Patent Publication Number: US-2022232749-A1

Title: Implement support apparatus with adjustable width

Description:
This disclosure relates to the field of implements for use in industries such as agriculture, mining, construction and the like, and in particular to an implement support apparatus with a frame and wheels to carry a variety of implements. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Implements such as are used in agriculture and various industries such as mining, road construction and maintenance, and the like include a wide variety of sizes and configurations. Implements such as combines, swathers, sprayers, road graders, earth movers, and the like are commonly self-propelled, with the engine, drive system, and operators station incorporated into the implement itself. Implements such as air seeders, cultivators, discs, grain carts, mowers, and the like are more commonly towed behind a tractor. Some implements are configured to be mounted directly on a tractor instead of being towed behind, such as snowplows mounted on the front end of a tractor, mowers mounted under a middle portion of the tractor, and a wide variety of implements mounted to the arms of a three point hitch system commonly incorporated on the rear end of tractors. 
     A typical towed implement comprises a frame mounted on wheels, and hitch attached to the frame and adapted to be connected to a towing vehicle like a tractor. In some such implements earth working tools such as furrow openers, shanks, blades, buckets or the like are mounted on the frame. Implement controls are provided connecting the tools to hydraulic and or electric power sources, typically on the towing vehicle, so that an operator on the towing vehicle can control the functions of the implement. It is also common to incorporate automatic controls, where implement functions are controlled automatically according to the location determined by a global positioning system (GPS) or the like. 
     Other implements may comprise a container mounted on the frame for carrying granular material such as grain, fertilizer, soil, etc. or for carrying liquids. The implements can include spreaders for granular material or sprayer booms for and pumps for spraying liquids. The variety of implements used in agriculture, construction, and the like is large and varied, however a frame mounted on wheels is common to many of these towed implements. 
     United States Published Patent Application Number 2019/0053417 of the present inventor Beaujot discloses an implement operating apparatus with a U-shaped support frame supported on drive wheels, each pivotally mounted about a vertical wheel pivot axis. Various implements are configured to perform various operations and can be connected to the drive frame. The drive frame and implement move and steer along a first travel path or a second travel path oriented generally perpendicular to the first travel path. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure provides an implement support frame and hitch mounted on wheels that overcomes problems in the prior art. 
     In a first embodiment the present disclosure provides an implement support apparatus comprising a U-shaped support frame comprising a base beam and right and left substantially parallel side beams extending rearward from corresponding right and left portions of the base beam and defining an open implement area between the right and left side beams. A hitch assembly is attached at a rear end thereof to a front end of the support frame and is adapted at a front end thereof for connection to a towing vehicle. Right and left frame wheels are mounted to the corresponding right and left side beams and support the right and left side beams, and each frame wheel is rotatable about a frame wheel axis that is fixed in a substantially horizontal orientation perpendicular to an operating travel direction that is substantially aligned with the right and left side beams. 
     First and second implements are each configured to perform an implement operation and to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position. The first and second implements and the support frame are configured such that when each implement is in the idle position, the support frame is movable, when connected to and propelled by the towing vehicle, rearward with respect to each implement to an implement loading position where each implement is connectable to the support frame and is movable to an operating position where each implement is supported by the support frame and is connectable to an implement control system operative to control implement functions. Each of the first and second implements provides a beam lock connection between the right and left side beams and when each of the first and second implements is in the operating position, the beam lock connection resists twisting movement of the right and left side beams to maintain the right and left frame wheels and the right and left side beams in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to each other. 
     In a second embodiment the present disclosure provides an implement support apparatus comprising a U-shaped support frame comprising a base beam and right and left substantially parallel side beams extending rearward and sloping downward from corresponding right and left portions of the base beam and defining an open implement area between the right and left side beams. A hitch assembly is attached at a rear end thereof to the support frame and is adapted at a front end thereof for connection to a towing vehicle. Right and left frame wheels are mounted to the corresponding right and left side beams and support the right and left side beams, and each frame wheel is rotatable about a corresponding frame wheel axis that is fixed in a substantially horizontal orientation perpendicular to an operating travel direction that is substantially aligned with the right and left side beams. First and second implements are each configured to perform an implement operation and to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position. The first and second implements comprise a front implement load support and right and left rear implement load supports. The first and second implements and the support frame are configured such that when each implement is in the idle position, the support frame is movable, when connected to and propelled by the towing vehicle, rearward with respect to each implement to an implement loading position where each implement is connectable to the support frame and is movable to an operating position where each implement is supported on the front implement load support and on the right and left rear implement load supports by a corresponding front bearing member mounted to the support frame and corresponding right and left rear bearing members attached to the corresponding right and left side beams and where each implement is connectable to an implement control system operative to control implement functions. 
     In a third embodiment the present disclosure provides an implement support apparatus comprising a U-shaped support frame comprising a base beam and right and left substantially parallel side beams extending rearward from corresponding right and left portions of the base beam and defining an open implement area between the right and left side beams, and wherein a width of the open implement area between the right and left side beams is adjustable. A hitch assembly is attached at a rear end thereof to a front end of the support frame and is adapted at a front end thereof for connection to a towing vehicle. Right and left frame wheels are mounted to the corresponding right and left side beams and support the right and left side beams. Each frame wheel is rotatable about a frame wheel axis that is fixed in a substantially horizontal orientation perpendicular to an operating travel direction that is substantially aligned with the right and left side beams. First and second implements are each configured to perform an implement operation and to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position. The first and second implements and the support frame are configured such that when each implement is in the idle position, the support frame is movable, when connected to and propelled by the towing vehicle, rearward with respect to each implement to an implement loading position where each implement is connectable to the support frame and is movable to an operating position where each implement is supported by the support frame and is connectable to an implement control system operative to control implement functions. The width of the open implement area is adjusted to a first width to support the first implement and the width of the open implement area is adjusted to a second width to support the second implement. 
