Pusher Type Patents (Class 280/481)
  • Patent number: 12010938
    Abstract: An autonomous agricultural system comprising an implement configured to perform an agricultural operation. The system additionally comprises an autonomous power unit for autonomously propelling the implement. The system further comprises a coupling assembly configured to connect the implement to the power unit. The coupling assembly provides at least six degrees of freedom of movement between the implement and the power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David Disberger, Benjamin M Smith, Rye DeGarmo, Gregory W. Arnett, Craig A Reed, Chris Coleman
  • Patent number: 11230222
    Abstract: A device for suspension of a lamp in a vehicle. The device includes a guiding means for guiding a lamp to move relative to a vehicle from a first position to a second position in case of an impact between the lamp and an object. The device further includes at least one energy absorber for counteracting movement of the lamp from the first position to the second position. The guiding means is arranged for guiding the lamp to move downwardly in a movement direction having a movement direction component in parallel with the Z-axis while the movement of the lamp being counteracted by said energy absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.
    Inventor: Jan Hellberg
  • Patent number: 10876271
    Abstract: An attaching-detaching structure of a front loader that can make the attaching and detaching work to a vehicle body easier, a front loader, and a work vehicle. The attaching-detaching structure of a front loader is provided with a thumb which, on a sub-frame that supports a boom, is supported so as to be able to move between an engagement position for engaging with a main frame provided on a vehicle body and a release position at which engagement with the main frame is released, and which is biased in the release direction toward the release position from the engagement position; and a lock bar which, on the sub-frame, is supported so as to be able to move between a regulated position for regulating movement of the thumb in the release direction from the engagement position, and a regulation release position that allows the thumb to move to the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shin Torii, Yuta Ozeki
  • Patent number: 10493905
    Abstract: A mount assembly for attaching a light bar to a tow mount of a vehicle. The mount assembly has a bracket with a channel that allows the tow mount to only enter the bracket from a first direction. The tow mount is secured within the channel by a blocking member that extends across at least a portion of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Paul Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20150048595
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a road finishing machine with a chassis and a pushing device. The pushing device comprises at least one docking assembly and at least one absorber unit. The absorber unit is fixed to the chassis of the road finishing machine and comprises at least one piston-cylinder unit which comprises a cylinder and a working piston movable therein which subdivides the piston-cylinder unit into at least one first and one second chambers and is coupled to the docking assembly. The docking assembly may be positioned, by the movably mounted working piston, relative to the chassis between an extended position and at least one retracted position. In the piston-cylinder unit, at least one flow channel is provided between the first and the second chambers for letting a fluid enclosed in the piston-cylinder unit pass through, the fluid being prestressed in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Tobias GOTTERBARM, Thomas SCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 8864165
    Abstract: A receiver assembly that attaches to a vehicles step-bumper, drop-center bumper, or other structurally sound mounting surface and provides at least an elongated horizontal box receiver to support cargo carriers, cargo carrier accessories, or other tow-hitch receiver accessories and leaves the vehicles frame mounted tow-hitch receiver available for trailer towing or additional tow-hitch receiver accessories, and in addition the receiver assembly provides at least one cargo anchor point to secure cargo, cargo carriers, cargo carrier accessories, or other tow-hitch receiver accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Alan Thomas
  • Patent number: 8752855
    Abstract: A height adjustable multiple implement mounting system for use with off-road vehicles such as zero-turn lawnmowers. A mount assembly is secured at a forward portion of the vehicle. A space frame extends from the mount assembly and supports one or more ground care implements at a location forward of the vehicle. An electric actuator has a first end that is pivotably connected to the mount assembly and a second end that is attached to the space frame. Operation of the actuator alters the elevation of the implement such that the implement can be moved between in-use and out-of-use positions relative to a ground surface. In a preferred aspect, the mount assembly allows lateral or side-to-side rotation of the space frame and actuator so that the implement can be laterally inclined or pitched with respect to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Mibar Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Dilworth, Brad Fromm
  • Publication number: 20140138934
