Abstract: A quick coupler for attaching various material handling implements to a lift arm. The quick coupler includes an opening on one end for pivotal connection with the lift arm and a slotted end portion for selective engagement with a mounting pin on the implement. An intermediate portion of the quick coupler includes a mounting or coupler pin that extends laterally beyond the sides of the quick coupler. An actuating mechanism including a push-pull link is connected to the quick coupler for rotating it about the end of the lift arm. The quick coupler includes an element which may be used for lifting or positioning objects while the quick coupler is fully attached to the implement. Each implement is provided with a pair of opposed attachment members which include slots for receiving the outer laterally extending portions of the quick coupler mounting pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lift hitch which mounts on the lifting apparatus of a tractor and has a plurality of quick release mounting devices for mounting implements and where one of the mounting devices is a set of frontwardly protruding hooks that is movable to an out of the way position to accommodate use of the other mounting devices.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for detachably connecting a bucket to a power operated boom of a self propelled backhoe or excavator vehicle in which the hitch includes a body having a pair of upstanding side walls for hinge mounting onto the manipulative end of the boom. At the underside of the body secured in a relatively forward location of a bottom wall connecting the sidewalls is a hook member defining a transverse jaw channel in which to receive a transverse hingepin extending between spaced apart support lugs secured to the backside of the bucket. Rearwardly extending downward from the backside of the bottom wall is an elongated transverse sleeve adapted to be received intervening between the lugs of the bucket and containing a cyindrical rotatably displaceable bushing within the bore of the sleeve. The bushing is formed having an eccentric internal bore that by arcuate displacement of the bushing can be axially aligned with opposite apertures in the lugs.

Abstract: An improved coupling assembly enabling a bucket to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from a front-end loader with lifting and tilting means. A female coupling structure is integral with the bucket. A back plate of the female coupling structure bears against a front plate of a male coupling structure with no gap between such plates. An upper flange on the front plate bears upwardly against an upper flange on the back plate. Means are provided to latch the male coupling structure releasably to the female coupling structure. Vertical play between the male coupling structure and the female coupling structure is limited precisely to a specified gap between and adjustable member on the male coupling structure and a fixed block on the female coupling structure.

Abstract: A device for releasably mounting a working implement such as an excavating or loading bucket on a working arm, such as an excavating arm of a vehicle comprises a housing which is, in use, secured to the working arm, the housing having a latch which is movable between a free position and a latched position, the latch being engageable with a co-operating receiving part of the working implement and retaining the receiving part of the implement when moved to its latched position, to secure the implement relative to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment for a loader, comprising an elongated body member generally in the form of a cylinder having a curved outer surface, a blade extending laterally of the elongated body member and projecting outwardly therefrom, and a frame attached to the curved surface of the elongated body member and being provided with at least one recessed member and at least one eye to enable the attachment to be engaged with and disengaged from a quick release mechanism of the loader, which quick release mechanism is operable from the driving position of the loader, such that when the loader is orientated in a first position the blade is arranged to engage with the ground and when the loader is orientated in a second position the curved outer surface of the body member is arranged to engage with the ground.

Abstract: A hitch adapter couples a semi-integral, PTO-driven implement to a quick coupler carried by a tractor three-point hitch. The hitch adapter includes a drawbar located significantly below the level of the connection of lower three-point hitch link with the quick coupler and a parking stand is integral with the bottom of the drawbar. Lowering of the three-point hitch from a normal working position results in the stand engaging the ground to prevent interference between the hitch and the drive shaft coupling the implement to the tractor PTO shaft. Once the stand engages the ground, the hitch adapter can be disconnected from the quick coupler hooks by releasing latches associated with the lower hooks and lowering the three-point hitch.

Abstract: This invention teaches a simple, rigid and compact ripper attachment for skid steer loaders. The ripper attachment has a triangular frame, a mounting plate attached at the base of the triangular frame, and a scarifier receptacle attached at the apex of the triangular frame. A single shank scarifier is fastened to the apex receptacle and is oriented downward so that the tooth is driveable into the ground for ripping purposes.

