Patent Abstract:
A lift system and method for transporting agricultural implements. The lift system includes a pair of lower linkage arms, an upper link, and at least four carriage wheels for transporting the lift system along carriage guide rails of a trailer frame. A load lift assembly is mounted on the trailer and is movable between lowered, loading position, a raised position, and a transport position. It is capable of connecting to a load having a three-point hitch. A gas strut may optionally be equipped to aid in the lifting process. A telescoping light bar may be included to increase safety while in transport.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/013,889, filed Aug. 29, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/018,077, filed Jan. 31, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,534,982, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a loading system for a vehicle, and particularly to a rotating lift system for loading and unloading equipment, such as combine heads and other agricultural implements, on trailers. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Implements and equipment for tillage, cultivation and other agricultural operations have been developed with the objectives of increasing efficiency and lowering operating costs. For example, wider equipment tends to be more efficient because greater field areas can be covered with fewer passes in less time. Tractors have tended to become larger in order to accommodate such wider implements and their greater towing power requirements. 
         [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]    Existing pieces of equipment for hauling large implements or other objects may be oversized for some situations or for some users&#39; needs. The prior art references above, for example, would be more equipment than necessary for many smaller applications. 
         [0011]    Heretofore there has not been available a lift mechanism with the advantages and features of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In the practice of an aspect of the present invention a rotator arm, a rotator arm guide, an arcuate rotation track and a load lift assembly are provided for engaging, lifting and rotating an implement, thereby moving the implement between perpendicularly opposed field use and transport positions. The rotator arm is connected to a pivot member for rotation about a vertical axis. The rotator arm guide is connected to the opposite end of the rotator arm. The rotator arm guide is adapted for engaging and moving along the rotation track. The load lift assembly is mounted on the rotator arm and is adapted for engaging an implement&#39;s three point hitch or header attachment and lifting the implement or header. 
         [0013]    An alternative embodiment lifting system is connected to a standard hitch trailer along a pair of carriage rails. The lifting system is pushed forwards and backwards on the trailer by a hydraulic piston-and-cylinder, from a transport position to a loading position. A second hydraulic piston-and-cylinder raises and lowers a linkage assembly for connecting with a three-point hitch of an implement or load. The load is then raised and pulled back onto the trailer such that it is placed over the axle and wheels of the trailer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a rotating lift system embodying an aspect of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the rotating lift system with the load lift assembly in a lowered, loading position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the rotating lift system with the load lift assembly in a raised, loading position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged, isometric view taken generally within the circle shown in  FIG. 1  of the rotating lift system of the present invention with the load lift assembly in a raised, rotated, transport position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is an exploded, isometric view of the rotating lift system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged, isometric view of the rotating lift system, shown without the load lift assembly. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  are isometric views of the load lift assembly in lowered and raised positions, respectively. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged, isometric view of the header adapter from  FIG. 6 , shown with three point hitch connectors of the load lift assembly attached thereto. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the header adapter showing the header adapter brackets and the three-point hitch connection pins. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view showing the movement of a rotator arm and a rotator arm guide along a rotation track as a rotation cylinder is retracted. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken generally along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10  showing the movement of a stow lock from a support position to a storage position as a stow lock cylinder is extended. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the load lift assembly, shown with a three point hitch implement connected thereto. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13A  is an enlarged, isometric view of a stabilizer. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13B  is an enlarged, isometric view, particularly showing the stow lock, the stow lock cylinder and a stow lock rotation shaft. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged, isometric view, particularly showing the header adapter and a header adapter storage bracket. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged, isometric view, particularly showing a modified trailer frame with a gooseneck attachment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged, isometric view, particularly showing modified header adapter brackets. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic system. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment load lift assembly with an extended, telescoping light bar. 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view thereof, showing the light bar being retracted into the structure of the load lift assembly. 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is an isometric view thereof, showing the light bar being fully retracted into the structure of the load lift assembly. 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is a side elevational view thereof, demonstrating the functionality of the telescoping light bar. 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment load lift assembly. 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is an isometric view of yet another alternative embodiment load lift assembly including its typical environment of a trailer, the alternative embodiment load lift assembly being in a first, transport position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 24  is an isometric view thereof, the alternative embodiment load lift assembly being in a second, loading position. 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is an isometric view thereof, the alternative embodiment load lift assembly being in a third, lifting position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 23 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 27  is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 28  is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 24 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 29  is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 24 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 30  is a rear elevational view thereof. 