    Abstract: A push bar assembly for an operating vehicle is provided. The push bar assembly includes a telescopic bar, a tow eye, a hitch assembly, and a spring assembly. The telescopic bar includes a first tube, a second tube and a spring-lock pin. The second tube is configured to move inside the first tube. The spring-lock pin is mounted on the first tube and configured to restrict the telescopic motion of the second tube inside the first tube. The hitch assembly includes a first end, a second end and an eye. The hitch assembly is configured to couple the telescopic bar with the operating vehicle. The tow eye is coupled to a second end of the second tube. Further, the spring assembly is mounted on the first tube and is coupled to the hitch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Derek K. Huhn, Jacob M. Saari, Jason S. Moe, Kenneth G. Jones
  • Publication number: 20120299270
    Abstract: A pushing device that can be attached to a road paver or feeder vehicle. The pushing device is attachable to a chassis component of the road paver or the feeder vehicle and comprises a pushing unit that is attached in a movable manner to the chassis component by means of at least a spring-absorber unit. The pushing unit can be displaced relative to the chassis component in a first direction and a second direction, whereby the spring-absorber unit has a greater spring rate during a movement of the pushing unit in the first direction than in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: JOSEPH VOGELE AG
    Inventors: Martin Buschmann, Thomas Schmidt, Ralf Weiser
  • Patent number: 8205904
    Abstract: One embodiment of the vehicle mounting includes a frame assembly. The frame assembly may include a panel member, a set of elongated members, and a bracket member. The panel member may be configured to be supported on a front part of the vehicle. The set of elongated members may extend from a surface of the panel member. The bracket member may be associated at the free end portions of the set of elongated members. The vehicle mounting may further include an arm assembly carried by the bracket member of the frame assembly. The arm assembly may include a first arm member and a second arm member adapted to be telescopically received within the first arm member. The arm assembly may also include a hitch member operatively coupled with the second arm member. The hitch member may be adapted to receive a towing rod of the wheeled article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Mac E. Carter, Andrea A. Carter
  • Patent number: 8170756
    Abstract: A method for enhancing productivity for an excavating operation is disclosed. The method includes establishing a machine-to-machine communication system for a fleet of machines, including at least two machines. The method also includes removing material during the excavating operation with at least a first machine of the fleet of machines. The method additionally includes operating a second machine of the fleet of machines in a mode involving contact between at least the first machine and the second machine. The method further includes employing the machine-to-machine communication system to effect controlled contact between at least the first machine and the second machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Morey, Timothy A. Vik, Quentin D. Burt
  • Patent number: 8109531
    Abstract: A system for push-steering an implement includes a pair of links, each link connecting the implement to a front portion of a motorized vehicle. Each link of the pair of connected links between the motorized vehicle and the implement is non parallel to each other. In response to the motorized vehicle traveling at a first predetermined steering angle, a traction element developed between at least two wheels of the implement and the driving surface rotatably urges one link toward a predetermined offset angle in a rotational direction opposite of the first predetermined steering angle. The pair of links simultaneously rotatably urges the implement to be steered toward a second predetermined steering angle in the same rotational direction as the first predetermined steering angle. The predetermined offset angle and second predetermined steering angle define a substantially stable position in response to the first predetermined steering angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Edward H. Priepke, David M. DeChristopher, J. Levi Taylor
  • Publication number: 20110233898
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mechanical connection device between a motorized vehicle and working equipment. According to the present disclosure, the device includes a rigid plate mounted by means of axles in the tow rings of the vehicle and bearing adjustable skids that are applied against a transverse surface of the vehicle, such as to abutt the connection device to the vehicle, thereby securing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Dominique Hembise, Francois Sylvain Crosnier, Alain Guesdon
  • Patent number: 7992889
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle that is converted from a stroller for carrying a passenger and cycle operated by a rider to a combined unit. More specifically, the invention relates to a stroller and a bicycle combined, physically and operationally, such that the operator of the cycle portion of the stroller-cycle can control operation of the stroller portion while the stroller-cycle is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Soma Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrenreich, Joel Hoag, Brian Rhee
  • Patent number: 7914030