Abstract: A quick release hitch for attaching an implement to the arm of a hydraulic excavator comprises a pair of pivotted links, each link having a jaw for engaging a pin on the implement; the links can be jack-knifed to engage or disengage the implement; and locking structures are provided for locking the links together when the implement has been engaged. Preferably, the locking structure is a rotatable cam and/or over-center mechanism.

Abstract: The boom of a backhoe is hinged to one end of a two-position cradle-like tilt member. The base of a single control cylinder is hinged to the other end and the piston is pivotally secured to the boom to swing it so that boom and control cylinder do not mutually interfere but allow for more stable transport and deeper working range. The cradle is pivotally mounted near its center on a swing tower, adjustable in azimuth. The cradle is caused to move to its end positions by control of the boom and its load. Actuating means for the dipper arm of the backhoe is secured between arm and the boom. Suitable locks are provided for securing the cradle in the transport and working positions.

Abstract: A quick coupler for front end loader implements having a male master pivotally connected by pins to the upper and lower extendable arms of a front end loader and a female coupler attached to any of a variety of buckets, plows, scoops, forks, or other implements. The female member consists of a pair of upper hooks and lower protruding eyes engageable by the male member having a pair of upper bridge pins and lower, channeled slots. Upper engagement is made between bridge pins and hooks and lower engagement by insertion of the protruding eyes into the slotted channels. Coupling is secured or released by extension or retraction of hydraulically or manually actuated pins through the slotted holes and protruding eyes.

Abstract: A tractor has a typical three-point hitch with lower lift arms and an upper stabilizing arm comprising, in part, of a transverse horizontal rod extending between the lift arms. A pair of connecting structures are mounted on the implement and spaced on the order of the lift arms but being transversely offset therefrom. Each of the connecting structures includes a vertical plate having a U-shaped edge opening vertically for receiving the transverse bar. A link is mounted on the fore-and-aft plate and extends from one position in which it traverses the opening of the U so as to retain the bar in the nip area of the U-shaped edge and a position in which it extends vertically and opens up the U-shaped edge so that the bar may have ingress and egress from the nip area. A latching rod extends from the plate and there is provided an opening in the link that receives the latching rod.

Abstract: Quick attachment of crop handling headers to harvesters employs one or more wedge locks, utilizing the mechanical forces thereof to, in turn, tightly and firmly wedge an elongated tongue portion of the header into mating relationship with a header-supporting channel member on the harvester. For fast and easy attachment and release, reciprocable wedge-like latches are jammed into corresponding keepers with progressively increased tightness through use of reciprocable latch shifters readily accessible to the operator at ground level exteriorly of the ends of the header support. An exceptionally strong joint is effected as the latches and their keepers jam the tongue into the channel member.

Abstract: Quick-action attachment for working implements comprising a first coupling part disposed on the working implement or, for example, the operating arm of a working machine and having at least a pair of parallel, undercut, mutually facing surfaces, and comprising a second coupling part are disclosed. On the operating arm of the working machine or on the working implement and having a pair of parallel, bevelled, mutually outwardly facing surfaces are adapted to be brought into engagement with the undercut surfaces of the first coupling part.

Abstract: Quick attachment of crop handling headers to harvesters employs one or more wedge locks, utilizing the mechanical forces thereof to, in turn, tightly and firmly wedge an elongated tongue portion of the header into mating relationship with a header-supporting channel member on the harvester. For fast and easy attachment and release, reciprocable wedge-like latches are jammed into corresponding keepers with progressively increased tightness through use of reciprocable latch shifters readily accessible to the operator at ground level exteriorly of the ends of the header support. An exceptionally strong joint is effected as the latches and their keepers jam the tongue into the channel member.

Abstract: A hydraulic latch arrangement is disclosed for facilitating efficient movement of a backhoe between working and transport positions relative to an associated material handling implement upon which the backhoe is mounted. The arrangement includes an upper pivot which pivotally connects the frame of the backhoe to the implement for relative movement of the backhoe about a horizontal axis. The arrangement further includes a pivotally movable latch member preferably mounted on the associated implement, and a latch pin mounted on the backhoe frame for cooperation with the pivotal latch member. A hydraulic latch motor is provided for selectively moving the pivotal latch member between engaged and disengaged positions, wherein in the engaged position the latch member cooperates with the latch pin for effecting a substantially rigid connection between the backhoe and the associated implement.

