Patent Description:
Trailered implements may include a jack or a stand for supporting a forward end of the trailered implement when the trailered implement is not attached to a tow vehicle. The jack may support the forward end of the trailered implement in a position that enables easy and/or convenient attachment to the tow vehicle. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose both a support assembly for a trailered implement having a tongue and a rotatable shaft. The support assembly comprising an implement support link and a shaft support link. The support assembly further comprising an attachment link configured for attachment to the tongue. The implement support link is rotatably attached to the attachment link and the shaft support link is rotatably attached to the implement support link.

Some trailered implements, such as but not limited to agricultural implements, may include a rotating shaft that extends between and interconnects the tow vehicle and the trailered implement. The rotating shaft is commonly referred to as a Power Take Off (PTO) shaft. The PTO shaft transmits a rotational output from the tow vehicle to the trailered implement to operate or drive various features of the trailered implement. When connecting the trailered implement to the tow vehicle, the PTO shaft must also be attached to an output of the tow vehicle. It is desirable to keep a forward end of the PTO shaft off of a ground surface when the trailered implement is not attached to the tow vehicle.

According to the present invention a support assembly for a trailered implement, according to claim <NUM>, is provided. The trailered implement includes a tongue configured for attachment to a tow vehicle, and a rotatable shaft positioned vertically below the tongue and configured for transmitting rotation from the tow vehicle to the trailered implement. The support assembly includes an implement support link that is moveable between an implement support position and a stowed position, and a shaft support link that is coupled to the implement support link. The shaft support link is moveable between a first support position and a second support position. When the implement support link is disposed in the implement support position, the shaft support link may be disposed in the first support position to support and position the rotatable shaft at a first height relative to a ground surface. When the implement support link is disposed in the stowed position, the shaft support link may be disposed in the second support position. The support assembly includes an attachment link that is configured for attachment to the tongue of the trailered implement. The implement support link is rotatably attached to the attachment link for rotation, between the stowed position and the implement support position, about an implement support axis. The shaft support link is rotatably attached to the attachment link for rotation, between the first support position and the second support position, about a shaft support axis. The support assembly includes an intermediate link. The intermediate link interconnects the implement support link and the shaft support link.

In one aspect of the disclosure, when the shaft support link is disposed in the second support position, the shaft support link is configured to support and position the rotatable shaft at a second height relative to the ground surface. The first height of the rotatable shaft may include a higher elevation relative to the ground surface than the second height of the rotatable shaft. The attachment link may include an independent assembly that is attached to the tongue, or may be integrally formed with the tongue.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the intermediate link may be rotatably attached to the implement support link for rotation about a rotation axis of the intermediate link.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the shaft support link may define an elongated slot. The elongated slot extends along a longitudinal length of the shaft support link, between a forward end of the elongated slot and a rearward end of the elongated slot. The intermediate link includes a slidable fastener that is moveable within the elongated slot, and connects the intermediate link and shaft support link. The slidable fastener may include a pin or shaft that extends through the elongated slot, and which is slidable within the elongated slot along a length of the elongated slot.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the elongated slot may include a notch section that is disposed proximate the rearward end of the elongated slot. The notch section is shaped to engage the slidable fastener in interlocking engagement to secure the shaft support link in the first support position relative to the implement support link when the implement support link is disposed in the implement support position. The shape o the notch section may include a generally convex shape extending upward into an upper wall or edge of the elongated slot.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the support assembly may include a latch. The latch is moveable between a first latch position and a second latch position. When the latch is disposed in the first latch position, the latch is configured to secure the implement support link relative to the tongue in the implement support position. When the latch is disposed in the second latch position, the latch is configured to secure the implement support link relative to the tongue in the stowed position.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the shaft support link may include a recess arranged transverse to a longitudinal length of the tongue. The recess may include a shape that is configured to receive the rotatable shaft and resist lateral movement of the rotating shaft in a direction transverse to the longitudinal length of the tongue.