     The present disclosure provides an implement support frame mounted on frame wheels. The implement frame includes a hitch assembly and is towed along a length wise path aligned with the side beams. Implements of different configurations can be manufactured without a frame, hitch, and wheels, and then installed on the support frame. Heavy implements can be carried by the implement support apparatus because it is configured to resist torque forces caused by implement weights that are off set from the support frame wheel paths and also caused by turning and by sloping ground. The frame wheels rotate about rotational axes that are rigidly fixed to the side beams of the support frame. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic top view of a support frame of the implement operating apparatus of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic front view of the support frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of the support frame of  FIG. 1  connected to a towing vehicle; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic side view of first and second implements of the implement operating apparatus for mounting on the support frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic rear view of the first implement of  FIG. 4  in the operating position on the support frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic side view of the implement apparatus of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic side view showing the attachment of the beam lock connection of the implement apparatus of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic top view of an alternate support frame and implement with alternate the beam attachment assemblies and beam lock connections; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic rear view of a further alternate support frame and implement with further alternate beam attachment assemblies and beam lock connections; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic detail showing beam attachment assemblies and beam lock connection of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic side view of an alternate support frame and implement configured to align the implement weight above portions of the frame wheel paths to reduce torque forces; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic rear view of the support frame and implement of  FIG. 11  where the frame wheels are directly below the side beams and the implement rests on the side beams; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic rear view of an alternate arrangement where the frame wheels are mounted laterally offset from the corresponding side beams and bearing members are rigidly fixed to the right and left side beams and extend laterally to support the implement weight above portions of the frame wheel paths; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic side view of the support frame of  FIG. 11  with the hitch assembly in a level position and ground engaging tools of an implement penetrating the ground to a level working depth; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic side view of the support frame of  FIG. 11  with the hitch assembly in a raised position and ground engaging tools of an implement penetrating the ground to a reduced working depth; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic side view of a support frame supported on tracks; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic side view of an implement operating apparatus where the implement moves to the operating position on rollers; 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic side view of an implement in the idle position where the implement has wings, and where the wings extend forward in the idle position; 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic top view showing the implement of  FIG. 18  in the operating position on a support frame and in a transport configuration; 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic top view showing the implement of  FIG. 18  in the operating position on a support frame and in an operating configuration with the wings extending laterally; 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic top view of a support frame and implement where the implement is guided to the operating position by rub guides bearing against rub surfaces; 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic side view of the support frame and implement of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic side view of a support frame where the right and left side beams slope downward from the base beam at a beam angle, and the implement comprises load points along a load line sloping downward from the forward portion of the implement at an angle substantially the same as the beam angle; 
         FIG. 24  is a schematic side view of an alternate support frame supported on tracks where the right and left side beams slope downward from the base beam at a beam angle, and the implement comprises a load brace sloping downward from the forward portion of the implement at an angle substantially the same as the beam angle; 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic top view of an alternate support frame with downward sloping side beams, hitch hydraulic cylinders to move the hitch assembly up and down, and beam attachment assemblies attached to rear ends of the side beams directly behind the frame wheels; 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic side view of the support frame of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a schematic rear view of the support frame of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a schematic side view of the support frame of  FIG. 25  in the implement loading position with respect to an implement, with the hitch assembly pivoted upward to lower the base beam 
         FIG. 29  is a schematic side view of the support frame and implement of  FIG. 28  with the implement in the implement operating position, with the hitch assembly pivoted downward to raise the base beam and the implement; 
         FIG. 30  is a schematic sectional side view of the beam attachment assembly and beam lock connection of the support frame and implement in the implement loading position of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a schematic bottom view showing the relative positions of the lock plates on the implement and the pins of the beam attachment assemblies when the support frame and implement are in the implement loading position of  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a schematic sectional side view of the beam attachment assembly and beam lock connection of the support frame and implement in the operating position of  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a schematic bottom view showing the relative positions of the lock plates on the implement and the pins of the beam attachment assemblies when the implement is in the operating position of  FIG. 33  on the support frame; 
         FIG. 34  is a schematic top view of an alternate support frame where the width of the open implement area between the side beams is adjustable; 
         FIG. 35  is a schematic front view of the support frame of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36A  is a schematic top view of the support frame of  FIG. 34  with the open implement area adjusted to a first width moving rearward into the loading position with respect to a first implement; 
         FIG. 36B  is a schematic top view of the support frame of  FIG. 34  with the open implement area adjusted to a second narrower width moving rearward into the loading position with respect to a second implement; 
         FIG. 37  is a partially cut away schematic top view an alternate base beam where two beam hydraulic cylinders are mounted inside the center beam segment, each connect to one of the right and left beam segments; 
         FIG. 37A  is schematic sectional end view along line  37 A in  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a schematic front view of a hitch assembly pivotally mounted to the center beam segment of the base beam; 
         FIG. 39  is a schematic side view of the hitch assembly of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a schematic top view of an alternate hitch assembly pivotally mounted to the right and left beam segments; 
         FIG. 41  is a schematic front view of the hitch assembly of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a schematic side view of the hitch assembly of  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a schematic top view of an alternate support frame where right and left beam segments are fixed to corresponding right and left side beams and where the right beam segment slides telescopically into the left side beam; 
         FIG. 44  is a schematic top view of an alternate support frame shown with a wide open area where the width of the open area is changed by exerting towing forces on the hitch assembly; 
         FIG. 45  is a schematic top view of the support frame of  FIG. 44  with a narrower open implement area. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1-4  schematically illustrate an embodiment of an implement support apparatus  1  of the present disclosure. The apparatus  1  comprises a U-shaped support frame  3  comprising a base beam  5  and right and left substantially parallel side beams  7 R,  7 L extending rearward from corresponding right and left portions of the base beam  5  and defining an open implement area  9  between the right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L. 
     Right and left frame wheels  11 R,  11 L are mounted to the corresponding right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L and support the right and left side beams. Each frame wheel  11  is rotatable about a frame wheel axis FWA that is fixed in a substantially horizontal orientation perpendicular to an operating travel direction T that is substantially aligned with the right and left side beams  7 . 
