Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
HI'rCH FL,EXING HINGE
_echnical Field
This invention relates to implement frarrles, and more
particularly to implement frames utilizing a horizontal pivot
which enables vertical flexing of transverse frame sections.
_ckground Art
The trend to large scale farming operations and the desire
to achieve and maintain eYer increasing productivity levels has
led to various procedures and implements designed to maximize
l~' efficient use of labof and equiprnent One accepted ~nethod of
.naximizing efficiency is to utilize large scale implements which
require extensive frames that can be unfolded to a wide
effective working widtn in the field, and folded to an
ac-eptably narrow configuration for transport from field to
lS field
Foldable agricultural implement frames are generally of
three basic types wherein the sections are folded to the rear,
vertically, or to the front. The forward fold configuration is
widely favored and an excellent example of the forward folding
implement frame is found in U.S. Patent No. 4,137,85~. ~hen the
implement frame extends to a great width in the unfolded
operational mode, it is desirable to provide for vertical
flexing of the frame sections so that the implements attached to
the frame will follow the contour of the ground. This vertical
flexing is typically provided by a horizontal pivot
interconnecting frame sections and disposed in a general fore-
and-aft direction when the frame is in the transversely extended
operational mode.
One disadvantage of frames providing for vertical flexing is
that the draft beams interconnecting the feame sections and the
hitch are subjected to twisting or torsional forces that can
lead to structural damage or failure.
Those concerned with these and other problems recognize the
need for an improved implement frame.
- Disclosure of the Invention
The present invention provides a hitch flexing hinge
incorporated within the draft beams of an implement frame in the
vicinity of the hitch. The hitch flexing hinge allows for
movement of the draft beam within a limited range withou-t
subjecting the draft beam to torsional forces. Each hitch
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33
flexing hinge includes a yoke that receiv2s a vertical hitch pin
and a body section that is received within the end of a
rectangular draft tube or beam~ The body section has a
vertically elongated diamond-shaped cross-sectional portion
having a socket or race that carries a swivel ball. The ball
has a central opening that receives a fastener extending through
oppcsing side--walls of the dra~t tube to secure the body section
withirl the draft tu~e. The draEt tube is thus able to rotate
about the axis of the swivel ball which is positioned
s~bs~antially at the longltudinal axis of the draft tube~
~ n object of the present invention is the provision oE an
improved implement frame.
Another object is to provide a hitch flexing hinge for use
in conjunction with an implement frame capable of vertical
flexing of the transverse frame sections.
A further object of the invention is the provision of a
hitch flexing hinge that allows for vertical flexing of
implement frame sections without damaging or weakening the draft
beams.
Still another object is to provide a hitch fle~ing hinge
that can withstand substantial vertical loading.
A still further object of the present invention is the
provision of a hitch flexing hinge that is easy and inexpensive
to maintain.
Brief Description of the Drawings
These and other attributes of the invention will become more
clear upon a thorough study of the following description of the
best mode for carrying out the invention, particularly when
~eviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a top plan view showing a forwardly folding
implement frame having a horizontal pivot which enables vertical
flexing of connected transverse frame sections, and having a
flexing hinge incorporated in the hitch, the dashed line portion
illustrates the frame in the unfolded operational mode;
Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the hitch flexi.ng
hinge;
Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the hitch flexing hinge;
Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 2;
Fig. S is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2;
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Fig~ 6 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 5, and furthe~
~llustrating the limitation to the range oE rotational motion of
th~ draft beam attached to the hitch flexing hinge as torque is
applied in a counterclockwise direction; and
Fig. 7 is a sectional view similar io Fig~ 6, but
illustrating torsional Eorce applied in a clockwise direction.
Best Mode for Carryi~LOut the Invention
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Referring now to the c~rawings wherein like reEerence
numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout
L~ the several views7 FigO 1 shows 3 Eorwardl~ foldable implement
c~ame ~lO) inclLlding a pair of fore-and-aEt draft tubes 112)
having their forward ends pivotally connected by vertical hitch
pin l13) and supported on a hitch structure (14) of a draft
vehicle (not shown)/ and having their rearward ends pivotally
att~ched by vertical pins (15) to right and left wing sections
(16). The hitch structure (14) has pivoting joints (ll) which
allow for universal pivoting of the hitch structure (14) with
respect to hitch pin (13). The wing sections (16) are
conventionally mirror images of each other and both are
pivotally attached by vertical pin (17) to a central frame
section (18)~ As is typical, each of the wing sections (16) and
the center section (18) is supported by ground wheels (19) and
they may carry any form of agricul-tural tool such as the
planting units (20) and tanks (22) illustrated in Fig. l.
The frame (lO) is moved between the folded transport
position, as shown by the full line illustration of Fig~ l, and
the unfolded operational position, as partially illustrated by
the dashed line portion of Fig. l, by selective activation of
the hydraulic cylinders (23). Retraction of the hydraulic
cylinders (23~ forces the right and left wing sections (16) to
move in an arcuate path about their respective vertical pivots
(17) until the wing sections (16) are transversely aligned with
the center section (18).
Extending forward from the center section beams (24) are a
pair of short fore-and-aft beams (25) that are pivotally
interconnected by fore-and-aft horizontal pivot pin (26). The
horizontal pivot (26) enables vertical flexing of the wing
sections(16) and the associated center beams (24), when the wing
sections (16) are transversely extended to the unfolded
operational position.
The forward end of the draft beams (12) carries a hitch
flr-~xing hinge (30) which allows for limited rotation oE the
draF~ beam (12) as wing sections (16) flex to follow the ground
contour. As best shown in Figs 2-5, the hitch flexing hinge
r (30) includes a bifurcated offset yoke (32) having registered
openings (33) adapted to receive the vertical hitch pin (13).
The hitch hinge (30) also includes a body section (34) which is
adapted to be received within the end of a rectangular draft
beam or tube (12). The body sectlon (34) has two generally
diamond-shaped po~tions (35) that have sockets oc ~aces (36)
that receive a swivel ball (37) having a central opening (3&).
In use, the body section (34) of a hitch Elexiny hinge (30)
is inserted into the end of a draft beam (12). The central
vpening (38) of the swivel ball (37) receives a bolt (39) that
extends through opposing sidewalls of the draft beam (12) and is
secured by lock washer (40) and nut (42). (Figs. 6 and 7.) As
shown in Fig. 1, a hinge unit (30) is attached within each of
the two draft beams (12). The bifurcated yokes (32) are
directed to converge toward one another and the fingers of the
yokes (32) interlock so that all openings (33) are in register
to receive the hitch pin (13)~
When the frame (10) is extended to the unfolded operational
position, the horizontal pivot pin (26) allows the vertical
flexing of the wing sections (16). As shown in Figs. 6 and 7,
the draft beam (12) rotates a limited distance in both a
clockwise and counterclockwise direction as the wing sections
(16) flex.
The draft beam (12) is thus able to rotate about the axis of
~he swivel ball (37) until the inside walls oE the draft beam
contact the surface of the diamond-shaped portion (35) of the
body section (34).
The hitch flexing hinge (30) is oriented within the draft
beam (12) such that the opening in the swivel ball (37) is
essentially horizontally disposed. This orientation of the ball
(37) and race (36) will support substantial vertically
directedforces.
Vertical flexing of the frames (10) causes rotation about
horizontal pivot pin (26), vertical pins (15), hitch flex hinges
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~3~
l (30)~ vertical hitch pin ~13), and universal pivoting joints
( 11 ) .
'~`nus, it can be seen that at 1east al:l of the stated
objectives have been achieved
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is
therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the
appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than
a5 specifically described.
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