Abstract: A hinged snowplow includes a T-shaped support frame for attachment to a vehicle, the support frame having a free end. A cowling having a pair of extending plow blades pivotally secured thereto, is pivotally secured to the free end so as to pivot in a generally vertical plane about the free end. The cowling has a first stop engageable with the support frame to limit pivotal movement of the cowling about the frame to a first or normal plowing position. A second stop on the cowling is engageable with the support frame to limit the pivotal movement of the cowling about the frame to a second or tipped position. A trip bias mechanism between the frame and the cowling biases the cowling and plow blades to the first position in which the blades are normally positioned for plowing. The cowling and blades are rotated against the trip bias mechanism toward the second, tipped position when the blades hit an obstacle.

Abstract: A quick coupling and release mechanism for attaching a material handling bucket to the free end of a scoop arm extending from a loader or backhoe. The quick coupler has three spaced apart ends including a first end connected to a push-pull link by a releasable pin, a second end pivotally mounted between bifurcated ends on the loader arm, and a third end which is slotted for selective engagement with a mounting pin on the bucket. The push-pull link may be connected at a first location to the quick coupler when it is desired to permit more angular displacement of the quick coupler or to a second location on the quick coupler when it is desired to permit less angular displacement of the quick coupler. Further, the quick coupler and bucket are pivotally connected to the loader arm by a single releasable pin for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis. A single operator can easily handle the entire coupling or uncoupling operation without special tools.

Abstract: A drawbar pickup system includes a drawbar in the form of a shaft rotatably coupled between aft ends of a pair of draft links, and a latch fixed to the shaft to define an aperture therebetween. A hook is fixed to an implement tongue so that it opens towards the drawbar. The drawbar is rotatable to a position wherein the hook can be inserted into and removed from the aperture and to a position wherein the latch member engages the bight portion of the hook to prevent separation of the hook from the drawbar. A locking mechanism is operable to rotate the drawbar and to releasably hold the drawbar in its positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snowplow blade to be attached to a small all terrain vehicle. The snowplow blade comprises a lower portion constituted by a rubber sheet, the bottom edge of which is urged forwardly by a ground-engaging bar biased forwardly by springs. The rubber sheet and the ground engaging bars are free to yield rearwardly against the springs, when sufficient resistance is encountered. The invention also pertains to an attachment for connecting the snowplow blade to a vehicle. The attachment is constituted by a frame having a main point of connection with the vehicle at the rear end thereof, the front end of the frame being suspended from the chassis of the vehicle. Also described is a removable scraping edge mounted to the lower edge of the rubber sheet.

Abstract: A modular hitch unit is attached to a lawn and garden tractor and then to a tiller. The hitch unit includes hitching mechanisms as well as hand-operable belt adjustment mechanisms for positioning and adjusting the tension of a drive belt. A lever is operated to pivot a countersprung idler pulley to allow the belt to be placed in its operating position. A knob is then turned to adjust the pivotable position of a second idler pulley to control the tension of the belt. The idler pulleys can be switched and the belt remounted to change the direction in which a set of tiller tines are driven.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated latch mechanism is disclosed for releasably maintaining a backhoe in its lowered, working position on an associated material handling implement. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism includes a movable latch member pivotally mounted on the implement for movement between engaged and disengaged positions. A latch pin is provided on the frame of the backhoe for cooperation with the latch member whereby the latch pin is adapted to be received by the latch member in the engaged position thereof for holding the backhoe against movement relative to the implement. A latch hydraulic motor is provided in operative connection to the pivotal latch member for effecting movement between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A quick coupler latch mechanism includes a latch pivoted on a quick coupler frame above a hook having a recess. A guide pin extends horizontally through the frame and is supported by thickened frame parts to resist bending deformation of the guide pin. An operator-controlled lever device moves a control bar within the frame. A guide member is rigidly fixed for movement with the lower end of the control bar and has a recess which slidably receives the guide pin. The guide member operatively engages the latch to pivot it between open and closed positions.