     A hitch assembly  13  is attached at a rear end  13 B thereof to a front end of the support frame  3  and is adapted at a front end  13 A thereof for connection to a towing vehicle  15 . The illustrated hitch assembly  13  is fixed to the base beam  5  such that a front portion of the weight of the support frame  3  and any implement supported thereon is supported on the hitch  17  of the towing vehicle  15  and a rear portion of the weight of the support frame  3  and any implement supported thereon is supported on the frame wheels  11 . 
     First and second implements  21 A,  21 B are each configured to perform an implement operation and to rest on the ground surface  19  when in the illustrated idle position. The implements  21  can include a wide variety of implements that might be used in agriculture, construction, mining and like industries.  FIG. 4  shows implements  21 A and  21 B. Implement  21 A is a hoppered container such as might be used to carry gravel, grain or the like with a capacity of 40,000-60,000 pounds. Implement  21 B is an air seeder with folded wings with a width of 50-60 feet such as would be used in agriculture. 
     The implements  21  and the support frame  3  are configured such that when each implement is in the idle position, the support frame  3 , schematically illustrated by phantom lines, is movable rearward with respect to each implement  21  in the idle position to an implement loading position where each implement  21  is connectable to the support frame  3  and is movable, when connected to and propelled by the towing vehicle  15 , rearward with respect to each implement  21  to an implement loading position where each implement  21  is connectable to the support frame  3  and is movable to an operating position where each implement  21  is supported by the support frame  3  and is connectable to an implement control system operative to control implement functions Once an implement  21  is supported on the support frame  3  the stands  25  that support the implements  21  in the idle position are removed, folded, or retracted. 
       FIG. 5  schematically illustrates a rear view of a typical implement  21  supported on the right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L of the support frame  3 . The weight of the implement  21  bears against the side beams  7  along force line WF, and the weight of the rear portion of the apparatus  1  including the implement  21  and the support frame  3  is supported by the wheels  11  along support force line SF in the center of the wheel path WP. It can be seen that where the weight of the implement  21  is high, such as when the implement is configured to carry soil, gravel, grain, or the like, a significant torque force TF is exerted that will tend to move the wheels  11  outward. Further torque forces TF also occur when the apparatus  1  is operating on sloping ground, and while turning, especially at higher speeds. 
     To address this issue, cross members may be incorporated into the support frame  3  however it would then be necessary to configure every implement to accommodate the cross members. It would be possible to remove one cross member and substitute another for a particular implement, however this would be laborious and time consuming and so in the disclosed apparatus  1 , these cross members are incorporated into each implement and attach to the support frame  3  during the loading process. Thus each implement includes the cross member support required for that particular implement in a beam lock connection  22 , and the open implement area  9  remains clear. 
     Each of the first and second implements  21 A,  21 B provides a beam lock connection  22  between the right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L. When each of the implements  21  is in the operating position, the beam lock connection  22  resists twisting movement of the right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L to maintain the right and left frame wheels  11 R,  11 L and the right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to each other. 
     The right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L comprise corresponding right and left beam attachment assemblies  24 R,  24 L, each beam attachment assembly  24  fixed to the corresponding side beam  7 . The right beam attachment assembly  24 R defines fixed first and second right beam attachment members  27 RA,  27 RB that are laterally spaced from each other in directions perpendicular to the operating travel direction T, and the left beam attachment assembly  24 L defines fixed first and second left beam attachment members  27 LA,  27 LB that are laterally spaced from each other in directions perpendicular to the operating travel direction T, In the illustrated apparatus  1 , the support frame  3  includes right and left side bars  31 R,  31 L rigidly attached at upper portions thereof to the corresponding right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L, and extending downward from the corresponding right and left side beams. The second right and left attachment members  27 RB,  27 LB are located at the bottom of the side bars  31  and so are spaced laterally in a vertical direction with respect to the first right and left attachment members  27 RA,  27 LA. 
     The beam lock connection  22  comprises rigid elements  29  and  33 . The illustrated elements  29 ,  33  form part of the implement  21  that is itself rigid such that the right and left ends of the elements  29 ,  33  are all rigid with respect to each other. As shown in  FIG. 7  the elements  29 ,  33  engage the first and second right beam attachment members  27 RA,  27 RB and the first and second left beam attachment members  27 LA,  27 LB when each implement  21  is in the operating position. 
     Thus the beam attachment members  27 RA,  27 RB,  27 LA,  27 LB are held in a rigid relationship with respect to each other, and so the right and left frame wheels  11 R,  11 L and the right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L are maintained in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to each other and the torque forces TF are resisted whether the apparatus is operating on a level or a sloping ground surface  19 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7  the first and second beam attachment members on each side are also longitudinally spaced in directions parallel to the operating travel direction T forward and rearward with respect to each other. 
       FIG. 6  schematically illustrates a left side view of implement  21  of  FIG. 5  supported on the right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L of the support frame  3 . The elements  29 ,  33  are incorporated into the implement  21  and move into engagement with the left beam attachment members  27 LA,  27 LB as the support frame  3  moves rearward with respect to the implement  21  in response to a force exerted by a loading hydraulic cylinder  37  as shown in  FIG. 7 . In the illustrated apparatus  1  the beam attachment members  27 LA,  27 LB comprise a recess  39  configured to receive a projection  41 . The loading hydraulic cylinder  37  is operative to maintain a high forward bias force on the implement  21  to maintain the engagement during operation. Alternatively or in addition mechanical locks or latches could be provided. 
     In the illustrated apparatus  1 , right and left front side bars  43 R,  43 L are rigidly attached at upper portions thereof to the corresponding right and left side beams  7 R,  7 L and extend downward from the corresponding right and left side beams, and the right and left rear side bars  31 R,  31 L are rigidly attached at upper portions thereof to the corresponding right and left side beams rearward of the corresponding right and left front side bars  43 R,  43 L. A right wheel support  45 R is rigidly attached to lower portions of the right front and rear side bars  43 R,  31 R and a left  45 L wheel support rigidly attached to lower portions of the left front and rear side bars  43 L,  31 L. The right and left frame wheels  11 R,  11 L are mounted to the corresponding right and left wheel supports  45 R,  45 L. 
