveler is mounted on the lateral support and a linear actuator operates to shift the traveler along the lateral support to any desired position along the lateral support. A hitch on the traveler is used for mounting of the pull-type implement so that the implement can be reliably and accurately positioned along a desired path.

Claims

1. A shifting module for releasable securement on the lower two arms of a conventional three-point hitch of a tractor and for laterally shifting and permitting three degrees of freedom of a pull-type implement mounted on the shifting module, comprising:

(a) a lateral support comprising first and second elongate parallel rods disposed between first and second yokes, the yokes comprising pins for grasping and securement by the lower two arms of a conventional three-point hitch, wherein the rods are configured to permit implement pitch;

(b) a traveler mounted on the lateral support;

(c) a linear actuator disposed parallel to the first and second elongate operable to shift the traveler along the lateral support; and

(d) a pivot member comprising;

(i) at least one flange configured to receive a substantially vertical mounting pin and configured to permit implement rotation about the vertical axis; and

(ii) a substantially horizontal pivot pin journaled within a tube, the tube extending perpendicular to the elongate rods and configured to allow for horizontal pivoting of the implement.

2. A shifting module as defined in claim 1, further comprising a sensor to provide a signal responsive to the position of the traveler on the lateral support.

3. A shifting module as defined in claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.

4. A shifting module as defined in claim 1, further comprising a pair of stands moveable between a horizontal storage position on the module where they do not interfere with the operation of the module and a vertical support position wherein they support the module when not in use.

5. A shifting module as defined in claim 1, further comprising a two-bar linkage.

6. A shifting module as defined in claim 1, wherein the traveler comprises parallel flanges.

7. A shifting module as defined in claim 1, further comprising a mating member, wherein the mating member defines first and second openings for passage of the first and second elongate rods.