In one implementation of the disclosure, the rotatable shaft may include a Power Take Off (PTO) shaft that is configured for attachment to an output of the tow vehicle, and to transmit rotation from the output of the tow vehicle to one or more rotating elements of the trailered implement.

A trailered implement is also provided, according to claim <NUM>. The trailered implement includes a frame supporting at least one ground engaging element, and a tongue attached to the frame. The tongue is configured for attachment to a vehicle. A rotatable shaft is positioned vertically below the tongue and is operable to transmit a rotational input from the vehicle. The tongue includes an attachment link. The trailered implement further comprising a support assembly according to at least one of the claims <NUM> to <NUM>. In an embodiment, the trailered implement and/or support assembly comprising an implement support link, and the implement support link is rotatably attached to the attachment link for rotational movement, between an implement support position and a stowed position, about an implement support axis. The trailered implement and/or support assembly further comprising a shaft support link, and the shaft support link is rotatably attached to the attachment link for rotational movement, between a first support position and a second support position, about a shaft support axis. When the implement support link is disposed in the implement support position, the shaft support link is positionable in the first support position to support and position the rotatable shaft at a first height relative to a ground surface. When the implement support link is disposed in the stowed position, the shaft support link is positionable in the second support position to support and position the rotatable shaft at a second height relative to the ground surface.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the first height includes a higher elevation relative to the ground surface than the second height.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the trailered implement includes an intermediate link. The intermediate link interconnects the implement support link and the shaft support link. The intermediate link is rotatably attached to the implement support link for rotation about a rotation axis of the intermediate link.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the shaft support link defines an elongated slot. The elongated slot extends along a longitudinal length of the shaft support link, between a forward end of the elongated slot and a rearward end of the elongated slot. The intermediate link includes a slidable fastener moveable within the elongated slot. The slidable fastener may include a pin or a shaft that extends through the elongated slot, and connects the intermediate link and the shaft support link.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the elongated slot may include a notch section that is disposed proximate the rearward end of the elongated slot. The notch section may be shaped to engage the slidable fastener in interlocking engagement to secure the shaft support link in the first support position when the implement support link is disposed in the implement support position.

In one aspect of the disclosure, when the implement support link is disposed in the implement support position, the shaft support link may be positionable in a third position. The third position of the shaft support link includes the shaft support link being angled downward and away from the rotatable shaft with the slidable fastener positioned proximate the forward end of the elongated slot. The third position arranges the shaft support link out of the way of the rotatable shaft, better allowing maintenance and/or replacement thereof.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the trailered implement may include a latch. The latch is moveable between a first latch position and a second latch position. When the latch is disposed in the first latch position, the latch is configured to secure the implement support link relative to the tongue in the implement support position. When the latch is disposed in the second latch position, the latch is configured to secure the implement support link relative to the tongue in the stowed position.

In one implementation of the disclosure, the attachment link defines a first attachment bore and the implement support link includes a first support bore. The first attachment bore and the first support bore are aligned with each other when the implement support link is disposed in the implement support position. The latch may include a pin, and is simultaneously positionable within and extends through the first attachment bore and the first support bore to secure the implement support link relative to the tongue in the implement support position.

In one implementation of the disclosure, the attachment link defines a second attachment bore and the implement support link includes a second support bore. The second attachment bore and the second support bore are aligned with each other when the implement support link is disposed in the stowed position. The latch may include a pin, and is simultaneously positionable within and extends through the second attachment bore and the second support bore to secure the implement support relative to the tongue in the stowed position.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the implement support link may include a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may include a foot that is configured for engaging the ground surface. The first portion and the second portion form an angle therebetween to position the foot nearer the rotatable shaft when the implement support link is positioned in the stowed position.

