Abstract:
A transport hitch apparatus which is attached to a standard semi-truck tractor via the truck&#39;s frame and fifth-wheel, and which is capable of lifting and towing agricultural implements using an array of different hitch connections. The transport hitch is customizable, and is capable of conforming to several semi-truck tractor frame types and implement hitch types. In the practice of an aspect of the present invention, an agricultural implement is attached to the transport apparatus via a two-point or drawbar hitch. The transport apparatus includes a self-contained electrically powered hydraulic lift system capable of lifting large agricultural implements for transport. The transport apparatus is mounted to a tandem axle semi-truck tractor fifth wheel and frame. The transport apparatus is designed to quickly attached to any standard semi-truck tractor. The hydraulic lift system allows implements of any shape or size to be raised or lowered to an ideal towing height.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a loading system for a vehicle, and particularly to a lift and hitch system for loading, transporting, and unloading equipment, such as agricultural implements, onto a standard semi-truck tractor. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Implements and equipment for tillage, cultivation and other agricultural operations have been developed with the objectives of increasing efficiency and lowering operating costs. These mechanical agricultural implements typically connect to tractors and other machinery via several connection types, such as Cat. II or Cat. III two-point hitch, or via a removable drawbar type hitch. It is important to be able to move these heavy agricultural implements from one location to another and to quickly load and unload the equipment. 
         [0005]    With the ever increasing size of planters, drills, grain carts and tillage equipment, it is no longer safe or feasible to tow these types of agricultural implements of husbandry with a pickup, one-ton or two-ton truck. This makes delivery and pickup of these implements a challenge for dealers and either has to be done with a farm tractor or the implement has to be loaded on a semi-trailer. Both of these delivery solutions have great limitations. 
         [0006]    Modern agricultural operations commonly require equipment adapted for transporting over public roads. For example, many farmers and farming operations work multiple, noncontiguous fields with the same equipment, which must be configured to comply with traffic regulations, including maximum width requirements. Various implement transport mechanisms have been developed for this purpose. For example, implements are commonly designed to fold and unfold between field use and transport configurations. 
         [0007]    Transporting oversize implements commonly involves placing them on transport vehicles, such as trailers, with their long dimensions generally aligned with the direction of travel. For example, the Mefferd et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,259 shows an implement supported on auxiliary wheels and drawn by a vehicle attached to an end of the implement. Alternatively, an implement can be reoriented by a device that rotates it. For example, the Van Selus U.S. Pat. No. 3,727,698 discloses a trailer apparatus incorporating a turntable supported on a trailer body wherein a lift and support assembly is mounted on the turntable for lifting an implement and supporting it in an elevated position with the elongated dimension of the implement extending parallel to the direction of travel. 
         [0008]    A further example is shown in the Shannon U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,918, which discloses an implement transporter including a trailer having a lifting and rotating mechanism for engaging, lifting and rotating an implement. The weight of the implement is supported by a roller, and the lifting mechanism is guided through an arcuate path-of-movement by an arm pivoted adjacent to one side of the trailer whereby the supported implement may be rotated 90 degrees relative to the trailer. 
         [0009]    Yet another example is shown in the Pingry et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,170, which describes an implement transporter including a trailer having a lifting and rotating mechanism for engaging, lifting and rotating the implement. The trailer includes a turntable supporting a cantilevered arm and the cantilevered arm includes a lift and support assembly. 
         [0010]    Additional examples of lift systems adapted for use with standard semi-truck tractors includes the Pro-Tote® Daisy Mule®, which modifies a standard truck wrecker modified to pull agricultural implements, and the Zacklift™ Fifthwheeler, which allows a standard semi-truck tractor to be converted into a towing wrecker for transporting other semi-truck tractors over the road. However, these modifications lack the versatility to connect with, lift, and haul the wide variety of agricultural implements available today. For example, the Daisy Mule® is limited to use with only Cat. III quick hitch systems and a removable drawbar. The Zacklift™ Fifthwheeler is limited to transforming a standard semi-truck tractor into a wrecker, and is incapable of lifting and transporting agricultural implements. 
         [0011]    The existing hitch systems cannot quickly or easily transform from a Cat. III hitch to a Cat. II hitch. Modifying an existing hitch to accept a Cat. II or Cat. III quick hitch would require that the quick hitch be completely removed and a new quick hitch system be installed. Quick hitch systems weigh upwards of 250 pounds and require time to be installed. Further: existing hitch systems employ a lift placed relative to a semi-truck&#39;s fifth wheel and requires that the hitch extend well beyond the end of the truck frame. This increases the moment arm of the hitch, and therefore increases weight load on the hitch system, leading to increased wear. 
         [0012]    Other examples of lift systems adapted for use with standard semi-truck tractors further includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,823,735 and 6,036,428 to Kooima, U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,933 to Zackovich, U.S. Pat. No. 4,543,030 to Hawkins, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,715,042 to Rellinger. These lift systems discuss attaching a lift system to a standard semi-truck tractor via the fifth wheel. 