    Abstract: A braking and steering assembly in a vehicle having a pushing section and a riding section. The assembly includes an upper connection post containing braking and steering components for the riding section. The upper connection post has an upper end and a lower threaded end. The assembly further includes a lower connection post containing braking and steering components for the pushing section. The lower connection post has an aperture for threadedly receiving the lower threaded end of the upper connection post. The assembly also includes a rotatable front knob fixed to the upper end of the upper connection post. Rotatably tightening the front knob connects the lower end of the upper connection post with the upper end of the lower connection post. Braking and steering in the riding section controls braking and steering in the pushing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Soma Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrenreich, Joel Hoag, Brian Rhee
  • Patent number: 7823903
    Abstract: A portable draft bar assembly including an end bracket configured to be mounted to a plurality of bucket attachment types of various machinery, and a main bar having a first end configured to be selectively coupled to the end bracket and a second end configured to receive and retain one of a plurality of hitch assembly types. An anchor bracket is configured to be selectively coupled to the main bar at one of a plurality of positions, and an end clamp is slideably coupled to the main bar between second end and the anchor bracket and includes an angled channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick J. Swaggert
  • Patent number: 7780184
    Abstract: A vehicle for pushing and riding, the vehicle including a frame having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the frame has a lower connection post containing braking and steering components and the rear portion of the frame has an upper connection post containing braking and steering components for the rear portion. The upper and lower connection posts are threadedly engaged within a steering portion of the frame. A hitch beam on the front portion forms part of the frame. A hitch clamp on the rear portion of the frame is fastened around the hitch beam for connecting the front portion and the rear portion of the frame. A pair of front wheels is operationally connected to the front portion of the frame. At least one rear wheel is operationally connected to the rear portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Soma Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ehrenreich, Joel Hoag, Brian Rhee
  • Publication number: 20100126048
    Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a hitch assembly frame. A tow bar includes a shaft having a first end pivotably attached to the hitch assembly frame and a coupling member attached to a second end of the shaft. A push plate is pivotably attached to the hitch assembly frame and defines a vertically aligned slot. The tow bar is movable within the vertically aligned slot. Such a hitch assembly may be used to operate machines, such as tractor scrapers, in a push-pull configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Doyle Roley
  • Publication number: 20100096197
    Abstract: A powered bicycle trailer for propelling a bicycle, a human rider and cargo having frame, a vehicle-mounted adapter that dismountably attaches to a bicycle, a connecting arm for rotatably connecting the frame to the vehicle-mounted adapter such that the frame is rotatable around a vertical axis with respect to the connecting arm. The trailer having a power mechanism having a multi-functional control assembly capable of generating an output drive to a ground wheel, a power transmission system mechanically coupled to an output drive of the power mechanism and capable of driving the ground wheel and the control assembly and trailer are rapidly mountable and dismountable from the bicycle by a quick connect and disconnect mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas B. Stoddart
  • Publication number: 20090108565
    Abstract: A push block, a scraping device and a method for collecting a material are provided. The scraping device has a frame, a blade attached to the bottom of the frame, a tongue attached to a front end of the frame and a beam attached to a back end of the frame. Tires are connected to the beam. The scraping device has a front lift mechanism at the front end of the frame and/or a rear lift mechanism at the back end of the frame. The front lift mechanism has a front cylinder connected to the tongue and the front end of the frame. The rear lift mechanism has a rear cylinder attached to the back end of the frame. Movement of the front cylinder and the rear cylinder results in raising and/or lowering of the corresponding ends of the frame of the scraping device. The push block is pivotally connected to an arm and pivotally connected to a tire beam. The arm and the tire beam are pivotally connected to the back end of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: John P. Moyna
  • Patent number: 6874807
    Abstract: A coupling device for a handling trolley comprises a drawbar (22) arranged at the front of the trolley and designed to co-operate with the hook (24) provided at the back of a tractor, in particular a trolley preceding a line of trolleys. The drawbar (22) comprises a longitudinal slot (36) wherein the hook (24) is designed to slide such that the hook can slide in the longitudinal slot between a position spaced apart wherein the trolley (10) is at a maximum distance from the tractor while it is being towed and a closer position wherein the trolley is at a minimum distance from the tractor to reduce the space requirement when it is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventors: Jean Labadie, Jean-Pierre Cribier