Abstract: For use in detachably mounting an implement to a vehicle, the vehicle having associated therewith an adjustable take-up frame having at least one coupling element arranged to coact in engagement with a counter-coupling element on the implement, the improvement comprising: a mounting plate arranged on the implement in a substantially vertical plane extending transversely with respect to the working direction of the implement and the vehicle, the counter-coupling element being in the form of an open hook secured to and protruding rearwardly from the upper portion of said mounting plate, and the coupling element being in the form of a horizontal pin extending between two laterally spaced cheek plates, the said cheek plates forming part of the take-up frame, with said horizontal pin being arranged for engagement beneath said hook as the latter is received between said cheek plates.

Abstract: Arrangement for coupling an implement to a hydraulically operated coupling device on a tractor, said arrangement comprising a male coupling frame attached to the tractor and cooperating with a female coupling frame attached to the implement, the arrangement in coupled position providing a power transmitting union. Power transmission is effected via an upper union where the coupling beams of the female frame straddle the corresponding guide beams of the male frame, and by two lower coupling devices consisting of catch hooks on the male frame and interacting coupling hooks on the female frame. The coupling members are locked and released by a separate spring-loaded latch provided with an indicating lever to which an operating mechanism has been attached.

Abstract: A coupling system includes a connecting assembly 4 having two upwardly facing critically angled U-shaped lifting forks mounted at the upper ends of its sides. A bucket 2 has two transversely spaced locating members 6 and 8 defining a central profiled portion 10. Two co-linear transverse pins 12 are mounted at the top of the portion 10, and a central recess 18 is formed in the profiled portion 10. An end member 22 having an aperture 24 therein is located at the base of the recess 18. A latch bar 34 and an operating cylinder 36 are mounted on the assembly 4, and are dimensioned to fit in the recess 18.In operation, the assembly 4 is tilted forwardly and advanced until the lifting pins 12 enter the forks 32. The assembly 4 is then tilted backwards and edged forwardly until the cylinder 36 and the latch bar 34 enter the recess 18. The cylinder 36 is then operated to advance the latch bar 34 into the aperture 24 to couple together the bucket 2 and the assembly 4.

Abstract: A coupler latch mechanism is disclosed having a self-opening hook-up feature for facilitating the hook-up of an implement to the hitch on a tractor. The coupler latch mechanism includes a latch bar pivotally connected to a coupler frame immediately above a hook. A trigger member is pivotally connected to a midsection of this latch bar and has a downwardly projecting finger which is located rearward of the lower portion of the latch bar. The forward end of the trigger member is pivotally connected to a link, which is in turn pivotally connected to the frame. The point of attachment of the trigger member to the link is also the point of attachment of the trigger member to a vertical rod, which extends up through the frame. The upper end of the rod is pivotally attached to a lever pivotally connected to the frame. The control latch mechanism is able to open as an implement hitch pin presses against the finger of the trigger member.

Abstract: A quick coupling and release mechanism for attaching a material handling bucket, blade, compactor, impact hammer, or other attachment to the free end of a scoop arm extending from a loader or backhoe. The quick coupler has a three-leg configuration, including a hub, a pair of spaced apart depending legs adapted to be pivotally connected to the end of a loader arm, and a third leg extending from the hub in a cantilevered fashion with a slotted end for selective engagement with a permanent mounting pin on the bucket. The conventional push-pull links operatively connected with the loader arm are pivotally connected at one end to the third leg of the quick coupler, and the hub of the quick coupler is attached to the bucket by a releasable bucket mounting pin, thereby completing the coupled connection between the bucket and loader scoop arm. A single operator can easily handle the entire coupling or uncoupling operation without special tools.

