Abstract:
A hitch assembly for use by an agricultural machine, in particular a self-propelled windrower, allowing the adjustable position of a hitch for use in both the towing of implements during field operations and the transportation of implements from one location to another. The adjustable hitch advantageously provides stability during the transportation position and is up and out of the way of crop flow during field use.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to agricultural vehicles such as self-propelled windrowers, and, more particularly, to the securing of towable implements to such vehicles. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    An agricultural vehicle known as a “windrower” is used to cut crops in an agricultural field. Some of the crops processed by windrowers include hay, forage, and other small-grain crops. As the windrower moves through the field of crops, the plants are cut and typically moved toward the center of the path of the windrower. The cut crops are later harvested in a secondary operation. 
         [0005]    A particular type of windrower is a “self-propelled windrower”. As the name implies, a self-propelled windrower includes a cutting apparatus on the front of a chassis which is propelled by a motor. The cutting apparatus is at the front of the chassis as the windrower proceeds through the field, which therefore eliminates the damage to the crops that would be encountered if the wheels of the windrower preceded the cutting apparatus. 
         [0006]    As previously stated, the cut crop left behind the windrower is typically harvested at a later time. Because the cut crop may be exposed to adverse conditions, primarily high winds, it is often desirable to subject the cut crop to a secondary operation where it is somewhat compacted and made more impervious to the effects of wind, one such effect being scattered out of place where it is easily accessible for harvesting. An implement used to achieve such a secondary operation is called a “swath roller”. A swath roller is typically towed behind the self-propelled windrower, so that the newly-cut crop can be immediately stabilized as the swath roller rolls over it. 
         [0007]    The swath roller can be coupled to the self-propelled windrower by a hitch. Necessarily, the hitch attached to the windrower must be high enough that it does not get in the way of the crop which has just been cut and deposited in a mounded configuration, causing damage or displacement of the crop. Such a high location of the hitch, however, precludes it from being able to be used to tow other implements in non-field operations. For example, it may be desirable for the self-propelled windrower to tow a wagon, trailer, header, or other implement from field to field on public roads. Typically, the hitch location for the aforementioned implements is located at a lower position to lend stability to the towed implement, so the self-propelled windrower with a high-located hitch is unable to tow them. Instead, another agricultural machine such as a tractor typically is used to tow those implements. Alternatively, a separate hitch can be installed on the self-propelled windrower, which is cumbersome, time-consuming, and necessitates storage during field use. 
         [0008]    What is needed in the art is a hitch assembly that can be used on self-propelled windrowers to tow implements such as swath rollers in an agricultural field, as well as transport other implements from one location to another. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention provides an adjustable hitch system for an agricultural vehicle, whereby the same hitch can be used for both towing a field implement as well as transporting other implements from one location to another. 
         [0010]    The invention in one form is directed to a hitch assembly, including a frame with at least one hitch receiver pivotally mounted to at least one bracket attached to the chassis of an agricultural vehicle, whereby the hitch receiver can be rotated and locked in a generally downward vertical position enabling it to be used to tow and transport implements from one location to another, or the hitch receiver can be rotated and locked in a generally horizontal position enabling it to tow implements such as swath rollers in an agricultural field. The assembly is manually rotated and locked into place with a removable pin. 
         [0011]    The invention in another form is directed to a hitch assembly, including a frame with at least one hitch receiver pivotally mounted to at least one bracket attached to the chassis of an agricultural vehicle, whereby the hitch receiver can be rotated and locked in a generally downward vertical position enabling it to be used to tow and transport implements from one location to another, or the hitch receiver can be rotated and locked in a generally horizontal position enabling it to tow implements such as swath rollers in an agricultural field. The assembly is rotated and locked into place by an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic apparatus which is controllable remotely or at the source. 
         [0012]    An advantage of the present invention is the ability to use the same hitch to achieve the two tasks of towing implements during field use or transporting implements from one location to another. No extra hitch is needed, which would be cumbersome and necessitate storage of the unused hitch. 
         [0013]    Another advantage of the present invention is the operator is able to remain in the cab at the same position during field use of the self-propelled windrower or while using it to transport implements from one location to another; that is, the self-propelled windrower need not be operated in a reverse-to-field direction for such transportation. 
         [0014]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability for the hitch assembly to be rotated out of the way of the crop flow while being used in the field. 
         [0015]    Still another advantage of the present invention is that it is capable of being retrofitted onto certain agricultural vehicles with no hitch. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a hitch system of the present invention in a transportation configuration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the hitch system of  FIG. 1  in a field use configuration; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the hitch system of  FIG. 1  mounted to an agricultural vehicle and being used for transporting an implement; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the hitch system of  FIG. 1  mounted to an agricultural vehicle and being used for towing an implement during field use. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The terms “crop”, “vehicle”, and “implement” are used principally throughout this specification for convenience; but it is to be understood that these terms are not intended to be limiting. Thus “crop” refers to any agricultural plant that can be harvested; “vehicle” refers to any agricultural vehicle unless specified; and “implement” refers to any piece of agricultural equipment such as headers, wagons, trailers, rollers, etc. Also the terms “forward”, “rearward”, “left” and “right”, when used in connection with the agricultural vehicle and/or components thereof are usually determined with reference to the direction of forward operative travel of the vehicle, but again, they should not be construed as limiting. The terms “longitudinal” and “transverse” are determined with reference to the fore-and-aft direction of the agricultural vehicle and are equally not to be construed as limiting. 
