Patent ID: 7686563
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: E02F,F16L

Abstract:
1. A coupling apparatus for releasably coupling a hydraulically activated work implement to a work vehicle, comprising: (a) an implement attachment device for attaching a work implement to a work vehicle having a longitudinal vehicle axis, the implement attachment device comprising an elongate plate member extendable in a plane transverse to the longitudinal vehicle axis, the plate member having a longitudinal plate axis, a forward side for facing the work implement, and a rearward side for facing the work vehicle, first mounting members extending from the rearward side for mounting the plate member to at least one boom arm of the work vehicle, and second mounting members for mounting the plate member to the work implement; (b) a first hydraulic coupling assembly extending from the rearward side of the plate member, the first hydraulic coupling assembly comprising a first coupler configured for fluid communication with a hydraulic power source on the work vehicle; and (c) a second hydraulic coupling assembly for mounting to the work implement, the second hydraulic coupling assembly comprising a second coupler configured for fluid communication with a hydraulic system of the work implement, the second coupler being shaped and configured for engaging the first coupler; (d) wherein the first coupler is movable along a longitudinal axis of motion parallel to the longitudinal plate axis, between a retracted position and an extended position so as to selectively engage the first coupler with the second coupler when the work implement is attached to the implement attachment device and the second hydraulic coupling assembly is mounted to the work implement, for placing the hydraulic system of the work implement in fluid communication with the hydraulic power source; (e) wherein the second coupling assembly is mountable to the work implement within a mounting saddle on the work implement, the mounting saddle being configured for receiving the second mounting members to mount the plate member to the work implement, and the plate member has an opening sized and located so as to receive the second coupler to allow the first coupler to selectively engage the second coupler when the work implement is attached to the plate member; and (f) wherein the first coupler is retracted away from the opening when the first coupler is in the retracted position.