     In the apparatus  1 , the vertical distance between the first beam attachment members  27 RA,  27 LA and the corresponding second beam attachment members  27 RB,  27 LB is selected to substantially prevent movement of the right and left rear frame wheels  11 R,  11 L perpendicular to the operating travel direction T. 
       FIG. 8  schematically illustrates a version of the beam attachment assemblies  24 R′,  24 L′ with fixed corresponding beam attachment members  27 RA′,  27 RB′ and  27 LA′,  27 LB′ that are laterally spaced from each other in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the operating travel direction T, and wherein the beam lock connection  22 ′ comprises a rigid implement portion  29 ′ of the implement  21 ′. Again the beam attachment members  27 ′ each comprise a recess  39 ′ configured to receive a projection  41 ′ on the rigid implement portion  29 ′. The beam attachment members  27 ′ and the rigid implement portion  29 ′ are maintained in engagement by a loading hydraulic cylinder  37  as shown in  FIG. 7 , or by a latch or manual lock mechanism. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  schematic illustrate an alternate arrangement where right and left twist struts  59 R″,  59 L″ are fixed to the corresponding right and left side beams  7 R″,  7 L″, and the beam lock connection  22 ″ comprises right and left twist slots  61 R″,  61 L″ fixed to a rigid element  29 ″ on each implement  21 ″, and wherein when moving from the idle position to the operating position the right and left twist slots  61 ″ closely engage the corresponding right and left twist struts  59 ″ to resist twisting movement of the right and left side beams  7 ″. Here the beam attachment members  27 RA″,  27 RB′ and  27 LA″,  27 LB′ are provided by corners of the slots  61 ″ which bear against the twist struts  59 ″ and prevent twisting when the implement  21 ″ is in the operating position of  FIG. 9  if torque forces exert twisting forces on the side beams  7 ″. 
     As schematically illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a torque force TF results from the weight of the implement  21  bearing against the side beams  7  along the weight force line WF that is laterally offset from support force line SF in the center of the wheel path WP of wheels  11  which support the support frame  3 . This torque force TF can be removed by aligning the force line WF with the force line SF. In the arrangement of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the weight of the rear portion of the implement  21 ″ is carried through the rigid element  29 ″ on the twist struts  59 ″ which are aligned with the center of the wheel path WP, such that the weight force line WF and support force line SF are aligned. Such a weight distribution reduces the torque forces however the torque forces resulting from sloping terrain and turning the apparatus  1  still remain, and are resisted by the beam lock connection  22 . 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  schematically illustrate a support frame  103  and an implement  121  configured to align the weight force line and the support force line to reduce torque forces. When the implement  121  is in the illustrated operating position, a front FIW implement weight of the implement  21  is supported via the hitch assembly  113  on the towing vehicle hitch  117  and a rear implement weight RIW of each implement is supported on a rear portion of the support frame which is supported by frame wheels  111 . 
     Because of the typical mounting location with a central portion of the implement  121  directly above the rear frame wheels  111 , the rear implement weight RIW is significantly greater than the front implement weight FIW and the frame wheels  111  are typically quite wide, or can be dual wheels or tracks to support the high loads. The front implement weight FIW varies with the implement being carried but does provide some ballast to the tractor to increase traction of the towing vehicle wheels and reduce slippage. 
     To align the weight force line WF with the support force line SF, right and left rear bearing members  159 R,  159 L can be fixed to the corresponding right and left side beams  107 R,  107 L and located on right and left bearing axes BAXR, BAXL substantially aligned with the operating travel direction T and directly above paths of the right and left frame wheels  111 R,  111 L. Placing the right and left bearing axes BAXR, BAXL directly above the centers of the wheel path as shown is most desirable, however wheel sizes will change, dual wheels or tracks might be provided, and like options are typically present so the right and left bearing axes BAXR, BAXL will typically be above some point on the width of the frame wheel paths. 
     In the rear view of  FIG. 12  it can be seen that the implement  121  rests directly on the side beams  107  such that the rear bearing members  159  are provided by the side beams  107 , and the right and left frame wheels  111 R,  111 L are mounted directly under the corresponding right and left side beams  107 R,  107 L, and wherein the right and left rear bearing members  159  are located on the right and left side beams. In this version the whole weight of the implement  121  is carried on the side beams  107  along the right and left bearing axes BAXR, BAXL, with the side beams  107  in turn supported on the frame wheels  111  supporting the rear implement weight RIW and the hitch assembly  113  and towing vehicle hitch  117  supporting the front implement weight FIW. While the weight of the implement  121  is carried all along the length of the side beams  107 , it can be seen that the approximate center gravity CG of the implement  121  will be much closer to the rear frame wheels  111  than to the vehicle hitch  117 , and so most of the weight of the implement  121  is supported on the rear frame wheels  111 . 
     To concentrate weight of the implement  121  at a desired location along the bearing axes, raised rear bearing members  159 A can be provided that coincide with rear bearing points  159 B on the implement  121 , instead of bearing the weight of the implement along the whole length of the side beams  107 . The torque forces are less problematic at front portions of the side beams, where they are rigidly fixed to the base beam  105  and twisting is resisted effectively by the base beam  105 . 
       FIG. 13  schematically illustrates an alternate arrangement configured to align the weight force line and the support force line to reduce torque forces. In the arrangement of  FIG. 15 , the right and left frame wheels  111 R′,  111 L′ are mounted laterally offset from the corresponding right and left side beams  107 R′,  107 L′ outside the open implement area  109 ′ and the right and left bearing members  159 R′,  159 L′ are rigidly fixed to the right and left side beams  107 R′,  107 L′ and extend laterally to the corresponding right and left bearing axes BAXR′, BAXL′. 