  • Patent number: 6616373
    Abstract: A boat launching device. The boat launching device is portable and attaches to the front of a vehicle so that the driver has a front view while launching the boat into the water. The boat launching device includes a first link member that is connected to a second link member. The link members are attached to the front of a vehicle and to a boat trailer. The link members are detachable from each other after use and may be stored on the boat trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: James L. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6467789
    Abstract: A towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack, a hitch pump handle, a removable male hitch, and a handle portion. The hitch pump handle extends from a pump unit at a rear of the pallet jack. A locking cavity is formed on the other end of the hitch pump handle and is sized to receive a hitch ball. The removable male hitch is inserted into the pair of forks. A second embodiment of the towable pallet jack utilizes a scissors pallet jack with a pivotal hitch attached to a rear of the pallet jack. A third embodiment of the towable pallet jack includes a pallet jack and hitch pump handle. The hitch pump handle is offset such that thereof may be attached to a fork of a succeeding pallet jack. A fourth embodiment of the towable pallet jack uses a straight hitch pump handle which is pivotally attached to a rear of the pallet jack at one side thereof. A fifth embodiment of the towable pallet jack including a female swinging hitch and a hitch pump handle with a expandable male hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Scott I. Schedler, Glenn F. Minnick, Stanley B. Tyler
  • Patent number: 6457733
    Abstract: A front spotting trailer hitch assembly for use with vehicles having front tow hooks. This front hitch assembly works well for easily back trailers into positions, such as for storage. This front spotting trailer hitch assembly attaches to the front tow hooks and allows a user to attach a hitch ball to the hitch assembly for towing. This front spotting trailer hitch assembly is able to be quickly attached and detached from the vehicle having front tow hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Richard C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6457734
    Abstract: A front receiver assembly for use with vehicles having front tow hooks. This front receiver assembly attaches to a vehicle's front tow hooks and can be mounted or dismounted quickly. This front hitch assembly is adaptable for use with nearly any hitch connector product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Richard C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6129372
    Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural implement having a power unit with a pair of steerable drive wheels and a pair of rearward balance wheels. The forward end of the power unit is selectively connectable to an implement attachment having forward attachment wheels and power connections from the power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald J. Gallenberg
  • Patent number: 5967540
    Abstract: A self-propelled agricultural implement having a power unit with a pair of steerable drive wheels and a pair of rearward balance wheels. The forward end of the power unit is selectively connectable to an implement attachment having forward attachment wheels and power connections from the power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald J. Gallenberg
  • Patent number: 5478124
    Abstract: An adjustable bumper for mounting in a horizontally oriented non-round recess of a vehicle mount receiver so as to facilitate the pushing of one vehicle with another. The bumper has a straight leg adapter portion for engaging with the mount receiver, a cross-bar portion secured at a right angle to the adapter, and an elongate cylindrical roller held within the cross-bar portion between two laterally extended end arms. The adapter portion includes positioning apertures that allow the distance between the roller and the vehicle to be adjusted and the cross-bar portion has similar positioning apertures that allow the height of the roller to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventors: Bruce Warrington, Ted McCaa
  • Patent number: 5381647
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a front mower driven by a self propelled all terrain vehicle to the rear of the mower and connected by an articulating hitch. The hitch includes a pair of spaced pivot mechanisms to allow the mower to pivot from front to rear relative to the all terrain vehicle and a third pivot mechanism to allow the mower to rotate about a horizontal axis from side to side such that the mower is driven by the all terrain vehicle, but is free to follow the contour of the ground being traversed by the apparatus independent of the all terrain vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Trail-Buster Dozer, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Eberle
  • Patent number: 5201240