Accordingly, the support assembly of the trailered implement described herein provides the implement support link that is operable for supporting the forward end of the trailered implement when the trailered implement is not attached to the tow vehicle, as well as the shaft support link that is operable to support the rotatable shaft. The implement support link and the shaft support link are coupled and operate together, to provide a convenient and efficient system for supporting both the trailered implement and the rotatable shaft. Additionally, the shaft support link is operable to support the rotatable shaft in the second support position, even when the implement support link is disposed in the stowed position, such as when the tongue is attached to the tow vehicle. Notable, the second support position of the shaft support link is lower than the first support position of the shaft support link ,thereby providing clearance between the rotatable shaft and the shaft support link during operation.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," etc., are used descriptively for the Figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a trailered implement is generally shown at <NUM> in <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the trailered implement <NUM> is configured to be drawn behind a tow vehicle <NUM>. The tow vehicle <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, an agricultural tractor, a truck, a crawler, etc..

The trailered implement <NUM> may be implemented in different configurations to provide different functions. For example, the trailed implement shown in the Figures and described herein, is configured as a round baler for collecting crop material and forming the crop material into a bale having a cylindrical shape. However, it should be appreciated that the trailered implement <NUM> may be configured differently than the example implementation. For example, the trailered implement <NUM> may alternatively be configured as a trailer, a large square baler, a mower, a mower-conditioner, a sprayer, a spreader, etc. As such the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the example implementation of the round baler shown in the Figures and described herein.

The trailered implement <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> supports various different components of the trailered implement <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may include a number of different components, including but not limited to rails, cross members, braces, wall panels, brackets, etc. The specific shape, features, construction, etc., of the frame <NUM> are not pertinent to the teachings of this disclosure, are dependent upon the specific application of the trailered implement <NUM>, are understood by those skilled in the art, and are therefore not described in greater detail herein.

The frame <NUM> supports at least one ground engaging element <NUM>. The ground engaging element <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, one or more tires, one or more tracks, one or more skids, etc. The trailered implement <NUM> may include any number of ground engaging elements <NUM>. For example, the implementation of the trailered implement <NUM> shown in the Figures includes two ground engaging elements <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that the trailered implement <NUM> may include more than the two ground engaging elements <NUM> shown in the Figures and described herein. The specific construction, type, attachment, etc. of the ground engaging elements <NUM> are not pertinent to the teachings of this disclosure, are understood by those skilled in the art, and are therefore not described in greater detail herein.

As noted above, the trailered implement <NUM> is configured for attachment to the tow vehicle <NUM>. The trailered implement <NUM> may be connected to the tow vehicle <NUM> in any suitable manner. The specific manner in which the trailered implement <NUM> is connected to the tow vehicle <NUM> may depend upon the specific application and/or implementation of the trailered implement <NUM>. In the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the trailered implement <NUM> includes a tongue <NUM> that is attached to the frame <NUM>, with the tongue <NUM> configured for attachment to the tow vehicle <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the trailered implement <NUM> may not include the tongue <NUM>, and may be connected to the tow vehicle <NUM> in some other manner not shown or described herein.

In the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the tongue <NUM> may include a hitch arrangement <NUM> that attaches the tongue <NUM> to the tow vehicle <NUM>. For example, the hitch arrangement <NUM> may be configured to attach, either indirectly or directly, to a tow bar or a pair of support arms of an agricultural tractor, i.e., a two-point hitch system. In other implementations, the tow vehicle <NUM> may include a hitch connector that is attached to a three-point hitch system of the tow vehicle <NUM>, and to which the hitch arrangement <NUM> on the tongue <NUM> is attached.

Referring to <FIG>, the tongue <NUM> extends along a central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may be defined as an axis that extends between a forward end <NUM> and a rearward end <NUM> of the frame <NUM> relative to a direction of travel <NUM> of the trailered implement <NUM>, and which passes through a center of gravity <NUM> of the trailered implement <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> may be attached to the frame <NUM> in any suitable manner. The tongue <NUM> may be fixedly attached to the frame <NUM>, or may be attached to the frame <NUM> in a manner that enables rotation of the tongue <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> about one or more axis of rotation. In the example implementation of the trailered implement <NUM>, the tongue <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> that is configured for connection to the tow vehicle <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> that is moveable attached to the frame <NUM>.