     As seen in  FIG. 11  tires  161  are mounted to the frame wheels  111  and bear against the ground surface  19  to support the support frame  103 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  schematically illustrate the support frame  103  wherein the hitch assembly  113  is pivotally attached at the rear end  113 B thereof to the base beam about a hitch pivot axis HPA oriented substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the operating travel direction T. A hitch hydraulic cylinder  167  is operative to pivot the hitch assembly  113  upward with respect to the base beam  105  to correspondingly move rear ends of the right and left side beams  107  upward and operative to pivot the hitch assembly downward with respect to the base beam  105  to correspondingly move the rear ends of the right and left side beams  107  downward. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  schematically illustrate an implement  121 ′ attached to the rear ends of the side beams  107  in a substantially fixed position relative to the side beams  107 , such that the implement  121 ′ moves upward and downward with the rear ends of the side beams  107 . The system can be used, for example, to adjust the depth of penetration into the ground surface  19  of ground engaging tools  171  fixed to the implement  121 ′. An implement height sensor  173  is operative to sense a height of the implement  121 ′, and is connected to the hydraulic source  165  for the hydraulic cylinder  167  on the towing vehicle to extend and retract the hitch hydraulic cylinder  167  to maintain the height of the implement  121 ′ at a desired height. 
       FIG. 16  schematically illustrates a support frame  203  where right and left tracks  275  are connected to the corresponding tandem right and left frame wheels  211 . 
       FIG. 17  schematic illustrates an implement operating apparatus  301  wherein the implement  321  comprises right and left support plates  377  configured to rest on the support frame  303 . Rollers  379  are mounted to the support frame  303  about substantially horizontal rotational axes RA oriented substantially perpendicular to the operating travel direction T. When the support frame  303  is in the implement loading position with respect to the implement  321  in the idle position illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the rollers  379  on each side of the support frame  303  are under the support plates  377  on each side of the implement  321 , and as the support frame  303  moves rearward, the implement  321  moves toward the operating position and the rollers  379  bear against the support plates  377  and the implement  321  rolls onto the support frame  303 . A roller drive  381  may be provided that is operative to selectively rotate one or more of the support rollers  379  in a forward direction to assist in moving the implement  321  to the operating position, shown in phantom lines, and in a reverse direction to move the implement  321  to the idle position. 
       FIGS. 18-20  schematically illustrate an implement  421 , such as a spraying implement, that includes right and left wings  483 . The right and left wings  483  extend laterally from the support frame  403  when the implement  421  is in the operating position and in a working configuration as shown in  FIG. 20 , and the wings  483  extend forward substantially aligned with the operating travel direction T when the implement  421  is in a transport configuration mounted on the support frame  403  as shown in  FIG. 19 , and when the implement is in the idle position supported on the ground as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     The wings  483  are supported in the forward positions of  FIGS. 18 and 19  by corresponding right and left wing supports  485  attached to the implement  421 . To minimize transport widths, the right and left wings  485  are above the right and left side beams  407  inside the tires, and inside outer edges  403 A of the support frame  403  when in the transport configuration and mounted on the support frame  403  such that the wings are no wider than the support frame and wheels. In the illustrated support frame  403  the frame wheels are directly under the side beams of the support frame. Where the frame wheels extend laterally outside the support frame the wings in transport will be inside the outer edges of the frame wheels. 
       FIGS. 21 and 22  schematically illustrate a support frame  503  where right and left rub faces  587  extend along right and left sides of the support frame  503 . In the illustrated support frame  503  the rub faces are conveniently provided by inner faces of the corresponding right and left side beams  507 . Corresponding right and left rub guides  589  are mounted on the implement  521  and the rub faces  587  and rub guides  589  are configured such that when the support frame  503  is maneuvered to the implement loading position of  FIG. 21  with respect to the implement  521  in the idle position, a forward portion of the implement  521  moves into the open implement area  509  between the right and left side beams  507  and the right and left rub guides  589  contact the corresponding right and left rub faces to guide the implement  521  to the operating position. 
     Each rub guide  589  comprises a guide surface  591  at a front end thereof that slopes inward away from the corresponding right and left side beams  507 . The illustrated implement  521  comprises right and left front rub guides  589 F on a forward portion of the implement  521  and right and left rear rub guides  589 R located on the implement rearward of the corresponding right and left front rub guides  589 F. Sloping guide surfaces  591 ′ could be provided on the rear ends of the side beams  507  as well. 
       FIG. 23  schematic illustrates a support frame  603  where the right and left side beams  607  slope downward from the base beam  605  at a beam angle N, and wherein the implement  621  comprises load points  693  along a load line LL sloping downward from the forward portion of the implement at an angle substantially the same as the beam angle N The support frame  603  can then be maneuvered to the implement loading position of  FIG. 23  with respect to the implement  621  in the idle position, where the side beams  607  move under the load points  693 , and the jacks  625  supporting the implement in the idle position can then simply be raised to lower the implement to rest the load points  693  on the sloping side beams  607 . 
     To accommodate the slope of the side beams  607 , in the support frame  603  of  FIG. 23 , the right and left frame wheels  611  are mounted laterally offset from the corresponding right and left side beams  607  outside the open implement area, and the frame wheels  611  extend above the corresponding right and left side beams. 
     An alternate arrangement of a support frame  603 ′ is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 24  where frame wheels  611 ′ include a track  675 ′ and are mounted directly under the corresponding right and left side beams  607 ′. The track arrangement allows for a lower profile drive assembly, and so can be mounted directly under the side beams  607 ′.  FIG. 24  also illustrates an implement  621 ′ that includes a load brace  695 ′ extending at the beam angle N so the implement  621 ′ is supported on the load brace  695 ′ bearing against most of the length of the side beams  607 ′, rather than only on the load points  693  in the arrangement of  FIG. 23 . 