         [0023]    Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a hitch system  10  including brackets  12 , flanges  14 , detachable locking pins  18  and  22 , frame  24 , and hitch shaft receiver  34 . The hitch system  10  is shown in a transportation configuration ( FIG. 3 ), described below. 
         [0024]    Brackets  12  are composed of any metallic material and are configured to be any rigid shape capable of attachment to the chassis  42  of an agricultural machine  40  ( FIG. 3 ). The attachment of brackets  12  to chassis  42  can be of a permanent nature such as by weldment, or of a temporary nature by any attachment devices such as screws, bolts, etc. (not shown). 
         [0025]    In the embodiment shown, there are four flanges  14 . Each flange  14  is composed of a similar material as bracket  12  and is permanently attached to bracket  12  by weldment or other means; alternatively, flange  14  and bracket  12  can be manufactured as a single piece. Flange  14  has a through-hole  16  for detachable locking pin  18  and at least two through-holes  20  and  21  for detachable locking pin  22 . Flange  14  can be any shape, and is shown in  FIG. 1  as a semi-circular configuration where the “diameter” of the semicircle is the portion where the flange  14  is attached to bracket  12 . The centers of through holes  20  and  21  on flange  14  are on the same circumference of an imaginary circle with the center of through-hole  16  on flange  14  being the center point of the imaginary circle. 
         [0026]    In the embodiment shown, frame  24  includes two arms  26  and a hitch shaft receiver  34 . Arms  26  include a first end  28  and second end  30 . The cross-section shown is rectangular; however, any other cross-sectional shape is possible including square, oval, or circular. First end  28  has a through-hole  31  for detachable locking pin  18  and a through-hole  32  for detachable locking pin  22 . 
         [0027]    Hitch shaft receiver  34  includes first end  35 , second end  36 , and third end  37 . First end  35  is attached to second end  30  of arms  26 , discussed further in this specification. Second end  36  is coaxial along axis A-A with first end  35 , with through-hole  38  passing through both ends. The cross-section of through-hole  38  is any configuration which will accept a standard hitch shaft  56 , discussed below. Third end  37  is at a planar angle α from its longitudinal axis B-B to axis A-A. The angular value of angle α is between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, depending upon the desired agricultural vehicle and implement characteristics. Through-hole  39  passes between third end  37  and second end  36 , and is of the same cross-sectional geometry as through-hole  38 . Although designated as a through-hole, through-hole  39  may have less than its cross-sectional geometry at second end  36  as it has at third end  37  as a result of the angle α. Second end  36  and third end  37  include through-holes  50  and  52 , respectively, for the insertion of a hitch shaft  56 . 
         [0028]    Now referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , with continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the assembly and operation of hitch system  10  is explained. As previously described and shown in preferred embodiment  FIGS. 1-2 , two flanges  14  are fixed to each bracket  12 . Each pair of flanges  14  are parallel to each other and spaced apart far enough that arms  26  can pass freely between them. Brackets  12  with attached flanges  14  are attached to chassis  42  of agricultural machine  40 , typically parallel to each other and at a distance from each other to provide stability to the working mechanism. 
         [0029]    As previously noted, frame  24  preferentially includes two arms  26  and a hitch shaft receiver  34 . Arms  26 , when assembled, are connected to one another at their second ends  30 . They may be connected by welding or any other mechanical means. First ends  28  of arms  26  are co-planar and at a distance enabling them to be simultaneously inserted between flanges  14  on brackets  12 . Hitch shaft receiver  34  is attached by mechanically fixing first end  35  to the joined second ends  30  of arms  26 . When attached, through-hole  38  is preferentially coplanar with arms  26 . 
         [0030]    Frame  24  is pivotally attached by detachable locking pin  18  between each pair of flanges  14  by through-holes  16  on flanges  14  and through-holes  31  on the first ends  28  of arms  26 , thereby allowing frame  24  to swing in a circular manner. Preferentially, there are two positions for frame  24  on hitch assembly  10 . At both positions, the frame is locked via detachable locking pins  22  through each of the through-holes  20  and  21  on flanges  14  and through-holes  32  on the first ends  28  of arms  26 . 
         [0031]    The first position is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In this position, with the frame  24  locked at a generally downward position via detachable locking pins  22  through through-holes  20  on flanges  14  and through-holes  32  on the first ends  28  of arms  26 , and a standard ball  58  and hitch shaft  56  attached to through-hole  39  on third end  37  of hitch shaft receiver  34 , a connection  44  can be made between agricultural machine  40  and implement  46 . This connection advantageously allows agricultural machine  40  to tow implement  46  from location to location, for example on public roadways. 
         [0032]    The second position is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . In this position, with the frame  24  locked at a generally horizontal position via detachable locking pins  22  through through-holes  21  on flanges  14  and through-holes  32  on the first ends  28  of arms  26 , and a standard ball  58  and hitch shaft  56  attached to through-hole  38  on second end  36  of hitch shaft receiver  34 , a connection  44  can be made between agricultural machine  40  and implement  48 . This connection advantageously allows agricultural machine  40  to tow implement  48  through a field for normal agricultural duties; for example, agricultural machine  40  may be a self-propelled windrower towing a swath roller behind it. In this position, hitch assembly  10  is advantageously up and out of the way of contacting crops as agricultural machine  40  proceeds through the field. 
         [0033]    The frame  24  is typically rotated from position to position manually; however, in an alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , apparatus  60  may be used to assist such rotation under power. For example, apparatus  60  may be one of a hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic apparatus and controlled at its location or remotely by a switch  64  in cab  62  of agricultural machine  40 . 
         [0034]    While a hitch assembly has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.