The trailered implement <NUM> includes a rotatable shaft <NUM>. The rotatable shaft <NUM> may be referred to as a Power Take Off (PTO) shaft. The rotatable shaft <NUM> is configured for connection to an output <NUM> of the tow vehicle <NUM>, and is operable to transmit rotation from the output <NUM> of the tow vehicle <NUM> to a rotating element <NUM> of the trailered implement <NUM>. The rotating element <NUM> of the trailered implement <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a gearbox, a gear train, a transmission, etc. In the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the tongue <NUM> is configured in a "high" orientation in which the tongue <NUM> is disposed in an elevated position above the output <NUM> of the tow vehicle <NUM> relative to a ground surface <NUM>. The rotating shaft is positioned vertically below the tongue <NUM> relative to the ground surface <NUM>, and extends generally parallel with the tongue <NUM> along the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The rotating shaft includes a first end <NUM> that is configured for attachment to the tow vehicle <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> that is attached to the rotating element <NUM> of the trailered implement <NUM>. As is understood by those skilled in the art, the rotating shaft may include a pivotable connection at each of the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the rotating shaft. The pivotable connections at each respective end of the rotating shaft enable movement of the rotating shaft about multiple axis relative to the output <NUM> and to the rotating element <NUM> respectively.

The trailered implement <NUM> includes a support assembly <NUM> for at least partially supporting the trailered implement <NUM> and the rotating shaft when the trailered implement <NUM> is not connected to the tow vehicle <NUM>. The support assembly <NUM> is configured to support the tongue <NUM> and/or the forward end <NUM> of the frame <NUM> when the trailered implement <NUM> is not connected to the tow vehicle <NUM>. The support assembly <NUM> may position the tongue <NUM> with the first end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> elevated above the ground surface <NUM>. In one implementation, the support assembly <NUM> may position the tongue <NUM> such that the first end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> is properly located above the ground surface <NUM> in a position that enables easy and/or convenient connection to the tow vehicle <NUM>. Additionally, the support assembly <NUM> is configured to support the rotating shaft. For example, the support assembly <NUM> may position the rotating shaft such that the first end <NUM> of the rotating shaft is properly located above the ground surface <NUM> in a position that enables easy and/or convenient connection to the output <NUM> of the tow vehicle <NUM>.

In the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the support assembly <NUM> includes a four-link system coupled to the frame <NUM> and/or the tongue <NUM>. The four-link system includes an attachment link <NUM>, an implement support link <NUM>, a shaft support link <NUM>, and an intermediate link 66A, 66B. It should be appreciated that the support assembly <NUM> may be configured differently than the example implementation of the four-link system described herein. As such, the scope of the disclosure should not be limited to the example implementation of the four-link system shown in the Figures and described herein.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example implementation of the support assembly <NUM> shown in the Figures and described herein, the attachment link <NUM> is integrated into a beam structure <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that the attachment link <NUM> may be manufactured from components separate from the tongue <NUM> and then attached to the tongue <NUM> and/or the frame <NUM>. For example, the attachment link <NUM> may be attached to the tongue <NUM> in a manner including, but not limited to, a bolted or fastened connection, or a welded connection.