       FIGS. 25-29  schematically illustrate an implement support apparatus  701  comprising a U-shaped support frame  703  comprising a base beam  705  and right and left substantially parallel side beams  707 R,  707 L extending rearward and sloping downward from corresponding right and left portions of the base beam  705  and defining an open implement area  709  between the right and left side beams  707 . 
     Right and left frame wheels  711 R,  711 L are mounted to the corresponding right and left side beams  707 R,  707 L and support the side beams  707 . Each frame wheel  711  is rotatable about a corresponding frame wheel axis FWA that is fixed in a substantially horizontal orientation perpendicular to an operating travel direction T that is substantially aligned with the parallel side beams  707 . 
     A hitch assembly  713  is attached at a rear end  713 B thereof to the base beam  705  and is adapted at a front end  713 A thereof for connection to the hitch  717  of a towing vehicle  715 . 
     As described above a number of different implements  721  are configured to be supported on the support frame  703  for operation. Each implement  721  is configured to perform an implement operation and to rest on the ground surface  19  when in an idle position shown in  FIG. 28  supported on stands  725 , and each implement  721  comprises right and left front implement load supports  702 F and right and left rear implement load supports  702 R. It is contemplated as well that some implements may be supported on a single front implement load support. 
     The implement  721  and the support frame  703  are configured such that when the implement  721  is in the idle position of  FIG. 28 , the support frame  703  is movable rearward with respect to the implement  721  to an implement loading position shown also in  FIG. 28  where the implement is connectable to the support frame  703  and is movable to an operating position shown in  FIG. 29  where the implement is supported on the front implement load supports  702 F and on the rear implement load supports  702 R by corresponding right and left front bearing members  704 F mounted to the support frame  703  and corresponding right and left rear bearing members  704 R attached to the corresponding right and left side beams  707 R,  707 L and where the implement  721  is connected to an implement control system typically on the towing vehicle. 
     The right and left frame wheels  711 R,  711 L are mounted laterally offset from the corresponding right and left side beams  707 R,  707 L outside the open implement area  709 , and the frame wheels  711  extend above the corresponding right and left side beams  707 R,  707 L such that the frame wheel axis FWA is in proximity to the side beams  707  and the rear ends of side beams  707  are comparatively close to the ground surface, about the height of a conventional tractor drawbar. Where the implement being operated includes a trailing load, such as a cultivator with ground engaging tools, the pulling force is then exerted pulling on the side beams  707  rather than exerting downward forces on the side beams  707 , thus reducing stresses on the support frame  703 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the rear bearing members  704 R are located rearward of the corresponding right and left frame wheels  711  and substantially in alignment with centers of corresponding right and left frame wheel paths WP. As discussed above however while being centered on the wheel paths WP is most desirable, wheel sizes will change, dual wheels or tracks might be provided, and like options are typically present so the rear bearing members  704 R will typically be aligned some point on the width of the frame wheel paths WP. 
     The right and left rear bearing members  704 R are provided by right and left loading arms  706  pivotally connected to corresponding right and left beam attachment assemblies  724  attached to rear ends of each side beam  707 . 
     To further facilitate loading the implement  721  onto the support frame  703  the hitch assembly  713  is attached at the rear end  713 B thereof to the base beam  705  about a hitch pivot axis HPA oriented substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the operating travel direction T. Hitch hydraulic cylinders  767  connected to hydraulic source  765  are operative to selectively pivot the hitch assembly  713  upward and downward with respect to the base beam  705  and wherein the hitch assembly  713  is pivoted upward to lower the base beam  705  while the support frame  703  is moved rearward to the implement loading position of  FIG. 28 , and the hitch assembly  713  is pivoted downward to raise the base beam  705  and force the front bearing members  704 F upward to bear against the corresponding front implement load supports  702 F and raise a front portion of each implement above the ground to the operating position of  FIG. 29 . 
     When the support frame  703  is in the implement loading position shown in  FIG. 28 , each loading arm  706  engages the corresponding rear implement load support  702 R on the implement  721 . A further detail of the rear implement load supports  702 R on the implement  721  and the beam attachment assemblies  724  on the support frame  703  in the implement loading position is shown in  FIG. 30 . A load control  714  is then operated to extend the load hydraulic cylinders  716  to move the loading arms  706  to the position shown in the detail illustration of  FIG. 32 , where the rear implement load support  702 R moves upward and slightly forward from the idle position of  FIG. 30 , and the hitch hydraulic cylinders  767  are extended to move the base beam  705  upward and force the front bearing members  704 F upward to bear against the corresponding front implement load supports  702 F and raise the front portion of the implement above the ground, and so the implement  721  is moved from the idle position to the operating position, and the stands  725  can be removed or folded out of the way. The rear implement weight is carried on the load arms  706  which provide the rear bearing members  704 R and which are located in portions the corresponding right and left frame wheel paths WP. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 30-33  each beam attachment assembly  724  defines upper and lower beam attachment members  727 A,  727 B in the form of pins  718  that are laterally spaced vertically from each other. The implement  721  is rigid and includes upper and lower lock plates  720 A,  720 B configured to engage the pins  718  of the upper and lower beam attachment members  727 A,  727  on each of the right and left beam attachment assemblies  724  to prevent lateral movement of the pins  718  when the implement  721  is in the operating position, as shown in  FIG. 33 . 
     Thus it can be seen that once the implement  721  is in the operating position of  FIG. 29 , the load control  714  is then operated to maintain an extending pressure in the load hydraulic cylinders  716  to exert a downward bias force BF on the loading arms  706  to maintain the loading arms  706  and rear implement load supports  702 R in fixed positions, and maintain the implement  721  in the operating position with the lock plates  720  engaging the pins  718  of the beam attachment members  727 A,  727 B and forming a beam lock connection  722  that resists twisting movement of the right and left side beams  707 R,  707 L to maintain the right and left frame wheels  711 R,  711 L and the right and left side beams  707 R,  707 L in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to each other. The implement  721  may be further secured to the support frame  703  by a safety pin through holes in safety plates  746  which are aligned when the implement  721  is in the operating position as shown in  FIG. 32 . 