Abstract: A coupling hook assembly having a hook body defining an enclosed hook pocket with a locking bolt extending from a first aperture in the hook body into operative engagement with a hook jaw to lock and unlock an implement pin for joining a trailer with an agricultural tractor. The locking bolt is pivotally connected with an operating lever mounted on a fixed pivot within the hook body and extending through a second aperture therein. A yoke pivotally mounted on the operating lever is adapted to engage with a notch formed on the external surface of the hook body to secure the locking bolt in the locked position or into engagement with a recess in a part of the operating lever to secure the coupling hook assembly in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A hitch element is fixed to the end of the piston rod of a horizontally disposed double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The closed end of the cylinder is swivelly connected to the bight portion of a horizontally disposed rearwardly open A-shaped frame underlying and fixed to the rear part of a truck chassis. An upright downwardly-open omega-shaped frame is rigidly connected at its ends to the ends of the A-shaped frame. A pair of upright double-acting cylinders have their closed ends swivelly connected to opposite upper corners of the upright frame, and have their piston rods connected, by X-connected bearing sleeves, to the piston rod of the horizontally disposed cylinder. A yoke prevents movement of the bearing sleeves away from the end of the horizontal cylinder. The upright cylinders co-operate to vary both vertical and lateral positioning of the hitch element.

Abstract: A tractor and a loader implement detachably mounted thereon have releasable front and rear locks at corresponding pairs of legs depending from the loader frame. A loader bucket on the boom assembly and a stand on the frame cooperate to support the attachment after removal from the tractor. Hydraulic piston-cylinder assemblies, normally used to raise and lower the boom relative to the frame, are used to position the frame and to lower it into place during the mounting procedure. All parts of the attachment are guided properly onto the tractor without aid of the tractor or any parts thereon.

Abstract: An attachment for powered vehicles comprising a universal carrier member adapted to be secured to the lift apparatus of the vehicle and pivotally supporting a multi-purpose scoop implement having a plurality of operating positions, one of the operating positions providing a scoop for the vehicle, another of the operating positions providing a load carrier for the vehicle, and yet another operating position providing a scraper for the vehicle. In addition, the carrier member may be utilized for carrying a plurality of implements for expanding the usefulness of the vehicle. For example, a roller, a cultivator, a spool or core for facilitating the winding and unwinding of fencing and the like, a soil loosening device, a fork lift attachment, and the like, may be supported by the carrier member whereby the vehicle may be utilized for substantially unlimited number of work operation.

Abstract: A coupling device is disclosed for attaching an implement such as a backhoe to a tractor or other prime mover. The coupling device includes a pair of implement support assemblies connected together by a transverse cross bar for mounting an implement support frame. Each implement support assembly includes a frame bracket or weldment having an attachment pin receiving recess or hook at its lower end for holding a transverse attachment pin which is secured to the lower implement support frame. Yoke assemblies are pivotally attached between the implement support frame and each implement support assembly for the purpose of tightly securing the implement attachment pins against the frame bracket recesses, thereby eliminating any tolerance movement at the attachment points between the implement and prime mover.

Abstract: A lift mount assembly is provided for a plow blade unit mounted on the front of a vehicle having longitudinally extending frame members and a laterally extending bumper at the front ends of the frame members. The assembly includes a supporting portion comprised of mounting plates attached to the front ends of the frame members behind the bumper, and laterally extending upper and lower tubular cross members between the mounting plates. The supporting portion further includes a pair of lift arm mounting members on the upper cross member extending to a point just above the bumper, and a bracket on the lower cross member providing a forwardly open socket just below the bumper.

Abstract: A traction vehicle includes a frame module formed principally from a plurality of platelike structural elements permanently fixed together to provide substantial rigidity for supplying and withstanding relatively large forces. Elongated boxlike drive assembly housings define the outer transverse longitudinal edges of the frame module, and a plurality of vertically-spaced, transversely-extending plate members connect the laterally positioned drive assembly housings in the frame module. End members extend transversely of the longitudinal ends of the frame module for applying the high forces from the vehicle. A plurality of driving wheel members are positioned outwardly from the drive assembly housings, and one separate power train assembly supplies reversible motive traction power simultaneously to all the driving wheel members on each lateral side of the vehicle. An operator's cab is positioned above the frame module, the sidewalls of the cab slope outwardly and define an octagonal cab structure.