         [0013]    What is desired is a lift system capable of connecting to a standard semi-truck tractor adapted for lifting and hauling agricultural implements having a variety of connection types, including Cat. II two-point hitch connections, Cat. III two-point hitch connections, and draw bar connections. 
         [0014]    Heretofore there has not been available a lift mechanism with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The present invention relates to a transport hitch which is attached to a standard semi-truck tractor via a fifth-wheel connection, and which is capable of lifting and hauling agricultural implements using an array of different hitch connections. The present invention is also highly customizable, and is capable of conforming to several semi-truck tractor frame types. The present invention is intended to benefit farmers, farm equipment dealers, and transporters who have a need for transporting large agricultural implements quickly and safely. 
         [0016]    In the practice of an aspect of the present invention, an agricultural implement is attached to the transport apparatus via a two-point or drawbar hitch. The transport apparatus may include a self-contained electrically powered hydraulic lift system capable of lifting large agricultural implements for transport. Alternatively, the transport apparatus may be hydraulically connected to the semi-truck tractor using a wet kit configuration, such that the apparatus is powered by and operated from the semi-truck. The transport apparatus is mounted to a tandem axle semi-truck tractor fifth wheel and frame. The transport apparatus is designed to quickly attached to any standard semi-truck tractor. The hydraulic lift system allows implements of any shape or size to be raised or lowered to an ideal towing height. 
         [0017]    The vertical lift ensures that the drawbar hitch is kept perfectly level when an implement is lifted, as opposed to existing hitches which lift in an arc causing a drawbar to be elevated at an angle that increases the stress upon the bar and the implement being lifted. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view showing an embodiment of the present invention interacting with a typical environment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention with the life assembly in a raised position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention with the life assembly in a lowered position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an exploded, isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention, the reverse side elevation being generally a mirror image thereof. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is bottom plan view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a rear elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    I. Introduction and Environment 
         [0029]    As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0030]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning. 
         [0031]    II. Preferred Embodiment or Aspect Transport Hitch System  2   
         [0032]    Referring to the drawings in more detail; the reference numeral  2  generally designates a transport hitch system capable of loading agricultural implements and lifting them to an ideal towing height, as shown in  FIGS. 1-9 . Without limitation on the range of useful applications of the transport hitch system  2 , an exemplary application is disclosed comprising: a main beam member  12 , a lift mast  6 , and a lift assembly  4 . The transport hitch system  2  can be affixed to a standard semi-truck tractor  24  via the fifth wheel  28  and the truck frame  26 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the transport hitch system  2  is adapted to be mounted to a standard semi-truck tractor  24 . A frame mount assembly  30 , comprised of steel plate members, is bolted to the main beam member  12  and includes grooves  32  allowing the frame mount assembly  30  to connect to a standard semi-truck frame  26 . A kingpin connection assembly  20 , comprised of steel plate members and a kingpin  52 , is bolted to the main beam member  12 . The kingpin connection assembly  20  allows the transport hitch system  2  to mount directly to the fifth wheel  28  of a standard semi-truck tractor  24 . A pair of binder assemblies  22  bolted to either side of the main beam member  12  provides a third connection between the transport hitch system  2  and the semi-truck  24 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  generally demonstrates how, once the transport hitch system  2  is mounted to a semi-truck  26 , the lift assembly  4  is capable of being raised or lowered along the lift mast  6 . When lowered, the lift assembly  4  is capable of receiving an agricultural implement  66  and raising the implement to an ideal towing height h. The typical agricultural implement  66  includes wheels which remain on the ground for towing. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 2-4  show the transport hitch system  2  in further detail.  FIG. 2  demonstrates an embodiment of the transport hitch system  2  wherein the lift assembly  4  is in a raised position, whereas  FIG. 3  demonstrates the same embodiment of the transport hitch system  2  wherein the lift assembly  4  is in a lowered position.  FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the same embodiment of the transport hitch system  2 . The lift assembly  4  is further comprised of lift assembly rear plate  38  which includes a pair of hook receiver slots  40  spaced to receive a Cat. III two-point hitch, a pair of hook receiver slots  41  spaced to receive a Cat. II two-point hitch, and a hitch pin receiver slot  42 . The hooks  8  are also capable of receiving a heavy duty drawbar and towing an implement by the drawbar. 
         [0036]    A pair of mounting hooks  8  can be inserted into the hook receiver slots  40  or  41 , depending on the desired hitch connection. The mounting hooks  8  include hook tabs  44  which are received by the hook receiver slots  40 ,  41 . The mounting hooks may further be secured into the hook receiver slots with bolts, a securing pin  64 , or through some other temporary mechanical connection. A hitch pin  10  including a hitch pin tab  46  is similarly mounted into the hitch pin receiver slot  42  and secured via bolts, a securing pin, or through some other temporary mechanical connection. 