    Abstract: A mechanism for coupling a vehicle control such as a foot pedal to a vehicle component such as a brake. The mechanism includes a rod member coupled to shift the component between operating modes, and having a rounded end portion. The control includes a recessed portion in abutment with the rounded end portion of the rod. A spring biases the rod into and against the recessed portion such that the rod is supported or carried by the recessed portion. Guides are formed in the vehicle frame for aligning the rod with the recessed portion during the process of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Eugene G. Hayes, Jon M. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5117521
    Abstract: A care cart and a hospital bed having mating bases to permit the care cart to nest with the hospital bed. The combination of cart and bed can be rolled from place to place to transport the patient and the cart can be removed from the bed while maintaining the life support systems connected to the patient while the patient is transferred to another patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Dale Foster, John W. Reuhl
  • Patent number: 5031927
    Abstract: A semi-automatic attach-detach snowplow mounting comprising two mounting mechanisms each comprising a pivotally mounted U-shaped latch member which cooperates with a slot to captively hold a mounting pin, the latch member being locked in place by a locking lever when in a first position and permitted to pivot to release the mounting pin in a second position of the locking lever. The locking lever being spring biased to both of its positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Albert E. Frenette
  • Patent number: 4944359
    Abstract: A wheelchair has a removable seat, removable battery containers and a body which can be separated into two major parts, one having a pair of ground-engaging wheels and the other having a single, steerable wheel. The body parts incorporate respective parts of a two-part coupling. One coupling part has recesses for receiving horizontal pins on the other coupling part. Lower pins serve as pivots during coupling. A pair of lower recesses are placed over co-axial lower pins and the body parts are then rocked about these pins to bring upper pins into their respective recesses. The pins are then locked in their recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventors: Trevor D. Doman, John R. Buttery, Royston M. Gould
  • Patent number: 4930801
    Abstract: An implement adapted for connection to a vehicle three point hitch on the front of a pushing vehicle wherein the implement is provided with at least one forward ground contacting rolling support means mounted to a forward portion of the implement frame, at least one rear ground contacting rolling support means mounted to a rear portion of the implement frame, and a rear upper implement hitch connection which provides a vertically pivotal and longitudinally floating link means. The implement and hitch connection of this invention provides an implement capable of being pushed by a vehicle over uneven terrain while providing implement treatment at a predetermined even distance above the uneven terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Mathews Company
    Inventor: Ronald D. Gillund
  • Patent number: 4911596
    Abstract: A tractor mounted accessory for handling round bales comprises an attachment frame adapted to receive a bar extending across the front of the tractor to support the accessory on the tractor. A pivoting frame is pivotally supported on the attachment frame and has a pair of round bale engaging forks extending forwardly therefrom. A hydraulic cylinder controls the pivotal relationship between the attachment frame and the pivoting frame and thereby controls the positioning of the forks relative to the tractor. The hydraulic cylinder is actuated by the hydraulic system of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Melvin Fetter
  • Patent number: 4799711
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tow bar which can be removably attached to the towed unit and is comprised of a mounting bracket assembly and a tow bar/tie rod assembly; which tow bar can be conveniently stored when not in use, is lightweight yet sturdy, and can be easily attached to the towing unit by a single person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Inventor: Dale C. Moore
  • Patent number: 4790558
    Abstract: A bale carrier assembly (10) for use with a tractor (11) having a substantially U-shaped frame (16), the bale carrier assembly (10) comprising: a mounting unit (22) secured to the tractor frame (16); a tine unit (23) pivotally connected to the mounting unit (22) and extending forwardly of the tractor (11) for engaging a bale (14); a thrust device (24) pivotally connected between the mounting unit (22) and the tine unit (23) at a location forwardly of the front end (12) of the tractor (11) for adjustably lifting and lowering the tine unit (23) to engage and disengage the bale (14); and a thrust resisting unit (26) for resisting the thrust upon the mounting unit (22), and connected between the tractor frame (16) and the mounting unit (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Jerald C. Ellis
  • Patent number: 4778195
    Abstract: A tenon-and-mortise coupler for releasably connecting any type of work implement to the front chassis of any conventional tractor. The tenon part defines an open frame, fixedly secured at its rear end to the front bottom of the tractor chassis, and tapered at its front end. The mortise part defines a hollow tapered casing, fixedly secured at its small end to the bracket assembly of the work implement and frictionally engageable by the tenon tapered end at its opposite large open end or mouth. A manually-operated lever is transversely mounted in the tenon part and defines an intermediate offset section carrying a longitudinally-extending latch bar, which is guided for combined longitudinal and vertical movement between a forward and lowered retracted position and a rearward and upper latching position. The tenon-and-mortise parts are first assembled with the latch bar in retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventor: Bertrand Vachon