           [0046]      FIG. 31  is an isometric view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 23-30  without its typical environment. 
           [0047]      FIG. 32  is a partially exploded isometric view thereof. 
           [0048]      FIG. 33  is a three-dimensional isometric view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25 , having a pair of outriggers mounted to the rear of the trailer frame. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Introduction and Environment 
       [0049]    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. 
         [0050]    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 
       II. Preferred Embodiment or Aspect of the Self Loading Trailer 
       [0051]    Referring to the drawings in more detail; the reference numeral  1  generally designates a rotating lift system embodying the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 1-17 . Without limitation on the range of useful applications of the rotating lift system  1 , an exemplary application is disclosed comprising: a trailer frame  14  including a rear set of wheels  28  mounted on a rear axle  46  and a forward set of wheels  29  mounted on a forward axle  45 , the axles  45  and  46  being mounted on the trailer frame  14 ; a pair of stabilizers  8  mounted on the rear of the trailer frame  14 ; and a jack  7  mounted on the front of the trailer frame  14 . The trailer frame  14  supports a rotator arm  18 , a rotator arm guide  37 , a pin assembly  17 , an engine  13 , an engine enclosure  12  and a rotation track  3 . 
         [0052]    The pin assembly  17  is mounted on a side of the trailer frame  14  and includes a pin assembly housing  16 , a rotator arm pin  24  and a rotation cylinder pin  25 . The rotator arm  18 , having a first end  35  and a second end  36 , is rotatably connected on its first end  35  to the pin assembly  17  at the rotator arm pin  24  and is rotatable about a vertical axis between a first, load position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and a second, transport position shown in  FIG. 4 . The second end  36  of the rotator arm  18  is attached to rotator arm guide  37 . The rotator arm guide  37  engages the rotation track  3  with guide wheels  38 . The rotation track  3  is mounted on the trailer frame  14  and is arcuately shaped and concentric with the vertical axis of rotation of the rotator arm  18 . 
         [0053]    A rotation cylinder  22  connects to the pin assembly  17  at a rotation cylinder pin  25  and connects to the rotator arm  18  at a cylinder arm connection pin  23 . The rotation cylinder  22  actuates the movement of the rotator arm  18  between its first and second positions. A load lift assembly  2  is mounted on the rotator arm  18  with a pair of lift arm attachment brackets  30  and a top link attachment bracket  31 . The load lift assembly  2  comprises a pair of lower linkage subassemblies  50 , a lift arm crossbar  58  and an upper linkage subassembly  70 . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the lower linkage subassemblies  50  are each attached to the rotator arm  18  by a pair of lift arm attachment brackets  30 . Each lower linkage subassembly  50  comprises the pair of lift arm attachment brackets  30 , a pair of forward lower link members  54 , a lower linkage pin  53 , a lift cylinder pin  57 , a pair of rearward lower link members  55 , a lower lift arm linkage pin  59 , a pair of lower lift arm linkage members  56 , a lift arm pin  52 , a lift arm  51 , a lower connector  60  and a lift cylinder  20 . For each lower linkage subassembly  50 , the forward lower link members  54  are each movably connected on one end to the lift arm attachment brackets  30  by the lower linkage pin  53  and are attached on their respective opposite ends to the rearward lower link members  55  by the lift cylinder pin  57 , the rearward lower link members  55  each being attached on their respective opposite ends to the lower lift arm link members  56  by the lower lift arm linkage pin  59 . For each lower linkage subassembly  50 , the lower lift arm link members  56  are each attached on one end to the lift arm attachment brackets  30  by the lift arm pin  52 . For each lower linkage subassembly  50 , the lower lift arm  51  is attached to the lower lift arm link members  56  and the lower connector  60  is attached to the end of the lower lift arm  51 . The lower connectors  60  are adapted for connecting to a three-point hitch. The lower linkage subassemblies  50  are connected by the lift arm crossbar  58 , which is attached on either end to the lower lift arms  51 . For each lower linkage subassembly  50 , the lift cylinder  20  is attached on one end to the lift arm pin  52  and on the opposite end to the lift cylinder pin  57 . The lift cylinders  20  actuate the lifting movement of the load lift assembly  2  between its first, lowered position ( FIG. 7A ) and its second, raised position ( FIG. 7B ). 