Referring to <FIG>, the example implementation of the attachment link <NUM> includes a pair of flanges, i.e., a first flange <NUM> and a second flange <NUM>, which extend vertically downward from the beam structure <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. The first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> are spaced apart by a separation distance <NUM> measured along a transverse axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The transverse axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM> extends generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, is disposed on a substantially horizontal plane, and passes through the center of gravity <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the implement support link <NUM> is rotatably attached to the attachment link <NUM> for rotational movement relative to the attachment link <NUM> about an implement support axis <NUM>. The implement support axis <NUM> is parallel with the transverse axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The implement support link <NUM> is moveable between an implement support position <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) and a stowed position <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). When the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the implement support position <NUM>, such as may occur when the trailered implement <NUM> is not connected to the tow vehicle <NUM>, the implement support link <NUM> is positioned to support the forward end <NUM> of the frame <NUM> relative to the ground surface <NUM>. When the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the stowed position <NUM>, such as may occur when the trailered implement <NUM> is connected to the tow vehicle <NUM>, the implement support link <NUM> is nested against the lower or bottom surface of the tongue <NUM> and disengaged from the ground surface <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the implement support link <NUM> is rotatably attached to the attachment link <NUM>. The implement support link <NUM> may be attached to the attachment link <NUM> in any manner that enables movement of the implement support link <NUM> relative to the attachment link <NUM>, between the implement support position <NUM> and the stowed position <NUM>. For example, the implement support link <NUM> and the attachment link <NUM> may each include one or more respective mounting apertures <NUM> concentric with the implement support axis <NUM>. The implement support link <NUM> may be attached to the attachment link <NUM> via a fastener <NUM> extending through the respective mounting apertures <NUM> of the implement support link <NUM> and the attachment link <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the implement support link <NUM> may include a shape relative to the central longitudinal axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. When the implement support link <NUM> is positioned in the stowed position <NUM>, the shape of the implement support link <NUM> positions a forward end of the implement support link <NUM>, relative to the rotating shaft, in a manner that directs material downward and away from the rotating shaft to prevent the lower and/or forward end of the implement support link <NUM> from snagging on an object and/or crop material. For example, the implement support link <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> disposed proximate that attachment link <NUM>, and a second portion <NUM> spaced from the attachment link <NUM>. A foot <NUM> may be disposed on the distal end of the second portion <NUM>. The foot <NUM> is configured for engaging the ground surface <NUM> when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the implement support position <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> form an angle <NUM> therebetween that positions the foot <NUM> nearer the rotatable shaft <NUM> when the implement support link <NUM> is positioned in the stowed position <NUM>. Additionally, when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the implement support position <NUM>, the angle <NUM> between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> orients the second portion <NUM> to deflect objects that may contact the second portion <NUM> downward during movement.