  • Patent number: 4717166
    Abstract: There is disclosed a quick coupling assembly for coupling a working implement to the front of the tractor. A front push-frame is adapted to be attached to the tractor chassis, with the front portion of the push-frame projecting forwardly of the tractor. Said front portion includes two upright legs, each provided with a horizontal stud and with a retractable locking pin below the stud. The assembly further includes a hook frame adapted to be attached to the back of a working implement, such as a plow or snowblower. The hook frame includes a pair of transversely-spaced hook plates, each having an upper downwardly-turned hook member and a hole below the hook member. To couple the hook frame, to the front push-frame, it is only necessary to drop the hook members on the studs and to allow the spring-biased locking pin to enter the holes of the hook plates. Hydraulic cylinders are provided to raise and lower the working implement through action on the push-frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Inventor: Bertrand Vachon
  • Patent number: 4693164
    Abstract: Mechanism for attaching a military mine roller to the front end of a miliy tank. Latch structures of simplified design are utilized to minimize the adverse effects of manufacturing tolerances on latch structure performance. Each latch structure includes an arcuate curved surface partially encircling a pin means carried by the mine roller, whereby the pin means is firmly retained against escape from the latch structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Israel M. Grinwald
  • Patent number: 4659102
    Abstract: A connecting and coupling arrangement for frontal attachment to a tractor includes at least one lower link, an actuating means, an angle lever, an optional upper link and a lift strut for connection to an item of equipment. Connected to the working vehicle is a frame which can slidably carry an ancillary frame which can be connected to an item of equipment or to a weight. In addition, the frame and the ancillary frame may be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal center plane of the tractor to increase the stability thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Heinz Stuhrmann, Robert Kryscyk
  • Patent number: 4563019
    Abstract: A vehicle has a forward end portion which extends above a portion of an implement mounted to the front of the vehicle by a pair of hydraulically controlled lift arms. A latch link is connected to one and has a hook engageable with the other of the vehicle forward end portion and the implement when the implement is in a raised, inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: John B. Kuhn, Lloyd A. Wykhuis, David K. Stricker
  • Patent number: 4544176
    Abstract: A control mechanism for selectively positioning an upright earth working tool carried by a portable vehicle having a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. The control mechanism includes a shaft rotatably carried on a horizontal base plate at the front end of the vehicle, and pivotally connected to a carrier member for the earth working tool for tilting movement of the carrier member laterally of the vehicle. A first hydraulic cylinder assembly for longitudinally tilting the working tool is pivotally connected at its rearward end on the shaft and at its forward end to the carrier member. A second hydraulic cylinder assembly for tilting the carrier member transversely of the vehicle has one end pivotally mounted on the base plate and is pivotally mounted at its other end to the shaft so that on rotation of the shaft the carrier member is tilted transversely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Shaver Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: James L. Helmick
  • Patent number: 4519623
    Abstract: A tractor front end hitch comprising a main frame removably secured to the front end of a tractor and having a pair of lower lift arms pivotally secured thereto and extending forwardly therefrom for connection to the implement. A pair of upper lift arms are pivotally secured at their rearward ends to the main frame and extend forwardly therefrom above the lower lift arms. A length adjustable float arm assembly is pivotally connected at its upper end to the forward end of each of the upper lift arms and is pivotally connected at its lower end to one of the lower lift arms rearwardly of the forward end thereof. Each of the float arm assemblies has a clevis element at the lower end which is provided with an elongated slot to permit the associated lift arm to vertically move or float relative to the upper lift arm associated therewith. A float stop pin is removably insertable into the slot in the clevis element to limit the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Orthman Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry K. Orthman
  • Patent number: 4437696
