Patent ID: 7690439
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: A01B

Abstract:
1. A quick coupler for connecting a hitch-connectable implement to a tractor, the tractor having a three-point hitch and defining relative forward and opposing rearward directions with respect to the implement, the implement having an upper hitch pin and a pair of bottom hitch pins, said quick coupler comprising: a main frame connectable to the tractor three-point hitch; a top hook for engaging the upper implement hitch pin, said top hook connected to said main frame; at least two releasable hitching mechanisms connected to opposing legs of said main frame, one said releasable hitching mechanism for association with each respective bottom hitch pin on the implement, said at least two releasable hitching mechanisms configured for receiving the implement bottom hitch pins as the frame-is rotated-with respect to the upper implement hitch pin engaged in the top hook and responsive to engaging movement of the three-point hitch, said mechanisms selectively positionable between latched and unlatched positions wherein said latched position enables the bottom hitch pins to be engaged in said at least two releasable hitching mechanisms, the hitching mechanisms are rotated from an open unlatched position into the closed latched position by pivotal contact with the bottom hitch pins and, once engaged, restrained in said at least two releasable hitching mechanisms in a manner enabling generally pivotal movement only, said unlatched position allowing the implement hitch pins to disengage from said at least two releasable hitching mechanisms in response to a disengaging movement of the three point hitch; a transverse frame member mounted to said main frame and spanning between the opposing legs; a telescoping shaft having first and second opposing ends and an axis of rotation, said first end connectable to a tractor PTO; a PTO engagement mechanism connected to said transverse frame, said engagement mechanism having an engaged position and a disengaged position corresponding to respective forward and rearward positions along said axis of rotational of said second end of said telescoping shaft between said engaged and disengaged positions, said engagement mechanism connected to said transverse frame in a manner allowing rotational, axial, and limited radial movement of said second end of said telescoping shaft; a torque coupler having separable drive and driven members, said drive member connected to said engagement mechanism for movement between said engaged and disengaged positions, said driven member connected to a mounting structure on the hitch-connected implement to allow rotational motion while constraining axial and radial movement of the driven member, both said members having interlocking alignment structures to radially align said drive member along said axis of rotation during movement toward said engaged position and; the transverse frame having a forward and rearward face, the engagement mechanism mounted adjacent the forward face, the transverse frame having an opening therethrough such that the driven member is movable through the frame for engagement with the drive member, the PTO engagement mechanism having a guide limiting the movement of the drive member, the guide configured such that the drive member does not protrude beyond the rearward face of said transverse frame such that the drive member is shielded by the structure of the frame.