Referring to <FIG>, the shaft support link <NUM> is rotatably attached to the attachment link <NUM> for rotational movement relative to the attachment link <NUM> about a shaft support axis <NUM>. The shaft support axis <NUM> is parallel with the transverse axis <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The shaft support link <NUM> is moveable between a first support position <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), a second support position <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and optionally a third position <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The shaft support link <NUM> is positionable in the first support position <NUM> and optionally the third position <NUM> when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the implement support position <NUM>. The first support position <NUM> of the shaft support link <NUM> is arranged to support and position the rotatable shaft <NUM> at a first height <NUM> relative to the ground surface <NUM> when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the implement support position <NUM>. The shaft support link <NUM> is positionable in the second support position <NUM> when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the stowed position <NUM>. The second support position <NUM> of the shaft support link <NUM> is arranged to support and position the rotatable shaft <NUM> at a second height <NUM> relative to the ground surface <NUM> when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the stowed position <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first height <NUM> associated with the first support position <NUM> of the shaft support link <NUM> may include a higher elevation relative to the ground surface <NUM> than the second height <NUM>, which is associated with the second support position <NUM> of the shaft support link <NUM>. In other words, the second height <NUM> is lower than the first height <NUM>. As such, when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the implement support position <NUM> and the shaft support link <NUM> is disposed in the first support position <NUM>, the rotatable shaft <NUM> is supported at the first height <NUM>, which may be defined or configured to substantially match an elevation of and/or align with the output <NUM> of the tow vehicle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the stowed position <NUM>, the shaft support link <NUM> is disposed in the second support position <NUM>. When the shaft support link <NUM> is disposed in the second support position <NUM>, the rotatable shaft <NUM> may be supported by the shaft support link <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>, or may be connected to the output <NUM> of the tow vehicle <NUM>. The second height <NUM> of the second support position <NUM> of the shaft support link <NUM> may include an elevation that substantially positions the rotatable shaft <NUM> near the output <NUM>, though slightly lower than the first height <NUM>. When the rotatable shaft <NUM> is not supported by the shaft support link <NUM> at the second height <NUM>, e.g., when the rotatable shaft <NUM> is connected to the output <NUM> of the tow vehicle <NUM>, such as shown in <FIG>, the second support position <NUM> of the shaft support link <NUM> provides clearance between the rotatable shaft <NUM> and the shaft support link <NUM>. As such, the second support position <NUM> of the shaft support link <NUM> may support the rotatable shaft <NUM> when not connected to the output <NUM>, but is also provides clearance between the shaft support link <NUM> and the rotatable shaft <NUM> when the rotatable shaft <NUM> is connected to the output <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the shaft support link <NUM> is rotatably attached to the attachment link <NUM>. The shaft support link <NUM> may be attached to the attachment link <NUM> in any manner that enables movement of the shaft support link <NUM> relative to the attachment link <NUM>, between the first support position <NUM>, the second support position <NUM>, and optionally the third position <NUM>. For example, the shaft support link <NUM> and the attachment link <NUM> may each include one or more respective mounting apertures <NUM> concentric with the shaft support axis <NUM>. The shaft support link <NUM> may be attached to the attachment link <NUM> via a fastener <NUM> extending through the respective mounting apertures <NUM> of the shaft support link <NUM> and the attachment link <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the shaft support link <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> shaped to receive and laterally support the rotatable shaft <NUM>. For example, the recess <NUM> may include a generally concave, partial cylindrical surface within which the rotatable shaft <NUM> may partially nest along a longitudinal direction of the rotatable shaft <NUM>. As such, when the rotatable shaft <NUM> is not attached to the output <NUM> of the tow vehicle <NUM> and is supported on the shaft support link <NUM>, the nesting engagement between the shape of the recess <NUM> and the rotatable shaft <NUM> resists lateral movement of the rotatable shaft <NUM> along the transverse axis <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the intermediate link 66A, 66B interconnects the implement support link <NUM> and the shaft support link <NUM>. In the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the intermediate link 66A, 66B includes a first intermediate link 66A disposed on a first lateral side of the tongue <NUM>, and a second intermediate link 66B disposed on a second lateral side of the tongue <NUM>. The intermediate link 66A, 66B is rotatably attached to the implement support link <NUM> for rotation about a rotation axis <NUM> of the intermediate link 66A, 66B. The intermediate link 66A, 66B may be attached to the implement support link <NUM> in any manner that enables rotation of the intermediate link 66A, 66B relative to the implement support link <NUM>. For example, the intermediate link 66A, 66B and the implement support link <NUM> may each include one or more respective mounting apertures <NUM> concentric with the rotation axis <NUM> of the intermediate link 66A, 66B. The intermediate link 66A, 66B may be attached to the implement support link <NUM> via a fastener <NUM> extending through the respective mounting apertures <NUM> of the intermediate link 66A, 66B and the implement support link <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the intermediate link 66A, 66B is connected to the shaft support link <NUM> via a slidable connection <NUM>. The slidable connection <NUM> may be configured in a manner that enables a forward end of the intermediate link 66A, 66B to move along a longitudinal length of the shaft support link <NUM>. For example, in the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the shaft support link <NUM> defines an elongated slot <NUM> extending between a forward end <NUM> of the elongated slot <NUM> and a rearward end <NUM> of the elongated slot <NUM>. The intermediate link 66A, 66B includes a slidable fastener <NUM> that is moveable within the elongated slot <NUM>, along the longitudinal length of the elongated slot <NUM>, i.e., between the forward end <NUM> and the rearward end <NUM> of the elongated slot <NUM>. The slidable fastener <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a shaft or pin that extends through the elongated slot <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the slidable connection <NUM> between the shaft support link <NUM> and the intermediate link 66A, 66B may be configured differently than shown in the Figures and described herein.