         [0055]    The upper linkage subassembly  70  is attached to the rotator arm  18  by a pair of top link attachment brackets  31 . The upper linkage subassembly  70  comprises the pair of top link attachment brackets  31 , a pair of forward upper link members  72 , an upper linkage pin  71 , a top link pin  73 , an upper lift arm  74 , a cross bar pin  75 , a pair of upper third arm link members  76 , an upper link slide arm tube  77 , an upper link slide arm  78 , an upper connector  79  and a top link cylinder  26 . The forward upper link members  72  are each attached on one end to the top link attachment brackets  31  and are each attached on their respective opposite ends to the end of the upper lift arm  74  by the top link pin  73 . The upper lift arm  74  is attached on its opposite end to the lift arm crossbar  58  by the crossbar pin  75 . The upper third arm link members  76  are each attached on one end to the ends of the forward upper link members  72  and the end of the upper lift arm  74  by the top link pin  73 . The pair of upper third arm link members  76  opposite ends are each attached to the top link slide arm tube  77 . The top link slide arm  78 , having a first end and a second end, is slidably seated inside the top link slide arm tube  77 . The top link cylinder  26  is attached on one end to the top link pin  73  and is attached on its opposite end to the first end of the top link slide arm  78 . The upper connector  79  is attached to the second end of the top link slide arm  78  and is adapted for connecting to a three point hitch. The top link cylinder  26  actuates the movement of the top link slide arm between its first, extended position and its second, retracted position. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a header adapter  4  comprising a head lift adapter  92  is attached at both of its ends to a pair of vertical header members  93 ; a horizontal header member  97  is attached on either of its ends to the opposite ends of the pair of vertical header members  93 ; a pair of head adapter brackets  94  are each attached to the vertical header members  93 ; multiple header adapter bracket pins  95  are adapted for connecting the header adapter brackets  94  to the vertical header members  93 ; a pair of lower header pins  91  and an upper header pin  90  are adapted for connecting the header adapter  4  to the load lift assembly  2  by the three point hitch connectors  60  and  79 ; and a pair of header elbows  98  are each attached to the horizontal header member  97  and to a respective vertical header member  93 . The header adapter brackets  94  form hooks  100  receiving a header  19 . The lower header pins  91  connect to the header adapter  4  and extend through the vertical header members  93  and the header elbows  98 . A load, such as a combine header, can be placed on and transported by the rotating lift system  1  by mounting the header adapter  4  on the load lift assembly  2 , as described above. Chains  99  are attached to each header adapter bracket  94  and are adapted for wrapping around part of a combine header and thereby securing it to the header adapter  4 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 13B , a stow lock  10 , having first and second ends, is attached at its first end to a stow lock pivot member  34 . The stow lock pivot member  34  is rotatably attached at each end to the trailer frame  14  and is rotatable between a first, lowered position adapted to allow clearance for the rotator arm  18  to pass over the stow lock  10  and a second, raised position adapted for the second end of the stow lock  10  to engage and support the lift arm crossbar  58 . A stow lock cylinder  11  having first and second ends is attached at its first end to the trailer frame  14  and is attached at its second end to the stow lock pivot member  34  by a stow lock pin  33 . The stow lock cylinder  11  actuates the movement of the stow lock  10  between its raised and lowered positions. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the rotator arm guide  37  is attached to the rotator arm second end  36  in the preferred embodiment and has two guide wheels  38 . The weight of the load lift assembly  2  along with the weight of the load attached to it, such as the header adapter  4  and/or an implement  19 , is supported on the trailer frame  14  by the two guide wheels  38  engaging the rotation track  3 , and the pin assembly  17 . In addition to carrying the weight as described above, the two guide wheels  38  provide stabilization to the load lift assembly  2  by distributing the weight forward of and behind the rotator arm  18 . Further, the use of a rotator arm guide  37  provides a wider base along which to space the guide wheels  38 , thus providing even greater stabilization of the load lift assembly  2 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  10  and  11 , the pin assembly housing  16  supports a hydraulic reservoir  6  and a hydraulic valve assembly  44 . The hydraulic valve assembly  44  is used to control the hydraulic system  41 , and thus the lifting and rotating of the rotating lift system  1 . A unique feature of the rotating lift system  1  is the location of the hydraulic valve assembly  44 , which location enables an operator to control the lifting and rotating mechanisms of the rotating lift system  1  from a single location. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  7 A and  7 B, a method of lifting an implement  19  or  21  comprises a three step process where first the load lift assembly  2  attaches to the implement  19  or  21 , second the load lift assembly  2  lifts the implement  19  or  21  to a raised position (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), and third the rotator arm  18  rotates the load lift assembly  2  and the attached implement  19  or  21  to a transport position (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). The implement  21  includes a three point hitch connection and is attached to the rotating lift system  1  by attaching the three-point hitch connectors, the lower connectors  60  and the upper connector  79  to the implement  21 . 
         [0061]    The implement  19  includes a header connection and is attached to the rotating lift system  1  by positioning the header adapter  4  at a point where the implement  19  rests on the header adapter brackets  94  and against the header lift adapter  92 . The implement  19  or  21  is raised by the lower lift arms  51  being raised by the extension of the lift cylinders  20 . The implement  19  or  21  is rotated to a transport position as the rotator arm  18  rotates about the rotator arm pin  24 . To further stabilize and secure the loaded implement  19  for transport, the stow lock  10  is rotated into its raised position and engages the lift arm cross bar  58 . 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , header adapter storage brackets  96   a,    96   b  are attached to the trailer frame  14 . When not in use, the header adapter  4  can be stored in the header adapter storage brackets  96   a,    96   b  by securing it with the lower header pins  91  and the upper header pin  90 . Referring to  FIG. 17 , a hydraulic system  41  is attached to various points as defined above and is connected by hoses ( FIG. 17 ) and is operated in a conventional manner. The hydraulic system  41  includes a pump  40  driven by the engine  13 , which hydraulically connects to the other hydraulic system components via a filter  42 . 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 13A , each stabilizer  8  attached to the rear of the trailer frame  14  comprises a pair of stabilizer trailer brackets  80 , a stabilizer cylinder  81 , a stabilizer cylinder trailer pin  82 , a stabilizer link  83 , a stabilizer link trailer pin  84 , a pair of stabilizer brackets  85 , a stabilizer cylinder pin  86 , a stabilizer link pin  87 , and a stabilizer pad  88 . The stabilizer trailer brackets  80  are attached to the trailer frame  14 . Each stabilizer cylinder  81  is attached at its first end to a stabilizer trailer bracket  80  by a stabilizer cylinder trailer pin  82 . Each stabilizer cylinder  81  second end is attached to a respective stabilizer bracket  85  by a stabilizer cylinder pin  86 . Each stabilizer link  83  has a first end attached to the stabilizer trailer brackets  80  by a stabilizer link trailer pin  84  and a second end attached to a stabilizer bracket  85  by a stabilizer link pin  87 . Each stabilizer pad  88  is attached to a respective stabilizer link  83  by a respective stabilizer link pin  87 . 