Abstract: A three-point tractor hitch system includes a coupling hook structure as the upper link thereof formed with a hook body defining a concave recess for receiving therein in locking engagement a coupling sphere. A locking bolt received within a rectilinear opening extends into the concave recess of the hook body with a curved locking surface adapted to engage the contour of the coupling sphere. The locking bolt is pivotally mounted at its opposite end to a control lever having a generally U-shaped recess formed therein to engage a bearing pin mounted on the hook body. The U-shaped recess has lateral sides arranged so that imaginary extensions thereof will intersect the axis of the locking bolt and bearing means are interposed between the control lever and the hook body on a side of the pivotal coupling of the locking bolt to the hook body opposite the side on which the U-shaped recess is formed.

Abstract: A quick-release coupling is provided between a vehicle and a material handling unit. The frame of the vehicle has a pair of opposed recesses. A linkage which is connected to the material handling unit includes first and second links which are pivotally interconnected at one end. Elements such as pins are associated with the opposite ends of the links and are each receivable in one of the recesses. A third link has one end secured to the material handling unit and an opposite end which is pivotally interconnected with the first and second links. The third link moves the first and second links between a first position in which the distance between the axes of the pins is less than the distance of the opposed recesses, and a second position in which the distance between the axes of the pins is greater than the distance between the opposed recesses and the pins are received in the repective recesses to releasably secure the material handling unit to the vehicle.

Abstract: An attaching and release mechanism is provided for coupling a material handling bucket to the free end of a scoop arm extending from a loader or backhoe. A universal bucket mounting linkage is pivotally mounted to the loader scoop arm and readily receives various types and sizes of buckets. The bucket mounting linkage has a four-bar configuration with hook portions adapted for engagement with mating projections on the bucket. Over-center linkage, pivotally attached to one end of the bucket mounting linkage, provides locking engagement or disengagement between the hook portions and the mating projections on the bucket. To latch the bucket on the loader scoop arm, the hook portions and over-center linkage are aligned with the complementary mounting structure on the bucket, and the over-center linkage is pushed over-center which causes the bucket mounting linkage to lock against the mounting structure on the bucket to thereby couple the bucket and loader scoop arm.

Abstract: A lower draft arm extension link stop in a tubular member of a lower draft arm of a three-point hitch for engaging the extension link in its extended position. The extension link is provided with a relief portion which clears the stop when the link is angular inclined so that it can be withdrawn from the tubular member. The tubular member includes a latch, axially aligned with the stop, for holding the link in its contracted position.

Abstract: A coupler for removably coupling a tool attachment at an end of a supporting arm of a powered digging or material-moving machine. The coupler includes a latch which permits quick interchanging of tool attachments on the arm. One embodiment provides a means for remotely disengaging the latch so that a machine operator may interchange tool attachments without having to dismount the machine to manually assist interchanging of attachments.

Abstract: A mechanism for quickly and independently mounting detachable soil engaging tools on mobile agriculture equipment includes a vertically extending frame member and a pivotal tool support member. The frame member and tool support member have a tool mounted orientation, during which a frame member surface abuts a tool member surface in facing relationship where they are rigidly held and locked together by a hooking and locking assembly. The hooking and locking assembly have parts thereof aligned and respectively positioned so as to permit operable engagement by a simple insertion motion.

Abstract: A backhoe frame is attached to the main frame of a host tractor vehicle at four points. A pair of upper mounting pins each pass consecutively through an outboard restraining plate in the vehicle main frame, a backhoe mounting collar integral with the backhoe frame and an inboard restraining plate. The mounting pin is a tight fit in the restraining plates and a loose fit in the backhoe mounting collar.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching an implement to an earth moving vehicle, comprising a pair of lift arms for lifting the implement, a pair of tilt rods for effecting tilting motion of the implement, a pair of lower couplers pivotally connected to said lift arms at one end thereof, and a pair of upper couplers pivotally connected to said pair of tilt rods, the upper and lower couplers being pivotally connected with each other. The pair of lower couplers and pair of upper couplers are transversely connected by connecting beams, respectively. The connecting beams are adapted to engage with C-shaped hooks fixedly secured to the rear surface of the implement.