As best shown in <FIG>, the elongated slot <NUM> may include a notch section <NUM> disposed proximate the rearward end <NUM> of the elongated slot <NUM>. The notch section <NUM> is shaped to engage the slidable fastener <NUM> in interlocking engagement to secure the shaft support link <NUM> in the first support position <NUM> relative to the implement support link <NUM>. The notch section <NUM> is positioned on an upper vertical edge <NUM> of the elongated slot <NUM>, such that gravitational forces acting on the trailered implement <NUM>, when the trailered implement <NUM> is resting on the implement support link <NUM> in the implement support position <NUM>, tend to urge or bias the slidable fastener <NUM> into interlocking engagement with the notch section <NUM>. The slidable fastener <NUM> is shown engaged in interlocking engagement with the notch section <NUM> in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the implement support position <NUM>, the shaft support link <NUM> may be positionable in the third position <NUM>. The third position <NUM> of the shaft support link <NUM> includes the shaft support link <NUM> being angle 90d downward and away from the rotatable shaft <NUM> with the slidable fastener <NUM> positioned proximate the forward end <NUM> of the elongated slot <NUM>. The third position <NUM> provides access to the second end <NUM> of the rotatable shape.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the support assembly <NUM> may further include a latch <NUM> that is moveable between a first latch position <NUM> and a second latch position <NUM>. The first latch position <NUM> secures the implement support link <NUM> relative to the tongue <NUM> in the implement support position <NUM>. The second latch position <NUM> secures the implement support link <NUM> relative to the tongue <NUM> in the stowed position <NUM>. The latch <NUM> may be configured in any manner capable of selectively supporting the implement support link <NUM> in the implement support position <NUM> when in the first latch position <NUM>, and in the stowed position <NUM> when in the second latch position <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein, the attachment link <NUM> defines a first attachment bore <NUM> and the implement support link <NUM> includes a first support bore <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first attachment bore <NUM> and the first support bore <NUM> are aligned with each other when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the implement support position <NUM>. The latch <NUM> includes a latch pin <NUM>. The latch pin <NUM> is simultaneously positionable within the first attachment bore <NUM> and the first support bore <NUM> to secure the implement support link <NUM> relative to the tongue <NUM> in the implement support position <NUM>. Additionally, referring to <FIG>, the attachment link <NUM> may define a second attachment bore <NUM> and the implement support link <NUM> may define a second support bore <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second attachment bore <NUM> and the second support bore <NUM> are aligned with each other when the implement support link <NUM> is disposed in the stowed position <NUM>. The latch pin <NUM> is simultaneously positionable within the second attachment bore <NUM> and the second support bore <NUM> to secure the implement support relative to the tongue <NUM> in the stowed position <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the latch <NUM> may differ from the example implementation shown in the Figures and described herein.

Claim 1:
A support assembly (<NUM>) for a trailered implement (<NUM>) having a tongue (<NUM>) and a rotatable shaft (<NUM>) positioned vertically below the tongue (<NUM>), the support assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
an implement support link (<NUM>) moveable between an implement support position (<NUM>) and a stowed position (<NUM>);
a shaft support link (<NUM>) coupled to the implement support link (<NUM>) and moveable between a first support position (<NUM>) and a second support position (<NUM>);
wherein the shaft support link (<NUM>) is disposed in the first support position (<NUM>) when the implement support link (<NUM>) is disposed in the implement support position (<NUM>) to support and position the rotatable shaft (<NUM>) at a first height (<NUM>) relative to a ground surface (<NUM>); and
wherein the shaft support link (<NUM>) is disposed in the second support position (<NUM>) when the implement support link (<NUM>) is disposed in the stowed position (<NUM>), and the support assembly (<NUM>) further comprising an attachment link (<NUM>) configured for attachment to the tongue (<NUM>) of the trailered implement (<NUM>), wherein the implement support link (<NUM>) is rotatably attached to the attachment link (<NUM>) for rotation between the stowed position (<NUM>) and the implement support position (<NUM>) about an implement support axis (<NUM>), characterized in that the shaft support link (<NUM>) is rotatably attached to the attachment link (<NUM>) for rotation between the first support position (<NUM>) and the second support position (<NUM>) about a shaft support axis (<NUM>), and an intermediate link (66A, 66B) interconnecting the implement support link (<NUM>) and the shaft support link (<NUM>).