         [0064]    When loading an implement  19 , the combined weight of the rotating lift system  1  and the implement  19  is transferred to the stabilizers  8  from the wheels  28  and  29  by lowering the stabilizer  8 . The stabilizers  8  are lowered by the stabilizer cylinders  81  extending causing the stabilizer pads  88  and stabilizer links  83  to rotate counterclockwise in an arcuate path until the stabilizer pad  88  engages the ground and lifts the rotating lift system  1  enough to effectuate the weight transfer. 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the rotating lift system  1  is shown with a bumper pull trailer hitch  15 . Referring to  FIG. 15 , an alternative embodiment rotating lift system  101  is shown with a gooseneck trailer hitch  115 .  FIG. 16  shows sloped header adapter brackets  194 , which are an alternative to the header adapter brackets  94  for accommodating combine headers and other loads with structural configurations corresponding to the alternative header adapter brackets  194 . It will be appreciated that other adapters can be utilized with the rotating lift system  1  for loading and transporting a variety of loads with various configurations in multiple sizes. 
       III. Alternative Embodiment or Aspect of the Self Loading Trailer 
       [0066]      FIGS. 18-21  show an alternative embodiment self-loading trailer  201 , including a modified trailer body  214  having receiver slots  216  for receiving the telescoping rails  206  of a telescoping light bar assembly  204 . A light bar  210  is affixed to the ends of the telescoping rails  206  via quick release connecting pins  215  or similar semi-permanent connections. The light bar  210  includes safety lights  212  which extend the reach of the safety lights of the original trailer  214  beyond the overhang distance  220  of the end of the transported implement  19 . For example, the light bar  210  may include brake lights and turning signals which receive the appropriate signals from the trailer  214  or the truck towing the trailer. 
         [0067]    A number of pin receiver holes  208  are located in the sides of the rails  206 . These pin holes allow the telescoping rails to be locked at varying distances from the trailer  214  via a corresponding pin hole  218  located in the trailer. Similarly, the light bar  210  is connected to the opposite end of the rails  206 . 
       IV. Alternative Embodiment or Aspect Load Lift Assembly 
       [0068]      FIG. 22  shows an alternative embodiment of a load lift assembly  252  which generally includes the same components mentioned above. However, the alternative embodiment includes a pair of gas struts  256  used to assist with the lifting and lowering action of the load lift assembly  252  during connecting and disconnecting of three point implements. The struts are affixed to the upper linkage assembly  270 . 
       V. Alternative Embodiment Implement Lift System  302   
       [0069]      FIGS. 23-32  show an alternative embodiment Implement Lift System  302 , which is typically composed of a lifting assembly  304  mounted onto a trailer frame  314  as shown in  FIGS. 23-30 .  FIGS. 31-32  show the lifting assembly  304  by itself. The lifting assembly  304  may be mounted to another vehicle type other than a trailer; however, the preferred embodiment would be deployed within a trailer. 
         [0070]    The trailer includes a frame  314 , a hitch  315  for towing the trailer, an optional chain  316  for added security and stability, a jack  307  for stabilizing the trailer when hooking or unhooking from a towing vehicle (not shown), and a pair of tires  328  mounted about an axle assembly  346 . The tires could be mounted on an actual axle; however, as shown in the  FIGS. 23-30 , the axle assembly mounts the wheels to the frame  314  of the trailer and provides a structural support between the wheels. When an implement  305  is loaded onto the trailer, ideally it will be centrally held over the axle assembly  346  for superior support while transporting the implement. 
         [0071]    As shown in the progression of  FIGS. 23-25 , the lifting assembly  304  is transferred from a first, transport position as shown in  FIG. 23 , to a second, loading position as shown in  FIG. 24 , to a third, lifted position as shown in  FIG. 25 . Once the implement  305  or other object is lifted, the lifting assembly  304  is transferred back to the transport position as shown in  FIG. 23 , now with a loaded implement or other object.  FIG. 26  demonstrates how an implement  305  would be positioned over the axle assembly  346  and wheels  328  of the trailer when the implement lift system  302  is in the transport position, thereby providing the most stability for the transported implement  305 . 