         [0037]    The lift assembly  4  is mounted onto the lift mast  6 , which includes a relief  48 . The lift assembly may be powered mechanically, by hydraulics, or by other means. The lift mast  6  includes a hollow core capable of containing hydraulic and electrical components and lines and protecting those components and lines from the elements. The relief  48  may be used to prevent the lift assembly  4  from being raised beyond a maximum point at the apex of the relief. 
         [0038]    The lift mast  6  is attached to the main beam member  12  via a pair of side panels  34 , forming a general “L” shape between the main beam member  12  and the lift mast  6 . This provides greater structural support to the entire system. This also allows the lift assembly  4  to rise along a single axis. The side panels are comprised of plate steel and may be bolted or otherwise connected to both the main beam member  12  and the lift mast  6 . These components form the main body of the transport hitch system  2 . The main beam member  12  may include hollow portions capable of containing hydraulic and electrical components and lines and protecting those lines and components from the elements. 
         [0039]    The frame mount assembly  30  is connected to the main beam member  12 , or alternatively to the side panels  34 . The frame mount assembly  30  includes reliefs  32  for receiving a standard semi-truck frame  26 . The reliefs  32  may be modified using adjustment plates  62  to accommodate truck frames of different sizes by bolting additional plate members onto the mount assembly  30 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The frame mount assembly  30  is designed to rigidly support the transport hitch system  2  while allowing for quickly mounting or un-mounting the system from a semi-truck  24 . 
         [0040]    A pair of weather proof storage boxes are mounted to the main beam member  12 . The passenger side box  17  includes a weather proof lid  18  and contains a battery  19  and a battery charger and isolator for recharging and regulating power to and from the battery. The batter  19  is further electrically connected to the mechanical or hydraulic system which powers the lift assembly  4 . When not in use, the power from the batteries is cut off, retaining maximum charge within the batteries. The driver side box  15  also includes a weather proof lid  16  and contains a hydraulic power pack, which may include a hydraulic reservoir or other components for operating and powering the lift assembly  4 . 
         [0041]    A kingpin connection assembly  20  is bolted to the main beam member  12  and serves to connect the transport hitch system  2  with a standard semi-truck tractor  24  via the truck&#39;s fifth wheel  28 . The kingpin connection assembly  20  is comprised of a base connector plate  50  and a pair of upstanding steel plates  54  which are bolted or otherwise affixed to the main beam member  12 . A kingpin  52  is mounted to the base connector plate  50  and allows connection with the fifth wheel  28 . 
         [0042]    A pair of binder assemblies  22  are bolted to the main beam assembly  12 . The binder assemblies may include a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder  56  or some other means by which the binder assembly  22  secures the binder connection with the truck frame  26 . The binder assembly further includes a binder linkage  58 , which may be comprised of a length of steel chain or other means by which the linkage assembly may physically connect with the truck frame. Once the binder linkage  58  is connected to the truck frame  26 , the hydraulic cylinder  56  retracts to remove the slack from the binder linkage  58 , and establishes a strong mounting connection with the truck frame. The binder assemblies  20  are attached to the main beam member  12  by bolting or otherwise affixing a binder bolt plate  60  to the side of the main beam member. Alternatively, the binder assemblies may be comprised of standard lever chain binders including a lever arm for manually increasing the tension of the binder linkage  58 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0043]    A front bar  14  is bolted, welded, or otherwise affixed to the front end of the main beam member  12 . 
         [0044]      FIGS. 5-9  provide further detail of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  demonstrates how electrical and hydraulic lines may run down the length of the main beam member  12  to carry power from the battery  17  contained within the storage box  17  to the lift assembly  14 . 
         [0045]    The lift assembly  14  may be controlled using a typical control unit, either mounted directly to the transport hitch system  2  or in a remote location. The control system may be wired or wireless. The control system would control the electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic means by which the lift assembly  14  is raised or lowered along the lift mast. 
         [0046]    During a typical operation of the transport hitch system  2 , the system is loaded onto a standard semi-truck tractor  24  using a forklift or other means. The transport hitch system  2  is connected to the truck  24  using three connection means: the frame mount  30 , the kingpin connection assembly  20 , and a pair of binders  22 . Once the system  2  is secured to the truck  24 , the lift assembly  4  is lowered. 
         [0047]    A pair of hooks  8  are inserted into the appropriate receiver slots  40 ,  41  located on the lift assembly back plate  38 . If the implement to be loaded requires a Cat. III type hitch, the outermost receiver slots  40  are used; and if the implement to be loaded requires a Cat. II type hitch, the innermost receiver slots  41  are used. The hitch pin  10  is also inserted into the hitch pin receiver slot  42 . 
         [0048]    The truck  24  is backed into position whereby the lift assembly  4  is able to connect with the implement  66 . The lift assembly  4  is first lowered into position, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , and then is raised to the appropriate towing height h, as depicted in  FIG. 1 . The implement can then be transported to a desired destination. The entire loading process is designed to take a matter of minutes. 
         [0049]    It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above. The range of components and configurations which can be utilized in the practice of the present invention is virtually unlimited.