     In addition, in the apparatus  701  the rear implement weight is supported by the right and left rear bearing members, provided by loading arms  706 , that are fixed with respect to the corresponding side beams and located in portions of the wheel paths WP of the frame wheels  711 . Since the rear implement weight carried on the right and left rear bearing members is at least twice, and often five or six times, as much as a front implement weight carried on the right and left front bearing members, the combination of the beam lock connection  722 , which resists torque forces on the side beams  707 , and the alignment of the rear implement weight in the wheel paths WP of the frame wheels  711 , which reduces torque forces, significantly reduces stress on the support frame  703 . 
     The hitch hydraulic cylinders  767  also can be used with an implement that is attached to the rear ends of the side beams  707  in a substantially fixed position to adjust the vertical position of the implement upward and downward. Also as described above, an implement height sensor can be added to the elevation control to maintain the height of the implement at a desired height. 
     In the support frame  703  right and left rub faces  787  extend along inner faces of the corresponding right and left side beams  707  and right and left rub guides  789  are mounted on the implement  721 . In the illustrated apparatus  701  the rub guides  789  are mounted on the front and rear legs  725  supporting the implement  721  in the idle position. The rub guides  789  include a guide surface  791  at a front end thereof that slopes inward away from the corresponding right and left side beams  707 . 
     When the support frame  703  is maneuvered to the implement loading position with respect to the implement  721  in the idle position, the front legs  725  move into the open implement area  709  between the side beams  707  and the right and left rub guides  789  contact the corresponding right and left rub faces  787  to guide the implement  721  to the operating position. 
       FIGS. 34-36  schematically illustrate a further alternate implement support apparatus  801  comprising a U-shaped support frame  803  comprising a base beam  805  and right and left substantially parallel side beams  807 R,  807 L extending rearward from corresponding right and left portions of the base beam  805  and defining an open implement area  809  between the right and left side beams. In this support frame  803  the width W of the open implement area  809  between the side beams  807  is adjustable.  FIG. 34  schematically illustrates the support frame  803  where the width of the open implement area is adjustable from a first width W 1  to a second width W 2 . 
     A hitch assembly  813  is attached at a rear end  813 B thereof to a front end of the support frame  803  and is adapted at a front end  813 A thereof for connection to a towing vehicle as described above. Right and left frame wheels  811 R,  811 L are mounted to the corresponding right and left side beams  807 R,  807 L and support the right and left side beams. Each frame wheel  811  is rotatable about a frame wheel axis FWA that is fixed in a substantially horizontal orientation perpendicular to an operating travel direction T that is substantially aligned with the parallel side beams  807 . 
     First and second implements  821 A,  821 B are each configured to perform an implement operation and to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position as schematically illustrated by implements  21 A,  21 B in  FIG. 4 . 
     The implements  821  and the support frame  803  are configured such that when each implement  821  is in the idle position, the support frame  803  is movable, when connected to and propelled by the towing vehicle, rearward with respect to each implement  821  to an implement loading position where each implement is connectable to the support frame  803  and is movable to an operating position where each implement  821  is supported by the support frame  803  and is connectable to an implement control system operative to control implement functions, generally as described above. 
       FIG. 36  schematically illustrates a top view of the apparatus  801  and implements  821  showing the support frame  803  moving in a rearward direction R toward the implement loading position with respect to each implement  821 A,  821 B. The width of the open implement area  809  is adjusted to the first width W 1  to support the first implement  821 A and the width of the open implement area  809  is adjusted to the second width W 2  to support the second implement  821 B. 
     In the illustrated support frame  803  the length of the base beam  805  is adjustable to change the width of the open implement area  809 . The illustrated base beam  805  comprises a center beam segment  805 C, and right and left beam segments  805 R,  805 L telescopically connected to corresponding right and left ends of the center beam segment  805 C. In the illustrated base beam  805  inner ends of the right and left beam segments  805 R,  805 L slide inside corresponding right and left open ends of the center beam segment  805 C. A beam fastener secures the center, right, and left beam segments at a desired location. 
     In the apparatus  801  the beam fastener is provided, as shown in  FIG. 35 , by a beam hydraulic cylinder  812  and a beam position control  814 , typically connected to the towing vehicle, that is operative to extend and retract the beam hydraulic cylinder  812  to slide the right and left beam segments  805 R,  805 L into and out of the center beam segment  805 C. Pins  816  are placed in appropriate holes  818  in the beam segments to attain the desired width of the open implement area  809 . For clarity of illustration the beam hydraulic cylinder  812  is shown only in  FIG. 35 . 
       FIG. 37  schematically illustrates an alternate beam stop arrangement comprising right and left beam hydraulic cylinders  812 R′ and  812 L′. Again inner ends of the right and left beam segments  805 R′,  805 L′ slide inside corresponding right and left open ends of the center beam segment  805 C′. The top of the center beam segment  805 C′ has been removed to facilitate illustration. A cylinder attachment bracket  820 ′ is fixed inside a central portion of the center beam segment  805 C′. A right beam hydraulic cylinder  812 R′ has a first end fixed inside the right beam segment  805 R′ and a second end attached to the cylinder attachment bracket  820 ′. Similarly a left beam hydraulic cylinder  812 L′ has a first end fixed inside the left beam segment  805 L′ and a second end attached to the cylinder attachment bracket  820 ′. 
     Right and left beam stops are provided by pins  816 ′ inserted into holes  818 ′ selected to stop the movement of the right and left beam segments  805 R′,  805 L′ at a desired location with respect to the center beam segment  805 C′. The illustrated right and left beam hydraulic cylinders  812 R′,  812 L′ are operative to exert bias forces BF on the right and left beam segments  805 R′,  805 L′ toward the  816 ′ to provide the beam fastener. 
     The above beam hydraulic cylinders  812 ,  812 R′,  812 L′ are typically extended or retracted to change the length of the base beam  805 ,  805 ′ while the support frame  803  is being towed. While frame wheels  811  are rolling the required lateral movement of the wheels  811  with respect to the ground is facilitated. 