Abstract: A rapid-change device for attachments on earth moving machines for connection between a lift chassis, which is hydraulically actuated from the carrier vehicle, and an attachment implement, for instance a loading shovel, by means of holding claws and locking latches. The locking latches are pivotally mounted on the outer periphery of hubs which are fixed on stay arms. The lift arms of the lift chassis are coaxially pivotally mounted in bores of the hubs. The stay arms are provided with holding claws having semicircular recesses which are adapted to receive holding bolts of the loading shovel. The center points of the semicircular recesses of the holding claws and the pivot points of the locking latches are coordinated with respect to each other such that the line of action of the reaction forces which are introduced by the loading shovel extends through the pivot points for the locking latches and through the center points of the recesses or above the center points of the recesses.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting soil engaging tools to mobile agricultural equipment includes a vertically extending frame adapted for connection to the agricultural equipment and a trailing arm pivotally attached to the frame and having soil engaging tools attached rearwardly thereof. An extensile arm arrangement is pivotally attached between an upper portion of the frame and a lower terminal sleeve member. The sleeve member is slidably mounted upon the length of the trailing arm and is selectively fastened to the trailing arm at various positions therealong whereby the depth of the soil engaging tools in the soil is determined. A compression spring is utilized to biasly extend the extensile arm arrangement, and the upper portion of the extensile arm has an over-center locking device whereby the extensile arm may be rapidly lengthened or shortened, and respectively locked in such condition, thereby respectively engaging or disengaging the soil engaging tools in the soil.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect coupling for fixing tools or the like to a powered arm including a base, mounting structure on the base for affixing the same to an arm, a pair of hooks having oppositely facing openings, one of the hooks being immovably mounted on the base and the other being movably mounted on the base, and a latch movably mounted on the base and engageable with the movably mounted hook for preventing movement thereof. Interengaging cam surfaces are disposed on the movably mounted hook and the latch whereby the hook may cam the latch aside while moving to a latched position and there are also provided interengaging surfaces on the movably mounted hook and the latch so that forces applied to the latch by the hook, when the hook is latched, will not tend to move the latch to release the hook.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling for working vehicles, such as tractors, which coupling comprises on the working vehicle two fixedly connected members, two locking bars and two levers for cooperation with two coupling members on the work attachment. The two fixedly connected members are joined by means of a pipe arranged between their facing sides, in which pipe the two locking bars are slidably mounted for movement through orifices in said members to positions inside and outside of the outwardly facing sides of the latter. The locking bars work within the free surfaces of the members defined by their edge surface. The coupling members have an inner wedge-shaped cavity corresponding to the outer wedge shape of the fixedly connected members, and have orifices in their walls having the same dimensional relationship to their inner wedge-shaped cavities as the locking bars have to the outer wedge shape of the fixedly connected members.

Abstract: A quick attachment device for a tractor which has lift arms for supporting an implement, such as a loader bucket, lift fork, or the like. The rear side of the implement has two spaced-apart attaching portions in the form of hooks faced toward each other, and an attachment plate is held by the tractor lift arms and the lower edge is first positioned into the lower implement hook and then the plate is slid upwardly until the upper edge is engaged in the implement upper hook. A spring-loaded pin then automatically falls into a hole in the implement to secure the plate relative to the implement and thus attach the implement and plate together. A release cam is attached to the pin for withdrawing the pin and the attachment plate can then be manuevered out of the implement hooks to be removed from the implement when release is desired.

Abstract: The invention contemplates pressure-fluid operated control connections, auxiliary to a trailer-hitch connection, for providing a selected one of a plurality of functions primarily to aid in making a hitched connection between a trailer and a towing vehicle. The invention also provides selective availability of safety aids for back-up maneuvering of the hitched trailer, and anti-sway coupling for the safe trailing of hitched vehicles on the highway. Various embodiments are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic coupling mechanism for snow-plows and the like, provided by a first frame means which is attachable to a propelling vehicle for cooperating with a frame structure of a snow-plow for moving the plow along the road. A second frame means is provided for lockably connecting with the first frame means. Guide means are provided for guiding the first frame means into lockable relative position with the second frame means. Securing means carried by one of the frame means are provided for locking the first and second frame means together when in a lockable position such that as to prevent relative horizontal and vertical motion between the first and second frame means when locked together. Pivotal support means are provided at both the second frame means and the plow frame structure for supporting the plow, allowing free relative vertical movement of the plow with respect to the first and second frame means and controlling orientation of the plow relative to the second frame means.