    Abstract: The invention comprises an improved movable truck bumper that can be raised and lowered vertically from inside the cab of the truck to which the bumper is attached. The bumper includes an electrical control inside the cab to raise and lower the bumper and to signal the bumper height to the operator. The operator can thereby ascertain the height of the bumper without exiting the cab or viewing the bumper with mirrors. In the preferred embodiment, lights identifying the correct bumper heights for various automobile models or body styles are mounted in a control box with the height control adjacent the operator.The mechanical portion of the bumper comprises a vertical support frame attached to the vehicle frame in place of the standard bumper and a vertically movable lift frame nested onto the support frame. A vertically mounted hydraulic cylinder is substantially nested within the support and lift frames providing an exceptionally compact structure that can be mounted very close to the front of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Inventor: Gerald J. Straub
  • Patent number: 4413940
    Abstract: A bale roller inclusive of an upstanding support frame that can be mounted on the front end of a dirigible and self-propelled vehicle such as a tractor or truck with an auxiliary frame pivotally mounted on the lower end of the support frame for vertical swinging movement about a transverse axis between a raised retracted position and a forwardly projecting operative position. The forward end of the auxiliary frame is constituted of a fixed transverse member having oppositely projecting end portions on which are rotatably mounted a pair of wheels. The wheels have pneumatic tires thereon, and are mounted on the transverse member in the same manner as is conventional for the mounting of automotive front wheels on their spindles. A chain can be used to adjustably support the auxiliary frame from the support frame, or alternatively a fluid actuated cylinder and piston assembly can connect the frames to control their relative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Inventors: Jesse M. Southard, John E. Diehl
  • Patent number: 4350363
    Abstract: A stop assembly (66) for a bail (20) is provided which is particularly useful with the bail (20) of a push-pull scraper (18). The bail (20) is pivotally mounted by a pair of bifurcated brackets (28,30) affixed to the scraper (18), and is normally raised and lowered by a fluid cylinder (38). When the bail (20) is raised, if not positively stopped from further raising, the fluid cylinder could bottom-out or be otherwise damaged. The stop assembly (66) comprises a fixed pin (68) mounted within the bracket (28) in proximity to a pivotal eye portion (22) of the bail (20), and a first surface (76) on the eye portion (22) which engages with the pin (68) when the bail (20) is in a raised position. Engagement of the first surface (76) with the pin (68) stops the bail (20) from being further raised, and protects the fluid cylinder (28) from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Bennett N. Waddell, Larry G. Warren, Eugene M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4349211
    Abstract: A trailer hitch comprises two elongate bumper members, a trailer bumper member connectable to the trailer near one end thereof and a tractor bumper member connectable to the tractor near one end thereof so that the trailer bumper member contacts the tractor bumper member when the trailer is connected to the tractor. A male hitch member is connected to the trailer bumper member and extends outwardly therefrom. A recess in the tractor bumper member receives the male hitch member. A latch connected to the tractor bumper member releasably secures the male hitch member. The trailer hitch is particularly adapted for connecting a forage harvester to the front of a truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Inventor: George N. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4273352
    Abstract: A combination push and tow bar/hitch assembly including a pair of spaced apart parallel outwardly extending mounting bars pivotally attached at their lower ends to the front frame of a motor vehicle. A first transverse brace member is positioned between the mounting bars near the center point and a second transverse brace member is positioned between the outer ends of the mounting bars. A U-shaped frame with a coupler at its apex is pivotably attached to the second transverse brace for use when the bar/hitch is in the horizontal towing position. A ball mounted at the midpoint of the first transverse brace is engaged by the coupler on the U-shaped frame to lock down the frame when the bar/hitch is upward in the push position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Inventor: Lyle A. Jorgenson
  • Patent number: 4273369
    Abstract: A reversible push block-rear bumper assembly for attachment to a motor vehicle is provided in which a support unit having a forwardly inclined downwardly extending surface is secured to the underside of a vehicle in close proximity to the rear end of the vehicle. A block unit having an upper incline surface which can be mated with the forwardly incline downwardly extending surface of the support unit is also provided, such surfaces being adapted so that when the block unit and support unit are secured together, the block unit will either extend downwardly from the support unit in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the vehicle and thus function as a bumper or, upon rotating the block unit 180.degree. into a reverse position, the block unit will extend outwardly from the rear end portion of the vehicle for use as a push block. An extension unit for modifying the length as well, as the angular relationship of the block unit to the support means, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Assignee: CMI Corporation
    Inventor: Glen F. Rosenbaum