     In the illustrated support frame  803  where the right and left beam segments  805 R,  805 L slide inside corresponding right and left open ends of the center beam segment  805 B, the rear end  813 B of the hitch assembly  813  is fixed to the center beam segment  805 C such that the right and left beam segments can move with respect to the center beam segment without any movement of the hitch assembly  813 . 
     Alternatively where it is desired to pivot the hitch assembly up and down, then as described above and as shown in  FIGS. 38 and 39  the rear end of the hitch assembly  813 X can be pivotally attached to the center beam segment  805 C about a hitch pivot axis HPA oriented substantially horizontally and perpendicular to the operating travel direction T. A hitch hydraulic cylinder  867  is operative to pivot the hitch assembly  813 X upward and downward with respect to the center beam segment  805 . 
     Further in the alternative, as schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 40 and 41 , the hitch assembly  813 Y can be pivotally attached to the right and left beam segments  805 R,  805 L about the hitch pivot axis HPA and about right and left upright pivot axes UPA. 
     The illustrated hitch assembly  813 Y comprises a right hitch arm  813 R, with a rear end pivotally attached to the right beam segment  805 R about the hitch pivot axis HPA and about a right upright pivot axis UPAR. A left hitch arm  813 L has a rear pivotally attached to the left beam segment  805 L about the hitch pivot axis HPA, and about a left upright pivot axis UPAL. A front portion of the right hitch arm  813 R is pivotally attached to a front portion of the left hitch arm  813 L about a center upright pivot axis UPAC and a hitch tongue  813 C is attached to the front end of the hitch assembly. 
     As the right and left beam segments  805 R,  805 L move in and out of the center beam segment  805  C, right and left hitch arms  813 R,  813 L pivot about the upright pivot axes UPAR, UPAL, and UPAC. Right and left hitch hydraulic cylinders  867 R,  867 L are operative to pivot the hitch assembly  813 Y upward and downward with respect to the center beam segment  805 C. 
       FIGS. 37 and 37A  also illustrates low friction wear plates  822 ′ attached to sliding surfaces of the center, right, and left beam segments  805 C′,  805 R′,  805 L′. As seen in  FIG. 37A  the beam segments have a rectangular cross-section. First low friction wear plates  822 A′ are attached to outer faces of the inner ends  824 R′,  824 L″ of the right and left beam segments  805 R′,  805 L′ before inserting the inner ends of the right and left beam segments into the corresponding right and left open ends  826 R′,  826 L′ of the center beam segment  805 C′. After inserting the inner ends of the right and left beam segments into the corresponding right and left open ends of the center beam segment, second low friction wear plates  822 B′ can slide into the gap  824 ′ between the beam segments  805 R′,  805 C′ and be attached to inner faces of the right and left open end portions of the center beam segment with screws  828 ′ or the like. 
       FIG. 43  schematically illustrates an alternate support frame  903  where a right beam segment  905 R is fixed to the right side beam  907 R and a left beam segment  905 L is fixed to the left side beam  907 L. The right beam segment slides into the left beam segment to form the base beam  905 , and the beam hydraulic cylinder  912  adjusts the length of the base beam  905  to vary the width of the open implement area  909  between width W 1  and width W 2 . 
     The hitch assembly  913  is pivotally attached to the first and second beam segments  905 R,  905 L about horizontal and upright pivot axes as shown in  FIGS. 40-42  and hitch hydraulic cylinders  967  pivot the hitch assembly  913  upward and downward with respect to the base beam  905 . Also low friction wear plates are attached to sliding surfaces of the beam segments as described above. 
     Although the width of the open implement area of the illustrated support frames is adjusted by using hydraulic cylinders, it is contemplated that with the hitch assemblies of  FIGS. 40 and 43 , where the hitch arms are attached to the relatively movable right and left beam segments, such hydraulic cylinders may not be required. As shown in  FIG. 44 , with any beam fasteners removed, such as any pins or locks, when the towing vehicle exerts a forward force FF on the hitch assembly  1013  of the illustrated support frame  1003 , that forward force is transferred down the hitch arms  1013 Y to the right and left beam segments  1005 R,  1005 L which each experience a forward force component FF′, and also a lateral inward force component FLI which, when the support frame is moving in the forward direction, will move the right and left beam segments  1005 R,  1005 L into the center beam segment  1005 C. Pins or stops can be configured to stop the movement at desired locations. The width of the open implement area  1009  can then be changed from the wider width W 1  of  FIG. 44  to the narrower width W 2  of  FIG. 45 . 
     In a similar manner as shown in  FIG. 45  when the towing vehicle exerts a rearward force RF on the hitch assembly  1013 , that rearward force is transferred down the hitch arms  1013 Y to the right and left beam segments  1005 R,  1005 L which each experience a rearward force component RF′, and also a lateral outward force component FLO which, when the support frame is moving in the rearward direction, will move the right and left beam segments  1005 R,  1005 L out of the center beam segment  1005 C. Pins or stops can be configured to stop the movement at desired locations. The width of the open implement area  1009  can then be changed from the narrower width W 2  of  FIG. 45  back to the wider width W 1  of  FIG. 44 . 
     Varying the width of the open implement area allows the support frame to move to a narrow configuration for transport, and then to a wider stance for large implements. Implements can be configured to be transported on the support frame at the narrow width and then operated at the wider width to provide increased stability on slopes and rough terrain. The width can also be adjusted to suit a particular row crop spacing. 
     The present disclosure provides an implement support apparatus which includes an implement frame and hitch on wheels. The apparatus allows numerous different implements to be manufactured without a frame, hitch, or wheels, and then mounted on the support frame. Thus instead of a costly frame, hitch, and wheels for each implement, only the working parts of the implement need to be manufactured with the frame, hitch, and wheels provided by the support frame. 
     Heavy implement loads can be carried by the support frame because it is configured to resist torque forces caused by implement weights that are off set from the frame wheel paths and by turning and sloping ground. 
     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.