         [0072]    The lifting assembly  304  is designed to attach to a three-point hitch of an implement or some other object to be lifted. A pair of lower lift arms  351  pinned to arms of a lift arm weldment  318  with mounting pins  352 , the lower lift arms  351  connect to two points of the three-point hitch. The lift arm weldment  318  is mounted to lift arm weldment mounting end brackets  319  and lift arm weldment center brackets  354  affixed to the main frame of the lifting assembly  304 . The lift arm weldment  318  and lift arms  351  form the lower linkage assembly  350 . A top link assembly  379  connects to the third point of the three-point hitch. The top link assembly  379  is pivotally pinned to a pair of top link mounting brackets  378  which are affixed to the main frame of the lifting assembly  304 . The main frame of the lifting assembly is bounded by a pair of carriage weldments  336  which have carriage rollers  338  designed to allow the assembly  304  to slide easily along carriage guides  324  which are part of the trailer frame  314 . 
         [0073]    The lifting assembly  304  is moved along the carriage guides  324  of the trailer frame  314  by a piston-and-cylinder arm  310  which is powered by a hydraulic reservoir assembly  340  and motor  313 . A second piston-and-cylinder arm  312  causes the lower linkage assembly to pivot about the lift arm weldment mounting brackets  319 , thereby raising and lowering the arms  351  and any implement attached thereto. A set of controls  342  are connected to the hydraulic system  340  and operate the hydraulics which power hydraulic arms  310 ,  312 . A lift lock weldment  356  stabilizer arm helps to secure the lower linkage assembly  350  in position by being received by a lift lock weldment receiver  358  mounted to the frame of the lifting assembly  304 . The lift lock weldment  356  physically prevents the lift arms  351  and lift arm weldment  318  from dropping an attached implement. A lift link  331  also pivotally joins the lift arms  351  and lift arm weldment  318  to a pair of rear lift arm brackets  320  which are pivotally mounted to a pair of rear mounting brackets  322 . The end of the lift lock weldment  356  and the piston-and-cylinder arm  312  are also pivotally mounted to the rear lift arm brackets  320 . This entire assembly allows all of these elements to freely pivot, allowing the lower linkage assembly  350  to be lifted or lowered. 
         [0074]    In operation, the lifting assembly  304  is pushed to the rear of the trailer frame  314  via the hydraulic piston-and-cylinder arm  310 . The lower linkage assembly  350  and top link assembly  379  are hydraulically lowered using the other piston-and-cylinder arm  312 . The implement  305  is connected to the lower linkage assembly  350  liftarms  351  and the top link assembly  379  via a three-point hitch. The piston-and-cylinder arm  312  then hydraulically raises the lower linkage assembly  350  and top link assembly  379 , and the lift lock weldment  356  locks into the lift lock weldment receiver  358 , physically restraining the implement from dropping without an operator operating the controls  342  instructing it to be dropped. The entire lifting assembly  304  is then drawn back towards the front of the trailer frame  314 , and the implement is stored above the wheels  328  and axle assembly  346  of the trailer for transport. The implement  305  can be unloaded using these same steps. 
         [0075]    As indicated in  FIGS. 26 ,  31 , and  32 , implement connections  368  connect the hydraulic systems of the implement  305  hooked up to the lift assembly  304 . The implement  305  may then be controlled using the controls  342  and the hydraulic reservoir assembly  340  of the lift assembly  304 . This allows the operator to hydraulically rotate the implement  305  using the implement&#39;s own controllable elements in the event that the implement would not fit within standard transportation dimensions for roads and hi-ways. An example may be a bladed implement for earth grading which can be pivoted about a center point once the implement is pulled onto the trailer of the lifting system  302 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 33  includes a pair of outriggers  308  mounted to the rear of the trailer frame  314 . These outriggers  308  stabilize the trailer and the loading system  302  while the implement is being loaded onto the trailer. If, for example, the loading system  302  is deployed in an area with soft ground underneath, the outriggers help to prevent the trailer from tipping while the load is added to the trailer. Here, the outriggers  308  are shown with a hand crank and a wide splayed footing. The hand crank could be replaced with any other mechanical means for raising and lowering the outrigger. When not in use, the outriggers may be rotated for storage or removed entirely from the trailer frame. 
         [0077]    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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0